So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Encouraging words are an expression of love. We all need encouragement and God tells us to search for ways to encourage one another. Christian encouragement is vital and God knows we all need it! Christian encouragement will always lift someone’s heart towards the Lord.

Devotion: Speaking Encouraging Words to One Another

Because we are alive in Him, we can speak encouraging words to others that will fill their hearts and minds with hope.  When we focus on the needs of other people, we in turn, get our own needs met as well!

The amount of care needed for the relationships in our lives occasionally shifts as seasons of life change. There are seasons when we personally need encouragement, and there are seasons where a friend or family member may need the encouragement more than we do.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)

We give grace to others with our words. Fellowship with other believers and having an open line of communication with them are both key to ensure that we are kept built up by the relationships in our lives.  When we speak encouraging words  or do something to encourage someone, not only is the recipient blessed and strengthened, but the giver is equally blessed and made stronger in the process as well.

Additional Verses to Further Study 

“Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  (Proverbs 16:24)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”  (Hebrews 10:24)

For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you (Deuteronomy 30:9)

Life changes constantly and God can bless us in the changes, as long as we keep our faith in Him. For us to be stable in our thinking and in our ways as things are changing, we must keep our focus on God. He’s always the same and has a good plan for our lives! God’s character is loving and kind, so He always searches for opportunities to bless us.

Devotion: Trusting God with the Changes

God’s grace is sufficient His love never fails us. God holds all power and truly is the source of our strength.  Keeping a clear channel of communication with the Lord strengthens the relationship we have with Him. Through this personal relationship with the Lord, we gain more confidence in ourselves, because we first have confidence in Him!

A lifestyle of solely relying on God deepens our knowledge of Him. This lifestyle makes us more aware of the limitless capacity of our God. As we practice living this way, we begin to understand exactly who is leading us, forming an even deeper bond with Him.

God wants the very best for us all. We usher in His blessings when we trust God in the changes. Remember that our God is strong and powerful, even when we are weak, weary, and just plain tired. This is when He shows us all that He is capable of and more!

Additional Verses to Further Study Trusting God In the Changes 

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18)

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)“

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, You are great! You can do all things but fail! I believe that You want nothing but the best for my life. Give me courage and deepen my faith as I trust You in the changes of life.” 

Wishing you all a great week!

 

 

Motherhood is not always easy, but one of life’s greatest joys is the gift of being a mother! God’s word gives Christian moms plenty of insight about the value of children, along with of the significance of the role of a mother. Jesus loved children, and we are also commanded to love them, bringing them up in the nurture of the Lord.  Mothers imitate God and take genuinely take pleasure in our children. After all, motherhood is ministry! 

Devotion: The Ministry of Motherhood

Jesus commands for us to put others before ourselves. As mothers, our children come first as we faithfully follow Jesus’ example. Serving our children sacrificially and joyfully is what Christian mothers are called to do. Mothers carry out the huge responsibility to teach children the legacy of our faith, ultimately leading them to Christ.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

A mother’s heart overflows with faith, love, compassion, encouragement, grace, patience, and friendship. Her prayers of well-being continually cover her children and her genuine love is endless as she demonstrates the character of Christ every single day.

All mothers deserve honor and appreciation for the ministry of motherhood every day, not just on Mother’s Day!

Additional Verses To Study on Mother’s Day

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; ” (Isaiah 66:13)

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)“

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12)

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, You are great! We thank you for the gift of time that all mothers give to their children. Pour out more of Your love, Your grace, and Your strength onto every mother. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! (John 15:11)

Joy is lasting and satisfies our hearts in a special way. Happiness is ever-changing, requiring circumstances to be “happy,” but joy sticks around and is deeply rooted! It is the Holy Spirit that produces joy in our lives. Joy is a good feeling that allows us to see the beauty of Christ in the world and in his work. It’s found in God alone; not within ourselves!

Devotion: God’s Joy Overflows

Our God is generous and loving. When we God ask for joy, he always gives it to us! Sometimes it may take a good amount of seeking and even a change in perspective, but we will find God’s joy in even the most unsuspecting areas of our lives and situations that come along. God’s joy is always found in his gifts and in his people. God’s joy gives us strength.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Whenever our joy needs to be restored, we can find comfort in knowing that we can always gain restoration from being in the presence of the Lord. Lasting joy develops from realizing who Christ is and the magnitude of what He has done for us.

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Additional Verses About The Joy of the Lord:

“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” (Isaiah 55:12)

“I’m happy from the inside out,
    and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.” (Psalm 16:9)

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.” (1 Chronicles 16:27)

Prayer Starter:

“Father, there is nothing that compares the the joy you give! My heart is grateful for who you are and for all that you have done. Because of your love, I have joy that will not change!”

Wishing you all a great week!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

The many blessings of God are “good and perfect gifts” and we are to be good stewards, or care takers, of all things that God gives us, including the gift of our time. Once we show that we can be trusted with the things that we have been given stewardship over, then the Lord can entrust us with even more!

Devotion: Being A Good Steward of Time 

Sincerely and consistently bringing our time to God keeps our hearts in proper alignment with God. Taking good care of our hearts is critical to our faith walk because it keeps us focused, intentional, and sensitive to the Lord’s voice.  Aside from cautiously guarding what we let inside, God also needs us to expand our hearts so that we can have limitless capacity to receive what only He can give.

With a larger capacity, we are then able to better receive an abundance of good things He has in store for us: wisdom, blessings, and power! We are called to give selflessly to others, and it’s is a lot easier to give to others when we have prioritized time with God! We are also called to faithfully spend time with him, getting to know him better each time we do.

We honor the Lord by giving Him our time. Our loving Father honors a heart that longs to be with Him!

Bible Verses To Further Study Being A Good Steward

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (Luke 16:10)

“The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.” (Genesis 2:15)

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10)

Prayer Starter:

“Dear Lord, thank you for good and perfect gifts! I want to always be a good steward over the blessings you’ve given me.  I ask that you continue to align my heart with Your will as You show me how to use my time.” 

Wishing you all a great week!