Want A Bible Verse About Encouraging Others?
How about several? Bible verses about encouraging others don't necessarily need to claim that for themselves, since the whole Bible is given to us so we can be encouraged by the gospel of Jesus Christ, who gave his own life to save ours!
Unique in revealing that astonishing news, the Bible stands alone as God's authoritative instruction manual for our lives...
When All Else Fails, Read The Instructions!
Contributed by Karen Hanson
Imagine that you've been given everything you need to bake the perfect cake: the finest ingredients, all the necessary tools, and even the perfect recipe. However instead of following the instructions, you just start tossing things together based on what feels right. You guess the measurements, mix out of order, skip some steps and hope for the best.
It's not very likely that you'll end up with a light, fluffy, delicious cake!
Now picture your Christian life the same way. God has given you everything you need for a fresh start: forgiveness of all your sin through Jesus, grace, a new set of friends willing to teach you about the Bible, and the help of the Holy Spirit to be successful beyond your own abilities. John 1:9 says " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Accepting Jesus as your Savior is like receiving all the ingredients. However, if you ignore the instructions, if you don't accept Jesus as LORD allowing Him to guide and lead your steps, how likely is it that your life will be as free and fulfilling as He intended it to be?
Accepting Jesus as your Savior is just the beginning of this beautiful relationship. God doesn't want to just give you a better life, He wants to give you a transformed life! That means asking Him to lead your decisions, guide your relationships, shape your values and even change your comforts and what entertains you. It means saying, " Not my will, but yours be done" , even when it's hard. It's not about being perfect and religious, but about living with a posture of surrender and obedience to the instructions and principles that God desires of us.
Romans 6:4 "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
Here's the good news: Jesus IS both our Savior and Lord ! If we allow Him to, He saves us and walks with us, leads us and strengthens us! He transforms us! Receiving Him fully and submitting every area of our life to Him sets us free from destructive patterns we have engaged in the past. Our desires begin to change, deep rooted patterns of imbalance are identified and we are able to deal with unresolved hurts, sinful habits and lack of self control. We begin to change from the inside out. We have better relationships with others as we become more trustworthy and faithful people. We learn the value of integrity. Then a beautiful thing happens, as our gratitude grows for all that Christ has done for us, it turns into a love like we have never before experienced. We begin to learn what love is and how to successfully love others. Our love for God turns into a desire to serve Him, wanting to share with others the benefits and fulfillment of having a relationship with Him. You never again need to be alone. God hears us when we pray. He says in Isaiah 41:10, " Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Don't settle for just a fresh start, live the full life God designed for you, accept His Lordship. He says in Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."
Posture yourself in surrender and obedience, allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps, and watch Him transform your life!
