ENCOURAGE YOURSELF in 2009

As we close out 2008 in our checkbooks, our activities, our hearts and minds, let’s remember our God who has brought us through to 2009. As I reflected on several of my years on this earth, I couldn’t help but remember some really difficult times, and yes, a number of them occurred in 2008. But as the song sung by the Kurt Carr singers pronounces, “God’s mercy kept me, so I wouldn’t let go.” And I am grateful to Him for His grace and mercy. Hopefully you are, too. When I think about some of those difficult moments and how God carried me through and out of them, I am humbled to tears. You may not be in any way like I have tended to be. Sometimes I whine or pout. Other times I have found myself in a depression. At times, just through. But, “only because of His grace” I am here to testify of His goodness. I know that he has been good to you, too. We tend to keep our focus on the negative or on the difficult situation or circumstance. However, just as Paul admonished Timothy, there are times when you must “encourage yourself” as the song sung by The Donald Lawrence singers suggests. My plan for 2009 is to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord, meaning to rejoice in all circumstances knowing that God will never leave me helpless. He has taken me a mighty long way (as the old saints used to say) and not to leave me, but to bring me right into His will on a daily basis. What about you? What do you plan to do? As you decide, just remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, if you choose God as your means of support and not yourself or anyone else, your progress will be greater than what you could have ever accomplished yourself. So, don’t let go, don’t quit and as much as you need to, encourage yourself. You can do it! God is on your side. Just make sure that you do what he has for you and not just seeking what you want or want to do. If you follow God, your joy will be greater. Try it and see. I plan to. These are the songs that I mentioned. Take a few moments to listen to them and let them minister to you: I Almost Let Go by Kurt Carr Singers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4W5G1kt3pY&feature=related Encourage Yourself by Donald Lawrence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6yhgFxDQMw&feature=related