Words of Encouragement

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."Our words should be used to build others up.
James 3:9-10 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." Wow what a powerful scripture. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Why is it that we struggle with our choice of words? Gossip and slander can be the most hurtful to others. I have found that if I take the time to pray, God will give me the words to say. I had a situation just a few weeks ago concerning someone whom was speaking very badly and spreading false information concerning my husband and myself. Needless to say, I was hurt and felt betrayed. For those who know me, they knew not to listen to the lies. I did speak to her by phone and asked her where she heard this information, she would not give me an answer as to who told her the information. I will say that before I spoke with her, I had to go to the Lord in prayer as I was deeply hurt by what was said. I simply had to give it all to the Lord. I will never understand why people choose to lie and spread rumors. It causes hurt and pain. I found out all this during the same week I found out bad news concerning my mom's cancer. We were definitely under attack. God reminded me that He has it all under control and gave me a great peace concerning the situation. We have seen growth within our youth ministry. God is really moving within our youth group. It is so AMAZING to see God moving.
Instead of choosing words to bring others down, let us be careful and wise in what we say. May we use words that will build others up. Encouraging words can make a person's day. Taming the tongue is hard for it takes the help of the Holy Spirit daily. I encourage you during the weeks ahead to choose your words carefully. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, be very careful in what you say, give it to the Lord. Let us pray blessings over our enemies. May our words be an inspiration to others.

The Struggles We Face

James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
Over this past year, we have been through some battles, persevered only through the help of the Lord. I will say that this past month was not a good one. We were facing one trial after another. We were hit hard. I am a person who pleases God but I also want to please others. I have learned both in Youth Ministry and in life that you cannot please everyone. It is a struggle when you are a people pleaser. I know God will get us through the hurdles. I know there will be more to come. I want to be like Paul and Silas when they were thrown into prison, they sang songs of praise unto the Lord. They kept the faith and their focus was on the Lord and not the trial. There will always be struggles in life. We must choose to keep the faith and keep our focus on the Lord and not the storms of life. Storms are a part of the journey. Everything that happens has a purpose.
After much prayer, God has given me scriptures and words of encouragement along with the help of my friends. Thank you to all my dear friends for your many prayers. May we learn to lift others up, pray for our enemies, and have a heart for the lost. We are called to be like Christ. Lord give us a heart for lost souls. When others mistreat us, may we bless them, pray for them and shower them with kindness as your Word instructs us to do. Help us Lord to praise you even in our struggles. Help us to persevere. May we put our complete trust in you daily. Help us Lord to keep our focus on you no matter what storms we may face. May we sing songs of praise to you even during the storms. Thank you Lord for your great love and mercy. Thank you for what you are about to do in our life!