Encouraging Word - October

[bluidkiti]

October 1

See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Exodus 23:20

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

Ezekiel 34:27 (NIV) ...They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them...

Thought: All those prayers you prayed? Ya, God answered them.

Psalm 57:9 (NIV) I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations...

Thought: Does your world need to get bigger?

[bluidkiti]

October 2

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety. Psalm 61:1-3

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

Ezekiel 34:28 (NIV) ...They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.

Thought: There's a lion watching over you -- the lion of Judah.

Proverbs 4:13 (NIV) Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Thought: Godly wisdom guards your heart.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 1:26 (NLT): If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

Today’s Thought: The tongue is the most powerful and dangerous weapon we have. We can either choose to build each other up or tear each other down with it. Which will you choose to do today?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me keep my tongue under control today and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 3

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ-the Son of the Father-will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

Ezekiel 34:30 (NIV) Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them...

Thought: Maybe God's greatest promise -- "I am with you."

Isaiah 41:4 (NIV) Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning?

Thought: You've been on God's mind...for a long time.

[bluidkiti]

October 4

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Exodus 13:3 (NIV) Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand."

Thought: Breakthrough! At last. Give the Lord thanks!

Psalm 49:8 (NLV) The cost is much for his soul to be saved. Man should stop trying...

Thought: You can't save yourself. Only Jesus can. That's why He gave His life for yours.

[bluidkiti]

October 5

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for you because of what you have done. Psalm 92:4

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10

Romans 12:15 (NLT) Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Thought: Relating to real life -- it's what God does for us, and it's what He wants us to do for others.

Psalm 119:165 (NIV) Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Thought: Faith in the Father keeps worry far away.

[bluidkiti]

October 6

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord 2 Timothy 1:8

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:10

Philippians 4:4 (NLV) Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy!

Thought: The King's kids -- they have it all.

Isaiah 41:9 (NIV) ...I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

Thought: Even when you wander away, God wants you back.

[bluidkiti]

October 7

Jesus said, "You must love the Lord your God will all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." Matthew 22:37

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9

Exodus 13:8 (NIV) On that day tell your son, "I do this because of what the Lord did for me..."

Thought: Build modern-day altars and memorials in your life to celebrate what God does.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Thought: God knows what you're going through. And He'll face it with you.

[bluidkiti]

October 8

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. Romans 15:1

Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) Then the Lord replied: "Write down the revelation..."

Thought: Keep a journal. Jesus is talking.

Acts 17:27 (NKJV) ...He is not far from each one of us.

Thought: Find comfort in His closeness.

[bluidkiti]

October 9

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation. Isaiah 12:3

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

Habakkuk 2:14 (NIV) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Thought: Your life is part of God's glory. Let it shine.

Psalm 143:11 (NIV) ...Bring me out of trouble.

Thought: An earnest plea is an effective prayer.

[bluidkiti]

October 10

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Psalm 100:2

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12

Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV) The Sovereign Lord is my strength...

Thought: Don't look within for what you need. Look up.

Isaiah 41:18 (NIV) I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.

Thought: You're going to find God working where you least expected.

[bluidkiti]

October 11

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV) ...the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.

Thought: You're the one He loves. Let it comfort you today as you lean on Him.

Isaiah 55:4 (NIV) I have made David a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.

Thought: There's a divine design for every life. Let God lead yours.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 2:24-26 (NLT): So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

Today’s Thought: We should look for opportunities to bless people on a daily basis. Something as simple as helping someone carry a bag of groceries out may have a huge impact. Ask God to lead you.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You put someone in my path who I can bless today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 12

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

1 Corinthians 4:2 (NLV) A servant must be faithful to his owner. This is expected of him.

Thought: If you're a Christian, those words put all of life into perspective.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIRv) Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter. Your hands made all of us.

Thought: By design, you're made to be a "masterpiece."

[bluidkiti]

October 13

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time-to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

1 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) I am sending to you Timothy...who is faithful in the Lord.

Thought: Our reputation speaks louder than words. What does yours say?

Jeremiah 17:16 (NIV) I have not run away from being your shepherd...

Thought: You have a calling. Are you carrying it out?

Isaiah 51:1 (NIV) Look to the rock from which you were cut...

Thought: Start your day with Jesus.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 3:2-5 (NLT): Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

Today’s Thought: The tongue is so small but yet a very powerful body part. We must try to use it to build each other up instead of tear each other apart.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that only wholesome words come out of my mouth today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 14

I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Psalm 119:45

The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

Deuteronomy 33:13 (NIV) ...May the Lord bless Joseph's land with the precious dew from heaven above...

Thought: And so may He refresh our hearts in the same way today.

Luke 9:43 (NIV) They were all amazed at the greatness of God.

Thought: What about you? Take time to worship Him today.

[bluidkiti]

October 15

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Micah 2:13 (NIV) One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.

Thought: With God, you will never walk alone in this life.

Luke 9:2 (NIV) Jesus sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Thought: Where will you go? Who will you touch?

[bluidkiti]

October 16

Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty John 6:35

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. John 1:4

Micah 2:12 (NIV) I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.

Thought: God never forgets anyone. You're on His radar right now.

Luke 8:39 (NIV) Jesus told him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Thought: Your family needs faith, too.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 3:15-16 (NLT): For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

Today’s Thought: Jealousy can cause a lot of damage in our life. We must guard our hearts. Instead of being jealous when God blesses someone, let’s try to rejoice with them!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me rejoice when You bless someone instead of being jealous. Please forgive me for being jealous in the past. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 17

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:5

Micah 3:8 (NIV) But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might...

Thought: God's hand is on you to do great things.

Luke 8:30 (NIV) Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed Him, for they were all expecting Him.

Thought: "God, give me an expectant heart. Help me to watch for You, to wait for You and to recognize Your work in my life. Amen."

*****

James 3:17 (NLT): But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Today’s Thought: We should be full of love and gentleness at all times. This does not come naturally but is a learned behavior. How do we learn it? By praying and seeking the face of God.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me be full of love & gentleness. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 18

Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Micah 4:10 (NIV) ...the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.

Thought: Keep praying. Keep persevering. God will reward your faith.

Psalm 119:133 (NIV) Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over me.

Thought: God will guard your heart. Just ask Him.

[bluidkiti]

October 19

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:11

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Thought: All you have to do is talk. Jesus already did the hard part.

1 Kings 3:9 (NIV) So give your servant a discerning heart...

Thought: Facing a decision? God can give you the answer.

[bluidkiti]

October 20

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. John 11:25

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22

Joel 2:12 (NIRV) The Lord announces to His people, "Return to me with all your heart."

Thought: Being sorry for what we've done and being totally surrendered to Him -- that's what God wants from us.

Luke 8:46 (NIV) Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."

Thought: There is hope for healing.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:2-3 (NLT): You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

Today’s Thought: Sometimes in life we must perform a “heart check.” Not physically but spiritually. We must make certain we are doing everything with the correct motive. If we are not, we must change.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I give You permission to tell me if I’m doing everything with the proper motive. If I’m not, please tell me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 21

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31

Micah 5:2 (NIV) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old...

Thought: It's never too soon to start celebrating the Christmas story.

Psalm 16:8 (NIV) I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Thought: Let God lead. Where you place Him in your life is the most important decision you'll ever make.

[bluidkiti]

October 22

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Proverbs 20:7

Micah 5:4 (NIV) He will stand and shepherd His flock...

Thought: You're never beyond God's reach.

Psalm 143:7 (NIV) Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails.

Thought: It's ok to tell God exactly how you feel.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:5-6 (NLT): Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Today’s Thought: In this life we will have many battles, there is no way around it. However, we can overcome all of them! How? Simply ask Him to help you.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You give me the strength to fight & stand up against evil desires. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 23

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 119:1

Micah 5:4b (NIV) ...His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

Thought: God's Good News travels near and far. Boldly Go, wherever He leads.

Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You.

Thought: Start your day by seeking Him.

[bluidkiti]

October 24

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Philippians 4:4

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Micah 6:8 (NIV) ...act justly...love mercy...walk humbly with your God.

Thought: Grace. Give it away.

Psalm 143:8 (NIV) ...Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.

Thought: God leads those who follow.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:9 (NLT): Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.

Today’s Thought: We need to take responsibility for our actions. The fact is, we sin. It is not anyone’s fault but our own. We need to first admit it to God, repent of it, and finally turn from it.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You forgive me and help me turn from it. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 25

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Proverbs 16:21

Micah 6:9 (NIV) Listen! The Lord is calling to the city...

Thought: Will you pray for yours?

1 Kings 17:22 (NIV) The Lord heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived.

Thought: Don't hold back in prayer. Ask God for great big, bold results.

[bluidkiti]

October 26

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights. Proverbs 11:1

Psalm 119:4 (NIV) You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Thought: There's no such thing as going half-way with God. You're all in, or not at all.

1 Kings 17:5 (NIV) So Elijah did what the Lord had told him.

Thought: Our obedience -- it's the greatest thing we can give to God.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:11 (NLT): Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

Today’s Thought: Our words have much more power then we think. This is why we must be extra careful of what we say about one another. We should always be building each other up instead of tearing one another down.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me speak life instead of death today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 27

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Psalm 57:7

Revelation 3:16 (NIRV) But you are lukewarm. You aren't hot or cold. So I am going to spit you out of my mouth.

Thought: There's no gray area with God. He knows our hearts. He longs for us to follow Him fully and completely.

Psalm 143:10 (NIV) Teach me to do Your will...

Thought: A humble, willing heart pleases God a lot.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:12 (NLT): God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Today’s Thought: We must not judge other people. Let God do the judging. Our job is simply to love people.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You please forgive me for judging others. Instead of judging, please help me to love people & show them how much You love them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 28

"Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. Psalm 107:28-29

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7

Micah 7:7 (NIV) But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Thought: Believe God for big things, no matter how hard a situation seems.

Psalm 142:7 (NIV) Set me free from my prison...

Thought: We're often trapped behind unseen walls. Let Jesus be your breakthrough.

*****

Today’s Scripture: James 4:13-15 (NLT): Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

Today’s Thought: We do not have tomorrow promised to us. This is why we must make each day count for Him. What are you doing for Him today?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me do Your will today. Put someone in my path that needs to hear how much You love them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

[bluidkiti]

October 29

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. John 16:22

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 15:58 N

Micah 7:9 (NIV) ...He will bring me out into the light.

Thought: The clouds will break. Keep looking up!

Daniel 6:4 (NIV) They could find no corruption in Daniel...

Thought: Integrity always stands out.

[bluidkiti]

October 30

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. Isaiah 58:11

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23

Micah 7:18 (NIV) Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression...

Thought: God's mercy is for everyone who messes up.

Daniel 6:10 (NIV) Three times a day Daniel got down on his knees and prayed...

Thought: Pray more, not less.

[bluidkiti]

October 31

...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

Proverbs 17:6 (NIV) ...parents are the pride of their children.

Thought: You don't have to be perfect. Just be present.

Daniel 6:27 (NIV) He rescues and He saves...

Thought: Don't hold back. Give God your biggest problem.