Friday, 9, May 2008
The K-LOVE Encouraging Word for Friday, 9 May 2008:

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3 NLT

A Deeper Look:
Nobody likes going through testing times, but when they come in our faith they help us grow even more in HIM.

Encouraging Word Archive
8 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

James 1:19-20 NLT | Context | Print

Tension in relationships is inevitable, but God's Word encourages us to be; slow to get angry. Angry responses delay healing, but humility and patience restore relationships.
7 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

...He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Psalm 40:2 NLT | Context | Print

Ever feel you can go no further? During those times all God asks is that you keep walking. He knows when to rescue you.
6 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Hebrews 10:23 NLT | Context | Print

No matter what the storms of life bring we can walk without wavering, that is moving side to side, he really loves us and wants to be a part of our lives, all of it!!!
5 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God and respect the king.

1 Peter 2:17 NLT | Context | Print

A good way to gain the respect of others is to treat them with respect. Peter challenged the young churches to cultivate respect for all people.
4 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Romans 5:1 NLT | Context | Print

Peace that is indescribable! That is what it is like walking with the Lord. No matter the circumstance, no matter the difficulty you can walk in that peace if you trust HIM!
3 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

...for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Proverbs 3:26 NLT | Context | Print

Have you ever hiked along a small path up a hill and started slipping and sliding? In walking along the path of life it is nice to know he is there to help us in our walk
2 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.

Psalm 71:5 NLT | Context | Print

Sometimes in a hopeless world it is nice to know who our hope is in. It is the Lord Jesus. Trust what he is doing in your life.
1 May Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:31 NLT | Context | Print

How much are sparrows worth? Not very much, but God knows when each one falls. How much are you worth? You have inestimable value in God’s eyes. When you feel hopeless, remember God knows you and deeply cares for you.
30 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22 NLT | Context | Print

What can make you rich in this life? Money, possessions, and friendship--these provide a measure of happiness. But only their source--God--can truly fulfill your inner longing and satisfy your soul.
29 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

Psalm 73:24 NLT | Context | Print

Are you at a crossroads, uncertain of the correct path to take? Seek the counsel of wise friends, and look to God for his wisdom. He won't let you wander aimlessly but will be your confident guide.
28 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 NLT | Context | Print

Life is confusing. It can be hard to know which way to go on the pathway of life. Thankfully, God offers us his wise leading and counsel, so we don't need to be anxious.
27 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5 NLT | Context | Print

What do you do when you don't know what to do? Seek God's guidance. If you do so, he promises to grant you wisdom.
26 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD

Psalm 27:14 NLT | Context | Print

Sometimes our fears creep in because it seems like God is taking too long to answer us. Is he out there? Hold on--he will answer you, so you must trust him while you wait.
25 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1 NLT | Context | Print

The best way to gain a good reputation is to focus on obeying God, not on earning others' approval. People who honor God win respect.
24 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT | Context | Print

Relationships are deepened when friends help one another through difficult times. We strengthen our relationships by extending the care and comfort we've received from God.
23 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Romans 12:12 NLT | Context | Print

God has big plans for you--even if it may not seem like it right now. Even in the worst of circumstances, God has provided a heavenly hope. Keep telling him about your struggles, and he'll keep holding you up.
22 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 6:37 NLT | Context | Print

It's wise to treat others the way we would like to be treated--with humility, generosity, and forgiveness. Jesus teaches us how to maintain good relationships.
21 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

…he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5 NLT | Context | Print

God's great mercy caused him to save you. In spite of what you've done, he couldn't stand living without you! He even gave you his own holiness!
20 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 NLT | Context | Print

Jesus had a far different agenda than the world has. He could have pursued personal greatness, but instead he chose to trade his life for ours.
19 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1 NLT | Context | Print

Waiting for answers to prayer takes patience, especially when we need help immediately. But our patient reliance on God will be rewarded.
18 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.

Psalm 24:1 NLT | Context | Print

The Psalmist declares the Lord’s authority in this verse as well as ownership of this world and everything in it and that includes us!
17 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24 NLT | Context | Print

We need to be encouraging one another other in two areas: Love and good deeds. Letting Christ love shine through us!
16 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

Psalm 112:9 NLT | Context | Print

There is a blessing in giving what we receive to those in need. We become God's reservoir, and from his abundance flows streams of blessing to those in need.
15 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 NLT | Context | Print

Don’t become weary in well doing. Keep up the good work of blessing others but learn to pace yourself!
14 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16 NLT | Context | Print

Acts of kindness and sharing our resources are very pleasing to God, even when they go unnoticed. Believers experience fellowship with other believers when they make their resources available to those in need.
13 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 NLT | Context | Print

The blessing is in the giving. Not only will the person you are giving to be blessed but you as well!
12 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT | Context | Print

God gives both the seed and the bread, both the surplus to invest and the resources to support one’s family every day. God gives gifts to his people for their own use and for investing back into God’s work.
11 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT | Context | Print

This piece of agricultural wisdom contains a profound truth about Christian giving. Like the foolish farmer, he who plants only a few seeds—who refuses to trust God with their future financial security—will inevitably lose out on God’s rich blessings
10 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT | Context | Print

We have a job to do, and our lives must reflect our motivation and our goal—to serve our Lord, to share his gospel message, and to be ready for his Kingdom. We should carefully use our time, making use of opportunities for doing good!
9 April Encouraging Word: A Deeper Look:

For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:9 NLT | Context | Print

While each servant has various functions, each one is a team member with the same purpose—to bring people into God’s Kingdom and to see them mature in their faith.