Grabbing Encouragement

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my hope. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day:  Isaiah 1:18

18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

    they shall become like wool.

Memory verse: Psalm 42:2(New American Bible )

"My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?"

Today's reading: Jeremiah 48-49 Hebrews 7

Grabbing Encouragement

It has been 2000 plus years-Jesus will return-but do you ever get physically and emotionally tired in the fight to become like Jesus? I can really only speak for myself, but, yes, I do. I think all of us get weary from time to time and that is simply life.

But I want us to think about a bride on her wedding day.

Ladies, those who have been through the whole 'day of' preparations and ordeals, you know ultimately more than we men-folk do. But let me guess-the way you looked at the wedding ceremony was far cry from what you looked at in the mirror at first light-right? Hair was awful-sleep in your eyes-breath would remove varnish-well, you know.

The next time you get discouraged with your spiritual state, grab some encouragement from this verse, please:

Ephesians 5:26 "...that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing that she might be holy and without blemish."

And this one:

Philippians 1:6 ►"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

How many brides have had doubts and meltdowns or just felt like running away on the day of the wedding?

Here we are-the Bride of Christ-preparing for the big event-doubts-meltdowns-(sins, spots, blemishes, wrinkles)

The remedy-a good washing in the Word. Get in the word and stay there until the Holy Spirit breaks through your crust of sin and ego.

The Living Word of God-the living Holy Spirit of God-there is nothing to ever be found more 'life giving' or more uplifting.

But, we make things so difficult in our minds. Our spiritual state is what and where it is because of choices. Yes, we can run to God and leave every worry and concern behind and submit in humility to a good divine washing.(Ephesians 5:26)

This is not a Bible verse-but I read it all through the scripture-"life does not have to be as hard as we make it."

Live in the life that Jesus makes for us.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

I want to revere and honor You. I want to marvel at Your kingdom. Give me what I need for this day and forgive me my pride. Lead me away from wicked thoughts.

Father of forgiveness and relief,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen