Someone is struggling who needs you. They are struggling with problems that no one knows about, and they need you. You might be the one person to brighten their day, and you might not even know it.
There is someone who is lonely, and they need you. They need to hear your voice, shake your hand or get a hug. Maybe they lost a spouse, a child, or they believe that no one cares; they need you. You might be the person to lift their spirits, and you might not even know it.
You are needed, and you may not ever realize how much.
You are needed because you are their family.
You are needed because we are to encourage one another (Hebrews 3.13). You are needed because you are to help bear the burdens of others (Romans 15.1; Galatians 6.1). You are needed because you are needed to laugh and cry together (1 Corinthians 12.26).
You are needed to stir up one another to “love and good works.” (Hebrews 10.24)
You are needed on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesdays evenings to encourage one another and to good works, you need to be with your spiritual family (Hebrews 10.25). It makes a difference.
You are needed; never forget it.
Hope to see you soon.
Just some thoughts,
Do you need a reason to spiritually rejoice? Here are 20 reasons to remind you that you can spiritually rejoice today.
There are several graphics below to accompany the scriptures listed. Enjoy.
20 Reasons to Spiritually Rejoice
- God made today (Psalm 118.24)
- God made it all (Psalm 92.4)
- God has made known the path of life (Psalm 16.11)
- God wants me to live (1 Thessalonians 3.8)
- Got a great spouse? (Proverbs 31.10)
- Children are a blessing (Psalm 127.3)
- God hears your prayers (Proverbs 15.29)
- God gives hope (Romans 12.12)
- God can cheer your soul (Psalm 94.19)
- Got righteous children? (Proverbs 23.24)
- God’s testimonies are forever (Psalm 119.111)
- Rejoice when others rejoice (Romans 12.15)
- God gave you unique abilities (Romans 12.6)
- Rejoice when you are persecuted (Matthew 5.12)
- Are you a cheerful giver? (2 Corinthians 9.7)
- Christ is risen; the tomb is still empty (Matthew 28.8)
- Forgiveness (Psalm 51.8)
- Faithful congregations (3 John 4)
- The Lord delights in you (Psalm 139.4)
- You are redeemed (Psalm 71.23)
There is always a reason to rejoice.
Just my thoughts,
Every year, promises are made for the betterment of lives. People promise themselves everything from weight loss, job promotions, better health, quit smoking, quit eating sweets and a host of other promises for each area of life, but how many people are going to resolve to have a stronger, better marriage?
Please understand that just because you spend time improving your marriage, does not mean you have a bad marriage, it means you want to have a better one.
Too many people see others reading a book on marriage and assume they are having trouble, that is not always the case. There are some who want to improve their marriage each day so they can have the marriage God intended – one which serves each other and glorifies Him!
Many present-day marriages seem to struggle because people are spending more time planning the wedding than planning the marriage. Our society blasts the pictures of “fairy tale” weddings to our girls from the moment they can play house. Everything from music, the internet, advertising, and television informs our young ladies they need to have the biggest, longest and prettiest dress in town or their wedding will not bring the promised blessing of a beautiful wedding. Along with the dress, there must be a buffet of steak, lobster, and salmon, with at least 500 guests or the wedding cannot work. These images are destined to bring problems into marriages because the focus is on the one-day event, not the lifetime commitment.
I mean, have you seen the “Say Yes to the Dress” and the other shows? Crazy!
The thoughts go both ways as well. While many times the wedding is a lady thing, the honeymoon is usually thought of as a guy thing. Pictures of the honeymoon of a lifetime, with much chandelier swinging and never leaving the room, fill the stories and dreams of men as they approach their wedding. (Yes, ladies, it is what men dream of.)
Trust me, I am no marriage guru, but I would like to offer you a couple “Tips to Improve your Marriage” along with several of my favorite books on marriage. I hope you will seek to strengthen your marriage this year.
Tips to Improve Your Marriage:
Schedule Time for Each Other –In the midst of a hurried and mobile society it may seem like an exaggeration to schedule time for your marriage, but consider it for a moment. Many of us are so highly involved in our careers, our children’s school, church activities, coaching sports teams, working out, running and reading we might not have time for our marriages. Well, it is time to make time. Schedule a date night with your spouse or even some time to grab a cup of coffee. Make Time!
Pray for Each Other – You might already do this, but evaluate your prayer life. Stop praying about how God should change your spouse for your benefit and pray that God will change you both for His benefit! Do not pray about your spouse, pray for your spouse.
Stop Using the Word “I” – Try an experiment, when you are discussing your marriage, stop using the word “I.” (You may only use the word “I” when you are describing the mistake or fault you have.) Instead of “I” use the word “we”.” This simple change creates an encouragement and unity to build your marriage. Be sure when you use the word, “we” you are actually taking action together.
Have a Devotional Together – A devotional does not have to be a theological discussion of the variants of the Greek text; it may be a time where you read a passage and discuss what it means in your relationship. I have listed some marriage devotional books below. Give them a try and see how you can grow.
As I give these tips, I leave out the things I take for granted:
Telling your spouse you love them
Hugging and kissing your spouse
Going to worship with your spouse
and many more.
I give these tips in addition to what you do as a couple. Finding time and using that time to grow closer together is a quality many couples talk about, but they are only done when the bottom begins to fall out. Commit today to strengthen your marriage!
Here are some of my favorite books on marriage, outside of the Bible of course.
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Just my thoughts,
The future of our young people is bright. Despite what is in the news and in various media outlets, the future of our children is bright. Over our young people’s lifetime, they have seen advances in the field of medicine, technology, and industry quicker than any other generation.
The advances are happening quickly and major events are being planned and funded. In the middle part of last century, a man walked on the moon and plans are being made through the private industry to land a manned spacecraft on Mars. The future is excellent.
However, just because advances are being made, does not mean one should forget about the basics. While one can carry 20 different Bible versions on their phones, are they being used? Each advance can be a wonderful blessing, if they are being used properly.
What does the Bible say about teaching young people?
- Are young people taught to love their families? (Titus 2.4)
- Are young people taught to be self-controlled? (Titus 2.5)
- Are young people taught to be kind? (Titus 2.5)
- Are young people taught respect? (Titus 2.7)
There is more listed in Titus 2 worth reading and being reminded of every day.
As advances through the world are taking place, are young people still mindful of the basics? Is part of their education the basics?
Are young people being educated in the blessings of God?
Just some thoughts?
It’s Monday again.
It is raining, but the rain should never trouble us, but we should realize it is a blessing. Rain should not make us frown, but allow us to smile. Consider this picture and quote I say on the Law of Attractions Instagram.
5 Things I Learned Last Week
1 – People need to be loved. When I reflect on the love of Christ, His love is overwhelming. Each of us needs to see people like Jesus saw people. Remember, Matthew 9.36 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We need to see the world like Jesus.
2 – Some of the greatest preachers I know are not the most well-known. Across our brotherhood, there are well-known preachers who speak on every lectureship, youth event, etc. but some of the greatest I know are those no one really knows. Their hearts are wide-open and they work tirelessly for the gospel of Christ.
3 – Remember whose you are. Too many adults, not just young people, are faced the pressure to be someone they are not. This pressure lends itself to experiment with ways which are contrary to who we are as a being created by God. It is important to remember, not just who, but whose you are. You are created for a purpose, enjoy it.
4 – Family is Urgent! Sooner or later, most people learn a valuable lesson about family. However, not everyone will learn the lesson of the urgency of family. Many children will grow up to live the life of the words to “Cat’s in the Cradle” because of the actions they see in their parents. Christians need to make their family an urgent priority. Do not let your family slide, put them to the top.
5 – Sometimes it is better not to say anything at all. With that, I will leave this here.
So, what did you learn this week?
#MondayMotivation
Each person needs a little bit of motivation every now and then to get through the day, the week, the month or even the year. So, here is your quick video to give you a quick laugh and some motivation today.
Just some thoughts,
