Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” 1 Samuel 30:7-8 David took the time to inquire of the Lord. There are seven times in 1 and 2 Samuel that tell us David “inquired of the Lord” (1 [...] Read more »
Waiting on God Strengthens You in The Lord
Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, My way and my lot are hidden from the Lord, and my right is passed over without regard from my God? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might [...] Read more »
Praying in the Spirit Strengthens You in the Lord
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20 (New International Version) A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally 1 Corinthians 14:4 (New Living Translation) Did you ever notice Paul wished everyone would speak in tongues? Read 1 Corinthians 14:5 a little slower, and stop at the first comma. If you jump up to the verse 4 you’ll see why… because the ones who speaks in tongues [...] Read more »
How Pastors Can Help People Hope
Now I want to share something with pastors. I know it’s not easy to compete with TV, radio, and now internet speakers. You’re people can watch amazing speakers on Youtube that you can only quote. I want you to know that God doesn’t expect you to compete with anyone in the Kingdom. You’re to do the best with the gifts you have. But please, only share the words of life. What are the words of life? They are the words [...] Read more »
Where You Can Find A Life-Giving Church
If you’re in a town and there is no life giving church, and it’s impossible to drive to a life giving church, there are other alternatives. But before I share with you an alternative I need to be clear – I’m not saying if you’re upset with the pastor or if you’ve been hurt by a friend this alternative is for you. Iron sharpens iron and if you’re running away from what God wants you to take to the cross, [...] Read more »
6 Things We Do with Others that Strengthens Us In The Lord
You know I have a pastor’s heart, so you know I’m going to try to find a way to tell you “The coal goes out when it’s removed from the embers, but it burns bright when it’s close to them in the fire.” And you’re right, as I studied the Word I found some verse that seemed to fit together to expand on meeting together for encouragement. Here is what Scripture says strengthens us: 1. Grace Do not be carried [...] Read more »
The Word of God Strengthens Us In the Lord
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:27-28 (New International Version) When you need hope, pray the Psalms. Start reading anywhere and read until you get to one that speaks to your situation, then camp out there for a while. In the Psalms God has given us a language to pour our hearts out to Him. Take Psalm 13 [...] Read more »
Praise and Joy Strengthens Us In The Lord
The Bible promises: Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50:14-15 (New Living Translation) Praise defeats the enemy. It’s something anyone can do. Children are even powerful when they choose to praise: From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the [...] Read more »
Hope Strengthens Itself in the Lord
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 In the middle of the tragedy, when his men were talking about stoning him. David strengthened himself in the Lord. When you’re in the middle of tragedy – when the phone call comes that takes your breath away, when you cry out to God [...] Read more »
How to Be Healed of the Inner Wounds
To live unoffended at God, it’s not simply a matter of willing our minds to think different thoughts. Wounds are where the strongholds in our thinking take root. We need to be healed of these wounds. If you don’t know why you’re offended, but you know you are because your admittedly standoff-ish with the Father, or you don’t like hearing other’s testimonies or you’re quick to take offense at others, ask Him to show you the root wound using these [...] Read more »