Does God Really Want You to Be Encouraged? November 12, 1990

Holidays are dangerous times of discouragement. The expectations for gladness are higher, so realities of sadness are heavier. You’re supposed to be gloomy in February; so it’s more tolerable then. But Thanksgiving and Christmas are supposed to be festive. Hence the double whammy of discouragement. May I offer some preventative medicine?

When God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he added an oath, so that through two unchangeable things (the promise and the oath), in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18)

God Will Fulfill His Purpose for You

• by Jonathan Parnell
• Topics:  The Sovereignty of God

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”

This is the straightforward truth that David clings to in Psalm 57:2.

Here he states two basic facts: God has a purpose for him and God will fulfill that purpose. Both these truths combine to become that deep and wondrous theological concept we call “providence.” The word was much more common centuries ago than it is today, though its relevancy has never waned. Its meaning captures God’s relationship to the created world, namely, that he both preserves the order of all things and guides them toward his intended end.

Providence is the sovereignty of God made palpable. It’s the outworking of his power and authority for his children in space and time, which means, in the things we schedule, the air we breathe, the moments we move. Providence is observed, experienced, tasted. We may even say it’s the distinctively Christian term for reality.

Since God is sovereign, and this world is his, then every moment, in a sense, is a moment of providence. Wherever you find yourself right now has come by the process of events he ordained. Every past moment of your life has led to your now. The same will be true tonight, and tomorrow, and ten years in the future. Our experience of providence is our experience of the present, which we know has been wondrously woven together by God.

And because God is behind it all, we, as those united to Christ by faith, are assured of this: God’s providence neither gets it wrong nor lets us go, ever.

 

A Tandem Ride With God

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

-------------------------

Keep pedaling despite your fears. God knows all the bumps in the road, and, although you falter and even wipe out, His grace surrounds you to the end.

Remember God's promise through His Word... II Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

[repost: unknown author]

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Do not let your worries steal your Peace

 I stumbles on my old post notes, seems like God reminding me not to worries about our needs in life.. Be at peace,for God says.. I am your Jehovah Jireh_The Lord your Provider♥
-Just wanting to share, may this testimoy of mine will give motivation and encouragement to all, keep yor eyes with Jesus and be blessed for God Is Good all the time! - Jackie

Last few days I been tormented in so much difficulties in life, while I am trying to cope it up make a solutions in everything, only to ended up frustrated, exhausted more troubled.
There at at night, I prayed meditated God's words_ then I heard the sudden small voice of our Lord speaking through my spirit. “My daughter do not put yourself in situation that is impossible for you to resolve, do not let your worries for them to steal your peace, I am Here, Be still, Pray, pray…

Pray without ceasing, you cannot save those people you loved, BUT I CAN!.. Pray my daughter be earnestly prayed for them and it will be given.”
God made me realized that it is impossible for me to get off myself to situation that I been through, nor for them, the circumstances that been thru now.

God is a living God, he is a Just. People who cling their life and faith in him will never been forsaken. He is FAITHFUL, we have the right to be calm and be at peace not because we deserve it, but because the Love of God abides in us_ God Loves us.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

"A Rich Man Refuses to Follow Jesus.

 A religious leader asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. And you know his commands: ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not tell lies about others, you must respect your father and mother .But the leader said, “I have obeyed all these commands since I was a boy.”When Jesus heard this, he said to the leader, “But there is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have and give the money to those who are poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” But when the man heard Jesus tell him to give away his money, he was sad. He didn’t want to do this, because he was very rich. When Jesus saw that the man was sad, he said, “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”

Who Can Be Saved?

When the people heard this, they said, “Then who can be saved?”Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.”Peter said, “Look, we left everything we had and followed you.”Jesus said, “I can promise that everyone who has left their home, wife, brothers, parents, or children for God’s kingdom will get much more than they left. They will get many times more in this life. And in the world that is coming they will get the reward of eternal life.”
Luke 18:18-30 – Glory to GOD!

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

The Great Father

Many of us born with a father beside them and there are some who never met their father in their lifetime. My letter for today is about knowing God as the Great Father. I remember in my teenage life there are times when I’ve felt abandoned and left alone by my father. There are experiences and situations that though my father is near and yet he’s so far away. I guess many of us felt and experienced the same way too. But good thing my father did not throw me in the garbage can or else I will end up as a garbage man. Kidding aside, I know there are times when we ask the question “WHY”. But going back with my life I realized there is another Father who loves us and cared for us for a very long time. He said in Psalms that He knit us in our mother’s womb. He even knows how many bones we have or our hair. He knows whose parents we will have. And he is God....

John said for God so loved the world, God loved us. He sent His begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have Eternal life. That is the love of the Father our God to us. He even gave and sacrificed His Son for us. That we may become co heirs of Christ, brothers.

I myself experienced how great He is as a Father and I see it in everyday of my life. I am a back slider Christian a long ago, loses my faith and run away from God.

God’s perfect timing.

2 Peter 3:8 

" But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. "

Have your dreams been delayed? Or are you unemployed for a long time and it’s hard looking for a job. Do you pray for something and it doesn’t come yet and you are tired of waiting? Sometimes we push things on our own strength and sometimes we are almost there and suddenly everything is messed up. My letter for today is about waiting for the perfect timing of God. When we are still a child we don’t like waiting when we ask for something or we get mad when our mother insist to buy the toy that we want. Because we like the short cut way of life. Living in a modern life where everything is short cut and sad but true life also runs in short cut.

The Lord say’s in Psalms 1: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2: He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3: He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
God is in control. Yes He is. If we put our faith and believe, release all the doubts and put your trust in God. Sometimes we ask God but we doubt apostle James said that those who ask but doubt will be given nothing for if we ask we must believe that is faith in God. God wants us to believe. Recently I have a trouble, a difficult situation. 

CRIMES OF THE HEART

Crimes of the heart cause us great injury. Hurt feelings, harsh words, nasty misunderstandings leave deep imprints in our minds and hearts. We dwell on the cruel and unkind violations against us. Letting go of anger about things that have occurred in the past is difficult and sometimes feels insurmountable. We get stuck and hold on to our anger, and the wounds grow deeper and fester. The pain keeps us from finding peace within ourselves. When is it time to let go? 

 It is time to let go when holding on to the anger no longer serves us. When carrying the burden of our anger keeps us from moving in the direction of our ideals. When the anger keeps us from growing and becoming the person we seek to be. How do we begin?
We begin by letting go. Just letting go. We begin by no longer allowing ourselves to dwell on the negative and relive the injustices. We focus on recovering from the injury. We recover by surrounding ourselves with loved ones we can trust and by moving on. Forgiveness comes much later.Finding peace within ourselves doesn't mean we forget about the crimes. Rather, it means we choose to release them. To learn to live and love in a place where past grievances no longer touch us deeply brings wisdom. A life where harmony resides.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Nick Vujicic on Why God Made Him Limbless

This article was blessed and inspired me..^_^. I love to share it to other people who read my blog.

sourced from : www.christianpost.com/news/nick-vujicic-on-why-god-made-him-limbless-80996
Evangelist Nick Vujicic, who spoke at Saddleback Church in Calif. on Sunday, was born with neither arms nor legs, and questioned God for eight years why it was so. The answer changed his life, and through him that of tens of thousands of others.

Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs, is the author of the new book Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.

For the now 30-year-old Nick, founding president and CEO of the nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs, the most important thing in life was to understand why God made him without arms and legs.
Speaking at Pastor Rick Warren's church in Lake Forest on Sunday evening, the inspirational speaker said he spent eight years asking God, "Why? Why was I born this way? I don't understand how can You say You love me when You allow me to stay in this pain."

Lying on God's Couch; Loneliness Therapy for Christian Singles

 Have you ever felt that nobody understands what you’re going through—including God?

If you’re unmarried, you may feel that way most of the time. You haven't yet found another person you can share your deepest, most intimate secrets with.

In the midst of our loneliness, we forget that Jesus Christ understands us even better than we understand ourselves. Jesus knows about loneliness.
Why Jesus Understands Loneliness
Jesus' disciples didn't really grasp his teachings. He was constantly at odds with the legalistic Pharisees. He bristled when people came only to see miracles and not to hear what he said.

But there was another side to Jesus' loneliness that was even more poignant. He had all the feelings and desires of a normal human being, and it's not far-fetched to believe that he also wanted to have the love of a spouse and the joy of a family.

Scripture tells us about Jesus: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

Wanting to be married is not a temptation, but loneliness can be. Jesus was tempted by loneliness, so he does know what you're going through.
Therapy that Gets to the Heart of the Problem
We don't take our loneliness to God as often as we should. Because it's not an audible, two-way conversation, we may wrongly assume that he's not listening. We also have the odd notion that God can't relate to our fast-paced, information-overloaded 21st century.

It Will All Pay Off. :)

"God, I know it will all pay off… I know good things come to those who wait for you, and I’m sure that you know my heart far better than I do, and you know what you are doing. It’s hard to be patient and obedient Father; especially when I see something that I always wanted pass me by, chase me, but I didn’t grab it because you told me not to. It hurts, but I do delight in letting go of myself to give way for more of you in this life. I never realized how much you wanted me until I found myself today, making a choice, maybe a choice that was not that hard, but a choice that led me to realize that my journey is not getting any easier anymore… It led me to see that I really cannot hold on to myself if I wanted to follow you. Though I have always known that, I only came to understand it when I felt the pain of slowly opening my hands and giving up even my dreams to wait for you and for your will to be unfolded before my eyes, It’s hard to not know what would be next, knowing that my dreams could possibly not be fulfilled anymore, But I trust you Father that you know what’s best, even if it means forgetting what I’ve always wanted.

This could be a turning point for me, and I would definitely not forget this, the moment when I learned to really let go of something good for the first time with no reservations at all. I really have no idea of what could be in store next for me, but instead of doubt, it gives me more security and peace; if only I knew from the start that trusting you this much would lead to this kind of contentment, then I could’ve not wasted myself trying to hold on too much on things and trying to make them work on my own. You truly make me love you more each day Lord. As I look on how I’ve walked this life so far, I can never have enough words to describe how good you are to me. Even this whole life cannot fill the gratitude I have towards your faithfulness you’ve shown me through the years. And today Father, I am not afraid to tell the world that I’m not afraid to let go of anything because I know you’re not letting me go, I’m certain that you have everything in your hand and I shouldn’t be afraid of missing anything in this life, for I know that when I have you, I have everything I need, and everything I wanted is found in you. Even if I lose anything in this life, regret won’t fill my heart because you are enough. Even if no one recognizes, cares, honors, helps, believes or looks after me, I know you do; and whenever, wherever, whatever and however I may be, I know you never change. I know it won’t be easy, but I know better how you hold everything in your hands, nothing would be too hard for you.
Once again I will say, “God I know it will pay off” I know you see my heart and my faith. I want to do your will Father, though I haven’t completely Fathomed where you’re leading me, but I want that. Wherever it is, be it.

SPIRIT AND LIFE

Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63, ESV).

Consider the part that says, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

His words are "spirit and life." They are not just ordinary words that we, human beings, speak.

His words are words of the Living God!

Those words are the words we read in Genesis, "Let there be..." and physical things appeared out of nothing.

God declares:

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

His words will surely accomplish the purpose that they are sent for. When Jesus called for Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out," he came out (John 11:43-44) though he was already dead for four days!

Now, during our time, what's the purpose why we have His words?

Forgiven, Reconciled and Saved?

By Paul Ellis Escape To Reality (http://escapetoreality.org) The world sure is a strange place. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new hits you on the side of the head. When I was growing up, the number one theological question was this one: “Once saved, always saved?” People who asked this question wanted to know whether it is possible for a Christian to lose their salvation. Well if bullfrogs and butterflies can turn back into tad-poles and caterpillars, then I guess it’s possible.  But now there’s a whole new question being asked, which is this: Is everybody saved? Many are saying yes: “Jesus is the Savior of the world. Therefore everyone is already saved, they just don’t know it.” Now before you write this off as universalist heresy, let me add that those who preach this brand of historical reconciliation do not believe everyone is going to heaven. It’s just that everyone is in until unbelief kicks them out.  Since this is a popular teaching today, I think it would be good for us to take a closer look. Let’s start with an oft-heard statement: “All are forgiven, reconciled, and saved.” To these three points I respond: (1) it’s true (we are forgiven), (2) it’s sort of true (God has reconciled the world but you still need to be reconciled), and (3) it’s not true (not all are saved).

if tomorrow never comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming, you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's", And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear, Take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay".

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today

 
Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

The Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the PRESENT".

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God forgives and forget

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God forgives and forget that is one of the amazing qualities of our God because He is a merciful God.
The moment we come of repentance God already forgiven us. Because He is omnipresence God knows our thoughts. 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. Not only God will forgive us but will also bless us.

 That is how great our God’s love for us not only to forgive but also to bless us or heal our land. God did not send His Son Jesus Christ our Lord for nothing. He sent His Son that our sins will be cleansed. God paid our sins by blood. If we could imagine the situation God Himself paid it not a special person or country but He Himself paid our transgression at the Cross.

A Carrot, An Egg and A Cup of Coffee

This is the very nice story that I've read .I’m not sure who the original author is, so please comment below if you know, appreciate it. thanks-Rose.

 You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling.
It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

OUR INHERITANCE

When Elijah went up to heaven, he left Elisha his cloak (2 Kings 2:13). Likewise, when Jesus went up to the Father, He left us His own garment — His perfect righteousness. He cast it upon us, as surely as Elijah cast his garment upon Elisha. The prophet's action was a type and shadow of what was going to happen when Jesus was translated to the Father. Indeed, we are heirs to a wonderful garment of righteousness that covers us completely, making us acceptable in God's holy presence!

This garment is our inheritance and God expects us to value it. He expects us to seek after it, to be willing heirs to His legacy. You may remember what happened when King Ahab came against Naboth, coveting his vineyard. Naboth valued his vineyard so much, he rejected Ahab's offer to buy it, saying, "The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee" (1 Kings 21:3). He was saying, "God forbid that anyone should take my inheritance from me. It's mine!"

Different Is Good

The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance. —1 Corinthians 15:41

Like the sun, the moon, and the stars, God has created us to be different from one another, and He has done it on purpose. Each of us meets a need, and we are all part of God’s overall plan. When we try to be like others, we lose ourselves, and we grieve the Holy Spirit. God wants us to fit into His plan, not to feel pressured trying to fit into everyone else’s plans. It is all right to be different.

We are all born with different temperaments, different physical features, different fingerprints, different gifts and abilities. God gave us gifts and wants us to focus on our potential instead of our limitations. Our goal should be to find out what we individually are supposed to be, and then succeed at being that.

We should be free to love and accept ourselves and one another without feeling pressure to compare or compete. Secure people who know God loves them and has a plan for them are not threatened by the abilities of others. They enjoy what other people can do, and they enjoy what they can do.

Lord, I am so glad that I can be free to love and accept others rather than compete with or compare myself with them. Thank You for making me unique. Amen.
Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

F R E E !

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, ESV).

Several years ago, a man expressed his gratitude that he was imprisoned, because he was able to have time in reading the Bible. I would say he was behind bars, but he was "free indeed"!

Paul wrote, "For freedom Christ has set us free..." (Gal. 5:1.)

Others would claim that Christ has set everyone "free." But, many who are even outside the prison bars were enslaved by wrong habits, sinful desires, evil practices, or by teachings or ideas of man.

There's a tendency for the natural man to believe that he's free -- even promoting more the idea that we are free to determine our final end than to emphasize the need to have our faith in Jesus to secure our glorious end.

During the time of Christ here on earth, the Jews told Him: "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?" (John 8:33.)