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12 May - Release and peace: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Last week I spoke to a few friends about health issues and different worries about personal situations. We all have them and life continues to be challenging and tough for many. We spoke about ‘release & peace’ in these situations. As hard and worrying as life is, Jesus speaks of peace and power to be given to us. When you pray, release your concerns and requests to God, and ask him to help you leave it there, with him. Believe that the peace of God, that far exceeds our understanding, will fill you and guard your thoughts and attitudes, while God is working. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 Release your situations to God and ask him to give you his peace that he is dealing with it. Believe that he shows you what actions to take, and decisions to make. Have a day filled with release and peace! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

11 May - What’s in your hand? “But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.” Exodus 4:1-2 While being away recently, God spoke to me through conversations, his Word & our surroundings. I’ve been asking about future direction and a clear path for next steps, in various areas. Someone told me last week to ‘use what I’ve got’. I have many ‘What ifs’, and reasons to talk myself out of it, like Moses did. Excuses. We all do sometimes. God is saying to you today, for this month, for our futures - ‘What is in your hand?’ What passions, interests, and skills has he given you? What giftings, talents, and abilities do you have? God placed these in you for a reason. So maybe today - start with what you’ve got, work with what you’ve got and watch God bring the rest! Praying you find more ways to use what is already in your hand. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

10 May - Be still: ‘Be still and know that I am God’ Psalm 46:10 What do you need to be still for? Stop trying and controlling, stop fixing and forcing, and be still. Let God be God. Be still and know, that God is your: Provider (Gen 14:22) Protector (Deuteronomy 31:6) Strength (Exodus 15:2) Safe Place (Psalm 46:1) Friend (James 2:22) God not only provides for you and protects you, but he also strengthens you - all the while being your friend to talk to and confide in. When we look at examples of giant obstacles that fell in the Bible, it also helps us ‘be still and know’: David defeated Goliath with faith and courage, and the skill God gave him. The Israelites defeated the Egyptians by the Red Sea where God protected them and engulfed their enemy. Joshua’s conquest of the promised land with the Israelites started when Jericho collapsed and crumbled before their eyes and God gave them victory. It helps build our faith to trust God, and to be still more when we’re reminded of the numerous examples of provision, protection and strength from his word, of our own testimonies and those of people around us. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

9 May - God will show you: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” Proverbs 3:6 God will show you the way. Partner with God, seek him in everything and acknowledge him in your decisions and choices, he will show you which way to go. The warning is that you should seek his will in all you do – that’s where the challenge comes! It’s easy to seek God’s will when things go well, and life is easy. It is much harder to do when I’m pressed, stressed, and face battles in my relationships and circumstances. When I’m falling out with people, being rude and unkind, I’m not seeking God’s will in all I do. If I’m dishonest in my words or actions, or get involved in gossip, that’s not seeking God’s will either. I’ve been guilty of some of these in the past few days alone! Spending time in prayer, in worship, and reading God’s Word, always brings clarity and direction, to set you back on the straight and narrow. God sees your heart and that you want to honour him and seek his will in all you do, and he will show you the way. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

8 May - Take a seat: While visiting Yorkshire’s coast over the past weekend, I went for an early morning walk. These benches were all along the seafront, overlooking the beach and the ocean, with a beautiful outlook and peaceful setting. I felt a prompting from God to ‘take a seat’. Like a front row ticket at a show, I enjoyed a display of God’s creation in the waves rolling in and out on the sand, and rays of light streaming through the cloud cover. A feeling of peace and calm came over me, in awe of God’s craftsmanship. God wants you to ‘take a seat’ in your day, and enjoy his presence and his majesty, in the sky, in nature, in your surroundings and the blessings in your life. It puts how small we are in perspective, compared to how awesome and amazing God is! “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.” Psalm 19:1-2 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

7 May - In the storm: “Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:26 We read about Jesus being on a boat with his disciples when a fierce storm came. Jesus, calm and at peace, was fast asleep throughout the storm. The scared and worried disciples shouted for Jesus to help, convinced of their imminent death. The response Jesus gave the disciples, in their panic and fear, is the same he gives us when we are worried, panicked, and afraid: “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Jesus spoke to the storm, told it to go, and it did. The winds and waves obey him, he is in control of it all. Jesus isn’t worried about the storm you’re facing; he isn’t afraid of it. He knows exactly what the outcome will be, and how he will grow you in the process. Trust God with your storm, also trust that he’s with you, calm and at peace, while you’re in the storm. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown” Isaiah 43:2 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

6 May - All things: “… we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 My sisters and I were raised on this verse. My mum taught it to me at a very young age and whenever I’d be sad, worried, stressed, or fearful - she would say; “we know and believe that ALL things come together for those who love God and who follow him” Today, declare this over your life, your spouse, your children and family, your work, your health, your faith, and your home. He works everything together - that which you can see and all the stuff you don’t see or know about! It doesn’t mean everything will always go well, or that you will understand why things happen, or understand what’s happening at times. It does mean that he is Sovereign, All knowing, Almighty God who works it all out ultimately. In our storms, our deserts, and our valleys we can trust that God works ALL things together for our ultimate good! Praying that you find encouragement in this verse today, to strengthen your faith and comfort your fears and worries. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

5 May - Take delight: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalms 37:4 What does it mean to ‘take delight’? We delight in our love for our children and other loved ones. We delight in the joy, hope and fun that being in their company gives. This is what it means to delight in God - to enjoy him! To take joy from being in his presence. I love and enjoy being with God in praise and worship - turning up the volume and singing my heart out to him! The same goes for worship in church, with other believers, there is so much joy and fulfilment there. Then I also love sitting with my Bible and asking for direction and next steps in daily life. The great peace God fills me with and the sense of his presence in my life, is a great comfort and joy. Or going for a walk and just talking to God and telling him how awesome he is! What is it for you? God wants us to enjoy his presence and to enjoy our relationship with him. I pray you find new ways to delight in the Lord and to enjoy being with him! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

4 May - Not far: “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist.” Acts 17:27-28 God assures us that he never is far away from us! You may feel that he is far away when you don’t get your answer or the miracle you’ve asked for. You may think he’s far away because your faith is low, and you feel discouraged. He assures us in his word that his arm is not too short to save. (Isaiah 59:1) – he is right there, nearby, to save us. Our circumstances and experience of life could make us feel distant at times, that’s because of where we’re at - not because God is distant. You may not hear him in the way you’re expecting, but he is always near, he may be teaching you patience and trust. Sometimes we hear him as a whisper of love, the ‘still small voice’ - as Elijah found in 1 Kings 19. Reach out to God - he is near, the Lord is close, and he is in you by his Spirit! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

3 May - God’s TLC: “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. ……the love of the Lord remains forever” Psalm 103:13,17 We are assured of God’s love for us, of his tender and compassionate care for us. I experienced God’s tender loving care, in a very personal way recently. A friend sent me an unprompted message a few days ago, to say she was praying for a situation, which really encouraged me. I felt so seen and heard by God through that. Then, with a group of believer friends, our evening unexpectedly developed into urgent prayer and speaking into the same situation. Sometimes God sends his tender loving care to you through the people around you. He tells you: ‘I see you’, in what they bring and share, and in their love towards you. The comfort from a friend can feel like a direct hug from heaven. All you need to do is allow God to speak to you through others, to tune in to the message, to the tender loving care he extends through the people around you. It doesn’t mean you need to start hugging strangers but allow people in your life in, to pray for you and encourage you. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

2 May - God’s glory: “…the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you” Isaiah 60:2 Isaiah 60 is both a promise, and a foretelling of Jesus coming. The promise is that the Light, or Jesus, has come and God’s glory through his Spirit, is on us. It speaks of the great darkness that covers the earth but that there is hope in the glory of the Lord. The darkness gets drowned out by the light, overpowered by God’s glory! The word ‘glory’ as used in the old Hebrew, is ‘chabod’ – which means God’s honour, renown, majesty, but also his visible splendour, wrapped up in his glory, which he puts on us and in us. This is a powerful image to visualise, to think that God’s visible splendour, in his glory, is on us and over us. I imagine his presence over us, his glory on us, and all around us. What can you face with more confidence today, knowing that God’s glory is on you. What can you approach differently today, knowing that God’s visible splendour is on you. What authority will you walk in today, knowing that God’s glory is far more powerful than the darkness. Have a glorious day! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

1 May - Always encouraged: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 This prayer of blessing for one another is where the name of this devotional came from. The NIV translation says that God, ‘by his grace, gave us eternal encouragement and good hope’ That is what always encouraged means, it is eternal encouragement, heavenly and supernatural encouragement. We aren’t always encouraged through our own ability, or deeds or relationships. In fact, we are often discouraged and disappointed in these and other situations in our lives. Our encouragement cannot come from our achievements or abilities, or from those around us. We can be always encouraged because of the hope we have in Jesus, the love he pours out for us and the fact that he strengthens us in everything, whatever we do or say, as this verse tells us. I’m praying for us all that we will have the eternal comfort of being always encouraged by our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, in Jesus’ name, Amen. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

30 April - Guarantee from God: “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 God helps and enables you to stand firm. He commissions and anoints you for what you must do, he approves of you! God calls you his own, his child. He put his own Spirit into each of us so that we’re not alone and to guarantee his strength and blessing on us! Think about that for a moment, how awesome that is. That Creator God, Lord Almighty, brought things about so that his own Spirit lives in every believer, in every person who accepts him as Saviour and Lord. It is a deposit of him in us, a taste of his glory and goodness we get to experience personally. It is to encourage us and help us live in great expectation of eternity spent with him. It guarantees our faith and everything we believe, as God has promised. This guarantee from God gives us new confidence and strength to walk by faith, and to stand firm. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

29 April - When you need it most: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 Grace is an incredible concept to attempt to get our heads around. It is defined as the undeserved favour of God on our lives, including his forgiveness, mercy, and blessing toward us. It is also the empowerment to get through hard situations and difficult times. It is God’s strength and power flowing through us when we need it most. The Bible refers to it many times, it tells you that grace is what gets you through when you don’t know how, or if, you’ll make it. You will find grace to help you when you need it most! “by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:8 “Grace and peace be yours in abundance” 2 Peter 1:2 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11 “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” 2 Timothy 1:9 Come back to these verses to encourage and strengthen you, to assure you of God’s favour towards you, when you need it most! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

28 April - Why am I discouraged? “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:5-6 Through all of Psalm 42, David goes back and forth through longing for God, praising him and hoping in him, to despair and sadness about his life. This might be something you can relate to? While you have faith and hope about situations in your life, you still have moments of worry for the situation, and feel discouraged until God lifts your spirit when you praise and pray. David had many ups and downs, but he always placed God at the forefront of his fears and worries. He would always come to a place of testifying of God’s goodness. Through his trials and many tests, at the end of his life, he spoke these final words. “The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2 That is my prayer for all of us, whatever our circumstances; that we will place God at the forefront of our lives, that we will testify of God’s goodness and guidance, as he speaks to us and through us. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

27 April - Facing Goliaths: “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:47 David told Goliath in no uncertain terms that he was not afraid of his giant stature, his intimidation tactics, his insults, or sneers. David didn’t rely on his own strength when he went to face Goliath, he trusted that God was with him and would enable him to defeat the giant. This is the same for us today, when facing the Goliaths in our lives. We can tell the enemy that we’re not afraid of him, that God will give us victory and that he enables us in whatever we’re facing. Similar stories of battles and victories are all throughout the Bible. I pray these encourage you! “Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 “For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!” Deuteronomy 20:4 “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14 “We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” 2 Chronicles 32:8 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

26 April - Get more of the Word in you: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 15:16 Do you want to get into the Word more? Get more of the Word in you! God has incredible truths, lessons, examples, prophesies, and many more wrapped up in his Word. The Bible is a guide and a compass, a foundation, and a textbook for us to learn from and live our lives by. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been studying the Bible for 30 years or started reading it yesterday. If you want to hear from God more, get in your Bible more. If you want to grow your faith, get in the Bible more. If you want direction, answers, inspiration, get in the Bible more. It doesn’t happen overnight but little by little, bit by bit, it changes and shapes more of your thinking, and it teaches you ALL the time. “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 I pray you get revelation, wisdom and understanding as you get more of the Word in you! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

25 April - God is working: “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” Isaiah 64:4 God is working in the unseen and in situations unknown to us, on our behalf. He provides outcomes in situations that we don’t have any concept or understanding of. Our human wisdom can’t give us a full understanding of God’s power, or the full way that our Creator God loves us. Our own eyes and ears, our vision and hearing, our understanding, is insufficient, but when we live close to God, spend time in his presence, and are filled with his Spirit, he gives us glimpses of his goodness and glory. I love the encouragement of this verse: ‘he works for those who wait on Him!’ We are told this in other places in the Bible, for further assurance and confidence of God working for us, helping, and strengthening us. “My Father is always working, and so am I.” John 5:17 “The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” Psalm 121:5 Keep going in the knowledge that God is working on your behalf! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

24 April - No plan B: “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 In the property investment work I do; you always need to have an exit plan. Once done with a project, will it be sold or rented? You’d usually have multiple exit plans too, to protect the risk, a plan A and plan B. God had no plan B, there is no other plan, other than Jesus, to secure our future. God didn’t have multiple plans prepared, it’s only Jesus. We can’t find our salvation in other ways, in good deeds or charitable giving. Salvation only comes by accepting Jesus as our saviour and Lord. “There is no other name, none other than the name of Jesus! Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2:9-11 Thank you Lord that the only plan and way is Jesus, and no other name, that every knee will bow and declare you are Christ the Lord! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

23 April - Your capacity: “Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 I have a cupboard at home for my bags. There is a backpack, practical for day trips. My large handbag has room for my laptop and books. A smaller handbag is for everyday use, there’s also a clutch bag for formal events. Each of these bags have a function, and a capacity associated with their function. In the same way, each of us have a capacity for the function and purpose God has for us. He won’t call you to a certain role if you don’t have the capacity and ability to fulfil it. Perhaps you need to grow into that, but he enables and qualifies you for the role he has for you. Some have a larger capacity for responsibility and pressure, like the backpack. Others have less capacity and can cope with carrying a smaller amount, like the clutch bag. Neither is right or wrong, they’re both unique for the purpose and function they fulfil. Own your uniqueness, make the most of it, and ask God to develop your ability and capacity further, in the purpose you are called to! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

22 April - Everything is possible: “Jesus looked at them intently and said: ‘humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible” Matthew 19:26 Jesus said this to the disciples in response to a question from them about how to live, what to do and how to behave, as a child of God. So encouraged to read this verse - no matter what ye are looking at, coming up against, having trouble with; nothing that you pray about, fear or worry about is impossible for God! What you are looking at may seem impossible for you to do and it probably is impossible for you - but it’s not for God - put your confidence in his ability and not your own. Trust that he’ll make a way in what seem impossible circumstances. When your doubts and unbelief come, testify ‘but with God everything is possible’. Impossible is what God does, it seems overwhelming and intimidating to us, but God is not overwhelmed or intimidated by anything. Your human eyes and limited understanding can’t imagine what God can do. I pray that you will see the seemingly impossible become possible as you believe in God’s ability to bring about your change, miracle and breakthrough! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

21 April - Full of joy: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 In life, it’s easy to be on an emotional rollercoaster – while things go well, and are on the up, you are good and happy and positive. But when things are hard, stressful, and difficult, you are down, miserable, and negative. Paul throws this on its head, he was in prison, not able to do what he wanted, not able to see who he wanted, uncertain of his fate – and still he told the people of Philippi to be full of joy in the Lord, to always rejoice regardless of their circumstances. To be full or joy in the Lord, to rejoice, is to delight in the Lord; to feel joy when you think of him. The key is ‘in the Lord’ – it’s not in your circumstances, or in your success or failure, or your emotions. The words ‘joy’, ‘rejoice’ or ‘joyful’, appear in the Bible more than 400 times. Joy is a characteristic of God’s people, who put their hope and faith in his hands. Let’s remind ourselves and others of this today: “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” in Nehemiah 8:10 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

20 April - The source of hope: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Our faith is wrapped in hope. We hope during uncertainty, while we’re waiting. We hope for victory and a good outcome, we hope for ourselves, our loved ones, and people we don’t even know. Hope helps you find strength in prayer, hope helps build your faith, and hope fills you with courage. Hope keeps you positioned close to God, the source of hope. As these verses promise, when God fills you with hope, with it comes joy and peace. Rooted in your trust in God, hope brings an overflow of more hope into your life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep hoping in God and stay rooted in your faith! My prayer for us all today is to be filled to overflowing with hope and confidence in God’s power in our lives. That we will be completely filled with joy and peace, as we testify our trust and hope in him. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

19 April - It’s on you: “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” Romans 14:12 When you’re held to account, you need to give a report of your actions and decisions. Accountability partners, or groups, check in with you to see that you’re on track in whatever area of your life you’ve made yourself accountable. Paul is saying here, that each of us will need to give a personal account to God. We’re all individually responsible and accountable for our faith. Different people in your life will help and encourage, teach and support you in growing and deepening your faith. Christian friends pray for you and with you, and you grow together in faith. Growing close to God, building your faith, and developing and maintaining the habits to grow close to God, is ultimately your responsibility. It is not down to your spouse, or other family members, your pastors, or other church leaders, to be responsible for your growth in your faith. It’s on you! Ask for help and guidance. Then, do your part by growing and developing in your faith. Don’t blame others when you neglect this! In the end, no one else carries responsibility for your faith. It’s on you. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

18 April - Fill yourself: Today, fill yourself with God’s word and the encouragement that comes from him for hope, joy, peace, faith, grace, favour, and blessing. Then, in turn, encourage, support and lift others. HOPE: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”Romans 15:13 JOY: “The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 PEACE: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Philippians 4:7 GRACE: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8 FAITH: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 FAVOUR: “Then you will find favour with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:4 BLESSING: “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7 I pray that your day is filled with hope, joy, peace, faith, grace, favour, and blessing! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

17 April - What he requires: “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Do you find yourself asking God for answers on how to live your life, how to behave, which people to be around, what action to take as a Christian? God pulls you close and says ‘I already told you what to do’ - the instructions are very clear it shows what he requires of you, the direction and answers you are looking for: When we pursue these three, as instructed by God, he brings the answers as we pursue what he requires: Do good and do what is right, and treat others with honesty, integrity, and truth. Love mercy, love goodwill, love helping and serving others, bring relief to those around you and in the wider world. Walk humbly with your God: daily surrender to him and asking him to be with you in everything, showing the way! Praying for you today, let’s ask God for more help to do what he requires, to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

16 April - Close: “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 Looking over my adventure of life so far as a Christian serving and living to honour God, I realise that the times I am the most fulfilled and grateful to be alive, are the times when I’m closest to God. God is never far, he is with us always, but he is a gentleman who gives us free choice, we need to decide to let him in. We need to give him permission and access to our hearts and allow him to be active in our faith. We know these things, and still, we drift off at times, going down paths we shouldn’t be walking, looking in places we shouldn’t be looking. It’s a daily submission to give him control, a constant prayer of ‘God, be with me’ in our conversations, decisions, activities, schedules, and everything else. “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8 The Bible is packed full of promises about staying close to God, seeking him, and allowing him to have his way. All we need to do is decide to stay close! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

15 April - Written on God’s hands: “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16 God spoke these words to the people of Israel as part of a promise to restore and heal his people, as seen in all of Isaiah 49. This poetic phrase refers to the mothers of Israel at the time who had their children taken away from them by the Babylonians, and they had their children’s names tattooed, or engraved, on their hands as a daily reminder of their children. In the same way, God is always mindful of you. The chapter starts with “The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name” Isaiah 49:1 He knows your name and he called you. The whole of Isaiah 49 takes us through the prophesy God gives about how he will rescue the Israelites and get their captors to release their prisoners, and the children they took away. “For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.” Isaiah 49:25 God fights for you, he will restore to you that which was lost or stolen in your life. “At just the right time, I will respond to you.” Isaiah 49:8 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

14 April - The way to go: “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 When we want to walk in courage and faith, we want to make the right decisions and hear from God, in making those decisions. We want this scripture. Are you tuned in to how God might speak to you, to show you the way to go? It might be: A knowing as you pray, as you seek answers from God (think still small voice 1 Kings 19:11-13) A physical sign that answers your request (think Gideon’s fleece Judges 6:36-40) Trust and Faith built up in you, as you read God’s Word (‘be still and know that I AM GOD’ Psalm 46:10) Also, worship songs often speak straight into our prayers, sometimes it’s something in nature, a word or prayer from a friend, or a teaching message. God wants to speak to you and as you develop the spiritual muscle of hearing from him more, it grows and deepens your faith and trust in him, further. My prayer is that God speaks to you and shows you the way to go! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

13 April - Surefooted: “God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” 2 Samuel 22:33-34 Have you ever seen footage of mountain deer in the Middle East? They jump, stand and balance on the tiniest ledges on very steep mountains, even against cliff faces. This is the type of deer these verses refer to. God gives you the strength and enables you to stand in very rocky and steep places. He makes your feet steady and strong to stand in that place, even when it feels impossible. “God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” Psalm 18:32-33 “The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights” Habakkuk 3:19 Do not lose your footing, keep your balance and stand firm. With God’s strength and protection on your life, you can face difficulties, go into tough situations, and take on hard assignments; surefooted and steady! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

12 April - Put into practice: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing.” Philippians 4:9 We have many resources available to help us in our faith, in developing intimacy with God. Paul told the Philippians to learn from his example, and to put into practice what they learned, received, and heard from him, and saw demonstrated by him. In the same way, we have many resources to help us put into practice the examples we’re given. From God, through prayer, through his Holy Spirit filling us and living in us, we learn about his love and faithfulness. From God’s word, the people and stories in the Bible. We have all the example and illustrations of miracles and provision, like Paul. The most amazing one of these is what we learn and receive and hear and see from Jesus and what he did for us on the cross! From Christian leaders, authors and speakers, and our own local pastors. From others in church, and those throughout history we have as examples of faith. There are many other sources of learning, receiving, hearing and seeing about God, let’s use them daily to build our faith and maturity and grow stronger in the Lord! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

11 April - A crown of beauty: “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 This verse declares God’s turnaround power in our lives. He assures you, that even in your pain and suffering - he turns ashes into beauty; what you may think is dead and gone, he can restore to a stunning garden of life. A crown of beauty! He gives joy and peace instead of mourning. Again, you may be in mourning for a loved one, a relationship, a dream that seems dead - God’s restoration power can turn your mourning into dancing, your sadness to joy. It reminds me of what Joseph said to his brothers in Egypt: ‘What was meant to harm me, God has turned to good!’ (Genesis 50:20) I’m praying for all of us to see change in our lives, to see our mourning turn to dancing, to receive beauty for ashes! To receive a crown of beauty. To be solid and steady in our faith like great oak trees, immovable and strong. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

10 April - To completion: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 The first three months of the year feel like it’s flown by in a flash in some ways, packed with progress and strides forward, and in other ways like it’s dragged on and not really made much progress. Sometimes your own growth and development as a Christian can be like that too - in some ways you learn quickly, and it flies by as you grow closer to God and develop in your faith. At the same time, in other ways, you may feel like it drags by and you’re not developing spiritual muscles or deeper faith at all due to distractions and obstacles. Whether your faith is rapidly growing or dragging a bit right now - God is preparing his work in you along with his work for you, all the time! He will carry it on until it’s completed and fulfilled! God’s Word ensures us that he prepares great things for us: ‘No eye has seen; no ear has heard, and NO mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him’ 1 Corinthians 2:9 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

9 April - Make God bigger: “For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth.” Psalm 113:4-6 A few years ago, we sang a song in church; ‘our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other’. My older kids sang a song in kid’s church that went; ‘our God is a great big God’. These songs and many others describe God’s greatness and his awesome power. It makes God bigger than anything else. It gives God the place high above our worries and problems. Make God bigger! In your mind and prayers, make God bigger than the problems you face. Anxiety and fear might be less debilitating when God’s power is declared in that situation. Problems and worries could be less intimidating when God’s provision and favour is called into that place. When you make God bigger, you take the attention off the issue, and give God his rightful place as Lord in the situation. God, look down on us with protection and provision in our lives, as we make you bigger than anything we’re facing. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

8 April - God never stops: “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8 God is always watching over you and working on your behalf. He never stops. Whether you are close to him or far away, committed or indifferent, God keeps watch over you wherever you go. Looking back over my life, I’m amazed at the opportunities God created for me, and the places he brought me to, at times when I wasn’t particularly committed to my faith. Now this doesn’t give me license to just go off an do my own thing. However, it does speak to God’s faithfulness to me, even when I was far away. We have the assurance that God watches over each one of us, in our coming and our going, in our wandering and in our worship. The promise extends to our descendants too, both for now, and forever, even after we’ve gone. I’m so grateful that God never stops loving us and he never stops watching over us. Let’s thank God today for this promise for ourselves and our loved ones, the people in our lives and in our churches. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

7 April - Identity: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” And “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1: 4-5, 11 One of the things I wish I understood and grabbed hold of much earlier in my faith, is my identity in Christ. Who God says I am is what matters, not what others say, what the world wants me to believe or what social media portrays. This is something we should encourage and empower ourselves and other Christians with! You are loved, chosen, adopted into God’s family, united with Christ. You are God’s child, purposed and called. Ephesians 1 also says you are set free, showered with wisdom and understanding. Believe in your value and your worth, that God chose you - believe in your identity in Him. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

6 April - God is faithful: “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” 2 Peter 3:9 We all have our cares and worries about stuff going on in our lives. Sometimes our answers and way out come quickly, and in other cases, it seems the wait is everlasting. Either way, God is working on your behalf. He is making a way whether you can see it or not! He is faithful, whether you find it easy to believe or not. Thankfully, his power is not limited by our level of faith or ability to trust him. Let’s choose to trust God even when it seems like nothing is changing or working out! He is making a way, he promises this. “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright, and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4 “For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalm 33:4 “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” Psalm 119:90 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

5 April - Get wisdom: “Get wisdom; develop good judgment…..Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” Proverbs 4:5,7 Wisdom grows and develops, by getting wisdom. “The beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom”. (Proverbs 4:7 NIV). It starts by going after it, by looking for wisdom. God asked King Solomon what he wanted, he could ask for anything - he desired wisdom above everything because he knew that knowledge, insight, understanding, clarity all flow from wisdom. God rewarded him with much more than wisdom! (1 Kings 3:10-14) How do we get wisdom? The Bible tells us a few ways: Ask God for it, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” James 1:5 Surround yourself with those who are wiser, older, and more mature; “walk with the wise and become wise” Proverbs 13:20 Get knowledge and understanding from God’s Word; “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”. Proverbs 2:6 Be humble and teachable, find wisdom in humility; “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 Let’s ask God for more wisdom today, and surround ourselves with wise people! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

4 April - Hold tightly: “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23 Do you get a bit shaky in your faith sometimes? I do, and it takes effort and a conscious decision to get yourself back, to stand firm and hold tightly to your faith, and to trust God. Don’t quit. Keep going. Hold tightly! The enemy wants to take you out, he wants you to give up and get discouraged. His plan is to disappoint you and cause you to be offended. He will throw anything possible against you to derail your purpose and try to destroy your faith. That’s why we say, ‘no weapon formed against me will prosper’. (Isaiah 54:17) Hold tightly to your faith, to the hope and promise that God put in you. Dig deep to remember your faith and God’s presence in quiet times, a touch by the Holy Spirit when you called out to him, the chills during worship. Go back to the teachings you’ve listened to, the notes you’ve taken, the verses you’ve memorised. Remember your faith, remember God’s goodness, and hold tightly to the hope you have, to the promises of God! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

3 April - Humble yourself: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 Some find it easy to submit to authority, for others it is very difficult to do. When you are told to humble yourself, or submit to God, it could be something that goes against the grain for you, not because of God but due to your past experiences with those in authority. To fear God, to humble yourself under his authority or submit yourself to his leadership, is not the same as dealing with leaders, parents, teachers, or company managers. God isn’t a bad leader or a corrupt ruler. He is God almighty, who doesn’t lie or change his mind, he is steadfast and faithful. When I’ve gone my own way and tried to force or control outcomes in my life, things have generally gone horribly wrong. In contrast, when I’ve submitted to God’s authority over my life and given everything over to him, the process and end-result has had peace throughout and a good outcome. He will bring the result about for you, he will lift you up in due course, when you humble yourself and submit to his authority and plan for you! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

2 April - Make God the Lord: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 When we honour and obey God as the Lord of our lives, we are promised blessing and an inheritance as his children. In a world full of distractions, and content overload, it’s easy to lose focus and get side-tracked. People in Bible times got distracted and side-tracked too, they worshipped different gods and idols. Similarly for us today, people make idols of money, status, and popularity, amongst others. Making God the Lord means we give him the highest place, the ultimate authority, in our lives. We want to give him the top position in every part of our lives: Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. Blessed is the family whose God is the Lord. Blessed is the church whose God is the Lord. Blessed is the person whose God is the Lord. God, please help me to give you the place of honour and authority as Lord of every part of my life. I trust you Lord and I give you control. Amen #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

1 April - Blessed to bless: “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” Genesis 12:2 God spoke these words to Abraham when he promised him a nation of descendants, while he was still childless. The term ‘make you famous’ comes from the Hebrew root word that means ‘to grow’. In other words, God said he will bless Abraham, and help him grow, to be a blessing to others. God didn’t bless Abraham for his personal enjoyment and reward. He blessed Abraham, so that through him many others could be blessed and prosper. Equally, God doesn’t bless you and I for our own purposes and enjoyment alone. We are blessed to share it out, each of us are blessed to be a blessing to others. God helps us grow in our faith, knowledge, wealth, health, and many other areas. Whether it is financial, resources, time, giftings, abilities – nothing God gives us is to be hoarded and used for our own personal gain, it is to be shared and multiplied out as it blesses others. I pray God grows us and shows us all places and opportunities to be a blessing to others! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

31 March - Testify powerfully: “The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 Jesus is risen, he defeated the grave, he conquered death! His death and resurrection make eternal life possible for us, for all who choose to believe this love that Jesus displayed. In this love, he enables us all to share in this great news, not just because he saved us but because we get to share with others about Jesus. Your testimony is powerful, unique and will speak into the lives of others. You never know how God could use your story to touch someone else, to bring them near to him. God’s blessing is on you, for sharing the good news about Jesus, what he did on the cross for us all and how it impacts you in your life, and how it’s relevant to you. Like the apostles, God enables us all to testify powerfully about his love for us on the cross! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

30 March - Wait patiently: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act” Psalm 37:7 Do you find it easy to wait patiently? Many of us struggle to wait, hang fire, sit tight, or stand by. We’re not used to waiting anymore. The world is all about click-and-collect, next day or even same day delivery. Are there things in your life that you’re trying to fix quickly, or force a result in, instead of waiting?  God’s plan and promises for you are not a click-and-collect, or next day delivery service. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22), it’s a virtue. Waiting for something helps us appreciate it more, and it teaches us more patience. God tells us to be still in his presence and wait patiently for him to act. We get the strength and ability to wait patiently, by spending time in his presence, and being close to him. He teaches us to wait, he helps us with patience, although we forget that at times. Go back to his presence, ask for patience and resilience for your waiting, and keep taking it back to him during the process! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

29 March - Healing and comforting presence: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 After emotionally draining and upsetting times or events, it is quite normal to feel empty and exhausted. In my own life, that’s happened recently, with concerns for my elderly parents and their care, as their independence is reduced and they become frailer and more vulnerable due to their needs. Decision fatigue, concerns, fears, grief, sadness - all these and more consume your mind during times like these. When you are drained, and feeling empty, it often helps to have a good cry! It also helps to top up your tank with times with loved ones, hobbies, and other fulfilling activities. However, the only place where your tank will really be filled to overflowing, is by filling up with the healing and comforting presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Like this Psalm says - when the deer is empty, and thirsty, it longs for a drink from streams of water. Our empty tanks need to be filled up with the Holy Spirit, with streams of living water that comfort, heal and strengthen us. We long for your presence and power to fill us, in every situation Lord! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

28 March - Graze “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 Graze on God’s goodness. The book of John in the New Testament was written in Greek, and the word pastures used in the verse, means to graze. The original Hebrew word for pasture (as used in Psalm 23, for example), also means to graze. Finding good pastures, or to be led to green pastures, are both likened to grazing in a field. I love the image this brings, of God providing fields of his goodness for us to graze on. For us to feed and chew on his word, and his love. His provision of not only our physical needs, but also our spiritual and emotional needs, is fulfilled when we graze on his faithfulness and goodness. Verse 9 speaks of coming and going freely, meaning it’s there, but it’s your choice, and you will sometimes be closer than other times. Still, the field is there for grazing. The Shepherd guards over you and the pasture is always available for you to come and graze. Praying we all have some time today to graze on God’s goodness and grace! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

27 March - The Spirit of the Lord will rest on you: “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11:2-3‬ I’ve noticed that the closer I am to God, the more connected, and tuned-in I am to hearing from him, the easier I handle and process setbacks, and the less discouraged I am by disappointments and hurts. Holy Spirit enables me to be strong in my faith. Look at the awesome promises we’re given about God’s spirit and it’s effect on us: The Spirit of the Lord will rest on you. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding will equip you. The Spirit of counsel and might will strengthen and encourage you. The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord will fill you with ability. You will delight in obeying the Lord. Praying for more of God’s spirit to rest on you, equip you, strengthen and encourage you! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

26 March - Lighthouse: “…..for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” 1 Peter 2:9 When someone special to us goes through a difficult time, it’s hard to see them suffering. Recently a loved one went through a very dark period and all I could do for them was to pray. Sometimes even messages of support or encouraging verses are too much for someone to process or believe, but we can always pray, and bring all our requests for that person to God. While praying, I saw a hill with a lighthouse on it, and a dark landscape below. The person was trying to get through the darkness but claws tried to drag them back. The light from the lighthouse came round, shining into that darkness, exposing it for them to see the claws grabbing hold of them but also to see the path ahead, to get to the light. They were freed from the claws under the light, and were able to run into the light. The claws represent different issues and struggles for different people. Believe that when the light shines into that situation or over the issue, it is exposed, and can be dealt with. The darkness cannot survive when God’s light shines into it! ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ John 1:5 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

25 March - A wall of protection: “You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is!” Job 1:10 The book of Job starts with the devil talking to God about Job. The words of this verse are what the enemy said of God’s protection and favour for Job. ‘You have always put a wall of protection around him.’ God is faithful and true, he protects us. That doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer or go through tough times, or have difficult situations and hurts to deal with. The world is full of people who make poor choices that others suffer from, along with the schemes of the enemy wanting to stop us or derail our purpose. To enable and activate protection for ourselves and our families, churches, and loved ones - we should pray for a wall of protection to be around them. Pray further for them to resist the schemes of the devil (James 4:7) and to make wise choices for their lives (James 1:5). My prayer is that the protection around us all will be so strong that it frustrates the enemy because God always has a wall of protection surrounding us! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

24 March - They will return: ‘Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
    They will enter Jerusalem singing,
    crowned with everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
    and they will be filled with joy and gladness.’ Isaiah 51:11-12 Every person on earth is one ransomed by the Lord, they just don’t all know it yet! Jesus died for all, not for a select few or a specific group. His salvation and redeeming love is for all mankind. This verse is a hope for us to hold on to - The disappointed ones will return. The lost ones will return. The ones without hope will return. The broken ones will return. They will return. Pray for people who are far away from God, those who have fallen out with their faith and all the others who are hurt, disappointed, hopeless and offended. Believe this promise as you speak it into their lives ‘they will return, they will praise God and be filled with faith. Their sadness and hurt will be replaced with joy and gladness!’ #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

23 March - Quiet and Peaceful Lives: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 We live such rushed and hectic lives, often at a pace that causes overwhelm and burn-out. Notice how Paul doesn’t advise any working or striving for achievement, to get to live peaceful and quiet lives. He also doesn’t recommend lots of activity or to-do lists, or acquiring things. He gave Timothy a few great guidelines to a peaceful and quiet life. These are for us to live by too! Pray for all people. Pray for all people, give it to God and then leave it with God. Further he says to: Ask God to help them Intercede on their behalf, meaning pray into their situation Give thanks for them I love how simple these instructions are. To live a peaceful and quiet life - ask God, pray for others ans then leave it with him - that’s where the peace and quiet comes from, it’s from God! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

21 March - Think truth and speak truth: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 Every Christian I’ve met, me included, regularly come up against a variety of lies and perceptions about ourselves and other people. The enemy tells us lies like ‘you’re not good enough’, ‘you’ll never fit in’, ‘you won’t make it’, and many others! A mentor told me years ago to weigh up any of these thoughts and opinions against the word of God. What is truth, and what is perception? The negative things we’re told, the bad thoughts we have about ourselves, the perception we have about how and what others think about us – are all usually not the truth. The truth is found in Jesus, and he is the truth. Jesus will set you free, the truth will set you free. The lies, deception and perception will try to bind you and hold you prisoner to negativity, low self-esteem and insecurity. Think truth and speak truth. Declare into every situation that because you know Jesus, you know the truth, and the truth will set you free! And we’re promised that: “if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

20 March - The ones sent off: “He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:14 It’s easy to read this verse and think that it doesn’t apply to us, to think we are not apostles. However, the original word used for apostle in Greek when this was written, means ‘the ones sent off’. So, we are all apostles, we are all ones sent off into our homes, communities, workplaces, schools, and the wider world, with the word of God. That means these great abilities Jesus gave to the apostles all those years ago, he also gives to us! He appoints us, he sends us out, and he gives us all authority to do so – we’ve all got work to do and parts to play. Jesus doesn’t leave us alone to do anything, he has given us his Holy Spirit to strengthen, anoint and instruct us, so we have got the presence of Jesus with us whatever we do. The apostles were sent out and given authority to do Kingdom work, and that’s the same for all of us today. We’re appointed, the ones sent off! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

19 March - Your past does not decide your path: “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time” 1 Peter 3:18 Many Christians have memories and events from their past bothering them. The Bible tells us that Jesus dealt with our mistakes, hurts and even trauma, on the cross when he defeated death and rose from the grave. The process of dealing with your past is not instant. For some it may be instant, but usually not. Abuse, addiction, or other criminal activity, are all serious issues and usually require professional help to be dealt with in a suitable way. However, there are various other hurtful past events like harsh words spoken to you, bullying, controlling parents, unkind family, toxic relationships, the list goes on. We need to be freed from the effects of these events and healed to continue as well-functioning humans. The great news is that we know the answer, we know who to go to for help with healing from the past. The Holy Spirit will help us and guide us to healing or to find the right people to help us. No matter what the enemy tries to tell you, believe today that: Your past does not determine your future. Your past does not dictate your potential. Your past does not decide your path. God does! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

18 March - Bit by bit: “He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!” Isaiah 28:10 This past week I was carting off rubble to remove it from a property we had stripped of plaster. It’s very heavy and bulky, so I had to take it away a few buckets at a time, in parts, bit by bit. I felt God say that is how he deals with our past hurts, mistakes, and shame. Bit by bit. He takes our past, the things we wish we could blot out from our personal history, and he removes it, by his love. He is gentle in how he does it, not with a great ‘bang’ all at once, but bit by bit, he helps us confront and process events from our pasts, the mistakes made, and injustices suffered. It’s a picture of God’s amazing love for us. He doesn’t leave us where we are, but he meets us where we are, and then brings us closer to him. God wants to love us back together again, bit by bit. He doesn’t force it on any of us, but when we’re ready, he helps us through and over the obstacles of our past. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

17 March - Walk after the Lord: “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 God gives us a roadmap and a guide to life with him. We don’t always see the end destination, but he leads and shows us step by step when we do what this verse says: 1. Walk after the Lord: follow him, let him lead. He guides you. 2. Fear him: be in awe of his almighty power and respect his ability. 3. Keep his commandments: do what he says and teaches us in his Word. 4. Obey his voice: Listen to him, tune in to his promptings and guidance. 5. Serve him: submit to his will and work for his kingdom. Use your abilities and skills to serve him. 6. Hold fast to him: in uncertainty, in fear or worry, cling to him and to the hope and trust that your faith in him gives. Lord, help us, every day, to walk after you and fear you. Give us the strength to keep your commandments and obey you. Our hearts are to serve you Lord, show us how! Help us to hold fast to you no matter what, Amen. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

16 March - Hope in the living God: “That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:10 The meaning of hope is ‘a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.’ Our faith and hope align to believe for good and better for our lives. Our hope is in the living God. Without hope it can be difficult to see and believe that God has good plans for your life. Without hope it’s hard to keep praying for the outcome you’re asking God for. Keeping hope alive is vital to your faith and trust in God. Hope in the living God, energises and motivates you to keep going and to work towards your goal or calling, it gives motivation to persevere. When you feel hopeless, you feel flat and low, but when you choose to see hope in your circumstances and to have hope for answered prayer and outcomes, then hope lifts your head a little higher and gives you the confidence to keep trusting and believing God for every part of your life! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

15 March - No room: “for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27 Recent unexpected circumstances and the actions of other people have caused us a big amount of work, time and expense sorting it out. My frustration and irritation levels have been sky high, and I felt angry at times. Perhaps you’ve had similar emotions in whatever you’re dealing with. This verse speaks of giving a foothold to the devil, other Bible translations refer to it as giving room to the enemy, giving him a place or an opportunity. Let’s leave no room in our lives for any of the plans and schemes the enemy has. We’ve all got challenges and issues to deal with, whether big or small. Leave no room for the enemy’s tricks, stick close to God instead, and constantly ask God for strength, resilience, and patience in what you’re facing, instead of giving in to the anger or irritation. You may experience a different set of challenges and circumstances where the enemy tries to get a foothold, a place in your life. I pray God gives us all wisdom to see this for what it is and give no room to the enemy! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

14 March - By God’s grace: “For by God’s grace, I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles.” Romans 15:15-16 The letters Paul wrote make up a big part of the New Testament. Throughout these letters, he refers to God’s grace in, and on, our lives. God’s grace is his favour and mercy on us, whether we deserve it or not. Paul knew the only way he could do his job was with God’s grace on him, hence his words ‘by God’s grace, I am a special messenger’. God’s grace is ongoing, for all of us. It’s a constant and continuous flow of God’s love and strength, over our past, present and future. Paul had grace on his past – his history. The wrong-doings, and poor decisions. He did originally persecute, and kill early Christians, after all! Paul had grace for the present - his calling. He planted numerous churches and was responsible for spreading the gospel to many parts of the world. Paul had grace on his future – his legacy. The letters Paul wrote, we get to read now, it encourages several billion people reading the bible across the world. Like Paul, we have grace on the past, in the present, and also for the future! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

13 March - Dear friend “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9 A friend and I had been trying to get together for a catch up for over 6 months. Something came up in one of our lives every time we were due to meet, and it got postponed several times. We finally met up recently and it was so good to chat and be together. We may not get to spend as much time with close friends as we’d like to, but there are plenty of things we can do to show our love and appreciation to them. Send a memory message, remind your friend of a special memory you share and how precious it is to remember a time you have had together. Send a card, a ‘just because’ card, tell them how much you love and appreciate their friendship. If you struggle for time for coffees or meals with different friends, arrange a group gathering for a coffee morning, or meet a group of friends for dinner for a mass catch up. A phone call or a text message also goes a long way to showing your love and appreciation. Thank you for friends, Lord, help us appreciate and love them more! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

12 March - God loves you: “God is love” 1 John 4:16 It took me a long time to understand and truly believe that God loves me. Growing up in a strict church, I didn’t automatically know about God’s love, instead I was more afraid of his wrath and judgement. Past hurts and mistakes also don’t create a natural openness to a love freely, undeservedly given. Several years ago, God sent different people, on different occasions, over a period of a few months to tell me specifically that he loves me. He went to a lot of trouble to get the message across to me - he loves me. I believe this message today is meant to confirm to some, and persuade others, of God’s love. A lot of striving, insecurity, and unbelief will cease when you truly hear, accept, and live in God’s love. God says “he has loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3 “See what great love the Father lavishes on you” 1 John 3:1 “We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1 May today be the day you really believe this – God loves you. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

11 March - Don’t deviate: “…Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.” Joshua 1:7 When I need to keep going, I often refer to this line about following the instructions and directions we receive; ‘Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left.’ In other words, stay on track and focus. It’s easy to get distracted by life, worries, and responsibilities. Going off track rather than staying on target, is something I am very prone to personally. God gives us all pointers, or very clear direction about what to pursue and what to let go. He teaches us to put his Kingdom first, to ask for his guidance and direction, and that he will show each of us what is for us to take on. (see Matthew 6:33, James 1:5) Don’t look to the left or to the right, keep your focus. Don’t allow distractions, procrastination, and excuses to steer you off track. Focus carefully on the instructions you have, about your life and purpose, seeking God’s Kingdom first. This promise follows – ‘then you will be successful in everything you do!’ #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

10 March - Our parts to play: “…thank God! He gives us victory …. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 We all have our parts to play and jobs to do in God’s Kingdom and in the ministry or church where we’re involved. Each of us have abilities and giftings to use to serve God and the people he put around us. This scripture reminds us that nothing we do for God’s Kingdom is ever useless, or in vain. You may not see the fruit of your work straight away, in fact someone else may see a harvest for work you put in. God’s blessing and favour is on his children, his grace is on Kingdom work. Perhaps you are wondering whether you should sign up for an event, volunteer on a team, be involved to serve your community - whatever it may be - do it if you can. There are many ways to serve in God’s Kingdom and to be part of his great commission to ‘go into all the world’ - he promises us that it will not be in vain. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

9 March - Not one word from God has failed: “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” 1 Kings 8:56 Solomon praised God for his faithfulness, all throughout 1 Kings 8 there are prayers from Solomon praising God for his faithfulness. He had seen promises from God fulfilled and was living in the promise of further answers to prayer. We have the same promises to stand on, that which God made originally to Moses, and to Abraham and Isaac, to name a few. Our faith stands on that which we don’t see, yet still we believe. We also build our faith on the promises fulfilled in God’s Word, and in the people we know have had prayers answered. We also remember all the prayers we ourselves have had answered, to build our faith further. Like Solomon, many of us have also seen promises from God fulfilled and we are living in the promise of further answers to prayer. We haven’t seen every prayer answered, we’ll still have many requests and questions but in faith we can say: ‘not one word from God has failed’. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

8 March - Go to Jesus: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalms 55:22 Over the years there have been worship songs like ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, ‘Talking to Jesus’ and ‘What a friend we have in Jesus.’ These all tell the story of going to Jesus with everything, to turn to him no matter what. It speaks of generations, praying and talking to God about everything. Thinking about these songs reminded me to tell Jesus everything that is on my heart and mind. To give him every worry, fear and need. So, I made a list in my journal of every big and small thing on my mind and prayed about it all. The exercise of listing it, writing it down, took a weight off my shoulders and brought a new perspective of hope and faith. Going to Jesus helped remind me who’s in control, as I felt much lighter after sharing and praying my list through with God! My prayer is for us all to continue to remember that turning to Jesus is the way through, during and before ALL the troubles, trials, and triumphs we face. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

7 March - Your make and model “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10   Yesterday I drove past a car dealership with all different makes and models of vehicles on the forecourt. Big cars, small cars, fast and practical cars. Ultra-modern and modest cars. All these cars outside reminded me of a group of people together, all different, just like all these different cars. I felt an overwhelming sense to encourage someone to stop trying to be what you are not! Stop trying to be a racing car when you’re more of a family option. Stop trying to have the capacity of a pick-up truck when you are more economical and efficient. Stop trying to be an ultra-luxury car when you are practical and reliable. Trying to force and strive to be different comes with insecurity and unfulfilled expectations and disappointment, none of those are from God. If an improvement or change in you is required, work on and pray for that, but do not try to be someone completely different to who you are made to be. We are all different, but we have one Maker, who wants to give us fulfilled, abundant, satisfied lives. That includes being content with the skin you are in, whatever your make and model! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

6 March - God focus: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” 2 Chronicles 16:9 God wants our full attention and total commitment to him. He wants us to be God focused. The picture this verse gives is one of God’s attention on us, finding those whose attention is on him in turn, and to strengthen us, as a reward for being committed to him. I’m not there (yet), my attention is often on many other things; and distractions are everywhere! My focus can be on a hundred different things other than being God focused. I’m sure on some level, it’s the same for you. However, God sees our hearts and he sees our love for him and our desire to serve and commit more to him! He knows our hearts are ultimately to have more of a God focus. ‘Lord, I want to commit all my heart to you today, this week, for the rest of my life! Please show me where my attention is moved away from looking to YOU and strengthen me to bring my focus to you continually. Amen’ #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

5 March - Leaky buckets: “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!” Jeremiah 2:12-13 Growing up, we often went on camping trips to a farm where there were no facilities. We always needed to have a ‘shower’ during these trips. My dad made holes in the bottom of a bucket, hooked it to a tree, my sister would pour water into it, and you’d have to get clean very quickly. The water drained out of this leaky bucket in no time. When we don’t look after the condition of our heart, the levels of our faith and our attitude to God, we can be like leaky buckets with the Holy Spirit. The cracked cisterns that Jeremiah speaks of, are those leaky buckets, where we don’t retain much of the word, or prayer time, or teachings we hear. When we are like sponges instead, thirsty for the word, thirsty for the Holy Spirit to feed us, and drench us, we will retain more of God’s word, his teachings, and lessons. Today let’s ask God to help us be sponges instead of leaky buckets! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

4 March - Constantly, consistently remain: “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” John 15:7 In John 15, Jesus famously told his followers to stay close to him, the vine, of which we are the branches. To remain close, to stay connected, you must be attached to the vine. Once cut away, it’s impossible to bear fruit and grow. In verse 7, we receive this command – remain close, stay close to Jesus, and to his word. When you do, you can ask for anything! When you are constantly and consistently close to someone, you get to be so in-tune with them that you almost know their thoughts, or what their opinion would be on something. It’s the same with our closeness with Jesus, the closer you are, and the closer you stay, when you constantly and consistently remain, you will trust him more and more. That in turn, will make you much more intuitive to ask for his will for your life. The closer you remain to Jesus, to the lifeline of relationship with Jesus, the more fulfilling and fruitful your life will be! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

3 March - Dig deep: “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.” Psalm 18:16 A series of delays on a work project, family issues, and various insecurities, all contributed to a few days this week where I felt ‘not good enough’. I tried to listen to my favourite worship playlist, but it didn’t have the usual uplifting effect. My concentration was all over the place, so listening to teachings also didn’t work as it usually does. I have lots of memory verses, but even they weren’t coming to mind at first, I drew a blank. It quickly became clear that I had to dig deep and go find the encouragement and change of perspective that I needed. I felt God say to me, ‘list MY word’. Going through my journal, I started listing verses from recent devotions, and then the memory verses and confidence in God, flooded back into my mind. To get out of an emotional hole, we need to dig deep into our spiritual strength. This verse is a promise that God reaches down to rescue us from those deep holes. I pray God shows each of us the thousands of promises he gives to lift and encourage us when we need to dig deep! #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

2 March - Fan into flames: “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you” 2 Timothy 1:6 We love sitting out by our firepit, watching the flames, warmed by the heat of the fire. When the fire goes out, you need to add more wood, or light up the remaining embers, giving some airflow to light up the flames again. It’s the same with the flames of our faith, and the giftings God has blessed us all with. They don’t just stay alight, and shine bright permanently. You need to feed it, like a fire needs wood to continue to burn. You need to give it airflow, and ‘fan into flames’ your gift – to light it up again. Having a gift and anointing from God, is just the beginning. It requires dedication and effort to nurture and feed it, for it to become a bright flame that gives warmth and comfort to others. What can you do today to ‘fan into flames’ your gifting, and grow your faith? #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged

1 March - No need to compare: “….you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” Galatians 6:4-5 Have you ever looked at someone and thought they look like they have the perfect life. They look fabulous, their spouse seems amazing, their kids appear to be first and best at everything. In short, they just seem to have it all together. After years of talking to and supporting women in church, in my wider family, and in other areas of my life - I know with certainty that no-one is perfect or has the perfect life. Someone could be looking at you right now too, and think you have it all together, when you’d probably say they couldn’t be further from the truth! Don’t allow the romantic idea you have about someone else’s life, to tarnish your view of your own life. The enemy wants us to be resentful and jealous, to feel insecure and ‘not good enough’. When you focus on gratitude and an attitude of thanksgiving for all you have, it changes your perspective from only seeing good in the lives of others, to see the beauty and blessings in your own life. #encouragement #motivation #faith #gratitude #inspiration #alwaysencouraged