Be Encouraged

It’s easy to become discouraged; especially if you are looking around and spending time in the world. Instead, chose to be encouraged in Christ. When you are in Christ you will experience peace of mind, heart, and soul. No matter what the enemy throws your way, you are sheltered in the protective arms of The Most High. He goes before you and behind you. You are not alone, nor are you powerless. 

Will the enemy shoot arrows of fear, distraction, and confusion your way? Yes, because the enemy wants to discourage you and your walk with Christ. The goal is to have you give up, give in, and call it quits. Don't do it - no matter what stay in Christ. 

Be bold and courageous! Pray in the Spirit and in His will. Utilize the Word and set yourself firm in full confidence that Jesus is fighting your battle. He already is victorious and in all circumstances cares for and stands by you. You are a mighty warrior - a Christian Soldier! Keep marching and waving your spiritual sword. Ready? Set? March! 

In the Spirit

Photo by The Daily Journey

Are you praying in the Spirit and hoping for something? It may seem impossible, too big, too difficult even for God to bring to pass. Still, you wait on Him in anticipation. Your faith has you believing and knowing God is in control. 

Don't doubt or despair. Do not fret.Trust that the God of the Armies of Heaven has no constraints or limits. Nothing can stop Him when He acts in your behalf. In Him, all things are possible. The apostle Paul, his very life changed forever when meeting Jesus, reminds us "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

See, it is not in your strength, or by your might. It is through Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God. Nothing is eternal until God acts and He acts knowing your prayers, faith, and what is best for you. Let God show you the way. You will be pleasantly surprised; awe struck even. The same God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, David, Moses, John, Paul, and Luke, is the God of you! He is able and ready. The question is, are you?

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Dwell

Photo by @groovypat via Instagram.

 Of all the time you will spend today, of all the places you will be, none will be as perfect and beautiful as the time you spend being still in the presence of God. 

Take the time. 

Invisible

 There you are feeling all alone. You pray and ask God for help, and still, you get no relief from the wear and tear of the everyday battlefield of life. Doesn't God know you need Him? Can He hear you and see your pain? Does He even know you exist or are you totally invisible to Him? Wait! How can you be invisible to God when He created you, loves you, and sent His only Son to die for you? That doesn't make sense. 

The truth is you are not invisible to God. You are firmly and lovingly tucked away in the palm of His hand. He is carrying you through life's valleys and getting you safely to the next mountain peak. There you will clearly see and know His presence. God has His fingerprints all over you. Quit looking around and just look up. Then you will see Him caressing you in His love and care. 

See, it's not that you are invisible to God, but rather that you are so distracted and busy looking down and around, He became invisible to you! Set your sights on Jesus, not on the world. Be  filled with the Holy Spirit in total alignment and view of God.  

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth." Colossians 3:1-2

Rise

 

Photo By Casie Steele Photography

The road has been a bit bumpy lately. The last couple of years have taken a toll and still more rough patches seem to be rising up. It's enough to make you want to give up and throw in the towel. There you are, some place between "why bother' and "enough is enough". It can be overwhelming and before you know it you are immobilized. You know what I mean; unable to move forward, gain momentum or grow. 

Sure, rough patches can rise up, but so can you! You are a child of the Most High God. Nothing can keep you from your good. First you need to raise your sights. Lift your eyes up to the Heavens. Don't be paralyzed in your circumstances. God is right there where you are. He sees you and knows exactly what you have been through.

Jesus wants to help you rise and be the best you can be. He doesn't want to see you trampled by the world. You have a supernatural source, the Holy Spirit, inside you. You have the power to move you forward and be strengthen. Do you believe it? It's true! So what are you waiting for? 

Rise up! Ask God to open your heart and mind to the steps He wants you to take. Next be obedient to follow through with what He has told you and continue to seek Him every day. There is grace and joy in the journey, you just need to rise up and take the next steps. I can hear Jesus now telling you to walk and watching every step you take. 

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:7-8