Encouraging Word - May
 

May 1

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.' John 7:38

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

Thought: Influences in life matter. Get out of the situations and circles where God puts a check in your spirit.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 28:20 (NLT): The trustworthy will get a rich reward. But the person who wants to get rich quick will only get into trouble.

Today’s Thought: There are plenty of “great rich schemes” out there today. Stay away from them. If it sounds too good to be true, it is! God will meet your needs.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I pray that You give me discernment as I go about my day. I thank You for meeting all my needs. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 2

And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega-the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life." Revelation 21:6

Judges 7:15 (CEV) As soon as Gideon heard about the dream and what it meant, he bowed down to praise God.

Thought: Good news deserves great praise. Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 28:18 (NLT): The honest will be rescued from harm, but those who are crooked will be destroyed.

Today’s Thought: You’ve all heard the saying, “honesty is the best policy.” We should always live by this.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You would always help me to live an honest life so others might see You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 3

But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. John 4:14

1 Chronicles 16:43 (NIV) ...David returned home to bless his family.

Thought: How will you bless yours this week?

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 28:27 (NLT): Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty.

Today’s Thought: The Bible is clear that we need to help these less fortunate than us. When is the last time you fed someone who was truly in need of food?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I thank You for taking care of me. I ask that You help me be mindful of those who are less fortunate than me, help me be able to meet someone’s needs today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 4

And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:18

Acts 1:8 (NIV) ...you will be my witnesses...

Thought: Right before He went back to heaven, Jesus reminded us what we're to do until He returns again.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 29:1 (NLT): Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.

Today’s Thought: Human nature wants to be right all the time. If one has that mentality, that person can never grow spiritually. It is very important to have meekness about you.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I pray that You help me become meek in everything I do. If there is any area(s) in my life that does not line up with Your will, I pray You show me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 5

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:3

Luke 23:42 (NIV) Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Thought: Jesus hears our hearts through our prayers.

May 6

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9

Psalm 97:10a (NIV) Let those who love the Lord hate evil...

Thought: Christians have to make clear and decisive distinctions about right and wrong and how we live our lives.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 29:11 (NLT): A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.

Today’s Thought: It is even more important as Christians to hold our temper. People are watching us whether we realize it or not.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You would help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Let everything I say be Father-filtered. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 7

I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15

Psalm 97:10b (NIV) ...for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Thought: There's nothing like having God's hand on your life. It means everything.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 29:15 (NLT): To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Today’s Thought: When parents discipline their children it is because the parents genuinely desire the best for the child. God cares for each one of us even greater than that. When the Holy Spirit convicts you of something, deal with it right away.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You correct me when I’m wrong. I ask that I would be even more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Please forgive me for not obeying You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 8

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:10

Psalm 105:41 (NIV) He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert.

Thought: Lord Jesus, thank you for pouring out your life for me.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 29:25 (NLT): Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the Lord means safety.

Today’s Thought: We do not live to please people, instead we should live to please God. However, this is not the case most of the time. We should be more concerned with what God thinks.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me to live to please You instead of others. Please forgive me for putting people’s opinion before Yours. I ask that You help me stop doing that. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 9

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9

Romans 1:4 (NIV) He was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

Thought: Jesus went through hell to save us from it.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 30:10 (NLT): Never slander a person to his employer. If you do, the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

Today’s Thought: You can speak life or death to any situation. Your job is not excluded from this principle. Be careful what you say.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me guard my tongue & let life always come out of it. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 10

He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
--2 Thessalonians 2:14, NLT

Daniel 12:10 (NIV) Many will be purified, made spotless and refined...

Thought: The harvest is waiting. Who will you reach?

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Today’s Scripture: Psalms 1:1-2 (NLT): Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law.

Today’s Thought: A great blessing is associated with wanting to please the Lord. Today, let’s try to pleas Him in each and every area of our lives!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that my life be pleasing to You each and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 11

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

Psalm 12:5 (NLT) The Lord replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.”

Thought: God cares for the poor. Will you show them His kindness?

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Today’s Scripture: Psalms 1:6 (NLT): For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Today’s Thought: We are God’s children. Just as a parent watches over a child, God watches over us. Sometimes it may feel as if He does not care, but He does!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for watching over me. I ask that You lead and guide me today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 12

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12

Psalm 35:9 (NIRV) I will be full of joy because of what the Lord has done. I will be glad because He has saved me.

Thought: Joy is about knowing whose you are while being able to forgive yourself, too.

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Today’s Scripture: Psalms 2:11 (NLT): Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Today’s Thought: God is an awesome, incredible & loving God (just to name a few attributes). We need to always be in awe and respect Him. For He deserves all the praise!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I thank You for dying for me and making a way for me to spend eternity with You! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 13

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Psalm 86:5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on You.

Thought: Go ahead. Talk to God. About anything.

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Today’s Scripture: Psalms 3:3-5 (NLT): But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.

Today’s Thought: Isn’t it comforting to know that God will never leave us or forsake us no matter what? Whatever you are going through today, remember, God knows all about it and He will take care of you!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for promising to always take care of me! I put my trust in You & You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 14

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Proverbs 5:18 (NIV) May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Thought: Honor what God gives to you.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 1:10 (NLT): My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

Today’s Thought: We need to always be aware of sin in our lives. That is only the first step. Not only do we need to be aware of it, but we need to repent & turn away from it.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You forgive me of my sins. I also ask that You help me turn from it. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 15

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Psalm 78:4 (NIV) ...We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.

Thought: "Their" faith needs "your" faithfulness.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 1:17 (NLT): When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away.

Today’s Thought: The devil is always trying to set traps for people, especially Christians. We must be aware of these traps so we do not fall into them

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You would help me be mindful of traps set by the enemy so I can overcome them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 16

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

Romans 5:8 (NIRV) Here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Thought: We are unworthy. But we are never unloved.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 1:23 (NLT): Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.

Today’s Thought: Wisdom is very important to have. It is not easily attainable though. We must pray each day for it. If you earnestly pray & seek God for wisdom, He’ll give it to you.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I pray that You would give me wisdom in each & every area of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 17

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7

Deuteronomy 12:10 (NIV) ...you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance

Thought: Whatever He's promised, wherever He's pointed you, keep believing, keep following, keep going.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 1:33 (NLT): But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm."

Today’s Thought: There is a great sense of peace & joy when one is in the will of God. Ask yourself this question today: Am I in the will of God? If you are not, what steps do you need to take to be in His will?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me get in Your perfect will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 18

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

Deuteronomy 12:20 (NIV) The Lord your God will increase your territory, just as He has promised you.

Thought: God is faithful. He always follows through.

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Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 2:7 (NLT): He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.

Today’s Thought: We must strive to live a life of integrity. People are watching whether you realize it or not. Are you living a life full of integrity today?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that my life be marked by integrity. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 19

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13

Malachi 2:15 (NIV) So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

Thought: When you guard your heart, you guard your house.

May 20

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13

Zechariah 10:1 (NIV) Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds.

Thought: Lift your cares through earnest prayers.

Today’s Scripture: Psalms 144:2 (NLT): He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield, and I take refuge in him. He subdues the nations under me.

Today’s Thought: God is our rock. He is our healer, deliverer, our help in time of need and our friend (just to name a few attributes). You can trust Him. He will never leave you!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me learn to trust You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 21

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Zechariah 10:6 (NIV) I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them.

Thought: God is working in your family, too. Just ask Him to show you where.

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Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:2-3 (NLT): He sang: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.

Today’s Thought: When you are going through a hard situation, praising God changes everything! We need to praise Him regardless of our circumstances.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You teach me to praise You no matter what I’m going through. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 22

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19

Zechariah 10:7 (NIV) The Ephraimites will become like mighty men, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord.

Thought: God captures the hearts of leaders to capture the hearts of their loved ones.

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Today’s Scripture: Matthew 16:19 (NLT): Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Today’s Thought: The above scripture was spoken by Jesus. Jesus is our rock. You can lean and trust Him always. Whatever you are going through today, give it to Jesus, He cares for you!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me learn to trust You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 23

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10

Zechariah 10:11 (NIV) They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued...

Thought: Life's been hard. God will bring better days.

May 24

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 1 Peter 2:2

Psalm 104:31 (NIV) May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works.

Thought: When He thinks of His works, He thinks of you.

May 25

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Psalm 126:5 (NIV) Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Thought: Tomorrow may be better. Just get there.

May 26

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

Psalm 126:3 (NIV) The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Thought: Turn to Him. Trust in Him. Give God all of your cares. Let Him do what you cannot.

May 27

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14

Zechariah 10:12 (NIV) "I will strengthen them in the Lord and in His name they will walk," declares the Lord.

Thought: God's love always draws you closer to Him.

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Today’s Scripture: Haggai 2:5 (NLT): My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid

Today’s Thought: God always keeps His promises. In the above passage He promises His Spirit. That promise is still available today. All we have to do is ask.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your promise. I ask that Your Spirit would fall on me each & everyday. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 28

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Psalm 119:112 (NIV) My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end.

Thought: Faith demands follow-through. It's the calling of every believer in Christ.

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Today’s Scripture: Philippians 1:3 (NLT): Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Today’s Thought: In the opening few verses in Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi Paul lets them know how grateful to God He is for them. Paul had a grateful heart. We must also have a grateful heart.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I thank You for dying for me! I ask that You would always help me to have a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 29

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) ...Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought: A grateful heart is a joyful noise in God's book.

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Today’s Scripture: Philippians 1:12 (NLT): And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

Today’s Thought: Everything you go through is “Father-filtered.” Your trials often turn into testimonies – if you allow them to. Put your trust in God & know that no matter what the devil throws at you – God will turn it around for your good!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I put my trust in You – no matter what. I thank You that You work everything out for my good. Help me to fully put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 30

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Ephesians 4:22 (NIV) ...Put off your old self...

Thought: Bury your past. Set your gaze on who God made you to be, not on what you've done before.

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Today’s Scripture: Philippians 1:30 (NLT): We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of this great struggle.

Today’s Thought: It is important to remember that we are in this together as Christians. We should be praying for our brothers & sisters.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You would use me to encourage someone else today in their time of need. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

May 31

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Psalm 78:37-38 ...their hearts were not loyal to Him...yet He was merciful.

Thought: God still forgives.