Encouraged by God's Word

Archive for February, 2009

Hello Family,

In my house, there are two types of people; the non-talkers and the talkers. The non-talkers usually don’t talk a lot when we first meet people. But on the other hand, the talkers have no problem jumping right in and talking to strangers.

My youngest daughter and I are the non-talkers. We don’t get heavily involved in conversations when we first meet people. We like to get a feel for them and what they’re all about. We like to check them out. On the other hand, my wife, oldest daughter and son are the more social types. They go right into a place and don’t have any problems striking up a conversation with most folks.

Sometimes I really enjoy watching people who like to talk a lot just to see how they interact with others and others with them. You have some folks who can talk on and on and say absolutely nothing. I mean talk for hours and you get absolutely NOTHING.

Then there are the people who usually don’t talk a lot but they feel the need to always join the conversation just to feel like they’re a part of the crew. Their words are usually empty words.

I wonder do these people talk because they like the sound of their voice or is it something else. Could it be because their words are empty, shallow words with no substance and they talk a lot to try to fulfill or satisfy themselves?

What about you? Do you have a big mouth? Are you always talking about nothing? Are you a “know it all”?

Proverbs 18:20 says A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

Are your words satisfying you and others? Are your words filling?

When you speak, you should have something of importance to say. There should be some substance to your conversations. You words should be fulfilling, edifying, important, eloquent, informative, motivating, encouraging, significant, uplifting and meaningful.

You words should not come back void. Your words should not be broken promises. You words should not be demeaning, humiliating or filled with complaints.

Now there are times when you may be with family or friends and you are having fun and joking around and what you’re saying is silly and foolish and that’s okay. But in general, your words should have meaning and purpose.

Those of us in authority must really be careful about what we say. When we are in that position, our words mean a lot to those who look up to us. Whether you’re a parent, supervisor, teacher or community leader, you must be careful not to offend or hurt people with your words.

So what are you talking about these days? Are you speaking truth or lies? Are you building up someone or tearing them down? Are you showing trust or telling them that you don’t believe them? Are you praying for someone or cursing them?

What is flowing from your lips, fruit or poison? I hope it’s the former.

Be Encouraged and Have a Great Day!

Hello Friends,

Well you all know what February 14th is. That’s right; it’s St. Valentine’s Day. It is a day where folks from all over the country express their deepest feelings to their loved ones.

After doing some research I found out that there are many stories related to the origin of St. Valentine’s Day but they all have the same theme; LOVE. One story is that St. Valentine helped young soldiers secretly get married when it was outlawed for them to do so because they were in a war. Another story is of him being in jail and writing a love letter to a lady he loved and he signed it, ‘From your Valentine’.

To me Valentine’s Day is one of those days where I don’t see its purpose. People, male and female, go out and buy flowers, candy, jewelry, stuffed animals, gifts, make reservations at fancy restaurants, etc. just to show that special person that they love them.

Now the way I see it, you should show some love all year long, not annually on February 14th. I mean if you REALLY love someone, shouldn’t it be known at all times?

What if God said He was only going to show His love to us once a year?

1 John 4:7 says Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Love is defined as a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. Man’s definition of love is based on feelings and emotions.

But when God defines love, it is more than a strong affection. It is the total giving of oneself. It is a commitment. God sees love as giving and not expecting anything in return.

Who have you loved lately? What have you done lately to show someone you loved them?

Who have you called to tell them that you were thinking about them and you wanted to see how they were doing? Who have you sent a card or texted just to say ‘Hello’ or ‘Be Encouraged’? Who do you know who is struggling but you haven’t reached out to assist them? What single parent do you know who has had an extremely hectic schedule and just need a break and some time away from the kids? Who do you know who is out of work and could use some help with their resume and networking?

True love is not about emotions, feelings or the physical. It’s about giving unconditionally.

If you know God and are born again you should have a spirit of love. It should become second nature to love others but it may take some practice for some of us. I know I need some help.

So for this St.

Valentine’s Day and the days to come, make it a habit to do things because you love people and not because you’re looking for something in return. Show God that you love Him by loving the least of them.

Be Encouraged and Have a Great Day!

P.S. I’m sharing these words of encouragement with you because I love you!

Hello Friends,

In the mid 80’s there was a cartoon that came out called The Transformers. The Transformers were robots that transformed into vehicles, animals, and other objects.

In July 2007 The Transformers movie was released and I really enjoyed it. The actors were good and it had a good storyline, some comedy, and a lot of action. Basically the movie was about the good Transformers (Autobots) trying to stop the bad Transformers (Decepticons) from getting the Cube and transforming all electrical devises into Transformers and taking over the world.

The special effects in the movie were awsome. The transformation from a car or truck to an Autobot was great because when it was an Autobot, it was ready for war.

Now I know that this was a movie and it wasn’t real but we as a people are called to go through a transformation also. Not a physical one like the Autobots or Decepticons but a spiritual transformation.

Romans 12:2 says And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Transformation means to convert or to change.

Have you been transformed? Have you come to the realization that you need a change? Has your mind been renewed?

In order for us to go through a true transformation, it must start in the mind; we must renew it. Just think about someone who is trying to get physically fit. They can have all of the equipment, fitness programs, trainers, nutrition plans and supplements money can buy but if they haven’t focused their mind on working out consistently, none of that stuff will work. Ya’ll know what I mean. Some of you have the gym equipment in your house right now and your body hasn’t changed since you bought it.

The Transformers have a motto, “More than meets the eye.” Are you more than what people see? When they look at you, do they think about the old you not knowing that you have been transformed?

Unlike the Autobots, our transformation starts on the inside and is reflected in they way we live our lives.

When we are transformed we are ready for our spiritual battles. We can now handle and overcome life’s difficulties. When we are transformed we deal with struggles differently than we did in the past and we are able to overcome adversities because we look at situations different than others.

So if you’re still living the same old wretched life and you need a transformation, renew your mind and allow God to control your life so that you may live in His perfect will.

Be Encouraged and Have a Great Day!