Monday Morning Encouragement -- Christ's Unshakeable Kingdom

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28

Every day I watch the news from around the world and every day it seems to get worse. Now more than ever I need the solace that comes from the word of God. If you feel the same way, then let's dive in to scripture together today, and receive the kind of lasting encouragement we need. 

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Hold On To God's Truth

"because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:" 2 John 2

I have written many times about the importance of truth. As Christians, especially, we need to know the truth of scripture and stand up for it. We must proclaim it every day in action, and in words when the opportunity arises. We cannot afford to compromise, and allow false teachers to corrupt it and lead people astray. 

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Grow In Grace

 

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

When we come to the Lord Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, we begin an amazing, life-changing journey. Every day is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to become more like Him. To "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Be Who You Are In Jesus

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

Ephesians 5 is packed with instructions for Christian living. Paul begins his discourse with the admonition to "be imitators of God, as beloved children." God is our Father, and as the children that He loves, we are called to behave in ways that honor Him and reflect His character. 

Monday Morning Encouragement -- God's Peace

 

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

Yesterday after leaving our church worship service and driving barely a block from the driveway, I had the unhappy experience of rear ending a car in front of me. It wasn't a bad accident. No one was hurt and the damage to both of our cars was minimal. Bumpers were scratched and slightly dented. The other driver and I exchanged insurance information, took some photos and continued on our way home. I've been in traffic accidents in the past, but they've never been my fault. This one clearly was, and I felt terrible about my carelessness. 

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Jesus Has Overcome The World!

 

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I have written in the past about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. It may be a subject that many of us don't want to be reminded of, but it is one that I believe we must face head on, and accept the reality that we live in a fallen world where evil exists, and where believers suffer for their faith. At the same time, we can draw strength and courage from these same believers through their testimonies of how Jesus helped them at the darkest time in their lives.

Monday Morning Encouragement -- To Know Christ More Deeply (How God Grows Us Through Suffering)

 

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death," Philippians 3:10

For years I have kept a spiritual journal in one form or another. It's good to go back and read entries from years past and see what God has done in my life. How He has taught me and grown my faith; sometimes through joyful experiences, and more often through events that have brought me literally to my knees.

I want to share an entry I wrote just three months before the Lord called my husband home:

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Monuments of His Mercy

"Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10

The mercy of God should never be taken lightly. It is a great and marvelous truth that no one is beyond its reach. The vilest sinner by coming to Christ in sincere repentance can receive His forgiveness and become a member of God's family. The Bible informs us that God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). He doesn't grant His mercy based on social status or education, or any other human measurement. The ground at the foot of the cross is level.

Monday Morning Encouragement -- Rest From Your Labor

 

"Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it." Hebrews 4:1

On June 28, 1894, President Glover Cleveland signed legislation establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday. What began as a national annual occasion to recognize the contribution of American workers, has largely become a three-day weekend marking the end of summer.  

Monday Morning Encouragement -- When We Doubt and Distrust the Lord

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?'" Numbers 4:11

There is a special kind of pain that is felt when someone we love distrusts us. We've done nothing to deserve it, we've been faithful in every way, yet they show us by their words and deeds that they do not trust us. If this has ever happened to you, then you know what I'm talking about. It hurts deeply.

If we who are imperfect can feel this way, imagine the pain God feels when we don't trust Him with our lives. When we doubt Him and maybe even speak against Him. He's done nothing to deserve our distrust. He's only ever done what is good, and just and right. He gave His very life to save us. And we have done nothing to deserve such a gift. If we doubt Him, it is we who are at fault. Not the Lord! 

Doubt and distrust have no place in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and as Spurgeon says of such unbelief, "It so dishonors Christ, that He will withdraw His visible presence if we insult Him by indulging it. It is true it is a weed, the seeds of which we can never entirely extract from the soil, but we must aim at its root with zeal and perseverance." (Note, Spurgeon does not mean this "visible presence" is physical. Rather, it is a sensing of His guidance, comfort, and influence in our lives through the working of the Holy Spirit.)

By acknowledging where doubt and distrust of the Lord are present, we can then confess this to Him and ask for forgiveness. He will forgive us, and as we yield our lives to Him and prayerfully determine to trust Him no matter what comes, the result will be a stronger, more vibrant faith that will stand the test of time and trials. All to the glory of God. It's a wonderful way to live!

Today's music video Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa is a beautiful hymn of faith. Its lyrics reaffirm the very truth that our doubting hearts need most.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.

Monday Morning Encouragement -- The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

 

"To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things," Ephesians 3:8-9

Of Ephesians 3:8 Pastor Steven Cole said, "You would think that if you announced on the sign out front and in the newspaper that someone was speaking on the unfathomable riches of Christ, people would line up hours before the services, waiting to get in. 'Free eternal riches will be given out at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship! Come and get all that you can!' But, as far as I know, no one had to wait in line to get in the door."