Truth statements are instructional statements given to us for the sole purpose of salvation and discipleship.
They are non-negotiable accept or reject them statements of truth that have withstood the test of time through every season, culture, century, and society. Mercy and grace statements are invitational statements inviting us into the life of grace, mercy, and truth.
The problem with us keeping the focus on our dysfunction is that we could easily miss what Christmas is all about. We could easily miss why Jesus came in the first place. We could miss the real reason why we celebrate the birth of a savior.
The antidote to “This Is Us” is found in Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
People don’t care so much about what you know. They want to see if you are willing to live out your beliefs and convictions.
They want to see if you are willing to live out what you know when the pressure is on, when the heat is turned up, when the storm is raging and the battle and struggle is real for you.
People want to see how you handle adversities, setbacks and disappointments. They want to see what your answers are for the hope you now have.
Psalms 40:1-3 I waited patiently on the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."
A horrific, terrible act of evil occurred last night in Las Vegas. The ministry of Encounter grieves and mourns those who were killed and prays for those who were injured.
It would be impossible to fathom the pain and loss people are experiencing right now. The suffering is unthinkable.
Please join us in praying for Las Vegas. We are praying for the healing of those injured. We are praying for the comfort of those who lost loved ones. We are praying for the blessing, and power of God to empower all those caring for the victims.
We are grateful for the first responders, law enforcement, and every act of courage and bravery that was demonstrated by those heroes. Some of them were just ordinary people who did extraordinary acts of heroism to save the lives of others.
In the midst of all of this, hope still lives and the peace and love of God is being revealed in miraculous ways.
Pray for America and pray for Las Vegas. Pray for a modern day revival of people finding hope, love, and peace through a relationship with the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ.
Thank you for praying. We are trusting that the love and peace of God will comfort all those affected.
Encounter is also praying for Puerto Rico. The bottom line is that people are suffering and people need help. People are dying there too. People are sick and need supplies. Water, gasoline, food, power, and supplies are all needed. But what is needed most of all is the hand of God to do what man cannot do. Please include Puerto Rico in your prayers.
May the God of all hope fill your hearts with His love as you continue to pray for all the victims that have been affected in Las Vegas and Puerto Rico.
Bill Rieser
Encounter
