Ministry of Encouragement

Nothing is more worth while in this world than encouragement. No mission is more divine than the encourager's. In no other way can we do more good than by going about, speaking words of encouragement and cheer.

[J. R. Miller]

Joshua 1:9 ... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ... Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Hebrews 3:13 ...  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.❤

The Power of Habit

Those habits which seem too weak to be felt soon become too strong to be broken! They entwine themselves around the soul, and the coil proves fatal.  Once commence the downward course, and it is uncertain if you will ever return!  The lives of many in history illustrate the "downward steps from innocence to guilt."

A painter once wanted a picture of innocence and painted a child at prayer. The little suppliant was kneeling beside his mother, the palms of his uplifted hands were reverently pressed together, his rosy cheek spoke of health, and his mild blue eye was upturned with the expression of devotion and peace. The portrait of young Rupert was much prized by the painter, and was hung up on his study wall, and called 'Innocence.'

Years passed away, and the painter became an old man; still the picture hung there. He had often thought of painting a contrast, the picture of guilt but he had not found the appropriate subject. At last he effected his purpose by paying a visit to a neighboring jail.

On the damp floor of his cell lay a wretched culprit, named Randall, heavily shackled. Wasted was his body, and hollow his eye vice was visible in his face. The painter succeeded in copying his features admirably, and the portraits of young Rupert and old Randall were hung up side by side, as 'Innocence' and 'Guilt.'

But who were young Rupert and old Randall? Alas! the two were one! Old Randall was young Rupert, led astray by his companions, and ending his life in this damp dungeon of the jail.

Beware of trifling with sinful habits. Satan lays his fatal snares for the unwary, adapts the bait and the soul is taken captive by the devil!  Never open the door to a little vice, lest a great one should enter also!

Hide God's Word in your heart, that you may not sin against Him. It will be a bulwark to shield you, and a guide to direct you.

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 119:117 ... Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.❤

The Transformed Pastor

A pastor transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service. Only 3 people said hello to him, most looked the other way. He asked people for change to buy food because he was hungry. Not one gave him anything.

He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers that he would need to get up and go sit n the back of the church. He said hello to people as they walked in but was greeted with cold stares and dirty looks from people looking down on him and judging him.

He sat in the back of the church and listened to the church announcements for the week. He listened as new visitors were welcomed into the church that morning but no one acknowledged that he was new. He watched people around him continue to look his way with stares that said you are not welcome here.

Then the elders of the church went to the podium to make the announcement. They said they were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. "We would like to introduce you to our new Pastor." The congregation stood up and looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle.

That's when all the clapping stopped and the church was silent. With all eyes on him....he walked up the altar and reached for the microphone. He stood there for a moment and then recited so elegantly, a verse from the bible.....

Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.  Then the righteous will answer him,  Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply,  Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.  (Matthew 25:34-45)

After he recited this, he introduced himself as their new pastor and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and bow their heads in shame. "Today I see a gathering of people here but I do not see a church of Jesus. The world has enough people that look the other way. What the world needs is disciples of Jesus that can follow this teachings and live as he did. When will YOU decide to become disciples?

He then dismissed service until the following Sunday as his sermon had been given.

[message from the Internet]

See

We see mountains ~ God sees molehills. 

We see problems ~ God sees opportunity. 

We see challenges ~ God sees a miracle in the making.

We must learn to ~ See what HE sees.

[message from the Internet]

Mark 11:23 ... For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Matthew 19:26 ... But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.



1 Peter 1:3-5 ... Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ❤

A Time to Believe

To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning.
Is to trust that miracles happen, and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,
To know the wonder of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
The innocence of a child's eyes and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us
When it's time to pick up the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know we are not alone,
That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen,
And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
If only we believe.

[B. J. Morbitzer]

Psalm 24:9 ... Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.


Luke 1:45 ... And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.


Matthew 19:26 ... But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ❤

Church Groups

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our Churches.  They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin', Bin Arguin', Bin Fightin', Bin Complainin', and Bin Missin'.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin', trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ.  The plan is to come into the Church disguised as Christians and to work within the Church to discourage, disrupt, rumor, lie, innuendo, gossip and destroy from within.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group.  A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin' is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church.  Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin' team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin' does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin' cell group has different characteristics than the others.  They have Bin Watchin', Bin Waitin', Bin Fastin', and Bin Longin' for their Master, Jesus Christ to return …. NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!

[Author Unknown]

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ... Pray without ceasing.


1 Thessalonians 5:11 ... Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.


Daniel 9:3 ... And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:


Mark 13:33-34 ... Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.  For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. ❤

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,

And you can never tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar.

So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.

It's when things go wrong that you must not quit. 

[Author Unknown]

Philippians 1:27 ... Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 ... Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:  For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10 ... Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  ❤

I Believe ~

I believe in the sun, even when it isn't shining.

I believe in love, even when I am alone.

I believe in God, even when He is silent.

[Excerpt from Sister,Sister]

"Be not afraid, only believe."

Mark 5:36 ❤

The Best Medicine

A wise Physician once said, "The best medicine for humans is LOVE !"

Someone asked, "What if it doesn't work ?"

He smiled, and answered, "Increase the dose !"

[Author Unknown]

John 13:34 ... A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Romans 13:8 ... Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

1 Peter 1:22 ... Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Thessalonians 3:12 ... And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:❤

Pray for Your Children

Speak LIFE over your children. 

A mother's heart poured out for her children does not go unnoticed.

My children are blessed and will be mighty in the land. (Psalm 112:2)

My children are a reward and gift from the Lord, and I will enjoy them. (Psalm 127:3)

My children will fulfill God’s will and purpose for their lives. (Psalm 138:8)

 

My children are children in whom there is no blemish, but they are well favored. They are skillful in wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understand science. They have the ability to stand in the King’s palace and teach others. (Daniel 1:4)

My children are not being conformed to this world’s system, but they are constantly being transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they might know what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for their lives. (Romans 12:2)

 

My children will flee from all sexual immorality and impurity in thought, word or deed, and they will realize that their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:18-19)

 

My children are examples to others in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

[message from the Internet] ❤
 

When You ~

When you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

When you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

When you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

When you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

When you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

When your car breaks down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

When you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

When you find yourself at a loss, and pondering what life is all about, what is my purpose, be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

When you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be them.

[Author Unknown]

Hebrews 13:5 ... Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalm 55:22 … Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:11-13 ... Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ❤

Celebrate Growing Older

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1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
 

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come.

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

[Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio]

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In This House We ...

Trust God.

Think good thoughts.

 Try to do better.

Say I'm sorry.

Believe in grace.

Love one another.

Show respect.

Never give up.

Pray always.

[message from the Internet]

2 Chronicles 6:20 ... That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

Acts 16:31 ... And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Joshua 24:15 ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.❤

The Day Will Come When ...

The blind will say ... I see.

The deaf will say ... I hear.

The lame will say... I walk.

The sick will say ... I am healed.

The poor will say ... I am rich.

The dead will say ... I live!

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Isaiah 29:18-19 ... And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.  The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 35:5-6 ...  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Ephesians 5:14 ... Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Matthew 11:5 ... The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.



Mark 7:37 ... And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.❤

Jump!

The Lord wants to deliver us from the stagnate and stale waters that we have allowed to make us sick and weak.  God desires to breathe life into what appears to be hopeless and dying, from things in the past, that haunts us, and the hurts of today, that have us bound. 

There is hope and freedom, His  truth will set us free!  Don't hold back ... JUMP! ...  Leap forward and leave those murky waters into the new clean water. He has plans for you!

[message from the Internet]

John 8:32 ... And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Isaiah 54:2 ... Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Jeremiah 29:11 ...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Psalm 84:11 ... For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.❤

Notes from God

1) Will The Road You're On Get You To My Place? - God  


2) C'mon Over And Bring The Kids - God

 

3) What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You Understand? - God 


4) We Need To Talk - God


5) Keep Using My Name in Vain And I'll Make Rush Hour Longer! - God


6) Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage - God


7) That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing, I Meant It - God

 

8) I Love You...I Love You...I Love You... - God


9) Need a Marriage Counselor? I'm Available - God


10) Follow Me - God


11) Big Bang Theory? You've Got To Be Kidding - God


12) My Way Is The Highway - God


13) Need Directions? - God


14) Tell The Kids I Love Them - God


15) Have You Read My #1 Best Seller?  There Will Be A Test! - God


[message from the Internet]

Four Friends

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four friends.

She loved the fourth friend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies.  She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the third friend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms.  However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her second friend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her.  Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's first friend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom.  However, she did not love the first friend, although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four friends with me, but when I die, will I be alone."

Thus, she asked the fourth friend, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you.   Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"  "No way!", replied the fourth friend, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third friend, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"   "No!", replied the third friend. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!"  Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the second friend, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.  When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the second friend. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."  His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first friend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, you have four friends in your lives:

Your fourth friend is your body.  No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your third friend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second friend is your family and friends.  No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first friend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

[Author Unknown]

Ecclesiastes 12:7 ... Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 


Romans 8:6 ... For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.


John 6:63 ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Galatians 6:8 ...  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ❤ 

Only God ...

Can turn a Mess into a Message

Can turn a Test into a Testimony

Can turn a Trial into a Triumph

Can turn a Victim into a Victory

[Author Unknown]

Jeremiah 32:17 … Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Psalm 94:14 … Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Romans 8:36-37 … As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ❤

Tax Free Blessings

A story is told of a tax assessor that came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay.

The following conversation took place:

“What property do you possess?” asked the assessor.

“I am a very wealthy man,” replied the Christian.

“List your possessions, please,” the assessor instructed.

The Christian said: “First, I have everlasting life.  John 3:16 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.

Second, I have a mansion in heaven.  John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Third, I have peace that passes all understanding.  Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Fourth, I have joy unspeakable.  1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Fifth, I have divine love which never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth:

Sixth, I have a faithful wife.  Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children.  Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Eighth, I have true, loyal friends. Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Ninth, I have songs in the night.  Psalm 42:8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Tenth, I have a crown of life. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Eleventh. I have a doctor that is on call at all times and he makes house calls. Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

Finally, I shall never suffer want as my every need is provided. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.″

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, “Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation.” ❤

[message from the Internet]

In Humility

Those who walk before God in humility are:

Weak enough to lean upon His strength.

Small enough to look upon His greatness.

Patient enough to wait upon His timing.

Empty enough to draw upon His fullness.

Poor enough to depend upon His riches.


Needy enough to count upon His grace.


Grateful enough to live upon His love.


[Author Unknown]

1 Peter 5:6 ... Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Psalm 37:4 ... Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Matthew 18:4 ... Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ❤