be encouraged!

week after week i have the privilege of trying to encourage people who are down, defeated, depressed, and dismayed.  really, that is what being a minister is all about - lifting up those who are burned out, worn down, ready to quit, and totally discouraged.  i never get tired of trying to bring encouragement to those who are in need.  i always want to have people walk away from a conversation with me…. feeling listened to, feeling loved and hopefully lifted up (way up)!  this is what Jesus was all about - He listened, He loved, and He lifted people up.

we have an enemy that is relentless in his attacks and constantly tries to overwhelm us and bring us down.  we get discouraged when we start to listen to his lies and look at the things that are not going right.  the enemy comes immediately to steal God’s Word from us and stop God’s power from touching our lives.  so i wanted to provide you with some ammo to combat the evil one and breakthrough the demonic static that is in the atmosphere surrounding us.  so here are some of the most encouraging scriptures that i know, i hope the Holy Spirit releases a spirit of encouragement over you as you meditate on these…

• “if your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, He’ll help you catch your breath.”  psalm 34:18 (msg)

• “God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.  God fights for us, God protects us.”  psalm 46:1,7 (cev/msg)

• “those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.  they will fly high on wings like eagles.  they will run and not grow weary.  they will walk and not faint.”  isaiah 40:31 (nlt)

• “you (God) revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.”  psalm 23:5b (msg)

• “there is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”  1 peter 1:6 (lb)

• “when you go through the deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  when you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  when you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up - the flames will not consume you.”  isaiah 42:2 (lb)

my rock!

“He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, i will never be shaken.”  psalm 62:2 (niv)  it sure seems like this world is being shaken up by some crazy stuff:  lots of earthquakes, continued economic uncertainty, strange flu viruses and all the usual stuff that goes on.  but the real issues are not ones that we see on the 6 o’clock news or on yahoo.  our main concerns are not the ones that we can see with our natural eyes.

the real issue is that we have a enemy that works 24/7 to try to discourage, defeat, and destroy us.  jesus said, “the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy…”  paul clearly warned us (in ephesians 6) - “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places… be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power… resist the enemy… then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

we have to do our part, but more and more it’s becoming so clear that God has to do His part or we don’t stand a chance.  our part is seeking God, staying in faith, speaking God’s Word and being watchful in prayer.  but we need to constantly remember that without the rock under our feet it’s game over.

things are being shaken all around us - both in the seen and unseen world.  but don’t worry, “the Lord lives!  praise be to my rock!  exalted be God, my rock, my savior.  God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which i live, my rescuing knight.  my God - the high crag where i run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout, my mountaintop refuge, He saves me…” 2 samuel 22:47,2-3

if you are feeling down, discouraged, defeated, or depressed - just start to praise your rock-solid God - the one who is ever present and all powerful.  don’t be moved by what you see in this world, don’t be shaken, don’t allow hopelessness to overcome you.  rise up, seek our amazing God, proclaim His goodness and allow His joy and strength to saturate you.  remind yourself that you will never be shaken… because you are on the rock!

Jesus said in john 16:31 (msg) , “so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.  in this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.  but take heart!  I’ve conquered the world.”

“do you see what we’ve got?  an unshakable kingdom!  and do you se how thankful we must be?  not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.”  hebrews 12:28 (msg)

God with you = rock solid & unshakable!