No Doubt - Encouragement for Christians

Many times Christians need encouragement and to be reminded how trustworthy God is. 
Sometimes I wonder if my faith is anywhere near as big as a mustard seed!
God proves Himself over and over, and yet my faith is weak enough that I need to remind myself over and over what the Bible says and what the truth is.  I'm so thankful that God is patient with His children, and that He does give us wisdom when we ask.  He is trustworthy no matter what our feelings say to us.
I prayed before composing this post, because I want to please God with what I say.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 
For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 NASB

May this song encourage you today!



We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NASB

Never For Nothing

Do you ever get discouraged at the response you get when you show love to others in service or in bringing them the Gospel?
Sometimes it may feel like it has all been for nothing, but I know that God will bring about His purposes and fulfill His Word. (Isaiah 55:11)
Also, whatever I do should be for the Lord rather than for men. (Colossians 3:23)

I also know that if I am doing something out of love for God and loving others that God has His own purposes even when I don't see them. Sometimes people will take offense and not see the love in what is done or said.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas to you (tomorrow)!

My hands have been hurting to use them a lot lately, so I really should try not to say a lot on this post.

I'm thankful that Jesus came to earth and lived the perfect life that I couldn't and died for my sins and the sins of all who will repent and trust in Him and believe that He rose from the dead as well.

Bryan Duncan is someone whose music I enjoyed over the years, and I saw him in concert a number of times as a teenager. 
Yes, I went to a lot of concerts when I was young!

Like many Christian artists his life has had it's share of troubles, and he is not someone that I look to as an example to follow (not as a spiritual leader in other words).
I hope that you enjoy the song!



If you cannot get it to play, try a different browser. 

Christmas, Indifference & Anxiety

There are three things done by John MacArthur I am sharing today that I found interesting and helpful.

 

• The first is about the real meaning of Christmas and what it isn't about as well.

           You can find it by clicking here.

• The next one is about "The People Who Missed Christmas."  Click here.

• Anxiety and panic are things that I struggle with myself.  I know God is in control,but still I battle and fight unreasonable fears at times.  Even when it seems reasonable to be nervous, I have to continually remind myself that God is trustworthy and to cast my anxiety on the Lord.

Insight Into Paul Washer (Interview), Replacing Worry, Supreme Court Judging Marriage, Believing the Worst

Earlier this month I heard an interview with Paul Washer that Tim Challies shared on his blog.
It will give you some insight into Paul Washer that you may not have heard before.

 John MacArthur had a blog post not long ago that is convicting about replacing worry.  I do struggle with anxiety and worry too often, and I keep reminding myself to give things and situations to God.  There have been times where I have felt peace though, and lately when I've been floundering I am frustrated with myself.
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B121126

Recently the Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases regarding homosexuals and marriage.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/12/10/supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-two-same-sex-marriage-cases/

I just read a post today by Tim Challies that I really can identify with.   I have jumped to wrong conclusions about people before, and I have been hurt or angry without first asking questions.
I've also been on the other end where I have felt condemned and judged for my imperfections when I make mistakes or people have rejected me. 
I'm not saying that there aren't cases to confront people.  There are. 
When I care about someone, I should not automatically assume the worst, but sadly I do at times. 
I would hope that people will forgive me for that.  That doesn't mean I'm always wrong in my assumptions or feelings.  I need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger though!
Below is a link to Challies' blog post:

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/believing-the-worst-of-those-who-love-me-most

The Heart of Christmas

The heart of Christmas is Jesus.

He is no longer in a manger.  He lived the perfect life we couldn't and died for sins and rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

This song went along with a very sad movie that I would not recommend for men to watch.   It was a lot about kids with cancer and parents though, and a lot of us have known or know people who have cancer who aren't kids as well.
What matters most is whether they have repented and trusted in Jesus.  
For those who have, they have so much more to look forward to than this life.
So, yes, let's cherish the ones we love and let them know it and make sure they know about the Savior.
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, or if this will be our last day here on earth.

This song is mostly a feel good song, but I still enjoy it.


Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas from matthew-west on GodTube.