Encouraging Word - December

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December 16

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

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Luke 2:11 (NLT) The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Thought: There's reason to rejoice!

Jeremiah 10:10 (NIV) ...the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King...

Thought: As an ol' hymn says, "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow."

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Today’s Scripture: II Thessalonians 2:15 (NLT): With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

Today’s Thought: We need to stand strong no matter how hard life gets. Remember, this is not our home. We are just passing through.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me not to forget that this is only temporary. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

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December 17

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1

John 1:29 (NIV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Thought: The greatest gift of all – forgiveness.

Isaiah 6:3 (NIV) "Holy holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory."

Thought: Amid all the hustle and bustle, be still. Sense His closeness and give Him your cares.

[BW1]

The greatest gift of all – forgiveness.

PRICELESS!!

[bluidkiti]

December 18

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Matthew 1:1 (NIV) A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham...

Thought: The new testament starts by connecting the dots between a promise foretold and a promise fulfilled. See Galatians 3:29 for more info.

John 1:10 (NIV) He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

Thought: Don't miss the coming of the King.

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December 19

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11

Matthew 1:23 (NIV) The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means "God with us."

Thought: Jesus came to be our constant companion. Will you walk with Him?

Matthew 13:55 & 57 (NIV) Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother's name Mary...? And they took offense at Him.

Thought: Some can only believe what they see with their eyes. Let your faith be bigger.

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December 20

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

He sends peace across your nation and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat. Psalm 147:14

2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Thought: Oh, how Christ knows our culture! It's why He came to give His life.

John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us...

Thought: His desire -- our hearts, His home.

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December 21

I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Isaiah 53:3 (NIV) He was despised and rejected by men...

Thought: Everyone has to make a choice about Christ. What's yours?

Luke 1:68 (NIV) Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.

Thought: One birth, for all the earth.

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Today’s Scripture: II Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT): May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Today’s Thought: We must be mindful of how much God really loves us. Once we realize how much He loves us then nothing is impossible.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me even though I do not deserve it. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

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December 22

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:30

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.' Matthew 1:23

Luke 1:50 (NIV) His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

Thought: Christmas is the story that touches lives all across time.

1 John 4:4 (NIV) ...the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Thought: Rejoice. The Redeemer lives.

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December 23

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...

Thought: A weary world rejoices.

Matthew 2:2 (NIV) We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.

Thought: Will you worship Him, too?

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December 24

but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:10-11

'And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel. Matthew 2:6

Isaiah 9:6b (NIV) He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Thought: You can also call Him Savior.

Psalm 40:3 (NIV) He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Thought: Jesus always brings joy!

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December 25

Hebrews 4:16 NLT So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:9-11

Isaiah 53:12 (NIV) ...Jesus poured out His life unto death..for He bore the sin of many...

Thought: The manger led to the cross. That's why He came.

Isaiah 12:3 (NIV) With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Thought: The King has come! He is the Christ, Savior to all who receive.

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December 26

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vas host of others - the armies of heaven _ praising God and saying , "Glory to God in highest heaen and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:13-14

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Thought: Don't wait another second to receive the Savior.

Psalm 40:7 (NIV) Then I said, "Here I am, I have come – it is written about Me in the scroll."

Thought: God promised...and delivered...a Savior.

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Today’s Scripture: II Thessalonians 3:13 (NLT): As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

Today’s Thought: We must not get weary in well-doing. Our ultimate goal should be pleasing our Father.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me not to get tired of doing what is right even though everyone else around me is doing wrong. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

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December 27

O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 1 Chronicles 29:13

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:20

1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV) Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior."

Thought: We all need Jesus.

Isaiah 63:7 (NIV) I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us.

Thought: You have lots of reasons to reach out to others. Tell them why Christ makes the difference in your life.

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December 28

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. Psalm 95:1-2

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Luke 2:16 (NASB) So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in a manger.

Thought: We can learn a lot from the shepherd's rapid response.

Luke 2:10 (NIV) I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Thought: Many, many hearts are hungry for good news. Tell them about the hope they can have in Jesus.

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December 29

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. Psalm 16:1

Luke 2:17 (NIV) When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Thought: Do what the shepherds did. Go tell others about Jesus.

Luke 2:1 (NIV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

Thought: God always brings the pieces of His plans together.

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Today’s Scripture: Matthew 28:19 (NLT): Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Thought: We must go out and share the good news with people. Notice it does not say pastors or evangelists. It just says “go”. That means everyone. How are you going to share the love of God with someone today?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You give me the courage to tell someone about You today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!