Encouragement for the Soul



12nd Mar 2012 (Mon)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Know Your Friends

English writer, John Churton Collins, said: “In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” Indeed, times of distress and trouble can show who friends are. A true friend is loyal and will stay to help, whereas a fair-weather friend will not. Which friend are we?

God's Word says:
“A friend loves at all times.”
– Proverbs 17:17a(New King James Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, thank You for those friends You have given to help me in times of difficulty. Likewise, let me be a dependable friend to others that need my encouragement and care in their times of need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 


13rd Mar 2012 (Tue)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Spirit Of Divination

According to Chinese astrology, 2012 holds special significance. The Chinese people revere this zodiac year of the dragon; hence, this can stir people’s interest in horoscopes and “Feng Shui” (Chinese geomancy). As followers of God, we should avoid the influence of the spirit of divination.

God's Word says:
“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, ‘These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.’ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.”
– Acts 16:16-18 (New King James Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, You are Jehovah God, You are my God – there is no one greater. My future, my whole life is in Your good and loving hands. I entrust myself to You, Lord. My confidence is in You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 


14th Mar 2012 (Wed)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Paradox Of Weakness

Weakness is strength - this statement is a paradox; it seems self-contradictory. But, that is what God’s Word tells us. It is true that when we are weak we tend to turn to God for help and protection; but, when we are strong and proud, we don’t lean on the Lord for strength.

God's Word says:
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9(New International Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, Your Word is true and wise. Therefore, let me not be frustrated with my weaknesses and handicaps. Through them, I learn to depend on You and trust in Your leading. Yes, Your grace is all I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

 

15th Mar 2012 (Thu)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Preparation Precedes Blessing

“BE PREPARED” is the motto of the Scout Movement. As believers, we should prepare ourselves for challenges in our home, work and ministry. By preparing spiritually, physically and mentally, we reap benefits. Are we close to God? Do we keep our body fit? Is our mind alert?

God's Word says:
“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ‘Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.”’”
– Joshua 1:10-11 (New King James Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, I want to get ready to withstand storms and shakings that life brings. Let me be disciplined in my prayer and bible study. Help me maintain good diet, exercise, sleep habits. Let me be focused and informed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”


16th Mar 2012 (Fri)

I Will Not Forget You
Facing A Storm

As believers, let us know that when we face a storm in life, God would ride it out together with us. At other times, He might simply calm the storm. No matter how the circumstances would turn out, the important thing is to allow God to come inside to calm our restless heart.

God's Word says:
“But soon a fierce storm arose. High waves began to break into the boat until it was nearly full of water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. Frantically they woke Him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don't you even care that we are going to drown?’ When He woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Quiet down!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was agreat calm. And He asked them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in Me?’ …”
– Mark 4:37-41 (New Living Translation)

Let us pray:
“Lord, You are always with me. You will not abandon me. You are the rock in my life - I will not be shaken. You are my refuge – I will hide in You. I release my anxiety and fear to You. Let me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”


17th Mar 2012 (Sat)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
“24 x 7”

24 hours per day for 7 days. “24 x 7” is a reference that is used to indicate the continuous availability of critical business or public emergency services. Similarly, God is working “24x 7”. He is caring for His people all over this planet round the clock. Yes, He watches over us day and night.

God's Word says:
“Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.”
– Psalm 121:4 (New Living Translation)

Let us pray:
“Father, You do not sleep, You won’t even doze off under Your guard. Nothing can distract Your care for Your children. Yes, You are all powerful. And I am safe as I entrust myself into Your strong hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.””


18st Mar 2012 (Sun)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
God Will Direct You

Often, we worry about many things. However, as we look back over our years, we would realize that God had always been there for us. He is a faithful and loving God. Yes, even when we do not understand everything that is happening, let us know that the Lord will direct us.

God's Word says:
“How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps.”
– Proverbs 20:24(New Living Translation)

Let us pray:
“Lord, You know what You are doing. Let me not be anxious or confused. Help me to do my best and leave the rest to You. I entrust everything to You. In Your time, You will make all things beautiful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

 

19th Mar 2012 (Mon)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Deal With Fear

All of us face fear, at one time or another –fear of failure, rejection, loneliness, danger, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. Fear can paralyze our senses if not dealt with. Is fear keeping us awake at night? When he was afraid, David ran into the light of God’s presence – we too can.

God's Word says:
“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 (New International Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, I look to You. The light of Your holy presence dispels the dark shadow of fear. You are my fortress. You keep me safe. You provide for me. I hold onto to You, Lord. I wait confidently before You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 


20th Mar 2012 (Tue)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Where Do You Hide?

As a child, we may have a place to hide. Perhaps, it was a tree house, a closet, or even under our bed. It was where we went when we were hurt. When threatened by enemies, David hid in caves. Ultimately, he knew his true hiding place was God, where he was completely safe.

God's Word says:
“You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
– Psalm32:7 (New International Version)

Let us pray:
“Father, in times of difficulty and struggle, let me know I don’t need to find shelter under my bed. I can come into Your loving and strong arms. In Your embrace, there is peace, strength, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 


21st Mar 2012 (Wed)

A Little Encouragement by Tony Chan
Reason For Courage

As believers, there is one distinguishing fact that enables us to face difficulty, danger or uncertainty without fear; and that is, God is with us. Even as God’s presence encouraged Israel in her battles, let us also rely on God to help us, protect us, and guide us as we face each day.

God's Word says:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
– Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)

Let us pray:
“Lord, Your presence is my advantage. You reign over people and circumstances. Let me allow Your peace to rule in my heart. As I entrust myself to You, Lord, strengthen my determination to face my challenge. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”