Category: Encouragement

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His love and truth in the world. The apostle Paul provides us with practical guidance on how to fulfill this calling, particularly in our interactions with those outside the faith.

Firstly, Paul urges us to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside.” This reminds us to conduct ourselves with discernment and holiness, especially when engaging with non-believers. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the wisdom and grace of Christ, drawing others to Him through our example.

Secondly, Paul encourages us to “redeem the time.” In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, we are called to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love. Time is a precious resource, and we are to use it wisely for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of our speech. He instructs us to let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to point others to Christ or push them away. Therefore, we are to speak with kindness, gentleness, and respect, allowing the flavor of God’s grace to permeate our conversations.

As we strive to walk in wisdom, redeem the time, and let our speech be seasoned with salt, may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to effectively share the hope and truth of the gospel with those around us. May our lives be a living testimony to the transformative power of God’s love, compelling others to seek Him and find salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the privilege of being Your ambassador in the world. Help me to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, and let my speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. May I reflect Your love and truth in all that I say and do, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6

Today’s verse gives us the essence of worship, inviting us to lift our voices and our hearts in praise to the Lord. But what does it mean to praise the Lord with everything? It goes beyond mere words or rituals; it encompasses the totality of our being. It’s an expression of gratitude, adoration, and reverence for the One who is worthy of all honor and glory.

To praise the Lord with everything means to engage all our senses in worship – to sing with our voices, to clap with our hands, to dance with our feet, and to lift our hands in surrender. It means to offer Him the best of our talents, our time, and our resources as an offering of love and devotion.

Praise is not confined to the sanctuary; it permeates every aspect of our lives. It’s found in the beauty of creation, in the laughter of children, and in the kindness of strangers. It’s present in the mundane moments of everyday life and in the miraculous interventions of God.

When we praise the Lord with everything, we align our hearts with His purposes and His will. We acknowledge His sovereignty over all creation and surrender our lives to His loving care. And in return, we experience the joy and the peace that come from dwelling in His presence.

So, let us heed the call of Psalm 150:6 and praise the Lord with everything we have and everything we are. Let us lift our voices in song, our hands in worship, and our lives as living sacrifices unto Him. For He alone is worthy of all praise, now and forevermore.

Pray

Lord, I praise You with everything I have and everything I am. You alone are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Help me to worship You in spirit and in truth, with every breath. May my life be a living testimony to Your goodness and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4

Isaiah 35:4 offers a message of hope and encouragement to all who are fearful-hearted. It’s a reminder that in times of trouble, we can find strength and courage in the promises of God. He is not a distant or indifferent God, but a loving and compassionate Father who cares deeply for His children.

God says, “Be strong, do not fear!” These are not empty words but a powerful declaration of His faithfulness and sovereignty. He calls us to rise above our fears and insecurities, to trust in His unfailing love and power to deliver us from every trial and adversity.

The promise doesn’t stop there. God assures us that He will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He is a God of justice who will set things right and make all things new. He will come to our rescue, not with a timid hand, but with the full force of His might and power.

Whatever you may be facing today, whatever fears may be holding you captive, remember the promise of Isaiah 35:4. Be strong, do not fear, for your God will come and save you. Place your trust in Him, and He will give you the strength and courage you need to face whatever lies ahead.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of Your presence and deliverance in times of trouble. Help me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are with me and that You will save me. Give me faith to trust in Your unfailing love and power to see me through every trial and adversity. In Jesus’ name, amen.