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 Bullying isn't something that only occurs in middle or high school, or online. As long as sin is in the world, prejudice and judgement will try to cloud how we see those around us, and we may be tempted to put others down to make ourselves feel more valuable. But there is a better way. In the midst of this negativity, everyone needs to know the love of God, and that can start with YOU! Encourage your friends. Show kindness to everyone you meet. Generously pay compliments. Don't be stingy with your smiles. This Scripture isn't a general, "be encouraging only when you think you're feeling up to it." Nope. DAILY. EVERY DAY. Don't allow more hearts to be hardened by the lies of a dark and sinful world. Encourage one another!
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I don't understand the mindset of storm chasers. As soon as I hear thunder or see lightning, I'm buried under a bunch of blankets on the couch pretending that it's still nice and sunny outside.
Storms terrify me because they are so powerful and can be so destructive. But God is much more powerful than any storm. Scripture is full of evidence of how God commanded light, water, wind, and so much more. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:4-9 Paul likes words. And a lot of what he has to say in the Bible can be confusing and hard to read, but I find this section of scripture absolutely straight forward. I've never thought of myself as a fearless person. I've let myself get weighed down by worry, others' opinions, and the fear of the unknown. It's been a lot of "what if's" that have kept me from taking leaps of faith year after year.
But I don't want that to be how I live my life going forward. I can choose the peace of Christ over worldly worry. I can choose to listen to the opinion of God, which is worth way more than the opinions of those around me. I don't have to be afraid of the unknown, because I have this promise: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27 Take a leap of faith. We can be fearless in Christ! After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. - Acts 4:31
These three words describe many of the very first Christians. The disciples. Paul. The ones who had experienced Jesus first or even second hand. They were surrounded by religious leaders who thought that the gospel was blasphemous and were throwing these new Christians into prison. These people were BOLD, BRAVE, and COURAGEOUS. Do those words describe you as a Christian? Do you boldly share your faith even when you're surrounded by those who oppose you? Are you brave and courageous, stepping out in faith to where God is calling you? |
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