Energizing Verses for Every Day

I rarely watch daytime television, but every six months when I go to the dentist The Price is Right is already showing on the screen above the patient chair. Since I don’t know what else is on and I don’t want to flip channels and extend my appointment, I leave it.

Whenever I see it, I wonder once again if excessive amounts of caffeine are required before the show begins to induce the level of excitement (screaming and jumping around) exhibited by the audience—and especially the contestants. Last week, one woman even looked as if she might hyperventilate.

But as I watched, I had a new thought…what if we started our days with even just an ounce of that energy? Not the jumping around and screaming so much, but the enthusiasm to see what might happen.

What would that look like?

* A positive outlook of what the day might bring.

* The desire to see what God has planned for us.

* The willingness to step up, out of our comfort zones, to follow where God leads.

What if the Good News You have been forgiven! stirred the same excitement as You could win a brand new car! {Tweet this}

Whether it’s the anticipation of the game or the longing to hear your name called, The Price is Right has been around for a long time.

But, the new life we have in Jesus has been around much longer and it will never end. There will never be a change in hosts, and we don’t have to wait around hoping to be called up to the stage.

And…we don’t have to work to earn a prize because Jesus has already done the work. He has already been the sacrifice. He has already given us the way back to God.

Once and for all, Jesus has conquered sin and death. He calls us to Him every day and God’s love and grace can’t be taken away. {Tweet this}

Winning on a game show and earning our five minutes of fame might be fun and exciting, and that’s okay. But, what Jesus gives is joyful and everlasting.

He’s there when the days are not fun and fame is a burden.

He’s with us when we don’t think we can walk through the hardest of situations.

He doesn’t leave us when we make bad choices and hurt ourselves and others.

And He doesn’t walk away or shoo us off stage when we don’t have the correct answers and we don’t know what to do next.

And that’s something to look forward to every day.

Just a Few Energizing Verses for Every Day

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Psalm 16:11 NLT

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 91:1 NLT

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Luke 7:48,50 NLT

 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

John 3:16-17 NIV

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Philippians 2:13 NLT

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

In Christ,

Laura 

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The Strength of God’s Armor

I don’t know what you might be dealing with this week, but I know several people who are feeling under attack from the enemy. I am too. So, I’m happy to be re-sharing these words which first appeared at LifeLetter Café several years ago.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT

I like The Avengers super heroes—each one an individual, but together, a super force.

Captain America has his indestructible shield and super strength. Thor has his mighty hammer and super strength. Iron Man has his dynamic suit of armor, and through it, super strength.

Their powers and weapons, both offensive and defensive, vary, but they all have super strength…and it all comes from outside of themselves through chemistry, technology and power from other "worldly realms."

Here in the real world, we're not fighting against fictional villains, but we do have a very real enemy...Satan. We are in the midst of spiritual warfare, and to fight the battle, we must armor up. {Tweet this}

Fortunately, we also have a Source of super strength—God. He provides what we need when we need it.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us of this. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Not by our own might, but through God’s. God’s strength. God’s power. For us.

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

               
We don't have to go to extreme measures and different sources to acquire the strength and weapons we need. God provides what we need to stand strong against the lies of the enemy. We just have to be willing to turn to Him, and ready to don the protection He offers. {Tweet this}

Scripture spells out each piece of the armor God provides.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT

Stand your ground against the enemy with:

The belt of truth – the truth of God’s Word and who God is. Knowing the truth helps us identify and see through the enemy’s lies.

The body armor of God’s righteousness – through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are made right with God. Satan will try everything he can to make us believe nothing can make us right with God, and that is a lie. Nothing can undo what Jesus has already done for us.

Shoes of peace that comes from the Good News – reliable footwear is essential for all soldiers to advance and engage. For us to advance the Kingdom of God and engage in spiritual warfare, we wear the Good News of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death for all time. The Good News of Jesus gives us life and enables us to share this Good News wherever we are.

The shield of faith – our faith in Jesus Christ is the shield that protects us from everything the devil throws at us. The flaming arrows of Satan’s lies cannot penetrate strong faith that rests solely in our Lord—in His truth and righteousness.

The helmet of salvation – the knowledge of our salvation through Jesus Christ protects us from believing the lies of the devil.

And finally…

The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God – our only offensive weapon against the evil of this world. The Holy Spirit, who lives in every believer, works for us and through us, enabling us to share the Word of God with others. One by one, building a strong offense against the enemy.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com / This post first appeared as a Find It Only Here on Friday feature at LifeLetter Café.]

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When You Long for Change

Some seasons in life feel longer than others, don't they? Hard days run together and weeks become months. 

Although we can find positive moments in each day, the years are still trying. We grow weary and change looks difficult. Maybe even impossible.

I don't know where today finds you. Maybe you're trying not to lose yourself in the long days of motherhood. Or perhaps it's financial or relationship trials. Or health issues, loneliness, grief, disappointment, trying to move forward from poor choices, or recover from a trauma you experienced at the hands of another. 

It seems everyone has something they wish could be different. Everybody is dealing with something.

If change or improvement looks like it will never happen for you, hang in there. Nothing is impossible for God. {Tweet this}

What He has planned for our lives may not look like what we're hoping for—and that can be hard to accept. But it's often not until we can look back, sometimes years later, that we are able to see how the pieces fit together. And that what we walked through was part of His grand plan.

Encouraging Verses for When You Long for Change

Luke 18:27 NIV

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Psalm 40:1-3 NLT

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 94:19 VOICE

When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many, Your comfort lightens my soul.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Habakkuk 2:3 NLT

This vision is for a future time.  It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Psalm 32:8 NLT

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

What Scripture verse(s) do you find encouraging when you're longing for change?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

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Called to Remember God’s Promises

I don't know what your days look like right now. Perhaps life feels like it's out of control and you're praying for the strength to see your way through. Or maybe, everything is calm right now and you're thankful for the time to catch your breath. 

Whether you're struggling and worn out, relaxed and feeling good, or anywhere in between, God's Word is full of life-giving promises to us. {Tweet this}

Here are a few I'm reminding myself of. Maybe you can use a reminder as well.

We are called to remember God's promises...

You are His.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.  O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NLT

Nothing is impossible for God.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 NIV

His love for you is endless.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT

He calls us to life.

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 NLT

God forgives.

No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:34 NIV

He sees us differently than the world does.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

He walks with us.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

God can be trusted.

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

God changes lives.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6 NLT

He is our hope and our strength.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

He is our peace.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

In Christ,

Laura

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14 Verses for When It Feels Like God is Silent

I’m convinced that emotions can wreck us. On any given day, I can go from laughing to crying; feeling angry to craving connection; feeling hopeful to feeling desperate. Emotions take us all over the place, use up what little energy we have, and leave us feeling spent.

Truth can get lost in emotions…if we let it.

For a while now, I’ve felt like God has been silent. I know He’s with me. I know He hears me, sees me, and knows every detail of my days. I know that. But, sometimes I don’t feel it.

As I pray, I’ve been reminding myself that the truth and how I feel are not the same.

In my frustration, I want to demand, God, where are You?!?

Instead, I’ve been confessing, Lord, I know You’re here, but I feel like I can’t find you. Why am I struggling to connect with You?

One expresses my anger, the other cries out for help. God knows I feel both.

Anger clouds my vision and opens the door even wider for doubt and suspicion. (Both of which are in the enemy’s arsenal.) But, expressing my need for Him keeps me looking for Him, watching for even the smallest reminder that He’s with me. It keeps me expecting to see Him.

I imagine I’m not alone in struggling between truth and emotions. Fortunately, God’s Word is filled with His truth to remind us He’s with us, even when it feels like God is silent. {Tweet this}

14 Scripture Verses for When It Feels Like God is Silent

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isaiah 43:2 (VOICE)

When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned.

Psalm 62:5-6 (NLT)

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

Don’t panic. I’m with you.  There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.  I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT)

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

John 14:16-17 (NKJV)

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you  and wait expectantly.

Psalm 63:8 (VOICE)

My soul clings to You; Your right hand reaches down and holds me up.

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

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. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What verses do you turn to when you’re struggling to feel God with you? {Tweet this}

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com/@aaronburden]

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6 Verses for When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough

You know those days? Whether they come often or only once in a while, they’re there—those days that make you feel like you’re not enough.

Not strong enough. Not good enough.

Less than someone else (in any or every way).

Not enough for what life throws your way.

I know those days—they are bullies who want to knock us down, and sometimes they succeed. But we don’t have to fight back alone. There is One who will help us up again and again. Over and over, no matter how many times it takes.

The truth is, on our own, we are not enough. This world gives more than we can handle, but we are not alone. Our God is on our side—and He makes all the difference. Where we are not enough, He is more than enough. Every. Single. Day. {Tweet this}

6 Scripture Verses for When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough

2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG

My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

When we let go and let God work, He works in His strength. His power and strength are more than we can ever dream to have on our own. Sometimes the hardest part is letting ourselves feel our own weakness so that we can feel His strength.

Psalm 139:13-14 VOICE

For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.

God knows His creation—every single one of us. He didn't design us to be enough on our own. He created us to need Him. To be in a relationship with Him. To trust Him and depend on Him. Knowing this, we can let go of trying to be enough on our own and be who He made us to be—with Him.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Fear and discouragement can hold us back from anything we want to do. No matter if it's something big or just getting through the day, God is with us. That doesn't mean it will be easy or problem free. But He reminds us that we're not alone in our own strength.

Isaiah 40:29-31 NLT

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.

How often do we forget (or ignore) that going non-stop will wear us down? Trying to get through life without God's daily help leaves us depleted. But with God, His source of strength and energy gives us the ability to persevere. {Tweet this}

Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.

There is nothing we can't take to God. He knows our worries and frustrations. He knows when we're barely hanging on. When we keep it to ourselves, we try to deal with it all on our own, but when we turn to Him with all that's weighing us down, He offers us peace that only He can give.

Romans 12:2 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

This world wants to build us up to depend on ourselves and to go it alone. The enemy encourages this. In fact, he loves this. Any time the enemy can get us self-focused instead of God-focused is a win for him because that's when we feel like we should be enough. It has us comparing ourselves to others and thinking...if we only try harder, we can be enough.

On our own we are not enough. We don’t have to have all we need to get through this life because God does have it all. When we can accept that, we can breathe a sigh of relief. {Tweet this}

And then know that as we follow Him, through faith, we are enough because God is more than enough.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

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5 Verses for Visiting with Family

The upcoming holidays can be a season of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of sadness, turmoil, stress, and frustration.

For many, the get-togethers and visits with extended family are less than pleasant and more let’s-just-get-through-this, adding more pressure during a busy time of year.

I’ve been thinking about how God’s Word can help us through the difficult reunions.

5 Scripture Verses for Visiting with Family

Colossians 1:11 NLT

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.

Patience. No matter how well we get along with family members, we need an extra supply of patience. Extra excited children running around, long-winded story tellers, doting aunts and grandparents…there’s a lot going on at a gathering. Some love it, some don’t. Some thrive in crowds, some crave a few minutes alone. That’s the great thing about silent prayer. While you smile and try to stay engaged, you can be asking God for patience to get through the next minute…and the next hour…and the rest of the day.

1 Samuel 16:7b NLT

The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

What we see doesn’t tell the entire story. Just as we may wear a mask and try to act like everything is alright, others do too. When we’re growing weary of others, it might be helpful to remember that we don’t always know what someone else is going through. But God knows, and perhaps He’s placing you in this person’s path for a reason.

John 15:12 GNT

My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.

When I’m struggling to show love to someone not acting loveable, I have to remind myself that I’m not always loveable myself. If someone seems extra irritable or moody, it’s possible they’re weighed down by life. (And aren’t we all at times?) Whether they want to talk about it or not, compassion, even when we don’t know the circumstances, goes a long way. {Tweet this}

Proverbs 19:11 NLT

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

I’ve known family members who refused to talk to each other for a long time because of misspoken or misunderstood words. Most of the time, getting the last word just isn’t worth the drama and hurt feelings. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to resist the urge to engage and walk away.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

We cannot control other people’s behavior, but we can control our own actions and reactions. {Tweet this} Don’t take the bait leading to an argument, gossip, or any other behavior more pleasing to the enemy than to God. If you feel yourself getting pulled in, ask for His help to hold your tongue, change or leave the conversation, and to forgive others’ behavior.

No matter how hard we try, the truth is not one of us is perfect, and family relationships have never been easy. {Tweet this}

Remember Jacob? He had issues with his twin brother Esau; was tricked by his father-in-law into marrying Leah when he loved and wanted to marry Rachel; and played favorites with his sons from both Leah and Rachel, which, of course, led to many years of more family drama.

And yet, God loved Jacob, giving him the name Israel, and placing him directly in the lineage of Jesus.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In Christ,

Laura

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