More Like Him and Less Like Me

I don't know about you, but I'm not much for making New Year's resolutions. I do agree though that January 1 is a great time to reevaluate your journey and make positive lifestyle changes. I did that on January 1, 2015 by committing to completely immerse myself in Scripture on a daily basis that year. I longed for God to make me More Like Him and Less Like Me. I needed this!

A few months into this journey I realized I needed for an outlet to share all that was on my heart. I started creating daily memes, called them InstaEncouragements and shared them on social media. Some were reposted by friends and there were lots of likes and positive comments. 

Soon after this it became apparent that "InstaEncouragements" needed it's own home and branding. The InstaEncouragements Instagram was born. That's where the journey really began. The Instagram was followed by a presence on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
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As InstaEncouragements gained followers, more and more people asked, "Can we purchase these in print form?" After several months of prayer, figuring out the logistics and the best way to proceed, we opened our little Etsy shop.

From the beginning, I've wanted God to make me more like Him and less like me. I also hoped to be an encouragement to others who wanted the same thing in their lives. However, I didn't want to JUST be an encouragement. I also wanted to equip others so they in turn could be an encouragement too! That's really where my heart is. I want to be more like Him and less like me and I want to encourage you and make you an encourager! <---- GOALS!

Thanks for reading. I hope you will find something here that will enable you to be an encouragement to someone in your life, and become more like Him!

I read parts of the Bible I had never read before, and learned new truths. I read parts of the Bible I had read a hundred times, and learned new truths!

The Bible is our textbook for life, it has all the answers for all the hard questions. It's filled with wisdom and truth. The Bible is the one book that can make me and you, more like Him and less like us.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," ​2 Timothy 3:16

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While we're on the subject of New Years resolutions and immersing yourself in scripture, let me just suggest a few daily devotionals I have enjoyed using.

Couples

When you are lifting up your relationship and your life together to God, you won’t be able to keep the spiritual growth from happening. ​The first devotional I'd like to suggest is Moments with You by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. This is perfect for couples!

"​What is the true secret to spiritual growth for couples? Dennis and Barbara Rainey know from experience that the secret is more moments together. 

In the pages of Moments with You, the Raineys offer just what couples need to get started or to continue growing in their quiet times together. These short but poignant biblical devotions are enjoyable and easy to use, providing a daily discussion point, prayer and Scripture reference. Married couples desiring a deeper spiritual connection with God and their spouse will come to treasure their time spent over Moments with You. For married couples of all ages and at all stages of life." -goodreads

This also makes a GREAT WEDDING or SHOWER GIFT!

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Ladies

Another great devotional, this one for women, is God Hears Her. Don't you just sometimes want to be heard? God hears. Even in His silence, He hears. ​

"You need to know that God hears you. The story of Hannah in I Samuel tells of one woman’s personal heartache and trust in the One who could fulfill her desires. She poured her heart out to God, and He heard her. The Our Daily Bread devotionals selected for this collection reassure you that God is with you, God is for you, and God hears you. The personal stories, Scripture passages, and inspirational quotes lift you up and remind you that God is bigger than the trials you face." -goodreads

​God Hears Her contains 365 daily devotions written by women for women.

It makes a great gift, with its small size and attractive hardcover binding. Pick up one today to encourage yourself and get another one to encourage a friend!

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Men

One more from Our Daily Bread that I've personally enjoyed is Great is Thy Faithfulness. Don't we so often need to be reminded of the faithfulness of God? This little 356-day devotional will do just that. It's beautifully bound and it's a wonderful little devotional for the guys in your life!

The faithfulness of God is a theme that runs throughout the collection of Our Daily Bread meditations. Each day reminds us that God is with us in all of life's circumstances. In Him we will find 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow'! Just as the Scripture-based hymn highlights God's steadfast love, this devotional will encourage you to trust and thank Him through all the seasons of your life.

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I hope these encourage you to be intentional about immersing yourself in Scripture. If you have a favorite devotional that you'd like to share please do that in the comments.