Twelve Thoughts to Encourage You!

by Max Lucado

#1
Next time your day goes south, here is what you do: Steep yourself in the grace of God. Saturate your day in His love. Marinate your mind in His mercy.

He has settled your accounts, paid your debt.

“Christ carried our sins in His body on the cross.”
1 Peter 2:24 NCV

#2
Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed?

You have a choice, you know.

“We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 God’s Word

#3
Major in the grace of God. Focus on the cross of Christ. Grow fluent in the language of redemption. Linger long at the foot of the cross. Immerse yourself in the curriculum of grace.

#4
You can endure change by pondering His permanence. Survive rejection by meditating on His acceptance.

“Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground…Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is.”
Colossians 3:2

#5
God is able to accomplish, provide, help, save, keep, subdue…He is able to do what you can’t. He already has a plan. God’s not bewildered. Go to Him.

#6
The next time life’s problems seem about to overwhelm you, remember this advice from Peter:

“Throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern.”
1 Peter 5:7 Phillips

God’s solution is a prayer away!

#7
Mark it down. You will never go where God is not. You may be transferred, enlisted, commissioned, reassigned, or hospitalized – but brand this on your heart – you can never go where God is not.

“I am with you always,” Jesus promised.
(Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

#8
The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. Hasn’t fear taken enough? Enough smiles? Chuckles? Restful nights, exuberant days? Meet your fears with faith.

#9
Want to snatch a day from the manacles of boredom? Do overgenerous deeds, acts beyond reimbursement. Kindness without compensation. Do a deed for which you cannot be repaid.

#10
We’re important, but not essential; valuable, but not indispensable. We have a part in the play, but we are not the main act. A song to sing, but we are not the featured voice. God is.

#11
He did well before our birth; He’ll do fine after our deaths. He started it all, sustains it all, and will bring it all to a glorious climax. In the meantime, we have this high privilege: to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ.

#12
If today were your last, would you do what you’re doing? Or would you love more, give more, forgive more? Then do so! Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. Love like there’s no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again.

 

From Every Day Deserves A Chance, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007. Reprinted from Maxlucado.com. Used by permission.

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