LIFE STORIES TO INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE by Richard Lewis is a great book of short inspirational stories that will definitely inspire and encourage you, especially in these troubling times that we find ourselves. You can find this book in EBOOK or PAPERBACK at Kindle/Amazon.
Highly Recommended!
When Focus on the Family moved from California to Colorado, I went to work for Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries as an Executive Area Director. Later, they shortened my title to Area Director. After several years I was promoted to Regional Director and covered the western United States (Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and California). Charles W. Colson was an inspiration and role model. I admired his commitment to the Lord, his wisdom and work ethic. His passing was a real shock to me, and I still cannot believe he is gone. I do know, however, that he is with our Lord.
The logo of Prison Fellowship Ministries was a bruised, broken reed which was inspired by Isaiah 42:3: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness He will bring forth justice.” We are all bruised reeds, but God will not break us, nor will He snuff us out, but He will bring forth justice. He gives us the opportunity to repent and come to Him.
Some of the greatest miracles that I have seen are when convicts and ex-cons give their lives over to Christ and serve Him with a spirit and passion beyond belief, that puts most Christians to shame. Those are the miracles that are burned into my memory. If you haven't read my first book, Miracle at Del Norte, I encourage you to read it. It will give you a glimpse of what redemption is all about.
"Blessed be the Lord my rock, Who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle-
My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer.
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge."
Psalm 144: 1-2 (NKJV)
Fear not...
Have no anxiety at all,
But in everything,
By prayer and petition,
With thanksgiving.
Let your requests be known to God,
Then the peace of God that
Surpasses all understanding
Will fill your heart and
Your mind
In Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7
Unless the LORD builds the House,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the City,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1
Be strong and Courageous
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your GOD will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
God never said that the journey would be easy,
but He did say that the arrival would be
worthwhile.
-Max Lucado
For where your treasure is,
There will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am thou God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
But those who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
The shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Patient, praying believers are said to be blessed by God with strength in trials and tribulations.
The Lord expects us to be patient and wait for His return to fulfill His promises.