Booster Shots for the Soul

By J.V. Foster

Booster Shots for the Soul is an inspirational book that gives knowledge, wisdom, and application of Biblical principles that help make one successful through life’s struggles. It contains a “Booster” for each day of the year, with a “grab-bag” of extras at the end. It’s a great way to start the day before we face the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491836750

J.V. Foster

J.V. Foster has been a pastor for over fifty years. He’s written many booklets on theology. He has published The Insanity of Christianity, a theological book that challenges the traditions of the Christian faith: The Hi Point, a love story that is full of good morals and principles of life: Mr. Justice, a Western love story which continues to elaborate on the fundamentals of right living and winning in the end: and this book which is filled with Biblical wisdom and application. He has also written over thirty-five “booklets” on various doctrinal subjects.

Book preview

JANUARY

January 1st…

Jesus said in, Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamore tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Most people interpret that to mean a little bit of faith. Not so! A mustard seed is full of faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God i.e., knowing God’s will and applying it in our lives. That builds faith as we see God honor His word. A mustard seed is full of life…it says to you, Dig a hole, put me in the ground and I’ll grow up around the rocks and roots, I’ll grow up and around the debris and break through the crust of the earth and become a tree that the fowls of the air can find comfort in. Mustard seed faith is a heart and mind that is full of faith…full of the Word of God and full of His Spirit. If your faith is low, read the Book of Acts for a special boost.

January 2nd…

We know that faith in God is taking Him at His word and obeying it. We also know it takes the Holy Spirit to help us do that consistently; no one is perfect.

Faith without works is dead, James 2:20. What good is it if you have lots of God knowledge but do not apply it? When you apply it, faith becomes trust. You walk along daily believing that the promises of God that fill your heart will be fulfilled in your life as you trust Him daily to release those promises in His timing and praising Him for them, in advance. Sometimes trust takes more courage than anything else in your life. I had to trust God for fifteen years before He moved, but it was a miraculous move. I often tell the congregation that faith is an act. We know what God has promised…we ask for the thing He has promised…then we go about acting like it’s already done. That’s trusting. When some person gives you their word, you act like it’s a done deal. So it is with the Lord. Leave it up to Him as to when and how the promise will come and you will be walking in faith.

January 3rd…

Proverbs 3:5-10 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear (reverance)the LORD and shun evil. 8. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your increase; 10. then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Not only will your needs be met, but your spirit will soar with the Holy Spirit. It may not come when you want it, but if you’ve prayed in His will…it WILL come to pass. We sing a chorus sometimes that says, He was there all the time. He was there all the time. Standing patiently in line. He was there all the time. Jesus is right there with you and in you today. Christ IN you the hope of glory, the hope of your testimony of victory.

January 4th…

The best shot in the arm, is a shot in the heart by a double shot of the Holy Spirit. A quiet time with the Lord Jesus in the privacy of your own conscience can give you the greatest boost of all. His still small voice that speaks peace within. So much of the time He is speaking, "This is the way, walk ye therein…" and we have trouble hearing it because of the many voices around us. I’m throwing my voice into the mix today and hope you will forgive me if it’s intrusive. Germs, bacteria, and viruses should not affect the Christian community, however, if all you eat is junk food, you’re a candidate for various ailments and many diseases. A well balanced diet along with good multivitamin/multimineral supplements will keep your immune system high and you should not fear going about your daily business as usual. Add to that, the promises of God as we strive to serve Him daily, and your health will improve. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and you and Jesus are the care-giver.

January 5th…

Sometimes it seems like you are shoveling sand against the tide. Nothing you say or do seems to count for anything. Depression can quickly set in unless you realize that what is happening to you is probably God’s will to teach you something important. All the great prophets, priests, and kings of the Bible went through some of the same feelings. Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible wrote 1005 (one thousand and five) songs, but only got one in the book, The Song Of Solomon. So, be encouraged. Keep plowing. Your Heavenly Father loves you and will not fail you. The Lord rewards the faithful spirit. Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Remember what Paul said, I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. And our God has said, No good thing will I withhold from them that walk uprightly.

January 6th…

You are in touch with a miracle working God. If you’re not in touch with Him, why not? There used to be a commercial about the phone company, Reach out and touch someone… encouraging long distance calls. The good news is, we don’t have to reach out to touch our God because He lives within. Reach in! But, how? In the privacy of your own conscience, sing a worship song to yourself. Think of five of your favorite Scriptures. Remember three prayers God has answered for you in the past. He is near to you, even in your mouth (Rom. 10:8), i.e., mind. Christ IN YOU the hope of glory and glory means a testimony of what God has done for you. I will not be discouraged because greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world, (I John. 4:4).

January 7th…

When you can’t get an answer from God, you may be listening the wrong way. Our Lord speaks to us through people, the Bible, a TV program, a radio broadcast, our children, our husband or wife, the pastor, and many times in the privacy of our own mind and heart. The main thing to remember when we need to hear from God is not to go to someone who does not know the ways of the Lord. Psalms 1:1 says, "Blessed (happy is) the man (or woman) that doesn’t take the advice of the ungodly, nor agrees with sinners, nor makes fun of God’s will and ways…" (paraphrased) There is always an answer, but we must develop an ear to hear and be sensitive to God’s voice. God can speak to us through a song, a co-worker, or a man on the street, so, be a listener today. This just may be your day to hear from heaven. Jesus is always speaking. We just have to listen to His still, small voice within. Be careful that what you hear, you can confirm in the word, the Bible. God never contradicts His own Word.

January 8th…

Proverbs 14:26-27, He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. :27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. While we should have a healthy fear of our Heavenly Father’s chastening hand when we deliberately disobey Him, we should also have a healthy reverence (fear) for His Truth and Power. Truth to guide us, and Power to deliver and sustain us. Our children are depending on you and I to have a healthy relationship with Jesus. David said, "Once I was young and now I am old and I haven’t seen the RIGHTEOUS forsaken or their seed (offspring) begging bread, Psalms 37:25. We don’t live for our self; there are too many people around us depending on us to stand faithful. Always remember that you are hand-picked by the Creator of the Universe and you are well able to take the land, so rejoice in Jesus today and be glad in Him for He is near, even in your mouth.

January 9th…

I’m sure that by now you have seen an e-mail that shares the information about a gentleman who specializes in purifying gold. When someone asked him how he could tell if the gold was pure, he stated that when he could see his own image in the hot gold, it was 99.99% pure. Jesus is purifying us by using circumstances of life to change us into His image and likeness…so don’t be discouraged when the trials of life come, they come to change something in your spirit (motives) or nature (character) to make you more like Jesus. When He can see His image (His righteousness) in you and His likeness (love and grace), you’ll be fit for use in the master’s hands. But in the mean-time, He will use you in significant ways to bless others, since none of us will be really complete until we see Him face to face and the final change comes through His resurrection power. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8.

January 10th…

It will probably seem strange to you but money and relationships go hand in hand. Sometimes your best friend will let you down, disappoint you, and in some cases suddenly turn against you. The Bible teaches that we should not enter into financial agreements as partnerships; since we become responsible for another’s life and actions. So be careful who you enter into a verbal or written contract with. Proverbs 11:15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe. This verse says that if you assume the responsibility of others, strike hands, you will probably lose money, and a friendship. Be careful who you go into partnership with. Jesus is the safest partner. Proverbs 17:18, A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. Also, Proverbs 22:26-27. Many a good friendship is broken because of partnership in a business deal that goes sour. The blame game and lost friendships are the results. The only partnership where you can’t lose is when you partner with Jesus Christ the Lord, or when you and a partner are dedicated to Christ principles.

January 11th…

Prov.16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. There is nothing quite as annoying as a know-it-all person. Many know-it-all persons prosper, but with their prosperity comes a multitude of frustrations and fears. A humble spirit reaps peace of mind, receives instruction, and enjoys the benefits of God’s presence in their life. The word meek in Scripture means, a teachable spirit…Learn from blessings and from mistakes and you will stay one jump ahead of your adversary at all times. If you develop a teachable spirit in your youth, you will grow old with much wisdom and wealth. But pride goeth before a fall, Proverbs 16:18. The Bible definition for the word pride is: The know-it-all spirit of man. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity, Proverbs 10:29. Pride in your God-given talents, looks, and intelligence is a good thing, unless it becomes excessive. Christians are not better than anyone else, just different because of the Christ within.

January 12th…

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. (Safety) A tower in Scripture is symbolic of a government. The name (i.e., will and plan of God) of the LORD is a strong governor, i.e., government. People who strive to please Jesus in their attitude and actions run into His will and plan and are safe from stock market crashes, bankruptcy, terrorism, etc. When we are trusting in Christ in the midst of blessing or conflict, we cannot lose without gaining something greater. Constitutionally, our national Government’s main reason to exist is for the security of the people. Divine government is God’s will and protection in action in our lives. Choose you this day who you will serve. Your self, or Jesus? Faith is your belief system, your doctrine. Trust is how and when you apply it. Once you apply it and see the result, you become unshakable in Christ. He is your governor. Acts 5:29 says,…we ought to obey God rather than men. Blessings come through obedience.

January 13th…

Proverbs 19:21, There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Mankind has accomplished great things in this world. With them has come great stress and misery most of the time, but many blessings too. Ladies are happy with automatic washing machines and men are thrilled with power tools. The Lord’s plan for you individually, for your family, for your business, or even for your nation, will always work for your benefit and blessing. Knowing His plan is not always easy. You have to read sixty-six books (The Bible). Sometimes we have to wait on Him in order to know His will. If you are waiting on God, enjoy the beauty of His creation around you in the meantime; it will strengthen your soul. Your name (destiny) was written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. It’s up to God to bring you into it. Stop struggling! Jesus knows what He’s doing.

January 14th…

Proverbs 21:31, The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. There are wild horses and then there are domestic horses that have been broken and trained. As a child of God you have been chosen for divine purpose. But your carnal will must be broken and retrained in order to fulfill God’s purpose for you. Our carnal nature is contrary to God’s will most of the time. After the breaking, comes the grooming and training. After each experience of breaking down our will, there will always be a time of uplifting by the Holy Spirit. After every death experience, there is a resurrection. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as an eagle, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, Isaiah 40:31. Despise not the day of small things for to those who are faithful over little things will be rulers over greater things. You are God’s chosen vessel of honor, though you may not feel like it now; God is not finished working on you and I but when He is, we will be part of His glorious church without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.

January 15th…

(Composed by Pastor Foster, 1971)

All my world was darkness, no light could I see.

All my way was dreary, no hope left in me.

Suddenly I heard a word so softly sweetly say

Come to me my weary one, I am the truth the way.

Now my life is filled with joy, new life I have found.

The way of peace and knowledge, possesses me right now.

I found out there really is a dawning, of a brand new age,

It’s Jesus and the coming of His Day.

Now I know the Savior, He will see me through.

Life’s no longer empty, I’ve so many things to do.

He has promised me the kind of glory He will bear.

To sit with Him in higher places and His throne to share.

Now I’m looking forward, to much higher heights.

Deeper depths in Jesus, His glory now in sight.

With the dawning of a brand new day, I look to see,

The Kingdom of my Lord in earth to be.

Yes, He’s promised you my friend a brand new ministry.

One such as the world has never seen in history.

You will travel at the speed of thought much more than that.

You will have all knowledge of His plan, just think of that.

Won’t you give your self to Him, there’s so much to gain.

Jesus is a friend of friends, He loves us all the same.

Let this be the turning point in your life now and see,

The glory that He’s laid in store for you and me.

January 16th…

Proverbs 29:25, The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. There are many things in life to be afraid of. But fear hath torment according to the Scripture, I John 4:18. We fear losing our job. We fear losing our husband or wife. Fear of losing our children. Fear of losing someone in death. Fear of traffic, terrorists, taxation, sickness, disease, and you can add to the list. II Timothy 1:7 says, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Putting it bluntly, God wants us to realize the authority (power) we have through application of His Word. He wants us to love His creation the way He loves it, through eyes of mercy. And most of all, He wants us to have common sense (sound mind) so that we can make decisions based on His will, and not the will of man or flesh. Christians should not be afraid of anything, when they realize they are under a higher authority, full of God’s love for humanity, and think like Jesus thinks in any given issue of life. We have an instruction manual…The Bible.

January 17th…

Exodus 20:7, Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. That commandment simply means that once we are in covenant with God, we cannot deny His will. While so many now-a-days have discarded the Old Testament as no longer valid. It should be remembered that the only thing that was ‘done away’ with on Calvary was rituals…which included sacrifices, feast days, and new moons. After over 50 years in the ministry I have watched people all my pastoral life make their commitments, vows, and promises to God, mate, family, country…And because all of us fail to keep them, we need the vehicle of repentance. I was wrong, I am sorry, Will you please forgive me? and…how can I make it right? Salvation and eternal life is free, however, our daily life in Christ is dependent on striving not to grieve Him with disobedient acts. I take His name in vain when I fail to obey Him but thank God for Calvary, through which repentance is instantaneous. Thank God for Jesus who lived it for us and now lives it IN us as we yield to Him. For those of you who think this commandment is only applicable to cursing, I would ask you to think a little deeper.

January 18th…

We live today in a world of change. Sometimes we fail to have mercy on others who have not had the background or grooming in Christ that we were fortunate enough to have. However, there is no excuse for ignorance in our world today, but so many have not been taught through childhood that they themselves are responsible to gain knowledge and become responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians. Much of America is void of knowledge of Biblical principles that produce life, happiness, and true success. Because of this, we as Christians, must develop the spirit of mercy toward others in order to stay in harmony with our Creator/Savior. Proverbs 3:3-4 says, Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Verse 4, So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. For the most part, people are just people and we have to learn to take them as they are, love them, and help them if we can. It is more important to our health and well-being to be merciful, than to be judgmental and combative toward the ignorant and unlearned. Most of us need lots of mercy, most of the time.

January 19th…

In Proverbs 30:5-9 we are instructed to believe God’s Word that it is absolutely true, and we should not add to it. Then, Solomon asks God to cleanse his heart of vanity (emptiness) and a deceiving spirit. He also asks God to supply his needs without asking for any excesses. His fear was that prosperity would cause him to forsake the Lord. As a Christian we have to be careful not to grow cold in Christ. Without the anointed fire of the Holy Spirit within, our carnal nature takes over our life and the result is always negative. You are a child of the king, a Prince under His Majesty and an heir to His throne. The most priceless commodity you have today is Christ IN you, the hope of glory. Cherish it and nurture it and it will grow. When it’s getting too rough for you, it’s getting just about right for Jesus.

January 20th…

Proverbs 9:8, Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. I recently ministered a sermon on being persecuted for Jesus’ sake. You cannot win, to your favor or to Christ, people who mock you because of your commitment to the Christian lifestyle. When you are scorned, it is better to smile and say or do nothing. But for the grace of God, you would not know Jesus, therefore, how can you hold someone accountable who has never had the Spirit of God draw them to Himself? However, when your adversary comes against you for any other reason, there are good Biblical responses for you to follow, in the right spirit, to win your battles and glorify your God at the same time. Satan uses people to torment you, and when he does, you have divine authority to challenge that spirit, but only with a Godly attitude and using the Word of God as a sword. The Christian faith is being persecuted in our nation in a variety of ways and Christians have to be careful not to develop malice of heart. You are a representative of the God of the universe. Maintain that standard of excellence which is His love, mercy, and grace, and you will be blessed.

January 21st…

Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.. Hatred is like cancer, it eats away at the spiritual man/woman within. Hatred can make you lose your job, lose favor with your children and those you love, and it can even cause you to lose your health. Hatred is a product of the carnal mind, and when we think hatred, our brain releases negative hormones and enzymes into our blood stream that can be damaging to our health. If you or someone you know has hatred within, it is imperative that it is purged out by the Holy Spirit. That is an individual process. You, on your knees, seeking the Lord to remove it is the best way to rid your spirit of hatred. We have substituted prayer with psychiatrists and psychologists, when a good old fashioned prayer meeting, alone with God, is the best answer. Harboring resentment, hatred, malice, jealousy, contempt, and an unforgiving spirit is the adversary’s work-shop and destructive to our spiritual and physical health. The intensity of your anointing depends on your pure heart, i.e., clear conscience.

January 22nd…

If you live long enough, and if you work in the public, you will undoubtedly be subjected to someone who creates negative circumstances to undermine you and use you as a stepping stone to climb the corporate ladder, or, to make themselves look good and make you look bad. If and when this happens, it is important to hold people accountable for the bad spirit that dominates them. Matthew 18:15-18 tells us that when there is an offence, we should go to that person and speak in love to resolve the condition. If they refuse to make things right, we go back with a witness, but always in the right spirit of producing unity. If that doesn’t work then we are advised to take it before the higher powers, the pastorate in church, or the final authority on the job. If that doesn’t work, then we just turn it over to the Lord and forget it and let God deal with them. We have transferred the responsibility. We have the following promise if we do the right thing. Proverbs14:22, Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

January 23rd…

Proverbs15:17, Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. The Book of Proverbs gives us common sense insight to our daily living. It is important that we generate and associate in an environment of true love and respect for others, even though