encouragement – Brian Friedl https://brianfriedl.com Making Your Life's Mission Possible Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:14:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 64732294 How To Restore Your Hope https://brianfriedl.com/how-to-retore-your-hope/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 15:40:30 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/how-to-retore-your-hope/ I have depended on God’s word for so long now, it’s hard for me to understand how people can go without it. This passage reminds us that His word is for our instruction. We must persevere and press on in faith and His word will encourage us and give us a hope. 

There have been times when everything seemed to be crumbling around me. The only thing stable and unchanging was the Word. I clung to it with everything I had and the encouragement rained down on me and my hope was renewed and restored.

Perhaps the reason you’re struggling with persevering today just because you’re out of encouragement and hope. I believe with all my heart that the answer to this problem is found in His word.

Reflection

Are you intentionally filling your head with God’s instructions?

Are you delighting in that instruction?

Get a reading plan today and let the encouragement and hope abound in you!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path.  For it is complete, inerrant, inspired by You; profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.  He is sufficient in all things and is our rock and our fortress.  By Your Word we are both held together and encouraged. For in Him lies the secret of contentment and hope. Give us a desire to commune with Him (Your Word) daily.  Amen!

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NASB‬‬

http://bible.com/100/2ti.3.16.nasb

]]> 1448 Fan or Follower? https://brianfriedl.com/fan-or-follower/ Sat, 14 Jan 2017 11:30:40 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/fan-or-follower/ Jesus isn’t interested in growing his fan base. He wants followers who sincerely want to be with and love Him.  Not because He is egotistical, but because that’s truly what is best for us.  True followers desire to know, live, and speak the truth in love.  

You see a fan doesn’t give up anything, they just watch. They even sometimes switch teams when things get rough. They leave with the same thing they came with… nothing!  

On the contrary, a follower gives up everything and they participate. They experience loss, but gain more than words can express. They leave with more than they could have asked for or imagined. A follower is part of changing lives for eternity by bringing the good news of Jesus Christ and loving people wherever they are at. 

So, who are the followers that have invested in you over the years? Have you ever thanked them for their dedication and service to you?  Get that done today!

And who are you investing in? Remember life as a follower is not passive but requires action.  Find someone you can serve today!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

Make sure to comment, share, and use the hashtags above to spread this message as far as it will go to encourage someone today.  
@brianfriedl 
Note: All Bible quotes are taken from the New American Standard Bible offered by youversion.com unless otherwise stated.

]]> 1031 When Holidays Are Overwhelming https://brianfriedl.com/when-holidays-are-overwhelming/ https://brianfriedl.com/when-holidays-are-overwhelming/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2016 11:00:42 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/when-holidays-are-overwhelming/
As we draw near to Christmas, please keep in mind not everyone is looking forward to it.  Perhaps they are consumed by the loss of a loved one or painful memories this time of year.   Many are struggling with finances, employment, relationships, or all of the above. 

They are not intentionally being a Scrooge, they might just need a little encouragement.  Make it a point to check your Facebook News Feed and look for people who are hurting or in need.  If you’re able to provide physically for a need, great!  Remember to encourage them also with the promises and instruction of God’s word.  Here are a few verse that can help when life is a bit overwhelming:

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)

These have given me great encouragem NT over the years and I pray they will bless those whom you share with.  May God bless you richly with His presence as was the case of the very first Christmas.  

@brianfriedl

 #truthtalk4life

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