God's Word is for our instruction!! Debbie McGrath

Today's reading:  
Proverbs 25-27, Romans 15

The readings today in Proverbs were awesome. So much wisdom to gain from in these verses.

The scripture that spoke to me today:

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the scriptures.

Observation:
Paul tells us the Old Testament was written for our learning and to give us hope, patience and comfort in our lives.

Application:
First, I love reading from the Old Testament!!!  When I read from the OT I gain wisdom from all the stories.  I love the fact that the Bible records it all, the good parts as well as the bad.  When I sit down to read, I am able to learn from Abraham, Lot, Moses, Miriam, Aaron, David, Esther, Jonah and the list goes on. The words of God give me wisdom beyond my years.  There is no other book that can give me encouragement and hope like the Word of God.  

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, for the privilege of reading your Word in freedom.
Give me a hunger for Your Word like never before.

Paul the Encourager

Today's Reading:  Numbers 7, Psalm 23, Acts 27

Paul the Encourager: by Debbie McGrath

Scripture that spoke to me: 
Acts 27:25 - So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God
 that it will happen just as he told me.

Observation:
Paul was a prisoner on a ship along with 276 other men. While on this journey, they spent 14 days in the middle of a northeaster.  For 14 days, they were in total darkness - no light of sun by day and no stars by night.  Everyone gave up hope of being saved except Paul. Paul was anchored in God's presence, he did not panic in the storm because he knew he belonged to God!! Paul, a mature Christian, could encourage others because he knew God was in control.

Application: 
If we are anchored in God's presence like Paul, no matter what is going on in our life - we should be able to encourage others.  Daily, we should encourage and comfort others because our hope is in Christ. A godly mature Christian is an encourager.  God has called Christians to be encouragers.
 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Encourage one another and build each other up.  By being an encourager, we can change someone's life.  Encouraging others is a ministry, it cost nothing and we have an unlimited arsenal of encouragement at our disposal.

Prayer:  
Dear Lord, today and everyday remind us to encourage everyone we come in contact with - giving them hope. Let us remember, a word of encouragement can change someone's life.