Encouragement Archives | Page 2 of 17

August 7, 2026

Consequences

“For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.” Colossians 3:25 (NASB) I guess the issue of “consequences” is something we all need to get a handle on at some time or another. We were on tour, down in central Washington State a bunch of years back, and we found out that we had a couple days off. That wasn’t so bad, since there was a local vineyard there that some of the local guys worked in to make “day money” — and all the boys in our band […]

August 6, 2026

August 6, 2026

Nooks and Crannies

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) It was time for spring cleaning in our home again, and I had finally reached the last room, the living room. After a few hours of pulling furniture out and starting to clean every nook and cranny, somehow the room looked worse and was a total mess. Everything was in disarray. Deep in thought, as I continued to clean, I thought about how this is what my life was — […]

August 4, 2026

August 4, 2026

We Are Not Home Yet

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) A few years ago, I endured some bullying in the workplace, and it really hurt me. One day, yet another incident like that had happened, and I went into a room to cry and pray. Almost instantly the words to an old Jim Reeves song popped into my head, a song I barely knew: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through, My treasures are laid […]

August 3, 2026

August 3, 2026

Whiter Than Snow

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Isaiah 1:13 (NIV) Many years ago, I remember feeling honored that our family was invited to visit her home. It was a home with walls filled with pictures of her loved ones — and that day her house was overflowing with family members and friends. We all waited as she sat in her chair and told us she had something to share. We quietly listened as this wise Cree grandma spoke. She said, “My family had been out hunting and, as they butchered the animal, it made […]

August 2, 2026

August 2, 2026

The Fame in Names!

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV) When I was about 11 or 12 years of age, I was given a special Kiowa name from my grandfather on my mother’s side of the family. All of the Tsoodle family of the Red Tipi clan gathered together that day. Grampa George began to speak to the family. He said, “We have gathered today to give Huron a new […]

August 1, 2026

August 1, 2026

An Unfinished Task

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) Years ago, when I was part of a singing group, one song I sang was titled, “An Unfinished Task.” The other day, as I was trying to organize my little junk room, I came across so many unfinished projects. I came across a scarf, half-finished because I was trying to use a device from the craft store that made it look so easy . . . it wasn’t. Then there was the […]

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

Through Troubled Waters

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV) Now and then you run across some lines in a song that just kind of hit you. As a songwriter, I hear a good one and tend to take notice of the way the words are put together. I find it really fascinating! The other day I stumbled on an old 1972 Tom T. Hall song on Satellite Radio that just kept cycling through my head. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Soooo, I googled it and saved the words. It was […]

July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026

God’s Water Recipe

“All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” Ecclesiastes 1:7 (NIV) First, how do mighty rivers keep running for thousands of years? Second, as they empty into the oceans, why don’t the oceans fill up and flood over our lands? How does God’s water recipe stay so balanced? Can you imagine the two of us sitting down at your kitchen table to decide how much ocean water we needed to evaporate and float over the earth to rain on thirsty lands, forests, pastures, and gardens? […]

July 29, 2026

July 29, 2026

Gospel Growth

“And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” Deuteronomy 7:22 (NKJV) As we walk with Christ, many times we can be discouraged with our lack of progress and spiritual growth. We tend to remember most often our seasons of growth with great joy. Most precious to each follower of Christ is reflecting on when we became born again. What a blissful time indeed. Recently, I met someone who was discouraged by their lack […]