IN-Courage

Pastor Roy talks about a new scientific discovery that is saving millions of lives from Dengue Fever. How encouraging is that? Did you know that a lobster diver was sucked up by a whale this week? He survived and told his story. We each have a story to tell. Is it about the worst thing that has happened or the best thing?

Pastor Roy looks at what God asked Joshua to do after Moses died. It wasn't just one battle, one river crossing, or one hardship that was ahead. The Bible talks about great promises for those who endure great difficulty. Today we are encouraged by those promises. There is a crown waiting for those who wear ashes.

Pastor Roy brings this week's episode from Utah. He talks about traveling across the country and seeing all of the different old growth forests, rivers, canyons, and deserts. He sees God's hand in all the beauty and diversity around him just like the writer of Psalm 104. The Creator of the Universe cares about every detail of nature and our lives.

Pastor Roy talks about the uncomfortable word, "CHANGE." God asked Abraham to have faith and trust Him. Sometimes we are asked to do the same. As Pastor Roy transitions into a new season of life we can take encouragement from God's Word and the story of God's faithfulness to Abraham. 

Pastor Roy quotes the author of, The Happiest Man On Earth, Eddie Jaku who said, "Shared sorrow is half sorrow, but shared pleasure is double." His remarkable story of loss and the rebuilding of his life after the Holocaust brings us encouragement. 

In today's talk, Pastor Roy takes a lesson from Habakkuk who was able to keep praising God even though he had lost almost everything.  We can take encouragement in knowing that God is eternal and gives us a certainty beyond today's circumstances.

We look at the words of Paul when he talks about how we are children of God and as such, we have so much potential. 

Pastor Roy gives some practical ways to lift those around you with simple things like a smile, giving positive praise, or celebrating someone's achievement; you can make someone's day a little brighter.

Today Pastor Roy tells stories of people who became wealthy over night from unforeseen inheritances. We may not become instant millionaires, but we have the hope of a bright future in heaven.  

We sometimes forget that one of the most effective sources of encouragement is prayer! We no longer feel alone or burdened when we give those anxious things to the Creator.

There comes great encouragement when we see that Jesus calls us into His kingdom with authority.  Pastor Roy reminds us that we are called sons and daughters who have purpose.

Pastor Roy reflects on one of Jesus' parables today.  The son who asks for his inheritance squanders it away is welcomed back home with open arms. Maybe God just knew from the beginning that we would blow it and need a Savior to welcome us home. The encouragement today is that no matter how much we have messed things up, God is waiting for us to come back and make things right.

You don't have to have it all together to find encouragement.  Learn from your failures, remember your value, and boost your confidence this week.

What would you do if your coworker won a car and then gave it to you after you had been riding your bicycle to work through the winter? Pastor Roy shares a great story of generosity that became contagious.  

When our world feels like it is shaking under our feet, we look for something solid, something unshakably true.  We find that in Jesus. 

Watching a sunrise or sunset can bring about a sense of hope and encouragement when things aren't going as planned. Pastor Roy looks at the mental and physical health benefits of sunshine.  It not only lifts your mood, but helps you sleep better at night! 

These simple words, "it came to pass..." are used so many times in Bible.  It's interesting how with the passage of time things change and get better.  We are no longer living with arctic cold temperatures and as the COVID vaccines are getting distributed, we are seeing fewer deaths and illnesses. We can take encouragement that those things are coming to pass.

A new research study found that making plans for your future brings about a sense of control and contentment.  It can be something as little as dinner with friends or as grand as a vacation next summer, but writing something in their calendar made people feel more happy.

Studies show that incorporating little things like a gratitude journal and spending a little time volunteering brings about big results in a person's attitude and mood.  Pastor Roy shares several of these little things that you can do today to improve your mood and outlook on life.

There are good people going above and beyond to serve and protect.  These particular stories of police officers and healthcare providers will remind you of the incredible good that can come out of bad situations.