Morning Encouragement – Mikes Encouragement

Morning Encouragement for 01/012023

Good morning,

Happy New Year and I trust everyone made it safely to this day. For those who follow my website, I have mentioned that I am going to change the morning readings in favor of doing an in-depth analysis of the prophets. My intention is to bring all of the puzzle pieces of the Bible together using outside resources as well as bible scriptures. If you have positive critique or input I would love to hear and read about it. The ultimate goal of this approach is for the reader to see for himself/herself what the Lord is saying to her/him. At no time will there be any references to the politics of our time. With that said, I leave you with a poem.

The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,

And the world makes you king for a day,

Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that man has to say.

For isn’t a man’s father, mother, or wife,

Whose judgment upon him must pass.

The fellow whose verdict counts most in life,

Is the man staring back from the glass?

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,

For he’s with you clear to the end,

And you’ve passed the most dangerous and difficult test,

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

And get pats on the back as you pass.

But the final reward will be heartache and tears,

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

Peter David Wimbrow Sr.

Morning Encouragement for 12/29/2022

Good morning,

As the year 2022 comes to a close, I want to wish each of you a Happy and prosperous New Year 2023. Many of you have been afflicted this year; honestly, this year has been abysmal at best and horrific at worst. When you read the verse “praise the Lord in all afflictions …”, it may be like ice water to the veins or fingernails scratching the chalkboard, and rightly so. Praising the Lord doesn’t restore a loved one that died nor does it make your horrific situation like a “silk purse”. Praising the Lord diverts our pain and sorrow to the Lord who can keep us no matter what we are going through. Keeping the faith is much harder than scripture or sermons can ever detail. If “keeping the faith” and “praising the Lord” comes easy for you, you may never have faced your worst fears or watched your kingdom being decimated like the disciples felt that fateful day on Calvary. I want to encourage you today that no matter what you are facing or the depth of pain you are feeling that you are never ever alone. The cindered mess that lays at your feet is not the end of your story, it is the beginning of something unbelievable. For many of you, and prayerfully me too, 2023 will be the year that redefines your ministry and puts the puzzle that you have looked at for countless years together to see what the Lord has done in your life. I covet your prayers people and I want to hear from you so that we can encourage each other through the trials.

Verses: Psalms 147, Hebrews 12, James 1:2, Joshua 1.

Famous Quote: “Believe you can and you are halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt.

Father,

You have so much in mind for your children which transcends what see, hear and feel. You never give us a play-by-play account of what is to occur, you simply put out your hand and say, “Child take my hand”. Equally, you never tell us why you are doing things or why the path we are taking seems wrong you simply say, “Child take my hand”. You do not tell us what will happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year you simply say, “Child take my hand”. So with trembly knees and nerves on edge, I put my hand in yours that you will lead me in the pathway that I will walk. I pray that you will bless my readers and those following my website and keep them throughout the year. Please help me today to not become discouraged because of the bad news or the pressures of a corrupt government. I pray for my family that you will keep each of them. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/26/2022

Good morning,

Doubtless, many of you in the US have seen the commercials from the Foundation For a Better Life which are put out by the Mormon church. While I do not agree with many of the church’s teachings, I do understand the importance of being kind to others. Now showing kindness to someone has nothing to do with accepting or tolerating other people’s actions or allowing them to infiltrate your home and life. The meaning of “kindness” means being friendly, generous, and considerate irrespective of our morals and beliefs. Kindness, like forgiveness, does not repair broken relationships it removes the barrier in our hearts to accepting forgiveness and heals the wounds in our hearts. More importantly, both soften our hearts against bitterness and distrust. My encouragement for you today is to make inroads through kindness and respect because you might be the only bible people will ever read.

Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:29, Micah 6:8, Galatians 5:22, Psalms 141:5, 1 Peter 4:8

Famous Quote: “He’s nice to everybody because he was taught that man is made in G-d’s image. He’s never met G-d in person and the next fella just might be him.” – Red Skelton of Freddie the Freeloader.

Father,

It’s easy for me to be judgmental and withhold kindness to those who have been mean to me or whose lifestyle choices do not agree with mine. If you had told me, “Mike you’d better be kind or I’m going to __ you with the move of my hand”, I might be kind but it would be out of fear. Being kind to others opens doors that might never have been opened had I disregarded the command and allowed my bias’s to speak for me. Please help me today to be your hands, feet, and voice in an ungodly world. I pray for my family that you will watch over each of them and keep them safe. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/25/2022

Good morning,

In scripture, there is a verse “redeem the time for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). The Greek word for “redeem” means “rescue from loss”. To rescue something from loss implies that we make use of it like adopting an animal or rescuing something from the trash. In the same way, when we make the time we have with the people we love, count, we have rescued that time from being a total loss. Last night, people came to the house to celebrate Christmas and one person wanted to play cribbage. Normally I would decline because I get anxious however, the spirit of the Lord said, “do it anyways” so we played 3 games and had a good time. It is very easy and convenient to fall back on our fears and allow them to drive our attitudes and behaviors. When Jesus walked the earth, he could have hidden in fear of the Sanhedrin and never healed anyone, and would have wasted the precious gift the father gave him for the world; if he had done that, he would have been another king “who lived and then he died”. My encouragement for you this Christmas season and into the New year is, “redeem the time at all costs” because the people we love are not around forever and neither are you and I.

Verses: Ephesians 5:16, Matthew 13:45-46, Matthew 26:36-45

Famous Quote: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is those good men do nothing” – John Stewart Mill

Father,

Please help me today to redeem the time I am given. We are not told how long we have or when we will or someone else will be called home. The hardest thing for me is to listen to people who bemoan the loss of a spouse, friend, or child and wish they could talk with them for just a few moments – in essence, they live with regret. So help me today to live for you and cherish those you have given to me to pray for. I pray for my family Lord that you would watch over them and keep them safe. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/24/2022

Good morning,

To begin with, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I pray G-d’s blessing on all of you. As a child, I looked forward to Advent because I knew that Christmas would be six weeks away. During those six weeks, we’d write out our wishlist by looking through the Sears and Roebuck catalog. You see, we as a child didn’t get gifts all year long as we do now, we got gifts two times a year – our birthday and Christmas. Christmas was a festive time my parents did everything within their power to make it a special time for me and our siblings even while my dad was in Southeast Asia. You see, my parents understood the depth of the word “sacrifice” and did so without reservation when it came to their children. This leads me to my point, Christmas is not just a date on the calendar, and nor is it just the 24^th and 25^th of December. Christmas or the day we celebrate Jesus’ birthday whenever that is. Christmas is a time of denying ourselves and diverting the time to serve others or, “fasting”. The reason Jesus came was to loosen the burden of sin from our shoulders. So, how much more should we sacrifice our time and gifts to help others?

Father,

Thank you for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. I pray for my family, FB friends, and readers. I plead the blood of Jesus over all of these good people’s homes. I pray especially for those who are away from their families either because of military obligations or for their jobs such as the police, EMTs, and medical staff. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/18/2022

Good morning,

When I consider Jesus’ life and ministry, I notice that he ministers even when he is struggling with the indifference of that time. Imagine, if you will, struggling with the one group that should have been a source of strength and that was the religious people of that time. Jerusalem was not a place of tranquility like it was in Solomon’s time and it wasn’t a rich town like it was in David’s time, it was a place of consternation and contradiction. Yet, Jesus never gave up and succumbed to the darkness. In the same way with us, Jesus doesn’t wait until we are perfectly at peace and all of our struggles are resolved before sending us out. He sends us out knowing that we’ll find the missing piece that will catapult us into the next phase of our life. When we are going through bad times, it is the best time to pour hope into other people’s lives and the Lord will continue to fill our lives with the words we need to hear. My encouragement for you this Christmas season is that pouring hope into other people’s lives doesn’t negate the severity of what you are going through nor does it diminish your needs. Sharing our life with others helps to open doors in our life that have been shut for a long time.

Verses: 2 Timothy 4, John 4:1-45, 2 Kings 4:1-7

Famous Quote: “The ministry of bearing with one another is learning to hear G-d speak through difficult people.” – John Ortberg.

Father,

In this Christmas season help me to minister to lives that may grow in hope before you. While I know that I do not have all of the answers, I have your spirit that will provide the words I need to speak. I pray for my family today that you will watch over them and keep this day. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/17/2022

Good morning,

As Christmas approaches, there are three words that I want to address this morning: happiness, contentment, and joy. Happiness is predicated on external events like, you got an A on an exam, you got the present you have always wanted, and/or you were served your favorite meal. Joy, to me anyway, is like a firewall that says, “no matter what goes on in my environment, I will rejoice in the Lord”. Contentment, to me anyway, implies that I am satiated and I want nothing further. Contentment and joy are personal decisions that only we can choose for our life. When we have no joy or contentment in our lives, we will always be in search of what our heart is after sort of like munching on everything not knowing what you are hungry for. I find that joy is developed by faith and faith is developed by contentment. When we are content with the little we possess and offer that little bit to the Lord, he blesses and breaks it into many more pieces. With that bread of “joy,” people are fed and encouraged in their walk and the joy in our life grows. My encouragement and my hope for you today is that you will find joy and contentment where you are in life.

Verses: James 1:1-18, Nehemiah 8:9-12, Isaiah 40:28-31, Psalms 27.

Famous Quote: “When you surrender completely to G-d, as the only truth worth having, you find yourself in service of all that exists. It becomes your joy and recreation. You never tire of serving others.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Father,

The joy of the Lord is my strength. With this strength, I can climb mountains and defeat the Devil at his game. I may not have a lot nor my words are as clear as they need to be however, what little I possess I give to you so that you can break it like bread and use it to feed others. May the gift of your son Jesus be the food I use to feed others this Christmas season. I pray for my family Lord that you will watch over all of them. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/16/2022

Good morning,

When Jesus began his public ministry, he began by calling a diverse group of men to disciple them. Because he was the teacher or, Rabbi, he was responsible for his students’ education and ensuring that they were prepared for the ministry that lay ahead. If you will notice, everything Jesus said or did was on purpose. When speaking publically, his students remained quiet so that they could listen and learn as well as out of respect for the teacher. When class was over, and the masses had departed, they asked questions. The problem with education is no matter how good the teacher is or how solid the classes are structured, it all pales in comparison to life and is unable to teach soft skills like avoiding pitfalls, use of communication, and putting the information into practice. In the same way, we can know all of the books of the Bible, quote the 23 Psalms, and know the commandments but fail when it comes to weightier matters like dealing with temptation and walking in obedience. It is for this reason that the Holy Spirit of the Living G-d was sent and why we need it operating in and through our lives. My encouragement for you today is that if the Holy Spirit is not in you, and you’ll know it, 2023 will be the year you take your walk from an academic to a purpose-driven life.

Verses: John 16, Acts 2, Acts 19:1-10, Psalms 24

Famous Quote: “The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us.” – Billy Graham.

Father,

Thank you for this day that you have given. Thank you for all that you teach me and the grace to share it. Help me daily to grow closer to you and to increase the sensitivity of my ears to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say to me. Help me to learn and then take the information from an academic to a purpose-driven life. I pray that my readers will catch hold of the fire and grower closer to you also. I pray for my family that you will daily watch over them and keep them safe. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/15/2022

Good morning,

The movie “The Christmas Box”, which is a movie I love to watch, brings out an interesting point of view. The Evans family is hired by a widow who owns an estate. Richard Evans is a ski shop owner who puts in long hours and which causes stress in the family as well as the employer. At first, Richard thought Mrs. Parkin disliked him and he couldn’t get a good read on her. One day Mrs. Parkin asked Richard, “What is the first gift of Christmas?”. This question would haunt Richard throughout the movie. As you reflect on Christmas and its meaning, I want you to think about the question and “why is it so important?”. I encourage you to watch the movie and watch all of the pieces and parts. Lastly, I want you to put yourself in the place of Richard Evans and see how it applies to you and the circumstances surrounding you.

Verses: Isaiah 9, Luke 2, Psalm 51

Famous Quote: “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge”

Father,

Christmas is the last holiday on our calendar next to Hanukah. As we close out the year, we are more often than not very busy. This “business” often takes time away from those that love and care for us. More importantly, “busyness” detracts from spending time with you. When we do not spend time with you, Christmas eventually becomes meaningless and we lose the spirit. When we lose the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of “dullness”, “self-pity”, and “depression” seeps in which pushes us further into darkness. I am sorry Lord for all of the Christmas’ I have squandered by not spending time with you. Please forgive me and may those I have hurt this year and all of the years past forgive me as I forgive them. I pray for my family today Lord that you will watch over each and every one of them wherever they may be. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/14/2022

Good morning,

Having faith in someone or something is pretty easy until it or they must come through on their promise. Consider the family car, in the summer months, we are relatively sure the car is going to start up and keep running. However, let the temps drop to -20 and have 3’ of snow to contend with, do have the same faith in that car? When the car conks out ½ to work and needs to be towed, we start to think about trading the car in for another one and then we start dreaming about a new one. In the same way, when we ask the Father for something we really need. When things don’t work out like we think they will, we become dissatisfied sort of like what happened to Jonah in Ninevah. Understand this, faith does not make our problems go away, it helps us to deal with the issues and work through them. I encourage you today as you face your mountains to commit them to the Father in prayer and seek a pathway forward.

Verses: Jonah 3, Hebrews 11, Matthew 17:20

Famous Quote: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Father,

Help me to daily take the first step in everything I do and not lose faith when things go upside down. The reason you want us to overcome obstacles in our life is that we build up self-confidence and have the courage to face greater obstacles that will come in time. When your son Jesus left this earth in death he gave them the tools to deal with whatever the Devil may throw at them. In the same way, you give us all the tools we need to be successful and it is up to us to employ them or squander them. Help me to be a faithful servant today. I pray for my family that you will watch over them and keep them safe. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/13/2022

Good morning,

It is a common sentiment in our world today that “Christmas has no meaning” because “I just can’t get into the spirit” and “it’s all so commercialized anyway”. Have you ever wondered why that was? As for commercializing Christmas, it has been going on since about 1840. If families could make Christmas special through the lean years of the 20’s – 80’, why do we struggle with it so bad? Could it be that the problem is not so much the external noise like “political correctness”, “federal laws”, etc, but it is our attitude, what we allow into our homes, and whether or not make to set aside certain days for the Lord like the Sabbath? When we allow our joy to be stolen or handed over to the world simply because we don’t want to offend anyone just once, the world will keep putting more demands on us until we have no joy. When Jeroboam the son of Nebat offered the people to worship the golden as their god, it was their choice to accept or deny. Along that same line, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego could have capitulated to King Nebuchadnezzar’s demands or be remanded to a burning fire pit and they chose the consequences of denying the pagan king. In the same way, you and I have a choice, capitulate to the never-ending demands of the world or live to honor the Lord in our homes and our lives.

Verses: Daniel 3, 1 Kings 12:25-33, Joshua 24:14-15, Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Mark 2:23-28

Famous Verse: “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

Father,

You give us the power of “choice” over our lives. We can either choose to keep our lives decluttered or be cluttered with the cares of the world. Once we allow the world to dictate the confines of our lives, they will never stop sort of like using a credit card. Help me all the days of my life to honor you and to keep my life decluttered and open to hearing what you will say to me. Christmas is a special time Lord and I can either be like the world, “callus” or pliable for your use. I commit my life and family into your hands, Lord. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/12/2022

Good morning,

Jesus, just like when we were firstborn, was a helpless baby that required his parents’ help to do everything. So babies do nothing for the parents much less the community and the world. So, his parents raised him, taught, and prepared him to take his place in ministry. In the same way, when we were born again, we too were not able to stand in faith much less contend against the Devil or the “world” (Romans 6:1-4). Through time though, we grow up in Jesus and eventually we take our place in ministry. This Christmas as you celebrate Jesus’ birth, I encourage you to also think back on the journey you have taken from salvation to where you are. If you have been on the wrong track, then I encourage you to start life over again by confessing the sins of your life and getting things straightened out between you and the Lord. I also encourage you to set aside whatever date you want to celebrate Christmas and mark it as the day you were born again. Use that time to help people and to share your story with those who feel that there is no way that Jesus could possibly help them. When you do this, you bless the listener and you encourage yourself.

Verses: Luke 2:1-22, Isaiah 7, Isaiah 58

Famous Quote: “It is our care for the helpless, our practice of loving-kindness, that brands us in the eyes of those who oppose us.” – Tertullian

Father,

Thank you for this Christmas season. I am so glad and thankful that you did not wait for the world to be in a “peachy perfect condition” before sending your son into this contaminated world. The thing is, every deliverance that you sent was always in times of immense struggles like the exodus from Egypt, release from Babylon, and kingdoms with new leadership. The same is said of our lives because if we were not facing headwinds of troubles, trials we are unable to overcome, etc we’d think we were invincible and become proud and arrogant just like Nebuchadnezzar. You came into my life when my world was in a tailspin and I haven’t regretted it. Please help me to use the remaining days of this year to help people by ministering to them. I pray that you will watch over my family and me as we face 2023. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 12/09/2022

Good morning,

The Christmas story is unbelievable and unfathomable. After all, who would believe that the future king would be born to a peasant family? Wouldn’t it be more practical for the child to be born to a royal family like maybe Herod? When the wise men arrived in town looking for the Newborn king, it frightened Herod that there existed a possibility of losing the crown. This was the reason behind the slaying of infant males throughout Judah (Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 1). Mary and Joseph came into town to register for the census and there was no place available. So, the couple was given the only place left remaining, a horse stable. No royal family in their right mind would accept such disgusting accommodations. Yet, this was a poor family that had very little to their name. When Jesus was born, Herod had no idea where he was that’s the reasoning behind asking the wise men to “tell me so I can …”. In the same way, when we come to the Lord and He births in us the Spirit of the Lord and we come to life, people will look at us and ask, “isn’t this ___ who was ___?”. You see, when the Spirit of the Lord is alive in us we do not change externally, we change internally” (Isaiah 53:2).

Readings: Jeremiah 31, Luke 1

Famous Quote: “Being born again means you have a new concept of yourself” – Dianne Cannon.

Father,

Thank you for this Christmas season. May it be a time of rebirth for our nation and world. Sin has destroyed this nation and only the blood of Jesus Christ can rebirth it. We need you more than we realize Lord and I pray for those who are seeking your face that you will show yourself to them in the face of servants. Help me today to be your servant and to walk in the power of the Lord. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

http://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 12/5/2022

Good morning,

As we prepare for Christmas and the day the nation celebrates the birth of our Lord, I want to share with you some personal thoughts that I hope you will treasure. The first thing is that Jesus was not born on December 25^th as it is a “chosen day” (Christmas). Some contest that the day is a celebration of the Sun god or “Citronella” and will not celebrate the day which, is fine pick another day. The purpose of Christmas is not about “what I want” but how his presence brought good news to a weary world. Whatever day you chose to celebrate the Lord, let it be a time set aside for the Lord or, “fasting”. According to Isaiah 58, true fasting is not just “starving yourself”, it is about denying yourself that brings you pleasure, like game stations, etc, and using the time to release other people’s burdens. I encourage you today to set one day aside to honor the Lord.

Verses: Isaiah 58, Psalm 85,

Famous quote: “I will honor Christmas in my heart and keep it all year long” – Charles Dickens.

Father,

Thank you for sending your son into this world. If it had not been for him, the only good news we’d receive would be samplings from the government. Please help me today to honor your son in all that I do. May I bring words of encouragement to those that need it? I pray for my family Lord that you would watch over them everywhere their feet take them. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/30/2022

I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/29/2022

Good morning,

For the last few mornings, I have been going through the life of Hezekiah who I believe was a far better king than Solomon. After experiencing the awesome power of prayer and watching his kingdom being spared from Assyria’s onslaught. Hezekiah trusted the Lord and he was not let down. Then he gets sick to the point of death. One would think, that after experiencing the move of G-d’s hand that being told “you are going to die put your affairs in order”, he would have said “The Lord is faithful and knows what He is doing” but he didn’t, he cried and asked for a little more time. So the Lord gave it to him and it would be the hardest and most difficult years of his life; the reason is, he asked for the sundial to go back to the time of Ahaz. Ahaz, as you may remember, was a vial and disrespectful king who bankrupt his kingdom and left it up to Hezekiah to fix. Hezekiah most likely thought, that he would do things differently and would solve more problems. The thing is, going back in time doesn’t solve problems, it creates them. Hezekiah would be responsible for the onslaught of Babylon because he showed the representatives everything in the nation including the Temple and the royal treasure. I challenge you today and I encourage you to listen to the voice of the Lord and be obedient to what He tells you to do even if it is “Put your house in order”.

Verses: 2 Kings 20, Proverbs 12, Psalms 131, Hebrews 11

Famous Quote: “Our real blessings often appear to us in the shapes of pains, losses, and disappointments; but let us have patience, and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.” – Joseph Addison

Father,

Life is chock full of disappointments, disagreements, and/or frustrations. I would never be able to solve all of the world’s woes even if I was granted 2 full lifetimes. You have called me to be a writing prophet to a war-weary world. Please help me to honor you in all that I do and carry out the mission to the best of my abilities. I pray for my family that you will watch over each of them and cover them with the blood of your dear son. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/28/2022

Good morning,

When we are confronted with situations like what Hezekiah was facing, the proper response is to turn to the Lord in prayer, seek counsel, and have faith in the Lord. Although Hezekiah had the assurance from Isaiah and the power of the Kingdom of G-d in his grasp, it didn’t make the situation “like a walk in the park”. Some of you like Hezekiah have spent long sleepless nights dealing with situations that are over your head. Doubt, like the armies of Assyria, try to rattle our cage with the power of a pending tornado. My encouragement for you today is, no matter what is going on in your life or how big the mountain looks, “trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your understanding. In everything, acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your pathways” (Proverbs 3:4-5).

Verses: 2 Kings 19, Matthew 17:1-5, Mark 14:32-42, Habakkuk 3:17-19

Famous Quote: “When things get a little hazy and sometimes crazy as they will and you can’t see your way, don’t resist, don’t backup, just open up and give G-d a DEEP PRAISE!! And He will safely lead you on.” – Anita Hewitt.

Father,

When life gets tough, as it most certainly will, the world says, “give up” and “surrender” to the gods of the world. We are not told, “I will give you a life without trouble just because you follow me” if that were the case, the cross would not be necessary. So, in these situations, help me to be like King Hezekiah and trust you through the dark times. I know that you use these moments to teach us and build our wall of faith. You referred to faith as a “mustard seed” by itself it is just a spec but once planted it grows into a large tree or bush. Help me to use these situations to plant the seed and water it so that it grows in my life. I pray for my family Lord that you will watch over them today. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/27/2022

Good morning,

One of the nastiest parts about sin is that it is like “fire”, it never says “enough”. When temptation is courting its target, it portrays the actions we take as being harmless. Once we start acting on the temptation we justify our actions. The problem is, sin will burn up everything in its target life and then spread to his or her family and then on down the generations. The day David acted on his lust it had immediate ramifications. For David’s ancestry beginning with Solomon, foreign wives were introduced to the family which opened the pathway for the idols of the nations they brought into the kingdom. Even after the exile, the nation had to find out who they were and which God they would serve them what their language was. In the present day, we too are impacted by the choices of our parents and subsequently our choices. I encourage you today to take a careful look at what you are doing and seek Council from the Lord. If we listen to our counsel, we will be misled because they can always justify what we are doing and approve of it.

Verses: Psalms 129, Lamentations 2, Jeremiah 21

Famous quote: “This miry slough is a place that can’t be repaired. It is a low-lying place where the scum and filth that come with the conviction of sin drain and collect as the traveling sinner becomes aware of his lost condition. It is the fears, doubts, and discouraging apprehensions about oneself that arise in his soul.” – John Bunyan

father,

your greatest desire for your servants is that they may be free. Walking in righteousness is not a penalty it is a gift. Your word commands us and admonishes us to carefully consider our choices. You gave us autonomy so that we may make our own choices unfortunately, it is a dual-edged blade. Sin opens a hole in our life that fills with cancer, which spreads to the healthy tissues. Help me today to walk in the light of your word and have no room for temptation. I pray for my family Lord that you watch over them and keep them safe in your love. Thank you for each and every one of them. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/26/2022

Good morning,

yesterday’s writings talked about the Kingdom of Judah and how it would end. This is a devastating thing for Jerusalem and for the people of the Jews because it meant they were receiving the opposite end of God’s judgment. One would think after reading Jeremiah that the Lord hated these people and wanted nothing more to do with them which cannot be further from the truth. The thing is, even in the family unit. There must be judgment there must be an end result for improper actions. I look to you as a father. One of the hardest things you’ll ever do is to cast your child out. We read about the love of God, and we must understand that love, pure love anyways, comes with consequences. The false prophets talked about this loving God who would swoop in to save them, which never happened. In fact, quite the reverse happened. In the same way that God wept over Jesus’ crucifixion, he also weeps over our sins. As parents we want our children to have the very best. But what happens when they walk counter to our laws? As I told my sons, “if you will not listen to my discipline, maybe you’re not my son”. These words are incredibly hard to speak, oh we can say those words in anger alright, but when we review them it hurts deep like a dagger wound. It wasn’t the Lord’s plan to exile his people and then say to the forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob “Sorry pals, but I had to do what I had to do”. God loved his people and he still loves them as much as He loves you and I. I encourage you today to get a good grasp of how much the Lord loves you and make every step possible to honor his laws and honor his desires for your life. I will say, though, coming back from moral failure is not easy but Jesus made a way for us.

Verses: Jeremiah 21, Lamentations 1, Psalms 136, Isaiah 9:9-12, John 9:39

Famous Quote: “That is what life is about. We do not get redos, but we do get second chances.” — Jeffrey Fry

Father,

We do not get to do things over again hoping for a different outcome because what is done, is done and all we can do is start over from where we left off. Only when we realize how much our actions and words have hurt people do we break down in tears. Beginning again means that we need to repent of our actions and hastily spoken words. We must understand with crystal clarity that the days before the sin are over as well as the sin but it doesn’t mean nor does it imply that all is good and we begin again. The people we have hurt may never forgive us just as the family unit may never come together ever again and this is a bitter pill to swallow. Please help me today to put a clamp over my mouth and a guard over my heart so that I may not sin against you nor against those who are dear to me (Psalms 141:1-4. I pray for my family Lord that peace continues to reign in our homes and that I’ll never be responsible for breaking that peace. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

IHS
MK

All of my writings can be found at

Morning Encouragement for 11/25/2022

Good morning,

It is ironic how the actions that are condoned in one generation become law in the next. Equally, turning from the Lord comes in steps as each generation takes worship to higher levels and there is no end in sight. The Jews of Samaria were introduced to idol worship in the time of King Jeroboam. The king set up the “high place of worship along with the golden calf”. As time went on, the varying communities developed and built their “High place” in all of the cities of Samaria. Eventually, the term “Lord” referred to the god of the community. After the Jews of Samaria were exiled and the Assyrians resettled in the land, the Assyrians were attacked by lions in retribution by Lord G-d. The reason they were attacked was that they refused to honor the G-d of the land. The Assyrian king had a Jewish priest come in to teach them how to serve the Lord G-d and what the statutes and commands were. Here is the problem, how could the priest teach the people the strict rules when the Jews lived any which they wanted to? So the Assyrians had a divided form of worship which meant that it would not take long for the people to turn away from the Lord. My point and my encouragement are that people look for the “difference”. If we have divided worship those who come to us will also live in divided worship. Consider Nicolaus a proselyte from Antioch who switched to Judaism and then to Christianity who was responsible for introducing “compromise” and it impacted the churches in the 1^st century.

Readings: 2 King 18:24-41, Acts 6:1-7, Revelations 2:12-17, Psalms 119:1-9

Famous Quote: “I will never compromise my faith to fit in, only to co-exist with the majority, but will stand firm in my beliefs and stand out as a minority” – Joaynn D.

Father,

Thank you for your word and the power that comes from walking in the light of your wisdom. Compromise is like breaking off a piece of ice because eventually, the whole thing breaks down. The Devil doesn’t mind us separating our allegiance because eventually we’ll compromise our beliefs and become no better than the gods of the nations. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments – Psalms 119:5-6. I pray that you will always watch over my family and keep them safe and that my walk with you will always positively impact them. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).