Bro. Mark's Encouraging Word of the Day 

Sunday

"Around the world, people have tried many beauty treatments to enhance the glow on their faces. In Thailand, therapists slap their clients’ faces to increase blood circulation to the skin. Some Hollywood stars have their faces covered with caviar, fish eggs, known to be rich in vitamins A, B, and D. In Bible times, the primary cosmetic was olive oil.But do you know there are some scriptural beauty treatments? Peter said that true beauty comes from “the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Solomon said, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful. A man’s wisdom makes his face shine.” As we absorb God’s light, we’ll reflect Jesus to the world around us. We must constantly behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. People will notice how different we are. Take a look in the mirror. Is your face reflecting Christ?"

 

Monday

"On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. In his speech, he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” In many places that dream has not yet been realized. But God does not see people based on their race, nationality, or social background. When Samuel was choosing Israel’s next king from among Jesse’s sons, God specifically told him not to look at external qualities. Instead, he was to choose as God chooses on the basis of the heart. When we look at people, let us view them as God does, not as the world does. Let us appreciate their heart above all. When we begin to see people through God’s eyes, our focus will change from looks to life."

Tuesday

"On the day of His ascension to heaven, Jesus prepared His disciples for the task that was before them. He explained the Old Testament Scriptures to them, He outlined their mission, and He told them they would receive “power from on high” from the Holy Spirit. Thus, He revealed the two dynamics that would equip all who would follow Him: Word and Spirit. The equipping of believers by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit became the hallmarks of Christian discipleship. By the Spirit, we are given gifts, abilities, and traits to manifest the ministry of Christ in the world. And by the Word of God we are taught, challenged, corrected, and trained so we “may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Do you want to be useful to God in ministry? Yield to the Spirit of God and live in the Word of God, and you will be thoroughly equipped."

                                                                                                   Wednesday

"Jesus demonstrated a unique style in His earthy ministry. He came not to be served by others but to serve those He came to save. And His style was evident throughout His life and ministry. His service was sacrificial, costly, and humble but it changed the world. And God highly exalted Him and lifted up His Name above all other names. Look for ways today to lead by serving others. It’s a simple but powerful way to show Jesus to the world."

Thursday

"Identical twins share many of the same physical traits: hair and eye color, height, facial characteristics, and others. Research suggests that 25 percent of identical twins can be said to be mirror images of one another except in one specific area: Identical twins have different fingerprints.That fact confirms the biblical testimony that we were knit together in our mother’s womb, that we were “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We are not only made in God’s image, but we are also uniquely made in God’s image. We are all different, unique, and special in God’s sight. The apostle Paul extends the idea of uniqueness by saying that God gives each Christian spiritual gifts individually as He wills” and puts us in the Body of Christ as He pleases. Cultivate contentment as you seek God’s will for your life. Look for every opportunity to serve God and others as only you can."

                                                                                                       Friday

"When the pilot of a Cessna 208 traveling from the Bahamas to Florida became incoherent and fell against the controls, one of the passengers, Darren Harrison, radioed traffic control for help. Darren wasn’t a pilot, but suddenly he was responsible for flying and landing the plane. Thankfully, one of the air traffic controllers was also a flight instructor and calmly helped him safely land the plane.I’m certain the air traffic controller didn’t anticipate walking someone through how to land a plane when he arrived at work that day, but he was “in the right place at the right time” to help. Whatever God has for you today, whether it’s teaching children or running errands, He has placed you exactly where He wants you to be. You are “in the right place at the right time” to make a difference for Him through your words and actions. You never know how or when He will use you to encourage or help those around you. Be ready to be used by Him today! God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself."

                                                                                                     Saturday

"Think about the first person to fly across the Atlantic, ride a rocket to the moon, or go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. They were no doubt nervous, but after assessing the risks, they decided to go for it. The spiritual life also has risks, opportunities that challenge the status quo, our comfort zone, or the extent of our faith. What Christians have that other risk-takers don’t have is the promise that God is able to do “above all that we ask or think.” Take the apostle Paul, for example, on his second missionary journey into Asia Minor. He had no plan to cross the Aegean Sea and enter Macedonia, but the door opened. He had no contacts, no plans, no means, he had nothing except a commission from Christ to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. And faith in the God of “above and beyond.” Paul took a faith-based risk and was blessed. If you see an open door, risk your comfort, and walk through it! It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs."