Encouraging Word - November
 

November 1

A gentle answer deflects anger. Proverbs 15:1

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Proverbs 17:27 (NIV) A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Thought: Keep your cool. It pleases God.

Psalm 141:3 (NIV) Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Thought: Careless words cause much harm.

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Today’s Scripture: James 5:9 (NLT): Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

Today’s Thought: Life is too short to grumble and complain. We need to build one another up instead of tear each other apart. Remember, our words have tremendous power.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You help me guard my tongue today. Let me build up everyone I come in contact with. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

November 2

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings Psalm 17:8

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

Thought: What we put into our hearts shapes what comes out of our lives.

Psalm 44:21 (NIV) Would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?

Thought: It's ok to come clean with God. He already knows.

November 3

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

But I trust in your unfailing love.I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. Psalm 13:5-6

Psalm 119:16 (NIV) ...I will not neglect Your word.

Thought: If your Bible's dusty, your heart's rusty.

Colossians 1:1 (NIV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God...

Thought: You have a calling in Christ, too.

November 4

But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength. 2 Timothy 4:17a

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:11

Acts 12:24 (NLT) Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.

Thought: Don't keep Good News to yourself. Pass it on.

Colossians 1:4 (NIV) ...we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus...

Thought: Your life is a billboard. Wear your faith for all to see.

November 5

I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. Zechariah 9:12b

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? Matthew 18:12

Psalm 116:16 (NIV) ...You have freed me from my chains.

Thought: Don't look back. The past is behind you.

Colossians 1:6 (NIV) All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing...

Thought: Pray for the nations....then go.

November 6

Love each other deeply with all your heart. 1 Peter 1:22b

For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. James 1:23

Psalm 116:6 (NIV) ...when I was in great need, the Lord saved me.

Thought: God's not afraid of a mess. He wants to restore order.

Colossians 1:7 (NIV) Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, is a faithful minister of Christ...

Thought: Pray for your pastors...and love on them.

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Today’s Scripture: James 5:17-18 (NLT): Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Today’s Thought: God still answers prayer! He may not answer them how or when you want Him to though. Make a decision to live your life by this motto: P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens!

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me to have the faith to PUSH! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

Begin each morning with a talk with God.

Peace depends upon the presence of God. His presence is often most real in the deepest sorrows and the hardest afflictions.

November 7

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. Proverbs 8:17

2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV) As God has said, "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

Thought: There's no greater companion we can have than Christ himself.

Colossians 1:9 (NIV) ...we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Thought: People need your prayers – for healing, for strength, for the resolve to go on, for whatever is next.

November 8

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30

Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. Psalm 97:11

2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV) He is good. His love endures forever.

Thought: Life may change on you. But God won't.

Romans 13:9 (NIV) Love your neighbor as yourself.

Thought: You can't go wrong when you do what's right.

November 9

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17

Psalm 56:3 (NIV) When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Thought: Move your fear to faith. God's there for you.

1 Peter 1:15 (NIV) But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...

Thought: Our lives are like a mirror -- made to reflect God's image and character.

November 10

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:4-5

With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. Proverbs 11:9

Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Thought: When life shakes or quakes, the Lord's steady hand will hold you.

Colossians 1:10 (NIV) Live a life worthy of the Lord...

Thought: Set God goals.

November 11

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13

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

Psalm 55:17 (NIV) ...He hears my voice.

Thought: Every prayer matters. Even the silent ones that come from our heart.

Colossians 1:12 (NIV) ...joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints...

Thought: One of the greatest things we can give God is our thanks.

November 12

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time - to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

Psalm 114:2 (NIV) Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

Thought: What about your life? Is He at home there, too?

Colossians 1:14 (NIV) (In Jesus) we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.

Thought: A clean slate? A fresh start? Its yours in Christ.

November 13

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Psalm 114:7 (NIV) Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob...

Thought: Heaven's party is full of His presence. Will you accept God's invitation, or live with indifference as another day passes by?

Colossians 1:13 (NIV) He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.

Thought: Here's something you can pray: "God, turn the light on in my heart so that I can see You and all that You've done for me."

November 14

Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Psalm 4:4-5

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Psalm 116:2 (NIV) Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.

Thought: Never stop praying.

Colossians 1:17 (NIV) ...in Him all things hold together...

Thought: Is your family falling apart? Get down on your knees and ask God to be the glue.

November 15

Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:50

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

Psalm 116:7 (NIV) Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

Thought: God's care is constant. He knows how you feel.

Amos 3:7 (NIV) Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Thought: Miracles and mighty acts...they should come as no surprise.

November 16

We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus. Acts 15:11

Luke 24:29 (NIV) They urged Jesus strongly, "Stay with us...." So He went in to stay with them.

Thought: It's a picture of salvation. Christ always responds when we're willing to receive Him.

Micah 2:7 (NIV) ...Do not My words do good to him whose ways are upright?

Thought: Find a promise, then stand on it.

November 17

And the ransom he (Jesus) paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:18b-19

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. Proverbs 2:7

Luke 24:36 (NIV) Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

Thought: His presence is greater than life's pressures.

Colossians 1:25 (NIV) I have become the church's servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.

Thought: Find your calling in Christ. Ask God to show you.

November 18

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Daniel 6:4 (NIV) They could find no corruption in Daniel, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

Thought: Lord, let it be said of me, too.

1 John 2:6 (NIV) Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.

Thought: Love others, like Jesus does.

November 19

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17b

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

Colossians 3:23 (NLV) Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.

Thought: Give it your best. You'll be blessed.

1 John 2:12 (NIV) I write to you dear children, because your sins have been forgiven.

Thought: Don't live in the past. Let it go.

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Today’s Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:4-6 (NLT): But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Today’s Thought: It is so comforting to know that we are His children. We do not belong to darkness or the devil. That is something to rejoice about. How are you going to give thanks to God today?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving my life. I pray that each day I do not forget what You brought me out of. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

November 20

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. Proverbs 19:20

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) Paul said, "Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God."

Thought: Whom you live for makes all the difference in every decision.

1 John 2:9 (NIV) Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

Thought: It's time to forgive, even if you can't forget.

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Today’s Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:7-8 (NLT): Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

Today’s Thought: We should not live like everyone else. Every day we need to put on the armor of God. Satan wants to destroy you.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me to put on the armor of God every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

November 21

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ - the Son of the Father - will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

Psalm 119:1 (MSG) You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

Thought: Wanna know one of the wisest things a person can say? "This is what God chose for me."

1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you...

Thought: You didn't lose His love or His strength. Keep on with your calling to do great things.

November 22

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Psalm 119:30 (NIV) I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws.

Thought: Every choice matters. Make them carefully and prayerfully.

1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you...

Thought: You didn't lose His love or His strength. Keep on with your calling to do great things.

November 23

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10

Psalm 118:1 (NIV) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...

Thought: Thanksgiving...it's not just a day, it's something you do

1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you...

Thought: You didn't lose His love or His strength. Keep on with your calling to do great things.

*****

Today’s Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT): So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Today’s Thought: We are the body of Christ. Each of us has a specific function. One thing we all need to do is build each other up. You would be surprised how much a “thank you” would mean to someone.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I ask that You guide me and help me encourage someone today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

November 24

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God Philippians 1:3

Psalm 145:3 (NLT) Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure His greatness.

Thought: God is good. Let's be grateful!

Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Thought: Gratitude and grace go hand-in-hand.

November 25

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. Psalm 84:11a

that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:12

Nehemiah 4:14 (NIV) ...Remember the Lord...

Thought: Giving thanks – this is where it starts.

Colossians 2:7 (NIV) Have your roots in Him. Build yourselves up in Him. Grow strong in what you believe, just as you were taught. Be more thankful than ever before.

Thought: Happy Thanks-Living!

November 26

The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11b

Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. Psalm 95:2

Isaiah 46:9 (NIV) Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.

Thought: Count your blessings...all through the years.

Hebrews 12:28 (TLB) Since we have a Kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving Him with thankful hearts and with holy fear and awe.

Thought: Nothing can change God's love. It lasts forever. He loves us because of His goodness, not our own.

November 27

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Psalm 105:1

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV) Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness...

Thought: Been a hard year? God' still leading you and upholding you. Give thanks.

Psalm 103:17 (NIV) From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children.

Thought: There's so much that money can't buy.

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Today’s Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT): Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Today’s Thought: A thankful heart goes a long way. God wants us to be thankful all the time. How do we do that? By praying and studying His Word. Today let’s thank God for Who He is and what He has done for us.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I thank You for saving my life. Help me to always be thankful in everything I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

November 28

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Isaiah 35:2 (NIV) ...they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

Thought: Are you ready to celebrate the Savior's birth?

Isaiah 54:4 (NIV) You will forget the shame of your youth...

Thought: God already forgave you. Now, forgive yourself.

November 29

And if you search for Him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. Deuteronomy 4:29b

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

Isaiah 35:4 (NIV) Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come...He will come to save you."

Thought: Christmas is about King Jesus. Go out and share His good news.

Isaiah 59:1 (NIV) Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save...

Thought: There's nothing you've done that's beyond God's forgiveness. It's like saying that your sin is bigger than the price He paid on the cross.

November 30

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

Isaiah 35:5 (NIV) Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Thought: The miracles proved that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

John 3:19 (NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Thought: Christmas is coming. Don't miss what it's all about.