Category: Encouragement

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
Galatians 4:19

Paul wrote to the Christ followers in the region of Galatia because he knew they were struggling in their spiritual maturity. As he wrote this letter, he expressed a goal that God had for them. That goal is stated in today’s verse.

The goal is for Christ to be fully developed in the life of every believer. In other words, let Christ be completely and permanently formed (molded) within you. (from the Amplified Bible Translation). We are to be like Jesus.

As a parent, our goal is to see our children grow up to be healthy, mature adults. But it takes a lot of effort to reach that goal. Years of praying, training and discipline are part of the process.

In the same way, it takes an asserted amount of effort to be molded into the likeness of Christ. Lots of prayer, training, and discipline.

It’s easy for people to see Jesus in us on Sunday while we worship at church. But what about on Monday? It’s easy to be Christ-like when you are surrounded by Christ-like people.

When you see yourself surrounded by people who are not Christ-like, it makes life more challenging. That is why we are in a process of becoming more like Christ.

Paul knew the Galatians would never achieve the full measure of maturity in their own strength by simply following rules and regulations. Christ would need to be developed in their character and shape their lives from the inside out.

It’s the same for you and me. The more we grow in the grace of God the more mature we become as Christians. And the more knowledge of God’s Word we can receive the more Christ will shine through us.

Pray

Lord, fill me with Your goodness and grace. Let Your wisdom and love shine through me today. Mature my faith and mold me to be the person You have called me to be.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:24‬ ‭

We all get discouraged from time to time.  Discouragement is the opposite of encouragement.  If you find yourself discouraged today then today’s Scripture is just for you.

Many people throughout the Bible were discouraged at some point in time.  Elijah experienced a great mountaintop revival and then wanted to die.  

Discouragement is rooted in the fact that things didn’t turn out the way we had planned. We all like good results but sometimes we must endure the hardships which build character in our lives.

The cure for discouragement is quite simple.  You must realize that joy comes from a relationship with God through Jesus.  Joy leads to encouragement.

Be on guard!  Once you have great joy, Satan will desire to steal it away from you. Watch out for the people or things that come after your joy and the things you love.  

Spending time with God will give you the best encouragement.  No one ever comes into the presence of God and walks away discouraged.  God fills our life with peace and hope.

Showing mercy and kindness towards others will encourage your spirit as well.  Forgive those who have wronged you and you will begin to be encouraged.  

Protect your joyful heart, produce faith by spending time alone with God, and practice forgiveness as often as you can.

Pray

Lord, when I am discouraged, help me to find time to spend with You.  Give me faith to see the impossible and a heart to love others the same as You do.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
John 15:4

It’s important to understand our position in Christ. As we understand our position it will make a difference in how we live out our daily lives.

When we place our trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, our standing before God changes. We are no longer guilty because Jesus set us free. We went from prisoner to priesthood in the fraction of a second.

Because of the grace and goodness of God, our standing or position is affirmed through the work of Christ. We don’t deserve it nor can we earn it. Jesus satisfied the requirements of God.

The riches of God’s grace gives us a purpose for living. We have a new hope that one day we will be in the presence of God for eternity. Living in Christ makes for a more joyful experience in this life.

Some people consider their accomplishments as a standard of position. For example, if I work hard and earn a lot of money then I can be a person of worth and wealth. Sadly, money will never satisfy our longing of joy.

Jesus makes our life worth living. Being in Christ and abiding in Him satisfies our need of belonging. Everyone has a longing to belong to something. When we find our joy in belonging to Christ, we will live in the understanding of being in Him.

Pray

Lord, You make my life complete. You give me strength and comfort to face each and every circumstance I face. Help me to stay on purpose with Your will.