Some Encouragement Just For You
by Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.’” (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)
Friend to Friend
When our kids were younger, we had gathered as a family around the pull up bar in the upstairs hall to see our oldest son, Preston, display his thirteen year old man-cub strength. Like a chimpanzee, he pulled his lanky frame up and down with ease, impressing us all. When he tired to exhaustion, Preston dropped down and met our enthusiastic applause with a satisfied grin.
As the clapping and praise died down, my then nine-year old daughter, Kennedy, decided to give the pull up bar a try. Lifted to the high metal pole by her strong daddy, she gave her best effort but fell short of her desired goal. With a slightly disappointed – but not defeated – expression, she dropped to the floor, seemingly understanding that it would be a while until her upper body strength could support numerous pull up attempts.
Then my middle child man-cub jumped up to join the pull up party. At two years younger than Preston, Hunter struggled to raise and lower his youthful, tween body on the bar. After a few minor successes – and even more fumbled attempts – Hunter dropped to his feet with a scowl and stomped away angrily.
Before he got too far, my husband and I spoke words of encouragement to him.
They rolled off his wilted shoulders.
He was frustrated to the point of anger.
In his eleven-year old mind, he thought that he should be able to do what his older brother could do. He wanted the spontaneous, enthusiastic applause of an impressed gathering – not the parental encouragement to “keep working on it.”
So he grumbled and stewed.
After a few cool-down moments, my husband called Hunter over to have a private daddy chat. Brad gently confronted Hunter on the negative behavior he displayed. Then, he spoke words of life to Hunter’s little boy heart.
With eyes that communicated understanding and remorse, Hunter looked at my husband and vulnerably confessed, “I’m sorry, Dad, I just really like attention…especially from you and mom.”
A beautiful love moment followed.
Our days are filled with teachable moments.
Sometimes we teach children.
Sometimes they teach us.
Often both.
Hunter’s voice echoed across the globe as he spoke on behalf of all the children of the world. Every child wants attention. Every child wants love.
But that longing doesn’t stop at childhood. His words ring true in the heart of you and me too. Don’t they? Each of uswants to be loved. We all wear invisible signs that say things like, “Please notice me!” “Tell me I’m special.” “Tell me I matter… that I’m valuable… that you appreciate me.” “Show me that you love me...and really mean it!”
“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)
In spite of God’s love at times our hearts ache an unfulfilled longing, a perceived inadequacy, a devastating loss, or a gaping heart wound. Might I encourage each of you today? Whether you are a mother, a grandmother, a sister or a daughter. Whether you are single, married, widowed or divorced. Whether your loved ones value and cherish you or wound you with broken behavior, you are perfectly loved, known and cherished by God.
Just as He spoke those words to His children, the Israelites, long ago, God speaks across the universe today to each invisible sign...to each daughter’s heart: “I notice you!” “You are special to me.” “You matter, are valuable and are made beautifully in My image.” “I love you...perfectly...eternally...completely, and I really mean it.”
He showed us through the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus.
He speaks it through His Word.
His Spirit whispers it to the hearts of His children continuously.
Are you listening? Can you hear the whispers?
Let’s Pray
Dear God, You are always worthy of my attention, my affection, my adoration, and my love. To think that You would choose to love me, listen to me, and draw me to Your heart is simply mind-boggling. You are so good! Could You please speak those words of love to my heart again today, Lord?
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Dear God, You are always worthy of my attention, my affection, my adoration, and my love. To think that You would choose to love me, listen to me, and draw me to Your heart is simply mind-boggling. You are so good! Could You please speak those words of love to my heart again today, Lord?
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Do you believe that God notices you? What do you base that on?
Insert your name into this verse: “Long ago the Lord said to ________________ “I have loved you, _______________, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself, ___________________.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)
Believe it, friend. It’s true.
Today's Devotional Sponsor:
Controlling Our Appetites
by Dr. Charles Stanley
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined--these are just a few. We're also a "have it now" culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.
Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they're God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we're in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives.
That's exactly how we're called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we'll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16).
Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven?
When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we're forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.
Apple Enchiladas
Ingredients:
• 1 (21 ounce) cans apple fruit filling and topping ( or other fruit filling)• 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas…• 1 teaspoon cinnamon• 1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup margarine• 1/2 cup sugar• 1/2 cup brown sugar• 1/2 cup water
How to:
1. Spoon fruit filling evenly down centers of tortillas.
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Roll up, and place, seam side down, in a lightly greased baking dish.
4. Bring butter and next 3 ingredients to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, 3 minutes.
6. Pour over enchiladas: let stand 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Roll up, and place, seam side down, in a lightly greased baking dish.
4. Bring butter and next 3 ingredients to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, 3 minutes.
6. Pour over enchiladas: let stand 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Daily Smile:
The Real Meaning of Hotel Slogans
Misc Jokes
Submitted by Anonymous
Old world charm ................................. No bath
Options galore ................................... Nothing is included in the itinerary
No extra fees ..................................... No extras
Nominal fee ....................................... Outrageous charge
Standard ........................................... Sub-standard
Deluxe .............................................. Standard
Superior ............................................ One free shower cap
Cozy ................................................. Small
All the amenities ................................ Two free shower caps
Plush ................................................ Top and bottom sheets
No comments:
Post a Comment