Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things. Romans 15:4 (TPT) How do you encourage yourself? It’s awesome when someone is around to share a timely word of encouragement. Unfortunately, we don’t always have that luxury. Issues may come up when we don’t have someone there to strengthen us—whether it’s financial trouble, a parenting or spousal issue, or a health problem. That’s why it’s crucial to develop the ability to strengthen ourselves. As three-part beings, we are spirit, soul and body. Although we can be encouraged in all of these areas, the most powerful way is spiritually. Romans 8:5-6 tells us …

For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14–19 (NKJV) People do all kinds of crazy things for love, yet often they come up empty. The problem is that they misunderstand how to fill this need we all have for love. Most people look to others for love. Unfortunately, our relationships with others can’t completely fill our seemingly bottomless need for love and …

I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. John 15:9 (AMPC) Do you ever struggle with bad habits? Often people try to use self-discipline alone to change their behaviour, then they experience guilt and shame when they have a setback. While self-discipline isn’t a bad idea, sometimes they need to dig a little deeper. The root of the problem may be that they’re not experiencing God’s love. They may be trying to fill a void that only His love can fill. Addiction, people-pleasing and codependent behaviour are examples of people trying to have their needs met the wrong way. They have work to do on their belief systems, habits and behaviours, but …

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT) Did you know that giving your life to Christ is just the beginning when it comes to living the incredible life God has planned for you? We all have core beliefs in our hearts that need to change, and we won’t fix them in a day. We need to plant seeds of truth by listening to great teaching and reading God’s Word. When we do, we hear that we’re special, that we’re of infinite worth to God and that He has an awesome plan for our lives. A little bit of hope rises, but that seed …

And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NLT) Do you find that you sometimes make poor decisions when it comes to your relationships? This may be because you’ve based those decisions on flawed belief systems, which is why God’s Word is so vital. If you don’t discover the truths in God’s Word as to who you are and what to believe, confusion will reign supreme. One very commonly flawed belief system that affects relationships relates directly to what you believe about God. You see, on the inside you’re craving God’s love. If you’re looking outside of God to meet this need …