Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 1 Oct 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 1 Oct 2007

The start of a brand new week and the word of encouragement today: Being bold and courageous, yet before our Lord we stand weak and fragile. Many people define boldness and courage as being physically strong, having a resilient and tough character, we also often define these words through famous people who exemplify these characteristics. Today, I pray and hope that we will allow God to define these words in our lives rather than let the world define what it means to be bold and courageous, yet before our Lord we stand weak and fragile. Today, let us be encouraged by God to know that He doesn’t care about worldly boldness and courage when it is achieved by our own hands and desires, but what He cares about most is the spirit man/woman inside us, is it bold and courageous before God, willing to be humble, weak, and fragile? Are we willing to give up, and surrender everything everyday for God? Believe it or not, when we stand weak and fragile before God, we are actually being bold and courageous. We are boldly giving our lives to God. To be fragile, is a powerful word because we are saying to God that I want to be easily broken by You Lord. When we are easily broken by God, it is exciting because we are seeing things from a different perspective, we start seeing what God sees. We start hearing things that we never paid attention to before, because God is speaking to us. We start saying things we never used to say, because God is using us to be His mouth peace to the world. This does not mean we are robots being controlled by God, because no matter what we are sinners and we are all imperfect. God has given us freedom to chose and make our own decisions. Isn’t it sad though, that in our world today people are being fragile and weak before “men”, weak and fragile towards their needs and desires, things that are aimless and useless. It seems as though God comes secondary, and only important in times of desperation. Today, I pray that we all would desire more and more to be weak and fragile before our Lord and watch and see that spirit in us standing boldly and courageous, desiring the things that God desires. © Oct 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 30 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 30 Sep 2007

Today’s word of encouragement is about working on our blind spots. It isn’t easy for us to accept that we have blind spots because no one wants to take the effort to change. I know that I am, and most of us are guilty of that. It is important to pin-point key blind spots in our lives to fix, especially if it is causing us to draw further away from God. The reason why I say this is because, everyone has blind spots. It is important to find and focus on the key areas to work on rather than the ones that are ineffective. God has given us people in our lives, to help us discern and reveal areas to work on. Family members, friends, and wise counsel. It is important who we listen to and who we trust, because it would be pointless and ineffective if we try to listen to everyone’s suggestions. In Psalm 146:8, “The LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.” Today, let us pray that we come with open hearts to seek God, seek wise counsel of areas in our lives where we have blind spots that God wants us to work on, so that we can be fully used by God for His kingdom. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 29 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 29 Sep 2007

Heading into the weekend, let us take the opportunity to evaluate and examine our hearts. Everything that we have gone through, the good, the bad, areas in our lives that we need to work on. Write it all down, what are some of the blessings that you have received this week, what were some of the difficult moments you had to go through during the week; maybe God is saying to pray for people, people who are causing you stress in your life. Most of us have either gone through a rough week at work, a tiring week, and we feel drained. Through all this, it is important that we find rest, it is important that we spend time with friends and family. But most of all we must spend time with God, praising His name, glorifying Him, thanking Him, and listening to Him. Many of us are excited about the future, and all that we will do for God. The excitement can cause us to forget how important it is to evaluate, to seek God where He is leading and moving. Today’s word of encouragement is spending time evaluating: 1) Our relationship with God. 2) What was the toughest part about our week, the difficult moments—write them down, pray over them, seek God to bring clarity, pray blessings over these situations. 3) Write down God’s blessings through the week, and give glory to God, praise His name. 4) Pray for people that God is putting on your heart, our leaders, our nation, other nations—what is God revealing to you? Pray blessings. Psalm 26:2-3 says, “2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.” Today let God examine our hearts, evaluating areas in us where we can work on to draw closer to Him, where we can be a blessing to others, and where we can find restoration in our souls. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 27 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 27 Sep 2007

2 John 1:9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Today’s word of encouragement is simple; There are no shortcuts to having a relationship with God. As the Word of God clearly says to us all in 2 John 1:9, Anyone who runs ahead in the teaching of Christ does not have God. There are no shortcuts to obtain a strong and firm relationship with God. God has to be our number one, and top priority in our lives. This word is so important. I hope that we reflect upon this verse as often as we can, especially when we get too caught up with life and the trials of life. The reason why it is so important is because, it reveals to us all that it does not matter if you have been a Christian all of your life, or if you have just accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior today. The fact is, we all cannot run ahead and not do what Christ teaches us. The moment we stop reading our Bible, praying, talking with our discipler, and attending our life groups, we are headed down the slippery slop. You know what is amazing, about dengue fever? All mosquitoes, when they bite us we don’t feel a thing because they have a natural antiseptic which numbs our skin; but look how many people have lost their lives due to dengue fever. The next time we fall to sin, I hope we will remember dengue fever, because it first attacks us and we don’t feel anything, but as it sucks and sucks our blood, so does sin it sucks and sucks all that is righteous and draws us further away from God. Before we know it, it is too late, and we are spiritually dead. Many of us think that the moment we except Christ as our Lord and Savior, everything from that point on is smooth sailing till we go to Heaven. Let’s be real! Life is hard, it is painful, it is a struggle, sometimes we don’t know why things happen but they do, but through all this we know one thing is for sure; GOD IS IN CONTROL. Today, I hope we would be encouraged to rebuild our relationship with God. We cannot stop, we cannot get distracted, we cannot run ahead of the game, and we cannot take bits and pieces of Christianity and feel that we are headed the right direction. What is your relationship like with God? © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 27 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 27 Sep 2007

When we examine our vision for our future, which one is most like you, Nearsighted or farsighted? Today’s word of encouragement is the importance of not being too nearsighted, but having a vision which is farsighted. What does it mean to have a vision which is farsighted? Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important that what we do today, right now, is just as important, because those decisions that we make now will affect our future. But to answer that question, simply put, a vision that is not farsighted is shortsighted. The key to distinguish the difference between a person, who has a nearsighted or a farsighted vision, is the way and approach to looking at their future. Farsighted people are strategic, being tactical, deliberate, and calculated with their lives for their future. They see many roads, paths, and highways each with a different outcome; however, they are not fearful or scared because they know and are clear which road to take because God is first in their lives over their own desires. They know that what lies ahead is not going to be easy, it is going to hurt, and it will be painful, but they are not scared, because they are centered on God. Others around them may seem more successful, better, but they do not compare themselves to others, because they are secure in the fact that God has a unique plan and purpose for them. Not only are farsighted people strategic, they are planners. Planning for the future works hand in hand with strategizing, because strategizing alone is not enough, it is pointless to strategize if we don’t plan. Planning is preparation. Most of us like to see the great destiny ahead that God has given us, but they don’t like to prepare, learn other skills, gain wisdom in order to get to that farsighted vision. We need to be people who are prepared for the future; preparation includes development of areas which needs to be worked on learning to have a teachable spirit is the key. Refining of character, developing good habits, scheduling because time is precious and important. People who are shortsighted are concerned about the now and time is of no consequence. Even though they may look like they are content with life, shortsighted people are often worried about their future and what lies ahead, but they rather not think about it or talk about it. Another common trend with people who are shortsighted, they spend all their time focusing on what they don’t have today, what they lack, and compare themselves to others and all they say to themselves is, “life is not fair”. “God doesn’t love me”. “This is the life God has planned for me”. Let us stop making excuses! Lets start turning our eyes off us and on to Him. God is a God who is farsighted. Can you imagine before we were even born He purposefully planed, molded, and gifted each of us to do His will? All He asks of us, is to give our lives to Him, let Him lead, and seek Him and He will tell us what lies ahead for tomorrow. Today, I hope we would be encouraged to say to ourselves, what am I waiting for? What is stopping me for seeking God, to capture His plans for my future? What is stopping us from planning ahead? God has so much in store for each and every one of us. Time is ticking; don’t wait any longer, yes the journey maybe painful and it is hurts, but to be used by God for His Kingdom is priceless. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 26 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 26 Sep 2007

In 1 Peter 1:13 the Word of God says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[ Today’s word of encouragement is about action, taking action when God says move, go, get up! Taking action when something that you see is not right. Taking action and confronting people, to help encourage, build, restore, and most of all correct. So often all we do is complain and complain, instead of complaining, take action, do something about it. As the word clearly says in 1 Peter 1:13, we must prepare our minds for action! God is moving and directing, don’t miss the boat. Sometimes we say to ourselves I’m too young, I’m not ready to take action. Sometimes we say I’m not good enough. Often we say, someone else better should say something, should take action, not me. Today, let us all make a choice to be people that takes action when God speaks to us about areas in our lives that we need to take action. Many of us hear God, see the Signs, see the “red flag” and yet we are not taking action to obey God. Forgiveness of past hurt is a key area where we so often don’t take action to do. Taking action to confront hurt feelings, offenses, and bitterness is common as well. Taking action to correct areas of sin in our lives that we hide from the world, but I hope we all realize that everything we do in secret God sees. Let us be encouraged to seek God, and give Him our lives, surrendering and obeying His voice. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 25 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 25 Sep 2007

It is a fact of life that we are all flawed; we are also bound to make mistakes and offend people. Today’s word of encouragement is learning how to over look an offense, and if you are the person offending people learning how to humble yourself. Firstly, to us all who are prone to getting offended by people, it is important that we learn how to be secure. Security not in relationships with people, or objects, but security can only come from our Lord Jesus. The enemy attacks and destroys relationships through offence. We need to turn on our internal alarms and be aware of when we are feeling offended and feeling hurt. Turn our eyes to God, and take refuge in Him, for His love is unfailing. In order to have healthy relationships with people, it is vital and so important that our relationship with our Father is placed first over others. Yes people are real, but humans are flawed. Secondly, to those of us who often offend people, it is important and crucial that we take time to reflect on our lives, take a good long look at our hearts and character. To us all who offend people, the word for us is Humble yourself. The tongue is such a powerful weapon, it hurts and destroys lives. Let us learn today to control and tame our tongue. If we are aware of how poisonous our tongue is, we too need to now seek God, and turn on our internal alarms, catch yourself before you say something hurtful. Today, we all have a choice, to continue being offended and to continue offending people. Or, we can choose to learn to overlook an offense, and we can learn to not offend people by our actions and controlling our tongue. James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Let us all pray this verse over our lives, that as we humble ourselves we will be able to develop healthy relationships with people. God reigns in our lives always, such that we are secure and humble when people offend us, and we are humble and selfless when we offend people. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 24 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 24 Sep 2007

Setting personal convictions is one of the most important parts of our lives. The word conviction means, a fixed or strong belief. To me I like to think of convictions as boundaries, personal boundaries that I have set in my heart which I will not compromise. Without convictions, we are ineffective because we will be easily wavered by the world and people. Let us all take the opportunity to reflect on our convictions that we have already established. And if we haven’t established our own personal boundaries maybe today will be a good day to start thinking about it. First and foremost, we must set our convictions and boundaries with our relationship with God. We cannot compromise hurting Jesus. Secondly, we often compromise our convictions when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. Whether we are single or married it does not matter, we set our boundaries so that we protect those that we love, and we protect ourselves. I live by this statement everyday of my life, “The choices we make today, affect tomorrow.” (Good and Bad) Finally, this last point is the most important and fundamental principle when laying down the foundations of our convictions. The moment we start reasoning, we start explaining to ourselves or to others why our actions are justifiable, we have already lost. Making excuses and justifying our actions is a clear indicator that we have weak convictions. Hebrews 10:35 says to us all, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 23 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 23 Sep 2007

Today’s word of encouragement is building a strong prayer relationship with God. Having a genuine relationship with God is real, it is authentic, and prayer is vital in our relationship with God. I hope today we will be reminded that reading the bible, praying, and going to church on Sunday’s does not in anyway justify a strong relationship with God. We can go through the motions, but it is all on the exterior. The inner spiritual man/woman is what God sees and we cannot hide that. Isn’t it amazing that on a daily basis it is so easy for us to communicate to our close friends over God. We choose to hangout over talking and spending time with God. For some of us, we choose playing computer games, suffering the net, or using our computers over building our relationship with God. Today let us ask ourselves, what are our priorities in life, who comes first, and whom do we place first in everything?!! God is always trying to communicate with us, through reading the Word, through our prayers, even walking on the street, God wants to talk to us. Let us reflect on our week, be real and honest to God. May we be encouraged as we face a new week to re-examine our relationship with God and ask ourselves, at what state is our relationship with God? In Psalm 26-2-3 The Word of God says to us all, “2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 22 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 22 Sep 2007

In Titus 3:9, the Word of God says, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Today’s word of encouragement is about using our time wisely. Relationships with people are one of the hardest things, because everyone is wired and created so differently. The word in Titus 3:9 says it clearly to us about what to avoid, arguments, quarrels, controversies, things that are unprofitable and useless. Let’s not waste our time fighting over foolish things, when we can focus on the things that God has planned for each of us. On a daily basis, people are often stressed and frustrated largely due to relational issues. Either at home, parents, spouses, children, sibling rivalry, at work, at school, etc. How do we learn techniques to handle relational issues? Simply put, it is a matter of remembering this verse, and putting God first before everything else. May today’s word of encouragement be a daily reminder to us all about how important time is, and not to waste our time focusing on issues that drain us spiritually. Let’s stay the course, focused, set our eyes on our prize, the finish line, on God. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 21 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 21 Sep 2007

Today’s word of encouragement for us all is learning how to be strategic. It is easy to conform to the world, the patterns of the world, and to take the back seat. Most fathers of today are non-existent in the development of their children. It is as though the word nurture is not in the dictionary. Do we realize that we live in a day and age where the devil is already being strategic in robbing, corrupting, and stealing the next generation? You ask me how, and it is evident, just look at how pornography has swiped through the internet, movies, throughout the world. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry and it is going to continue growing, unless today we choose to do the simple things right, by nurturing and teaching the youth of the next generation. Today we all have the ability to make a difference, to stand up for righteousness, to nurture our children, teaching them the importance of building their own personal relationship with God. The devil is on the prowl, he is on the move, and what are we doing? In 2 Timothy 4:2, it says to us all, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 Sep 2007

The word of encouragement today is: Guard what has been entrusted to you. In 1 Tim 6:20 Paul says to Timothy: “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care.” And in 2 Tim 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. There is something vital and important that God wants us to pay close attention to, about guarding and protecting what God has given to us. If we read about Jacob and Esau, it is event that Esau did not value and protect what God had entrusted him with, and for food he gave up his birthright to Jacob. Samson was another person who was entrusted with so much, a great calling, and yet he did not guard and protect his birthright as well. All of us have been given a calling and a destiny by God that must be guarded and entrusted by us, even before we were born; God had destined each of us with a calling. Today, I pray that we would guard what God has entrusted us with. Some of us may not even know what God has given us. Our journey and paths are all different; do not be jealous about other people’s callings, talents, or even salary. Today, let us focus on guarding and thanking God for what He has entrusted us with, and guard it always. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 Sep 2007

Give all you can give, don’t hold back. In everything that we do, give your best and hold nothing back. The end goal, the mountain you are climbing may seem like it is impossible, may seem like the hardest thing to get there. But did not God say to us, with God all things are possible. Is it worth the fight? Is it worth the struggle? We face the mountain, it seems so big, seems impossible, the wind is so strong, our muscles are aching, and all we hear is: “turn back, you can’t do it, you are tired”. Half way up the mountain, and yet it seems so far away. Today’s word of encouragement is giving our all, in everything that we do. Yes the mountain may seem very big and impossible, but because God reigns in our lives we are not going to hold anything back. Our life may seem like that mountain, but wouldn’t we rather face a huge mountain rather than a small hill? To know that God is with us every step of the way, to know that Jesus is leading and guiding our steps, even when we feel alone, that is faith. So as we face the mountain in front of us, let us all not turn back and give up, but we give our all, holding nothing back! Romans 5:2-4 Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee