Christian Words of Encouragement

  “Be strong and courageous…”  (Joshua 1:6) Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the    Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. During these trying days, we remember the popular saying, “Not all heroes wear capes.”  These words resonate with us because we understand that the ability to show courage extends far beyond superhero characters.  Experience teaches us that we all can show courage in our day to day lives.  Courage, like other virtues, is not always demonstrated with big, dramatic actions.  Instead, it is demonstrated in small words and deeds, such as when we speak up for those without a voice or extend a helping hand to those who are in very difficult situations.  Because courage looks to help others, it is a very important virtue, especially today.  Indeed, as poet Maya Angelou has said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” Author of “T

  “For they [humans] are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.”  (Psalm 144:4, NLT) “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV) There is a beauty in this day that may go unnoticed.  We know well that life is busy, full of duties and obligations, and the hours fly by quickly, like a ‘passing shadow.’  In the midst of all this busyness, it is important to take some time to observe and contemplate life’s beauty.  We could find it in the laughter of a child or in the vivid colors of a rainbow, to name just two simple examples.  If we keep our hearts and minds open to seeing it, we may find it in unexpected places.  As Saul Bellow has said, “Unexpected intrusions of beauty.  That’s what life is.”   May God give us grace to see so that we can better navigate life’s journey together. Author of “Think like a winner “ https://www.smashwo

 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12 How does God speak? God reveals to Elijah that he speaks, and that he is gentle. ... Windstorms, earthquakes, and fire all pass before him on the mountain, but the author tells us that those were not God. Instead, God's voice came in "the sound of a gentle whisper."   Did you ever said this before? I'd love to go but a small voice tells me I really should stay home. This term actually comes from the Bible (I Kings 19:12), where Elijah hears his own inner voice: “And after the earthquake a fire ... and after the fire a still small voice.” Okay; I kn

  “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.” Frederick Buechner “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV Most of the time true courage is not expressed through news worthy actions or extraordinary feats.  Anne Radmacher reminds us that “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow.'  The type of courage that moves the world forward is most often seen in the small, faithful choices we make every day when we fulfil our responsibilities, when we do the right thing, when we care for the needs of those around us, or when we love unconditionally.  We have it in us, and we act on it constantly.  On some days, however, when the rain turns into a downpour and clouds obscure our perspectives, it is helpful to be reminded:  Don’t be afraid.  You have it in y

Your mindset effects your well-being During this un usual time in history, choosing the way you think and  feel is crucial to maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit. Limit  the amount of time you listen to and read the news. Choose 1-2 times  per day when you check in to see if there are any changes that affect  you or your family so you can know what actions to take. Take a few  moments to process this information to know what next steps to take in a calm, peaceful manner, but do not internalize it as this leads to  feelings of overwhelm.  During the rest of the day dwell in a state of  peace and joy by using the above techniques. By continuously practicing positive mind-talk, you will soon see a  major shift in the way you think and feel. carlmathisbooks.com

Do you ever feel like you’re living a life far from the one you dreamed  of for yourself? Does it feel like you’re losing an uphill battle? Do  you look around and think, “everyone else has a better life than mine?” You’re not alone. Each day, millions of people live a life filled with regret,  disappointment and setbacks. You don’t have to be one of them when you discover the secret to a  powerful life. Contemplating the power of God is something that can benefit all  believers. When we meditate on the fact that God is all powerful, we are  reassured that he is in control and that we don’t have to be. When we  realize we don’t have to be, this frees our mind, heart and spirt to  receive. Receive creative ideas, inspiration and wisdom  which helps us  to overcome a life of regret. There is no real power without spiritual power that comes from God. A  power that comes from deep within. A power that's connected to  everything and everyone. When you sense this