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Daily Readings From Becoming A Better You

Although this was only a 90 day devotional from a larger book, it was still definitely worth the read! I’ve listened to the audiobook of this book as well and it is very encouraging to hear the personal touches that are added throughout the entire book. It’s one thing to just hear encouraging words, but it’s another thing to know that it’s a real person reaching out to you in encouragement!

The book is laid out very well with scripture readings at the beginning, with 5-6 paragraphs tied to a central point (and subpoints along the way). All end with a “today’s prayer” and “today’s thought to becoming a better you”. Regardless of the form of media that you use of a ministry tool, one thing has to be the most important: how you use it is how effective it is in your life. In reading these everyday, it was very useful and effective and helped me each day. On a more personal note, I would read these in the morning and it would help me to frame my mind around something other than what I was dreading ahead of me later in the day! Make any tool that you use that God has provided for you useful by using it to help you ward off every problem in your life!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Daily Readings From Becoming A Better You – ISBN 978-1-4165-7307-4

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Sometimes It Hurts, Sometimes It Helps

THE WORD

John 15:20 – Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

When it comes to encouraging others the reaction you receive will always vary. You can sometimes give someone just what they need, while in other moments the other person may appear agitated. It could even be a right now word that you speak that touches their life and yet they still reject you. An important part to remember in ministry work is that even the best encouragement cannot alter a stubborn spirit. All that we can do in any situation is offer God through love and obedience so that the people you witness to can begin to know the source of help and encouragement through the wisdom and spirit of God you share!

There will be other times, however, when the words will begin to fail you. When a person is in a circumstance long enough, they will begin to look back at you and simply say they have “heard this all before” or that you just “do not understand”. Remember that pursuing harder is not always the best option. You must learn to follow the leadership of how God’s spirit would have you to counsel others. There were times when Christ offered to people words of encouragement and faith. For example, Jesus spoke to the woman at the well to draw from the fountain of living water, extending choice to a new way of life. When the man was at the pool at Bethesda, Jesus spoke for him to take up his bed and walk, encouraging him to take the action in faith! Just remember as a witness of God to always follow the Holy Spirit when you go out to help people and you will never be led astray by your own actions, words or opinions!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

God’s spirit always has the most perfect timing when it comes to when actions and obedience need to be interjected into a situation. Think about moments when worship and preaching have really changed your life. Was it not when you were really going through something and needed help? Find those moments with people as you pray for God to show you and learn when to bring out the best of your love and compassion for others.

Words Are More Than Words

THE WORD

Deuteronomy 32:1 – Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Psalms 15:1-3 – LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We write them in emails, Facebook walls, IMs, text messages, tweets or even speak them in person; for with words that come from our lips, hands, phones, tablets, and keyboards come a great power and responsibility for how you will convey them each and every day to those that are surrounded around you. Whether they are to encourage someone or to tell a person who upset you what you think about them you have an intriguing ability to express yourself to someone else through words. Always be aware of the words you speak as well as the words you hear. Communicating and listening can have a direct impact on your life in many capacities, and as the word of God gives reference to the power of life and death being in the tongue, you must be cautious! Trust me: people are reading, watching, listening, observing, feeling, receiving, etc. of what you speak, no matter the medium you use to use your words! As the bible refers to conversation about our business being “yay yay” and “nay nay”, make sure to keep things clear and to the point without using words that would tear down another person.

PUT INTO PRACTICE

I encourage you to dedicate one day to only speaking or writing encouraging words about the top three things that bother you. You will find that if your feel funny speaking positive and faithful statements then you are not accustomed to it happening enough to be comfortable with it. As you succeed with this good practice, continue to do it as many days as you can until you have built a good habit in your character.