Morning Encouragement for 9/5/2022

Good morning,

Troubles in life are a constant part of our journey. We can count on having troubles as surely as we can count on night following day and day following night. No gets out of life with out experiencing problems. The problem is we are never quite sure how long they will last or how soon we can expect another bout. The great King David of Israel/Judah knew a great deal about having problems in life during the years he was on the run from Saul, the fallout of Bathsheba, and the failed coups. When he and his men were away in battle helping the Philistines, David and his men’s wives were captured by the Amalekites, wealth was stolen, and the town was torched. David could have caved into the pressure and blamed the Lord for the events instead, he turned his eyes to the Lord, sought guidance from Abiathar, and found strength in the Lord he served from his youth who had never failed him. Today, many of you are going through immense struggles in your homes, cities, states, and nations. I encourage you today to find strength in the One Lord who is above all lords and the G-d who is above all gods. His name is, “Jehovah who is present”, “Jehovah who provides”, “Jehovah our Peace”.

Readings: Psalms 119:89-96, Psalms 37:23-26, John 15:12-17, Mark 13:28-31

Famous Quote: “I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m already, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me – Dr. Seuss.

Father,

If your son Jesus and the great King David did not get out of life without troubled times, I have hope. More importantly, because they were able to overcome every obstacle, face every mountain that stood in their way, and yet found a way to bore through them, I am sure I can too. Thank you for the power of the cross that paid for the sins I have committed and the ones I haven’t yet committed. The reason the cross stands in  the way between You and the troubles I am facing, the ones I have faced, and the ones I will face is that sin will never be a show-stopper from me entering Your rest. 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 who 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 by 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 9/4/2022

Good morning,

Yesterday was a very special day for me because I officiated at my son and daughter in-law’s marriage ceremony. After it was over, people were very pleased and impressed by what I had said. My thought was, “I missed some key points that I wanted to say” after all, I had put in several hours work into crafting the marriage document. I understood, though, “What I wanted to say was not as important as what G-d wanted to say to bride and groom”. The message ministered not only to the couple but to the audience as well. You see, G-d doesn’t expect us to speak the polished English language nor speak in the rich baritone voice of Charlton Heston, He expects us to be “ourselves”. When we are ourselves and allow Him to speak vicariously through us, the message will reach the listening ear. When Peter was called to lead the 12, he was no leader and certainly did not have Jesus’ power of speech nor the courage to face the challenges. However, through time and patience, Jesus molded Peter through the trials. Jesus never gave up on Peter just as He never gives up on us and always, ALWAYS had faith in Peter even when Peter had no faith in himself. Today, you and I go through trials but when we keep our hand in Jesus’ hand, we’ll make it through whatever the world may throw at us.

Verses: Hebrews 11, Psalms 119:74-80, 1 Timothy 1:3-7, Proverbs 30:5, Mark 11:20-25

Famous Quote: “…if we only lead one soul to Jesus Christ, we may set a stream in motion that will flow on when we are dead and gone.” – D.L. Moody.

 

Father,

I am so thankful for all that you do in and through my life. You ask me not to imitate people nor act like the others do. You ask me to live for you and to honor you in all that I do. Please help me today to above all, “Honor your presence with words that encourage others”. Thank you for my readers, my family, my city, my state, and my USA. 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 who 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 by 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 https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 9/1/2022

Good Morning,

One of the many anomalties with our makeup is that we eat because we think our body needs it when it really needs something to drink. So in these moments when I am actually thirsty, I go through the refridgerator and cabinets to find what I am looking for but never find it. In the same way, there is a hole in our life that only the Lord can fill. It is for this reason that we go to the world to find what is missing in our life like wealth, fame, careers, and love. Yet no matter how much we obtain, we always seem to be missing the “one thing”. When we accept the Lord into our lives and walk in His grace, everything that we have garnered will become secondary to the Lord. You see, the Lord G-d made us by forming us in the womb so He made room for Himself in us. His commands are from all eternity and everyone that is accepted them into their lives has known life and that more abundantly. No matter what life throws at us, we have a Rock on which we can stand that is unmoved by the world’s threats and pressures.

Readings: Psalms 119:81-88, John 10:7-18, Proverbs 1:7-19, Isaiah 29:5-8, Deuteronomy 30

Famous Quote: “Whatever [the] fears, encourage [yourself] to face them – then turn them over to G-d. G-d loves [you], and when we know Christ and have put our faith and trust in Him, we know He’ll never abandon us” – Billy Graham.

Father,

As Billy Graham put it, “we’ve always needed G-d” (Prayer 9/11/01). The ways of the world are shifting sands because they are always changing one fad to another. Help me to daily put my trust in You no matter what comes at me or where my mind takes me. Help me to be an encouragement to my readers that they accept you into their lives and find the freedom and the missing part of their lives. 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 who 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 by 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.netr

Morning Encouragement for 8/31/2022

Good morning,
Many of you have had people call or show up unexpectedly to tell you all about their problems down to the minute details. Usually, those calls or drop-by visits entail some need like money, a ride, and/or an ear to listen and to commiserate with. Once the individual(s) have left with their needs met, you may not hear from them again until they need something else; there is a name for people like this, “User”. In the same way, when we go to church and altar calls only when our life is out of whack like a job loss or, marital issues, we are being users of the Kingdom. As users of the Kingdom, we never go beyond the “infant stage” this is why some people are blessed more than others, have more joy than others, and have the power of the Lord operating in their lives. The Lord’s desire for our lives is that we will walk in obedience, adhere to his statutes, and cling to His testimonies so that, when the Lord enlarges our heart, we will cling to Him.
Readings: Psalms 119:25-32, John 10:7-19, Romans 12, Proverbs 4:20-27, Deuteronomy 18:9-14.
Famous Quote: All growth that is not toward G-d, is growing in decay – George McDonald
Father,
Above all else, you desire that your children remain free. This world is all about “control” and people who come to you only to have their “headaches” removed but live like the world miss out on your greatest gift “Jesus’ sacrifice that paid the penalty for our sins”. Our world is in upheaval as nations and cultures throw off the old shackles. and the USA is no different. I pray for this nation, my city, and my state. I covet the prayers of the saints in praying for revival across the globe.
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 who 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 by 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

Home

Morning Encouragement for 8/30/2022

Good Morning,

Jesus gave an illustration about a landowner who developed his land and then hired men to watch over it (Mark 12:1-7). The landowner is G-d and the field is our life. We are given autonomy over our lives but, whatever comes from it we are will be held accountable. As children of the Living G-d, we are held to a higher standard than the world. Nowhere in scripture will you read “tell the world to do as I say or else”; it does however strongly advise His children to live Godly lives. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “what fruit do we want from our lives and how serious are about it?”.

Readings: Psalms 119:113-120, Mark 12:1-7, Ecclesiastes 11, Deuteronomy 28, Galatians 5:16-26.

Famous Quote: WHAT contempt hath God poured upon the wisdom of this world! How hath he brought it to nought, and made it appear as nothing. He has allowed it to work out its own conclusions, and prove its own folly – Charles Spurgeon

Father,

You do not give me the position as “chief moral consultant” nor do I have authority to tell anyone how to live their life. I do have the authority over my life and my children when  they were at home. Taking care of me is enough of a task. Help me to daily watch over my house. Thank you for all that you do in and through my life. 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 who 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 by 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

Home

Morning Encouragement for 8/29/2022

Good Morning,

When you read Jesus’ command, “Go into all the world …”, the disciples are told to share the good news and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit (Mark 16:15-18). In another area the disciples are told “Sin shall not have dominion over you: you are under grace” (Romans 6:14). So how does one go out to share the gospel and not let sin have dominion? The answer is, “we deal with our heart” by reading about what the pleases the Lord. In this world of the time just as it has always been, temptation is a constant pull at our hearts either through inward struggles or outward pressures. So if everyone sins and falls short of the glory of G-d, why is there a necessity to watch over the gates of our heart and mind? The answer comes down to this, “we are judged by the world for every indescretion and sin complicates our mission as much as it cast spurge on the name by which we minister. It is for these reasons that David so was so careful over everything he did until the moment lapse of wisdom.

Readings: Psalms 119:31-40, Romans 6:12-19, Mark 16:12-20, Proverbs 5:7-14, Deuteronomy 9:1-5

Famous Quote: “Walk circumspectly, because you don’t know who will be influenced by your words and actions.” ~ DL Moody

Father,

Living for you requires work on our part to accomplish that which you have assigned us to do. The world may not bat an eye at sin unless you have lived by Kingdom standards and then go astray. Please help me today to honor you in all that I do. My prayer is that your precepts and statutes will always be a part of my life. 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 who 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 by 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

Home

Morning Encouragement for 8/28/2022

Good Morning,

There was once twin boys who both wanted a special toy. The first one walked in and with platitudes and smiles told his dad what he wanted only to be told no. The second son walked in and politely asked to talk to his dad. As the conversation started, the boy told his dad what he wanted and wanted to know how he could earn the money for it. The father gave the 2nd son some odd jobs to do and the boy gladly did the work and in couple of weeks he had earned the required amount and bought the toy. The first son charged his father with “favoritism”. The father told the son “you asked me to get you __ toy and by appearances you were not going to work for it”.

There are oddities in life that no explanation can suffice one of them being “attitude towards prayer matters”. When we treat prayer like a “wash list”, it is would be tantamount to walking into the CEO’s office where you work, putting your feet on his/her desk, and telling them “I want you to …”. When you hear about people praying for years and nothing happens but one individual prays and the walls come down and doors are opened. While this may seem unfair or that G-d plays favorites, the answer lies not in the words he/she spoke, the phrases used, and/or the look on her/his face. The answer lies in the heart of the petitioner.

Readings: Psalms 119:153-157, John 17, Daniel 9, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, James 4:1-10.

Famous Quote: “The function of prayer is not to influence G-d, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays” – Soren Kierkegaard.

Father,

Thank you for the awesome power of prayer. Help me daily to hold onto your hand through the Holy Spirit. Even in my confusion, your Spirit speaks powerfully to my heart. Lord, we need revival in our land and a prayer revolution. This word is on a collision course with the destiny of its actions. I know from scripture that in all the times your Spirit marched out was always in times of trouble. Please silence our politicians and bring them to their knees so that they would proclaim your will not theirs. 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 who 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 by 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

Home

Morning Encouragement for 8/27/2022

Good Morning

When I was in Recruiting School, my teachers regaled the class with funny stories that happened in the field or, and told of “gimmicks” which helped them to be successful. I tried a few of the gimmicks because I wanted the fruit of success but they didn’t work for me mainly because it was not in my character. Remember this, in every case where the Lord calls us to ministry, He gives us everything we need and it will fit our character. Consider how young David after telling the King “don’t worry I’ll take care of this giant”. To prepare David, Saul gave David his armor but it didn’t fit him so David politely refused them. The only weapon David carried with him was his slingshot and 5 smooth stones. It was said of Jesus, “he was a nobody by earthly standards yet, he did more in 3 years for the community than the religious leaders had done in years of service. The reason he was so effective is that his eyes were on the Father, his father’s laws were his guiding principles. When we too apply G-d’s commands to our life, we will reach people for Jesus.

Readings: Palms 119:97-104, 1 Samuel 17, Exodus 3:7-12, Proverbs 1:8-19, Isaiah 53

Famous Quote: “Let the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like majesty, and it will soon clear its own way and ease itself of its adversaries” – Charles Spurgeon

Father,

the mission field that you send us may not be ready but you give us the tools so that we are ready to go to work. David was a young man when you called him and even then you were preparing him. When Moses was first called you sent him with your word and your authority. Because of disobedience and fear, you sent him with a staff that would only serve to cause problems. Help me to listen, understand, and be obedient to what you call me to do. I pray for my city, state, and nation that you will continue to heal and restore them. 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 who 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 by 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 my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/23/2022

Good Morning!

In Psalms 119:57-72, David speaking, he says “The Lord is mine. …”. For something to be “ours”, it means we are accountable for care and maintenance. If we do not respect that which belongs to us by being abusive to them, we will not have them very long because those items will break down and fall apart. Similarly, when we do not treat our relationship with the Lord by abusing the relationship and being disobedient, will not remain in a covenant with Him before He casts us out. Choosing to serve the Lord is a personal choice that requires work on our part. Consider the customer who is purchasing a car. Each car comes with an instruction book that is usually ignored and left in the glovebox in the sealed bag. The book contains valuable information about its specific settings, maximum weight the vehicle can operate safely trailer, which lightbulbs are needed, tire pressure settings, and maintenance intervals. If we ignore these specifics, we damage the car and the warranty will be voided. Similarly,, when we come to the Lord, there are requirements and maintenance items that need to be attended to if we want to grow in faith. The Kings of Ancient Israel were required to handwrite 613 commandments from the 2nd book of the law or the Mitzvot Torah (Talmud Malkkot 23b) (Deuteronomy). Fortunately, we are not required to remember all of G-d’s laws instead, we have two to remember and meditate on. When we meditate on these two laws, we will do that which pleases the Lord.

Readings: Psalms 119:57-72, Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Peter 3:11-21, Psalms 91:16, Deuteronomy 17:18, Romans 10

Famous Quote:

God imposeth no Law of Righteousness upon us which He doth not observe Himself. – BENJAMIN WHICHCOTE

Father,

How can one learn what you require of him/her unless he/she first immerse themselves in you? How can one know the truth if they do not study what you require of them? Without the three being in agreemen,t there is no way we can know what you require of us or how can we know the true G-d (1 John 5:6-11). Without them Lord, we are simply people guessing about the truth of salvation and establishing our righteousness, not yours. We need you so desperately today Father, we need the atoning blood, and forgiveness for the mess we have made of our lives. I pray for revival across this great nation, heating of the land, and Your good spirit operating in and through our lives. Many have stood in public places stating that we do not need you well, those people do not speak for me. Violence has reached epic proportions as people rise up to demand change all the while being no better than the people they protesting against. Our financial system is in a disarray and is not getting better no matter what our politicians say. Businesses across the land and the globe have ceased to operate with a strong moral bearing and when it comes to schools? the less said the better. I plead the blood of Jesus over my city, state, and nation Lord. Please do not destroy this nation but rise up prayer warriors as never before Lord. I pray for our military, EMTs, Police, teachers, preachers, and medical staff.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/21/2022

Good Morning!

Through out scripture, we are commanded to walk in obedience to the Lord. The problem we have is that we live in the world where God’s laws and commandments are meaningless. It’s bad enough to hear the clamor of the world but in our home, we should expect some amount of acceptance but it is not always so. if we only had to face our worst enemy, it would be more preferable than to face our family. I believe it is for this reason the disciples were sent home to their families to share the good news. If the teams could win at home, they could win everywhere they went. If the group capitulated to the whims of the family and violated God’s laws at home, never mind reaching the world. In the same way when we are called to do something for the Kingdom, we must settle it in our minds that “no matter what the world says, or how much our family disagrees with us, we will serve the Lord”. Many people start off on the path of salvation and proclaim their love for Jesus but the stress of the world pulls them down. Others come to the Lord just until ______ happens. Only a few by number stay the course and become all that the Lord has in mind for them. Where do you stand today?

Readings: Psalms 119:17-32, Matthew 22:1-13, Jeremiah 12:1-13, Proverbs 1:8-19, Deuteronomy 32:1-35.

Famous Quote: Although God’s people find many successes in the world, they must not fall prey to a spirit of pride. We succeed not because of our moral superiority but because of the faithfulness of our divine intercessor and because of the great mercy of God. – Author: Max Anders

Father,

Thank you for your unmerited grace and mercy. When we come to you on blended knee and our hearts submitted to you, you put us to use for your Kingdom. Help me today to honor you in all that I do. I pray for my nation today Lord. I know that wickedness has reached epic proportions but please do not destroy us. Help me to minister to lives through this medium that many more people will come to the Lord. I pray for our military, medical staff, EMTs, police, and front line workers who work each day putting their skill sets to work. I desire that revival break out across this nation to defeat the Prince of the power of air. I love you Lord may you be pleased with me.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/20/2022

Good Morning! Well here we are in the last full week of August which signals the end of summer. I hope that each of you have taken the time with family and friends this summer.

When you came to the Lord and by obedience went through the water’s of baptism, what did it feel like? Was it just another day in your life? Or was a day for you? When nation Israel crossed the river they were the same nation but were no longer slaves running from Pharaoh. The day they marched out of Egypt was likened to breathing fresh air because they knew that at the end of the day, they would not be subjected to the whips and tyranny of Egypt ever again. While this great and most definitely “good news” the thing is, just as Israel found out, walking out of slavery is one thing but defeating the demons that brought about slavery is another. Look at what happened to Israel in the days, weeks, months following the crossing of the Sea of Reeds: doubt set in, fear of the unknown, food and water became a problem; Add to the mix, fights began to break out and some wanted to go back to Egypt thinking that the nation would welcome them back with open arms. It would seem, to me anyway, that the easiest part of the trip was getting the “green light from Pharaoh”. In the same way the easy part of salvation is going through the waters of baptism. On Sunday morning after the baptism, we are on fire for the Lord but then Monday morning comes around, still pass our old familiar haunts, and at work we are still be reminded of our failures because we are a new person in the same old frame. Remember, you never fully defeat these demons until the day you are brought home to Jesus. I encourage you to read the 114th division of Psalms and commit it to memory specifically the last verse. May you have the victory

Readings: Psalms 114, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, John 9, Proverbs 2:1-8, and Exodus 14.

Famous Quote: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela.

Father,

You desire above all things that we walk free from the bondage to sin. The Devil will continue to remind us of who we are, what we’ve done, and the lives we have hurt. Yet, it is by the Cross of Jesus that the death penalty has been annulled. When I am down and feeling on the verge of going back to Egypt may this Psalm be a standard by which I can hold onto. I know that your son defeated the enemy “death” because he was resurrected from the dead after paying the penalty. May you always encourage my readers. I pray for EMTs, Police, Medical staff, teachers, and front line workers. Please watch over my family and keep them in the same word by which you called me.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/18/2022

Good Morning,

In Judaism, the 110th division of Psalms is a reference to Abraham and his victorious battle to rescue his nephew from the hands of the Mesopotamian Kings (Genesis 14). If Abraham had stayed in Ur of the Chaldeans and ignored the call, he would never have to rescue Lot, never have to deal with anxiety over his aged wife being raped, nor would have to take his life in his hands. Simply he would have remained known as Abram. While this is good, consider what he would have lost, being presented with the Beulah land, holding the promised son Isaac and out of obedience watch the Lord’s deliverance and the birth of a nation. but he would also never know what it was to hold his son Isaac nor be presented with the “Beulah land”; remained known as Abram”the do nothing” and “the go no where” (Isaiah 30:7) He would have instead of Abraham the High Priest, King of Peace King of Righteousness. Obeying God’s call upon our life is not without peril, never without struggle, and is incomplete until the Lord says, “it is finished”. The first step in every work of the Lord is and will always be “obedience”. When we walk out in obedience, the Lord puts the plan together and at the end shows His glorious work in our life. When we are obedient and faithful to the Lord, people will follow us to the gates of hell itself because they have faith in us knowing that we would never let them down. Be encouraged my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Readings: Genesis 13, Psalms 110, Hebrews 12, John 16:19-33, proverbs 22:4-14.

Famous Quote: Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
― Charles Stanley

Father,

Being obedient is not easy for us humans because, it means acting on what we do not see, and listening to the G-d whose face we do not see. When Abram acted on faith that you would provide for his and his family’s needs, it was an act of obedience. The problem is, it is not the command “to leave” that was as problematic as it was the struggles they faced. When Israel left Egypt that was the easiest part of the whole journey because their past lay in rubbles behind them. The hardest part was going through a baron desert land hungry and thirsty when all they had to do was ask in faith and I know you would have provided. Please help me today to honor you in all that I do and walk in obedience to you. Please watch over my families today, guide and keep them. Thank you for the healing soaking rain that we received. I asked in faith for the land to be healed and you did your mighty work. Help me always to be a voice of encouragement. Please watch over our police, EMTs, military, elected leaders, my city of Stacy, my state of MN, and my USA. Please encourage your servants across all quadrants of this world to pray for the peace of their land.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/16/2022

Good Morning!

The Church of the Living G-d is made up of people from all walks of life. Some are old having spent most of their life chasing the “worldly dream”. Others come to the Lord in their youth. Some come after reaching the end of their strength and found solace in suicide. Each one had one thing in common, they were saved by the hand of the Lord. In each and every case, the common thread was that they had an appointment with the Lord. When we testify about our background and the steps that took us to get to the Throne-room, it is to encourage us in our walk, keep us humble, and be a source of encouragement to those who are in the storm of their life. The Lord never uses our background as a bargaining chip to get his way, he does however use it to remind us of where we came from to humble us when we get too proud. Our background is a useable resource for the Kingdom of G-d because we can reach the broken in spirit, those who are at the end of their rope, and a welcoming hand to those who were/are lost. Today our world has gone in search of many schemes but they all will come full circle to the cross and then the throne. We are not able to legislate morality however, we can be the gentle hand and voice that welcomes them home. My prayer for you today is that you will be the gentle hand and voice to welcome them to the cross

Readings: Psalms 107, Ecclesiastes 7:27-29, Genesis 41:9-15

Famous Quotes:

Father,

Thank you for a bright new day in your love. The work you are doing to heal our land is nothing short of amazing! I know that you answer my prayers not because I am an example of a “pristine individual” but that out of humility and faith answered my request. I pray for my city, state, nation, and the people from all walks of life and profession. In the words of St Francis Assisi, help me to be an instrument of your love. May your good Spirit rest upon my readers, family, and those I meet today.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/15/2022

Good Morning and Happy Mid Month

There was once a little boy who went to his father to complain that his friend has this toy and “I want one”. The father thought about what his son had said, and then asked the child, “what are you willing to do for it?”. The boy said, “I don’t know, wait for you to get i?”. The father said, “I don’t know either and when you have an answer let me know”. The young man walked away sad because he just knew he was not going to get that toy. A few days later when the parents and child were in the store looking for a few items, the boy began to pitch a fit loud enough for everyone in the store to hear it. The father, knowing what the problem was, grabbed the child by the little hairs on the back of his neck and walked the child out of the store. Once in the car, the father asked the boy just what he was doing raising such a fit. The responded “I want that toy”. The father then asked the son, “what are you willing to do to earn it?”. The next day when the boy was at his friend’s house, he said to his friend, “you are so lucky to have this toy! My dad won’t buy one for me”. The boy’s friend retorted “Luck had nothing to do with it, I had to work for it because my dad said “I’d take better care of it that way’ and you know what? He was right”. So the boy went home and apologized to his dad and mom for his misbehavior. Then asked his father if he could earn an allowance and then would use it to buy the toy.

I told you this story to address a point about prayer. In our world today, it is popular to “demand things” that we think we deserve. Consider the sad status of the world around us where there are wars and rumors of wars, petulance, drought, and mass shootings. My question for you is, “what are you willing to do about it?”. Do you sit in your power circles and talk about “end times” and the “second coming”? Or, do you put some time in serious prayer over your city, the state you live in, and your nation? I’m here to tell you emphatically that G-d will not heal anything nor do anything about the mess we are in if we do not first humble ourselves before him and kindly ask him. People, the world is on a jagged edge and lakes are drying up but I will tell you it is not too late to seek the Father’s favor over your nation. I encourage you to seek the peace of your nation despite the current condition. If you want to see the power of the serpent broken over your nation, the power of the violent shattered, and the land restored, “PRAY For it!”.

Readings: Psalms 105, Ezekiel 22:30-31, James 1

Famous Quote: Every great movement of G-d can be traced to a kneeling figure. – D.L. Moody

Father,

I know our world is on a collision course that will bring it to its knees. What the world needs today is you not more government. I have asked and will continue to pour out my heart for this nation that you restore it not the way “i think it should be” but the plan you have had for it since the beginning. Thank you for healing our land not in my vision but in yours. I pray that more people would catch the vision for this nation and seek your face until your Kingdom comes. I pray for our military, police, EMTs, and medical staff. I pray for my families that you will watch over them today.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/8/2022

Good Morning,

The other day I was looking through some old photos trying to find a good picture for an upcoming wedding. Each picture I looked at brought back memories of family camping trips, singing around the campfire, and listening to stories from people who have long sense passed away. Going down memory lane brings out the good stories and memories of a time long gone; the problem is, you cannot go down that lane without unearthing bad memories old wounds, times of immense sorrow, sins that we have never come clean about, and/or times when we have failed ourselves and/or others. You see good and bad memories go hand-in-hand. If you glossed over the bad memories, it would mean you’d have to overlook the good that came from ergo “miss out on the meat of the story”. Having bad memories come to mind doesn’t mean “you haven’t forgiven them”, It means having to change our perspective on them and remember the good that came from them. You see, concentrating on the bad memories and changing the story doesn’t make the story true nor does it erase the pain the incident caused. Consider how the Old Testament is laid out. The stories of the Great King David would be incomplete without telling of his colossal failure because it would make him out to be a “god” rather than a “human being subject to sin”. It is the same for you and I. We are human beings, we make mistakes some of which we never asked for forgiveness and never let our children know about our past and how it impacts them. If this is you, then this the day that the Lord has made for your release into a new future.

Readings: Deuteronomy 11:18-19, Joel 1, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalms 78

Famous Quote:
“There are memories that time does not erase… Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable.”
― Cassandra Clare, City of Heavenly Fire

Father,

Thank you for our past present and future. Because of the cross and the blood that was shed on calvary, my past is poured out until all that remains is a picture. This picture cannot hurt us because they are but wisps of memories. The problem is that Devil reminds us of our failures so help us to remind him of the blood that was shed. I pray for our military, police, EMTs, medical support staff, front line workers, my city, state, and nation. I pray for our politicians that you will shake them to their cores of the things that they are doing. Thank you for healing our land.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikes encouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/12/2022

Good Morning!

Yesterday, I mentioned how often prayer is treated like a “gum ball machine”. A gumball machine does not ask “where did you get your quarter from?”; for all it knew or cared, it could have been stolen, found, earned, or begged from the parents.  in each case, the individual puts in a quarter, and out comes a piece of bubblegum; sometimes, we get the color we did not want or it is stale and we have to throw it away. Where the two are the same is that the machine access to pray is for “whoever”, the two do not discriminate, and they do not care about your finances, standing in the community, and/or what people think of you. The only thing the machine cares about is the coin that is inserted in the slot is the right denomination and not a piece of metal cut out in the size of a quarter. Where the two differ is that prayer is G-d is never quick to respond whereas the machine, on the other hand, responds instantaneously. Gumball machines send out the next piece in line irrespective of the patron’s desire whereas answers to prayer will always be in keeping with our needs and the condition of our hearts. Unfortunately, just like gum-ball machines, answers to prayer can be forced by taking what we desire or buying it and causing undo pressure with bills. When we force answers to prayer just like when breaking into a gum-ball machine we get what did not bargain for like a truck that falls apart or union that turns sour. My encouragement for you today is that if you are waiting for answers to prayer, it will come in time.

Verses: Psalms 27, Hebrews 11, Luke 16.

Famous Quote: The cross tells us that God understands our sin and our suffering, for he took them upon himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. From the cross God declares, ‘I love you. I know the heartaches and the sorrows and the pain that you feel. But I love you.’ – Billy Graham.

Father,

Thank you for the connection to the throne through prayer. I that what I ask in prayer you will provide sometimes it is not exactly what I ask but always in keeping with your integrity and will. You may not give me what I want but you always provide what I need. Please watch over my family and friends today. I pray for our military, police, EMTs, medical staff, city, state and union. I pray for your continued healing of the land and I pray for revival across America and the world today. I pray over the nations practicing for war that you’d calm the winds of adversity and help us through this difficult time.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/13/2022

Good Morning,

The last few mornings I have been talking about how prayer is treated like a gum-ball machine. Today I want to talk about what happens when the gum-ball machine is empty. Once the machine is empty, you can put in all the quarters you want, but you will not get a gumball in return. When we approach prayer before the Lord, with our quarter’s worth of prayer we expect that the Lord will honor our prayer despite the condition of our hearts. When our prayers return empty, we tend to think “it’s not G-d’s will for __ to happen”. Consider the “Mean old Teacher” who sent Johnny home with a D on a recent test requesting the parent’s signature. When confronted, the first words out of the young man’s mouth were “My teacher doesn’t like me” (sound familiar?). The father asked the boy if he had studied, done the homework, and asked for help on tough subjects. The boy’s answer was, “yea I studied, did as much homework as I had time for, and I even prayed for an “A” on the test but instead of an A all I got was a lousy D so much for prayer either G-d doesn’t answer or prayer or he doesn’t exist”. In essence, the young man blamed everyone but himself for his failure. When we are unwilling to do our part by preparing, studying, and learning about our G-d given profession, all of our prayers will be for naught. The reason is, the ministry G-d gives us is in its roughest form and we have to develop it and personalize it so it fits our personality. In essence our ministry is like the empty gum-ball machine and we have to fill it to make it profitable. My encouragement for those actively seeking G-d’s will for your life, put time, effort, and study so that you are read for whatever G-d has in mind for your life.

Verses: 2 Timothy 2, Ecclesiastes 11, Joshua 1.

Famous Quote: Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.” –Hans Christian Andersen

Father,

Thank you for the gifts you place in our life. You ask so little of us but give us so much. Help me to use what you provide and never be afraid of making mistakes so that I will have a gift to give for the gift you have given me. You Have shared with me secrets of the kingdom and asked that I share them and its from them that this web page is based on. For that, I am thankful and pray that my readers are encouraged through it. I pray for our military wherever they be and I pray for the families left behind. I pray for our nation, my state, and city. I pray for my family that they be enriched by these writings. I pray for our politicians that you would continue to shake them to their core and show them what they are doing and that it would awaken a desire for righteousness. I pray for revival and I pray that you would continue to heal this land.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/7/2022

Good Morning!

After working in the garden all summer, I’ve had to do battle with the infamous “weeds”. One of the many varieties of weeds is the “grapevine” which is as useless as a screen door on a submarine, which grows deep roots! Pulling those blasted grape vines is sort of like pulling a “yucca” plant that grows in the arid southwest or a tree root. To prevent this vine from growing deep roots, you need to pull it early and then burn it. If you do not burn it, the plant will grow wherever it is thrown. The grapevine has no fruit, no benefits from them, nor does anything but squat in good soil and it spreads. The plant is propagated by the birds who defecate the seeds they have eaten and the seeds land wherever the bird is. Temptation is like the grapevine seed in that it begins so small you’d never know it had landed in your heart until it receives nourishment from the waters of “thought” and eventually gives rise to words and then rise to sin. Once the plant “sin” grows in our life at first it looks pretty maybe it resembles something we planted on purpose. Sin strangles off the plants of “joy”, “peace”, and “contentment”. Once the plant has a good start, its tendrils reach out to our children, grandchildren, and anybody we are connected to. The only place the seed can’t grow is in the “open air”. I encourage you today to carefully consider what you allow into your life, the thoughts that run through your mind, and the people who would be affected by your choices.

Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Proverbs 27:23-24, Job 31, Psalms 1, Luke 13:1-9

Famous Quote: Opportunity may knock only once but temptation leans on the doorbell – Unknown

Father,

Please help me today and every day of my life to honor you by how I watch over my life. Help to carefully consider the choices I make in and out of the view of others. We have no control over others but the choices we make either bring people closer to the throne or push them away from us. Dealing with temptation is not easy because the enemy’s argument is as compelling as the false evidence he puts before us. May I be ever vigilant as David was leading up to his ascension to the throne? I pray for our military, police, EMTs, medical staff, and front-line workers that you will watch over them and bring them home safely. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA at large. I pray over politicians that you will continue to shake them and move their hearts so that they carefully watch what they do and say. I pray for my USA for revival and spiritual renewal.s

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/6/2022

Good Morning and Happy Saturday!

This summer has been a season of transformation for me as I had an epiphany of sorts. For the past number of years I have complained about the weather especially when it got so cold as it does in Minnesota. Then it stopped raining and land dried out and it got very hot. After looking over the landscape, the news, and all of the violence, my turned to praise G-d. I asked for his healing hand upon this great nation. The more I thanked and praised him, the more the burden was lifted as He started a lengthy process of healing this nation. The thing is, the more I thanked G-d and worshipped him the more the Devil turned up the heat. Healing, as you may know, is not a “one and done” event, it is contingent on obedience and faithfulness. When we refuse to listen to the negative information and it allow it to affect our attitude, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving present our prayers to the Lord, there is nothing that is impossible. I encourage you today to take a hard look at your attitude and if it is focused on “the attitude of the world”, turn 180 degrees around and turn yours eyes to the Lord. Having our eyes on the Lord doesn’t make the troubling situations go mysteriously into the night, it means we must put on our working clothes and at the Master’s direction move forward. Is this easy? No! But, “nothing is impossible when our hand is coupled with the Master’s”. I want you all to know that I love you with the love of the Lord and I pray for you. I coven your prayers for the nation from the North to the South, the East to the West, shore to shore across all ethnic boundaries. My prayer for you today is that you will turn from whatever situation that is facing you and pray for healing across the landscape. Keep the Faith my dear warriors in Christ Jesus

Readings: James 1:1-18, Luke 18:1-8, Habakkuk 3, Psalm 71, Proverbs 24:30-34.

Famous Quote: The true believer can no more live without prayer, than without food day by day. – George Whitfield

Father,

Without a doubt our connection to you is not just a “thing” it is everything. Our scientists and arm-chair prophets can come up with ideas and present them as a working solution until the plan is put in place and it falls apart in practice. You made this world Lord just as you made mankind. Because you made it, you know what it will take to heal it and us. In the same way when we watch the news, we hear of catastrophes, violence, and the effects of flooding and drought. These events can either tear us apart or galvanize us to hold on even tighter to your hand. Lord we need your help today more than ever. There is flooding and destruction in Kentucky, dried out lakes in the west, and fires destroying land. Yet, no matter I will continue to praise you and seek your healing power shore to shore, in four directions. I say to the enemy “Let my people go”. I pray for my nation Lord because I live here and my family and extended families live here. I pray for military forces across the globe, our Police, EMTS, and medical staff. Be with our missionaries and those in the service industry. Thank you for all that you do and for the victory in front of us

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net

Morning Encouragement for 8/4/2022

Good Morning

What does the cross mean to you? Is it like a wedding ring just an outward sign for the world to see as a way of saying, “I am a Christian”? Or, is the cross like the ring a visual reminder of an inward conviction? When something is displayed just for the world to see, but means nothing to us, it is like a police officer on a highway that scares us into temporary obedience. Consider the “wedding band” many of you wear on your ring finger. When the ring is a reminder of the vows you made at the alter whether the ones you wrote or the standard fare, it will be a counter argument or the antithesis to temptation. If the ring is just something to flaunt in front of friends and family, that ring no matter how intricate will not stop you from acting on temptation. In the same way, all of the crosses and crucifixes will not stop you from being led astray even if your baptism was sincere. I’ve mentioned before and will mention again, the priests of old had their wedding band and that was the ephod and the gold band on their turban that said, “Holiness to the Lord”. To modern-day society those items might seem to be non-sense but in the presence of the Lord it was a visual reminder of the people they served; violation of the Mosaic laws as it pertained to them meant certain death. Now we do not die outwardly for violating God’s laws or going astray of our vows but we do die inwardly which a price that hangs over head all of the days of our life. I encourage you today to take a good look at your life, the choices you make, and things you do or say to be sure your life is not compromised.

Readings: Psalm 119:97-104, Proverbs 1:8-19, 1 Samuel 15:13-23, Exodus 28, John 17

Famous Quote: Humility is a Divine property and the perfection of the Christian life. It is attained through obedience. He who is not obedient cannot gain humility. THADDEUS OF VITOVNICA (Serbian Orthodox elder – 10/10/1914 – 4/13/2003

Father,

You desire above all else that we obedient your laws and commands. A gold colored cross like a gold wedding band is merely a trinket when we refuse to obey the promises we have made at the alter. Your word says “obedience is better than sacrifice” and in doing so we may please you. You don’t need nor do you want all of our trinkets and treasures because, like the dust they represent, are mere junk from our homes. Obedience is the greater gift coupled with love. Your son Jesus said to the disciples “if you love me, you will keep my commands (John 14:15) and again Peter “if you love me you will feed me sheep as I have asked of you” (John 21:15-19). Help me to feed your sheep today Lord and that what I do and say may please you. I pray for city, state, nation, and the world around me that you will continue the healing process. I pray for our military, EMTs, Medical staff, those in the service industry, and the Police. I pray for revival across this great nation that healing me be done in her. Please continue to shake our system, of government that the members would be reminded to whome they serve and answer to. I pray for restoration in Kentucky and the states devastated by the violence and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

IHS MK

All of my writings can be found at https://www.mikesencouragement.net