Tag: encouragement

Protect Your Peace

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Have you ever considered that we should be stewards and protectors of our own peace? This is a different mindset than being a peacemaker between people. This kind of stewardship is about the protection of our own personal peace.

The world is full of chaos and hurt, so we most certainly need to protect our peace. What does that mean and how do we achieve that?

Peace is being tranquil, calm and free from disturbances. To protect our peace means to first identify what or who causes us to feel disturbed? Once we identify what or who is disturbing our peace, we need to pray about what steps to take to protect our peace. This may mean that we need to put distance between ourselves and the person/thing, we may need to take a break from seeing or talking to someone. We may need to stop spending so much time scrolling on our phones or watching television.

Focusing on how someone or something makes us feel is the key to protecting our peace. Once we realize that we are becoming less peaceful, we need to better protect our emotions. In those moments, we need to remind ourselves that the peace we have is from Jesus. It cannot be taken from us (Romans 8), but we can hand it over.

In John 14:27 Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Stop handing what Jesus gave you away to those people and things that do not have the right to have your peace.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us to stop handing away the gift Jesus has given us, peace of mind and heart. Grant us wisdom in how to protect our peace and what steps to take to keep peace surrounding us in our lives. Thank You for Your love and for the cross. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Easter 101

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Why do we have a day called Easter? There is one constant in all of humanity across time: past, present or the future. People will lie, cheat, steal, cause pain, be greedy, and not show love. This is the state of every single person who has ever lived and ever will live, we are all born into sin. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23).

Our state of being born as a sinner started with Adam and Eve when they made the decision to disobey God. As a sinner, we are all going to hell when we die because we fail to meet the standard to go to heaven. The standard is perfection. No human being, no matter how perfect they may think they are or you may think they are, is good enough to avoid hell. We are all imperfect. Mark 9:47 describes, “hell, 48 ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.” How then can anyone avoid living all eternity in hell, filled with unimaginable suffering?

It is quite simple. Believe in Jesus. He is the Son of God and came to earth to die for you and me. He became our sin. That means He was perfect and he chose to drink in our sin to then sacrifice His perfect life for you and me. Jesus willingly laid down His life on Friday, went to hell on Saturday to conquer hell for us and then rose to life on earth on Sunday, what we now call Easter.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us to believe in Jesus. Our lives on earth are short, but eternity is forever. Once we die, it is too late – we are either going to heaven or hell. Help us to understand Your love for us and that You sent Your Son because You love us. You want us to be in heaven with You and the only way is belief in Jesus. Thank You for sending Jesus. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

The Way to Life

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Life is full of problems and troubles and hurt. Even if you are living your life in a way that brings glory to God, you and I are living in a fallen world. That means we are surrounded by sin, we also commit sin and live each day faced with the consequences of our sin and the sins of others. Many days it is hard enough to just survive, let alone thrive in this fallen world. So how is a believer, (someone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior), to live every day showing love and life when there is so much sin? We are to apply what Jesus taught us:

When there is chaos in the government, obey 1 Timothy 2:2. “Pray . . . for all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

If there is a person or people causing chaos in your life, obey Matthew 5:43. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

When you are surrounded by fighting or disagreements, follow Matthew 5:9. “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Apply Romans 13:8 to all people you encounter each day. “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”


When you are confused about your purpose in life, remember Matthew 28:19. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

When you have had enough and feel alone, tired, weary or just need a reminder of the very last words Jesus said to you, read Matthew 28:20. “And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus is right here, holding your hand, He will never leave you, never.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us not to be discouraged by this fallen world we live in. Help us to walk by faith in You and Your Word. Help us to show love and speak life into those around us. Help us to trust in Your plan and pray for those who are not showing love or compassion. Lord, help us to grow in You and to be aware of the evil in this earth so we may stand firm in Your love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Do not let what you see around you discourage you.

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Do not let what you see around you discourage you from answering God’s call. When King Cyrus issued a proclamation and called the remnant to rebuild the temple, only those whose hearts were moved responded to the call.  Ezra chapter 1 says, “In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom: 2 “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!” Not everyone went to rebuild the temple.

There will be times when an invitation to do something for God is issued. Or perhaps an unexpected opportunity to bring God glory interrupts your day. Not all will heed the call or accept the invitation, including believers in Jesus. If you are burdened to do something for God, do it. If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to say something, say it. Do not compare your actions and words with what others are saying or doing, compare your actions and words only to Jesus.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us not to be discouraged by the lack of enthusiasm or willingness from those around us to show love to all people. Help us to walk by faith in You and Your Word instead of being beat down by all that we see going on around us. Help us to trust in Your plan and pray for those who are not showing love or compassion. Lord, help us to grow in You and to be aware of the evil in this earth so we may stand firm in Your love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Caregiver Encouragement – 3

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Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, it is critical to not lose who you are. Do not forget that you have a life and a purpose. Being a caregiver is a role you have right now, it is not all that you will always be. You have an identity that is bigger than being a caregiver. 2 Timothy 1:9 says. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” God created each of us for His purpose, being a caregiver is what you do, it is not who you are.

You are seen, God sees you. He sees every tear, He hears every sigh, He knows you and loves you exactly as you are. You matter. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid;” Luke 12:7.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for the love You have for us. Help us to remember the purpose that You created us each for – to bring glory to Your name. Help us to know how to love You, worship You and glorify You as we provide care to loved ones. Fill all caregivers with patience, peace, love, joy and strength. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Caregiver Encouragement – 2

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Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, you must take time for yourself. This is easy to say and many times we know that it is the right thing to do for everyone involved. The more we are able to refresh ourselves, the better we will be to take care of someone. Even if this means five minutes of rest while your loved one is taking a nap. Look for those opportunities to rest your mind and your body. Let the dishes stay dirty or the clothes stay dirty a few minutes longer or whatever other chore you can work on instead of just resting.

What about those situations when there is no path to take time for ourselves. Ask for help. This is a tough thing to do sometimes – what if something happens while I am gone. What if during the hour I go for a walk, there is a need that the temporary caregiver does not know how to fulfill. We tell ourselves that it is easier to not have someone come in for a bit to help. Sometimes when we return from our break, there is more stress than before we left because things were not done quite right or the way we would have done it. There will be times when we have to adjust our expectations of others or even let go of some things being done a certain way. It is critical for you to take a break. This does not make you a bad person, an unloving caregiver or any other guilt trip that the enemy may try to put on you. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Take those thoughts from the enemy captive, dismiss them, they are not of God.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love and Your wisdom found in Scriptures. Help us to take every thought captive that is not of You or from You. Sometimes, we get so weary, it is hard to resist the enemy, please fill us with Your strength and wisdom. Bless the caregivers and those being cared for. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Caregiver Encouragement – 1

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Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging person, an injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every economic circumstance in the world.

I have learned as a caregiver, there are times when you feel exhausted, under-appreciated, exasperated, drained, scared, hopeful, joyful, relieved, grieving, and every other emotion that exists. Being a caregiver is an emotional rollercoaster. Do not ride it alone.

Have someone to talk to. Caregivers need someone that they can openly express emotions to without fear of judgment or retribution. Find that someone if you do not already have such a person in your life. This can be a neighbor, a church member, an online friend, a therapist, in a forum, or with a chatbot. It is very helpful to join a community of others who are caregivers, whether online or in person. No matter what form this channel takes for you, have a way to express yourself freely that is outside of the person you are taking care of. And most importantly, talk to Jesus – daily and always.

Talking to Jesus is your lifeline. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. This can be focused prayer time or just talking to Him as you go about your day. However, wherever and whenever you communicate, He hears you.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for caregivers and the loved ones being cared for. We ask that You would provide strength, patience, faith, love, peace, joy, wisdom and hope to all caregivers. Bless those reading these words and fill them with comfort. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.