I would have never made it this far in life if it had not been for people who encouraged me along the way.  They are like that special additive placed in your car engine that makes the motor run efficiently. At the time, they might not have been recognized, but as the years flew by, I realized the tremendous input they had made on my life.

Acts 4:36

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),

Because of Barnabas, others were encouraged to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Are you a Barnabas or a recipient of the power of his presence?

Think about it.

Gary

Your greatest asset is belief; it can get you through the most adverse of circumstances. However, you must make sure it is placed on the foundation of the Word of God.

Matthew 17:20

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

We fail when the power of belief is not placed into the equation. Add it today and wait for a much better outcome.

Think about it.

Gary

Some of God’s promises I don’t like. The promise of tribulation is one. Like me, you have probably experienced difficulties in relationships during those formative school years, stressors brought on in college, in marriage, in raising children, and in the battles involved in aging.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The blessing in this promise is that we can be a winner because Christ was a winner. He served the Father perfectly and has been a blessing and encourager to many.

Give Him some thought.

Gary

The hymn writer said it right.

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry and He will answer by and by
Now when you feel a little prayer wheel turning
You’ll know a little fire is burning
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Psalm 5:3

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

You don’t know what the day will bring, but He does. Why not discuss your day with Him before blindly moving into it.

Think about it.

Gary

There are some exceptional men and women who cross our path in life and benefit us greatly. They should be acknowledged and never forgotten. Phoebe was such an individual.

Romans 16:1-2

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

It sure would be nice if those holding high office could speak of us that way. The reality is she was a product of what God can do.

What is He up to in your life?

Think about it.

Gary

There was a leader during difficult times who faced all the stressors that life could bring his way. God recognized his situation and provided comfort and direction.

God says that we shouldn’t fear or be confused. This road less taken is the one in which I will walk with you.

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

When life closes in on you, then it is time to hear from heaven and let the balm of Gilead comfort your soul.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

Have you ever needed to navigate through a maze? It certainly can be confusing and frightening at the same time.

Life can also be like that as it throws difficulties and uncertainties at you at speeds impossible to contend with.

God has a solution.

Psalm 25:4

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.

This Book, called the Bible, can make life doable if we’re willing to give it some quality time in our lives.

Give it some thought.

Gary