FIVE REASONS YOU CAN BE THANKFUL TODAY
This week I want to pour some courage into you, especially if you are feeling empty, broken, sad, worn down, and confused. God’s promises and His words are bigger than any circumstance or mountain in front of you. You are not alone, He is with you. Listen to these promises straight from God to you:
Ephesians 1:11
11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything workout according to his plan.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Ephes. 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Hebrews 12:5-12
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
1 Tim. 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
James 1:6-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
John 15:7-8
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to myFather's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
● It isn’t our ability compared to others that determines our effectiveness
● God is looking for people who have a heart after Him and His will, not for the next Tiger Woods or Kaitlyn Clark of your generation…
● God gives us what we are lacking in our own strength!
1 Cor. 1:26-31
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in ChristJesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Take heart that God has good plans in mind for you, that God has put you where you are to prepare you for what He knows is in the future, and so that you can help others see Him. Remember that God will empower you for the life before you and that He loves you with Grace! Hold onto Jesus and trust His promises to be bigger than whatever is before you! Let me know how I can be praying for you also, I would count that as a privilege!
Don Erehart
Erehartdon@gmail.com
