It's what we all love to receive but seldom get. On occasion there are a few who receive it frequently and others not so much. We can go for long periods of time, at times, with very little of it. . . and we get along, we survive, we manage. When it is paired with another thing it's even better. What is it? It's called encouragement and paired with love it can go far in making a difference in someone's life.
Just as Paul admonishes through God's Word, I too admonish you through this devotion. Let yourself be defined by Christ. Colossians chapter 3 says "Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it." (The Message).
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up." (From The Message)
Let's give room to each other for growth. Let us encourage one another by sharing our lives with one another. Many of you may do this already. . . it's good to hear about our struggles, our blessings and our aspirations. It can become too easy to stay in a protected shell, especially if you are a part of a transient community. However, I want to encourage you to expand your sight in this area.
Hebrews 3:13 says, "... encourage one another daily, daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Chapter 10:25 says "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (The Message)
Give yourself permission to be a blessing without borders to someone else. As we share personal struggles it can show someone else that they are not alone and that you are not perfect or are a robotic Christian. Many times we see Christians in high places of leadership such as Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons and as Men's and Women's Ministry Directors...if this is you, don't think for one minute that you can't reveal the real you!
Learn to be transparent before the people that God has entrusted in your care. At the same time be responsible for your words and actions as you lead, but lead by example. People need to see that you are an average "Joe" and have the same struggles as they do. Don't be a "militant Christian". What an opportunity you have to share how "I deal with this but God helps me get through it!"
As we share personal blessings, the things we have learned, received and have been able to do, it provides another testament of God's love and desire to bless His children through your testimony. And as we share our aspirations and ideas, we can inspire and motivate others and in turn receive encouragement from others to continue the race that God has set before us.
Just as Paul admonishes through God's Word, I too admonish you through this devotion. Let yourself be defined by Christ. Colossians chapter 3 says "Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it." (The Message).
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up." (From The Message)
Let's give room to each other for growth. Let us encourage one another by sharing our lives with one another. Many of you may do this already. . . it's good to hear about our struggles, our blessings and our aspirations. It can become too easy to stay in a protected shell, especially if you are a part of a transient community. However, I want to encourage you to expand your sight in this area.
Hebrews 3:13 says, "... encourage one another daily, daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Chapter 10:25 says "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (The Message)
Give yourself permission to be a blessing without borders to someone else. As we share personal struggles it can show someone else that they are not alone and that you are not perfect or are a robotic Christian. Many times we see Christians in high places of leadership such as Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons and as Men's and Women's Ministry Directors...if this is you, don't think for one minute that you can't reveal the real you!
Learn to be transparent before the people that God has entrusted in your care. At the same time be responsible for your words and actions as you lead, but lead by example. People need to see that you are an average "Joe" and have the same struggles as they do. Don't be a "militant Christian". What an opportunity you have to share how "I deal with this but God helps me get through it!"
As we share personal blessings, the things we have learned, received and have been able to do, it provides another testament of God's love and desire to bless His children through your testimony. And as we share our aspirations and ideas, we can inspire and motivate others and in turn receive encouragement from others to continue the race that God has set before us.
