Right on Time Encouragement

Right on Time Encouragement

Genesis 26: ²³ Then he went up from there to Beersheba. ²⁴ And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” ²⁵ So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.

 

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After facing a famine, Isaac went to meet with the King of Gerar. Isaac stayed in the land upon the LORD’s request. But in doing so, he was told by the king to get out because Isaac had become too successful. He then went back to where Abraham lived. His servants got into quarrels and hostilities digging wells. This may have been discouraging.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac faced extreme blessing, causing others to become jealous.
• Isaac tried to live a peaceful life, only to face quarrels and hostility.
• Isaac, while blessed, may have felt discouraged because of the current situation.

 

Quarrels, hostility and moving can be exhausting. Isaac was simply trying to find a place to settle where he could keep his family, servants and cattle alive. JESUS, I believe, appeared to Isaac and reiterated HIS promise. “I AM the GOD of your father Abraham.” HE then said something that leads me to believe HE was providing encouragement. “Do not fear, for I AM with you.”

 

GOD could see that Isaac needed encouragement. HE restates HIS promise to him to encourage him. Isaac responded by calling on the name of the LORD. GOD saw Isaac and HE sees you and me. HE knows life can be discouraging so HE says “Do not fear, I AM with you.” The Great I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS appearance to Isaac?
• Have you ever felt discouraged, even though GOD has blessed you over and over?
• Are you willing to call upon the name of the LORD, knowing HE is with you to help you to get rid of fear today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, we are frail humans and can easily get discouraged. Please bless this reader with courage. Remove all fears, worries and doubts and raise him or her to unexpected places. Thank YOU for being with us. amen

Insults Injure

Insults Injure

2 Peter 2: These false teachers are bold and arrogant, and show no respect for the glorious beings above; instead, they insult them. ¹¹ Even the angels, who are so much stronger and mightier than these false teachers, do not accuse them with insults in the presence of the Lord. ¹² But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals, ¹³ and they will be paid with suffering for the suffering they have caused. Pleasure for them is to do anything in broad daylight that will satisfy their bodily appetites; they are a shame and a disgrace as they join you in your meals, all the while enjoying their deceitful ways!

 

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After learning my new found “cursing” form of language, I thought I would take it out for a spin. I used some of the language incorrectly and was laughed at, so I practiced. After a while, I was able to tear a person apart with a tapestry of insults woven with the foulest language.

 

• I felt good being able to tear people apart.
• I felt even better that my insults would make people laugh.
• I did not know I was hurting people with my insults and even worse, I was hurting myself.

 

Peter gives some hard theology about insults. When he denied his relationship with JESUS to save himself, he cursed at JESUS to act like everyone else. He knew how harmful this was because he wanted to be close to JESUS and felt he had ruined the relationship. JESUS restored Peter with a caveat… “Feed MY sheep.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to use my tongue to lift people up, not tear them down.
• Any insult I make is similar to placing it before GOD and HE is not pleased with my insults.
• I may insult and hurt someone AND GOD will see what I did and account for “my” actions.

 

Consequence is usually not considered when I make an insult. I mean, whether it is my favorite sports team or a coworker or a political party or a family member, my insults are being recorded. GOD sees insults as a problem. BUT HE has a better way.

 

GOD wants my tongue to be filled with encouragement, praise and grace. Insulting JESUS or any heavenly figure will bring GOD’s wrath on me. HE deserves my deepest praise. This requires me to remove my insults. I am glad GOD is willing ot guide me away from insults.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Have you ever been insulted?
• How did you feel after being insulted?
• Will you take steps to remove “harmless” insults from your vocabulary and say nothing instead so you will not place the insult before GOD?

Needed Encouragement

Needed Encouragement

1 Peter 5: ¹² I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

 

¹³ Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love.

May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.

 

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After the car crash, I wondered if GOD was in my corner. I questioned HIS every move. Months later, bills poured in and the school dean had some bad news for me. I sat on a bench with a worried look on my face. A guy said to me “GOD loves you.”

 

• I wasn’t feeling loved because I had many problems.
• I didn’t want to hear that GOD loved me when I had so many problems.
• After hearing that GOD loved me, I turned to prayer for the first time in a long time and things got better.

 

Peter, with the help of Silas, concludes his letter to those who were suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Church leaders as well as Roman leaders, were persecuting believers because they were perceived as a threat to the government and the church. Through all the problems they faced, Petr wanted to encourage them.

 

My Observations:

• My problems can make me blind to other people having problems.
• GOD gives me resilience by telling me I will face persecution while I am on this earth.
• My eyes need to be opened to the need for encouragement.

 

Be encouraged because GOD sees you and hears you and wants you to have peace today. But what about this problem or that problem? GOD sees “you” and hears “you” and want “you” to have peace today.

 

In the middle of your storm, GOD is there. HE see what you are going through and has calculated it all in HIS plan for you. This plan is not to harm you, rather it will prosper you. I am glad GOD has a plan for peace for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer close the letter with a prayer of peace?
• Have you ever scoffed at the statement “GOD loves you” because you were too worried to hear it?
• Will you turn to GOD for HIS answers so you can hear words of encouragement today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader to YOUR peace which may come in the middle of his or her problems. Give him or her a new mindset that releases YOUR resilience and protects those who love YOU. amen

Encourage and Help

 

Encourage and Help

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁹ God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. ¹¹ And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.

 

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Getting revenge was all I could think about. Various bullies had attacked me unprovoked. Being small and scrawny was no longer an option. “I will lift weights and become stronger so I can fight the bullies” I thought to myself.

 

• My plan was built out of hatred relabeled as hurt.
• I thought the only option was to fight or hurt.
• I figured that if I must suffer, someone else was going to suffer.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some great news! “GOD did not choose us to suffer HIS anger, but to possess salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” They further explained  that JESUS died for us that we might live together with HIM.  They gave some great instructions, namely encourage and help one another.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult, so GOD wants me to get encouragement from others and give it to those HE sends me to.
• Pain and suffering are all around us, so GOD wants me to understand HIS love by accepting HIS SON as my Savior.
• GOD’s impending wrath is not meant for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, so HE wants me to accept JESUS so HE can change my heart to encourage people in times of struggle.

 

Encouragement and help seem like a better plan than attack and fight. I mean, festering over wrong and planning an attack and countering the attack is a huge waste of time and makes everyone tired and exhausted. No one wins. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE sent HIS SON to die for my sins. I should be encouraged by that, so much so, that I go out and encourage others to believe in HIM and live for HIM. When trouble comes, GOD wants me to help others so they can praise HIM. I am glad GOD cares for us enough to choose us for encouragement.

 

Challenge

• Who will suffer GOD’s anger that the writers mention?
• Have you ever thought of a plan that included revenge or rage?
• Will you change your plan to include encouragement to follow GOD and help those who do not know JESUS, understand HIS love and provision today?

Welcome News

 Welcome News

1 Thessalonians 3 ⁶ Now Timothy has come back, and he has brought us the welcome news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always think well of us and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you. 

 

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“I heard you turned into a church guy” a friend said to me in a seemingly insulting way. It did not come as a surprise to me seeing how I was fresh out of a life that I felt was regretful. While convicting, I took this as welcome news because he had heard about my change of heart.

 

• I was known for the parties I threw.
• I decided to live for the LORD, so I stopped doing what I was doing.
• I did not know people were still watching me.

 

Timothy came back with “welcome news” about the faith of the Thessalonians. They had been persecuted, yet they stood firm in their faith. They wanted to see Paul and Silas but could not so they sent their well wishes.

 

My Observations

• Welcome news is a rare thing GOD wants me to spread.
• Encouraging news is something in short supply that GOD gest excited when I give it away.
• Good News is the message of JESUS saving me, and GOD loves when I spread it.

 

“No bad news” is what many people want, but cannot find. I mean, the news is full of devastation, corruption and fear. People can’t get enough of it. Somehow humans are drawn to “train wrecks” or car accidents. I don’t know if it is a feeling of superiority that make humans want to point out that something went wrong over there. BUT GOD wants welcome news.

 

HE wants me to focus on HIS strength, HOS power and HIS deliverance. GOD shows me people who have kept the faith and want me to do the same, even through trials. I am excited that I can bring welcome news about those who have kept the faith, especially you.

 

Challenge:

• What welcome news did Timothy bring?
• How did you feel when someone brought you good news about how someone was doing?
• Will you start bringing “welcome news” so GOD’s Good News can be heard today?

Courage for Duty

 

Courage for Duty

Philippians 1: ²⁰ My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

 

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“Why are you doing that?” some people questioned. “You could get sick or even die” was the escalated statement that made me nervous, but I felt led to go on the missions trip anyway.

 

• Going someplace outside my comfort zone did not make sense.
• Leaving a place where everything was alright seemed counterintuitive.
• Doing difficult things for GOD instead of easy things for myself seemed out of the ordinary.

 

Paul gave up everything to serve GOD. He had status, power and was probably very wealthy being a Pharisee of Pharisees. JESUS changed his life and now his deepest desire was to carry out the duties that bring honor to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Life serving GOD can get scary, especially when the evil one presents alternatives.
• Unknown paths look fearful BUT GOD wants me to walk with HIM down them.
• Faithful service may sometimes seem fruitless, BUT GOD wants me to have courage to continue.

 

“Keep going” are words that seem hard to do sometimes. I mean, when I feel “discouraged” I want to give up. Problem after problem after problem makes me think there is no relief in sight. BUT GOD says “Be strong and of good courage.”

 

GOD knows the future and HE knows why HE has me serving HIM. HE sees the adversary and has taken his tactics into account. No matter what happens, GOD wants me to keep my sense of duty to HIM. I gladly serve GOD, because I have no other place that provides refuge like HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s duty?
• Have you ever been led to serve GOD even though it may seem scary?
• Will you be “encouraged” to have “courage” to keep going so your service my “bring honor to CHRIST” today?

Sending Encouragement

Sending Encouragement

Ephesians 6: ²¹ Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me, so that you may know how I am getting along. ²² That is why I am sending him to you—to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you.

 

²³ May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. ²⁴ May God's grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.

 

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Feeling pretty good, I walked into the group. I had a smile on my face for no reason. “What are you smiling about” a person groused at me. “Didn’t you hear the news?” People led into raising complaints about what was going on. By the end of the day, I felt like complaining.

 

• I was infected by negative words.
• I was pulled down by the current situation.
• I could not see the positive because all who were around me were negative.

 

Paul concludes his letter with encouragement. He sent a letter and Tychicus to encourage those who would read it. Some of the words in the letter may have been a bit harsh, and needed context. Paul wanted people to grow up and change, but was perceptive enough to know they needed encourage encouragement.

 

My Observations

• Peace and love are great gifts to give others because these belong to GOD to hand out freely.
• Grace is much needed and can be given in healthy portions according to GOD.
• Encouragement is part of my walk with GOD so I should give it when I can.

 

Sometimes walking with GOD seems like only taking medicine. I mean, it seems hard and full of stuff that I “need” to do versus “want” to do. BUT GOD wants more than a medicinal relationship. HE wants us to be encouraged when things are rough.

 

Sometimes I need encouragement, and sometimes I need to encourage others and there are times when I need to have the HOLY SPIRIT encourage me through HIS word. I am glad GOD encourages us to keep going. I encourage you and hope this message blesses you.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the encouragement from the writer?
• Have you ever been encouraged by someone?
• Will you encourage someone to keep going with GOD today?

Assurance

Assurance

Ephesians 1: ¹³ And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. ¹⁴ The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!

 

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Startled by a loud noise I ran to my parents. I clung onto the leg of one then the other. After investigation, they said to me calmly, “There is nothing to worry about.” It took a little while, but I could go on playing.

 

• I get startled by troubles.
• I get shaken up by bad news.
• I get scared, worried and doubtful when things seem to be going “wrong.”

 

After facing major difficulties, Paul sensed the people needed a word of encouragement. He had face major opposition from the church leaders, regarding following GOD. The murderers of JESUS led the church, making people fear for their lives. Assurance was needed.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to know the truth.
• GOD wants me to praise HIS glory for setting me free.

 

Heard. Believed. Received. This three-step process gives me assurance that the promises of GOD are sealed up for me. I can do as I please. BUT GOD reigns me in because HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me away from things that may harm me.

 

I would choose the wrong path all the time. But the HOLY SPIRIT whispers, “Forgive” and “Love those who hate you” and “Serve ‘that’ person.” Recognizing that I am GOD’s possession, I surrender to the SPIRIT. I am glad I can have assurance in all of HIS promises for me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever questioned GOD’s existence or why JESUS had to die or some other doubt about HIM?
• Have you also feared something or worried?
• How do you feel when you read the writer’s words?
• Will you rest assured that GOD loves you dearly and has a great plan for you, full of HIS promises that completely give you freedom today?

Dependable Devotion

 Dependable Devotion

2 Corinthians 7: ¹² So, even though I wrote that letter, it was not because of the one who did wrong or the one who was wronged. Instead, I wrote it to make plain to you, in God's sight, how deep your devotion to us really is. ¹³ That is why we were encouraged.

 

Not only were we encouraged; how happy Titus made us with his happiness over the way in which all of you helped to cheer him up! ¹⁴ I did boast of you to him, and you have not disappointed me. We have always spoken the truth to you, and in the same way the boast we made to Titus has proved true. ¹⁵ And so his love for you grows stronger, as he remembers how all of you were ready to obey his instructions, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling. ¹⁶ How happy I am that I can depend on you completely!

 

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“Are you okay?” were the strange words from a guy from a church I had not attended in years. I can’t remember if I was okay or not. I was touched that he reached out to check on me after so many years. We caught up and I left the conversation encouraged.

 

• I can’t remember the trouble of that time but I remember the encouragement.
• I can’t remember what problem I was going through but I remember the devotion.
• I can’t remember if things were going well or wrong but I remember the dependability.

 

Paul seems very excited about those who prayed for him and sincerely wanted him to keep spreading the valuable word of JESUS’ resurrection. This group was so devoted, they treated Paul’s friend Titus with love.

 

My Observations

• GOD cares enough about me to send devoted people to me in my need.
• GOD sees the troubles I go through and sends dependable people to comfort me.
• GOD knows when I need encouragement and surrounds me with people who care about my servanthood to CHRIST.

 

Devotion to CHRIST is the love or enthusiasm shown to others because of HIM. I mean, many people are nice and there are causes that seem quite noble on the surface. BUT GOD has many people who are devoted to speak about HIS SON at a moments notice.

 

Their light is not hidden, rather it radiates in all they do. GOD has sent me many people who thoroughly bless me and others as they rise above complaints to provide encouragement. I am grateful for those who have been dependable and devoted to CHRIST. They taught me a lot.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine a group of people who are always dependable to encourage you?
• What did the writer see in this crowd of people?
• Do you need encouragement but cannot see the dependable crowd?
• Will you be encouraged by this note and know you are special to GOD and HE sees you and loves you more than you know?

Encouragement

Encouragement

2Corinthians 7: ⁵ Even after we arrived in Macedonia, we did not have any rest. There were troubles everywhere, quarrels with others, fears in our hearts. ⁶ But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the coming of Titus. ⁷ It was not only his coming that cheered us, but also his report of how you encouraged him. He told us how much you want to see me, how sorry you are, how ready you are to defend me; and so I am even happier now.

 

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When bad news came, it seemed to arrive in waves. People were dying or getting sick, arguments were popping up over little things and a feeling of being unsettled was in the air. “What is going on!?” I wondered to myself.

 

• I have felt unsettled many times.
• I have seen troubled people in many places.
• I have been worried, scared and full of fear on many occasions.

 

Paul spoke about unrest. He wrote about troubles, quarrels and the biggest problem, fear that goes all the way down into the heart. There seemed like no relief was in site. The he wrote something amazing… “BUT GOD.”

 

My Observations

• GOD sees the calamities I go through and encourages me during the problem.
• GOD knows I will get downhearted and sends the right people at the right time to encourage me.
• GOD feels my pain and anguish and wants me to be encouraged to keep going.

 

Serving GOD ain’t easy. I did say “ain’t.” I mean, when I believed that JESUS was and is the Savior who was raised from the dead, I became eter5nally saved. I wanted to tell other people. But I did not know there would be an adversary who wanted me to remain silent. Each victory of overcoming fear felt like it was met with a larger problem or a bigger fear.

 

At times I felt like giving up and conforming to the world. BUT GOD sent me people who encouraged me to keep going. HE wanted HIS SON to be spoken of by me and many others. HE lifted me up like a surefooted deer. I am grateful GOD thinks enough about me to encourage me when I am downhearted.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the pain the writer was going through?
• What pain have you felt, or are feeling, that has or is bringing you down?
• Do you know you are special and GOD wants you to remain encouraged because only you can reach the people HE wants you to reach?
• Will you encourage someone today?

Encouragement Assignment

 Encouragement Assignment

2 Corinthians 4: God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged. ² We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God's sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone's good conscience.

 

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Things seemed to be going wrong all over the place. My life had become fodder for a sad song. I looked at the world as if it owed me an answer to the question “Why me?’ I was thinking this as I walked back to the dorm in the wee hours or the morning.

 

“Would you like to go to church with us?” was the horrifying question asked to me. They did not realize I was just getting in as they were going out! “No thank you” I replied. I  wrestled with that decision the rest of the day.

 

• My life was centered on me.
• Even my service to others was based on me.
• My “me-centered” world had more downs than ups.

 

“GOD in HS mercy has given us this work to do” is something amazing Paul states to everyone. He even says that people can put aside things that would be disgraceful and turn to something with true value.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my shameful sins and chose me to be HIS messenger anyway.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS word true and focused on JESUS.
• GOD wants me to think about others so I can serve in HIS sight well, while also serving people in good conscience.

 

Encouraging people when I am down seems ridiculous. I mean, when I feel like I need to be served, GOD gives me “work to do.” But what if I’m on empty or broke? GOD doesn’t want me to be phony about my pain. But HE does want me to live my life with purpose.

 

HE lets me see other people who are in pain so I can encourage them to see HIM. Encouraging others, encourages me. It give me the ability to lay aside hidden sin and satisfies the urge to have the “Why me?’ question answered. I am glad GOD gives me purpose  and I hope all who read are encouraged!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use “mercy” when describing what GOD did?
• Have you ever been discouraged and someone popped into your life who needed encouragement?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• Will you accept GOD’s assignment and look beyond your current circumstances to encourage someone today?

Criticism Reduction

Criticism Reduction

2 Corinthians 2: So I made up my mind not to come to you again to make you sad. ² For if I were to make you sad, who would be left to cheer me up? Only the very persons I had made sad. ³ That is why I wrote that letter to you—I did not want to come to you and be made sad by the very people who should make me glad. For I am convinced that when I am happy, then all of you are happy too. ⁴ I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart and with many tears; my purpose was not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all.

 

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“Who did this?” I asked my family in my usual investigative tone. I wanted a confession, thinking this will “grow the culprit up.” Little did I know, I was creating an atmosphere of secrets.

 

• I was being too critical.
• I had not created an atmosphere where improvement is different for each person.
• I was caught up in the fast pace of the world and lost patience.

 

Paul chose to back off from being critical. He knew that something was not quite right with how the people of Corinth were following JESUS. But he had been corrected by GOD himself and did not want others to suffer as he did. Instead, he expressed his love for them.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see HIS grace for my sins.
• GOD wants me to turn my hurt into grace for others.
• GOD wants me to seek grace as a gift that is freely given.

 

Being critical hurts. I mean, when I see something “wrong” I may want it “fixed.” But should “I” be the one fixing it? Not all the time. There are times when it is best for me to back off the situation and ask GOD to intervene.

 

The goal is to keep peace and harmony. This does not mean I should never speak up, but the ratio of speaking up versus letting it go needs to lean towards “letting it go.” If there is a common understanding, then certain words can be misused without me putting a boxing glove in another person’s face. We need each other. I am glad GOD is not critical of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What is the ultimate purpose of the writer?
• Do you see GOD’s grace in the writer’s words?
• How can you reduce your criticism of others in your daily walk?
• What benefits will you receive by creating an atmosphere where people can cheer you along with CHRIST as their motive?

Along for the Ride

 

Along for the Ride

Acts 27: ²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

 

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Being part of the team felt great. One person in particular was being groomed to run the entire company. He surrounded himself with a lot of people who would work hard and remain honest. I was on his team and was successful because he was successful.

 

• There have been people who protected me because of their success.
• There have been people who brought me with them because of their purpose.
• There have been people who raised me up from very low places.

 

Paul reminded the crew that they should have listened to his warning, but they did not and almost lost their lives. He then encouraged them even though there was no food and everyone was feeling low. He was told let them know they would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to encourage people.
• GOD wants me to tell people “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM because HE has given me a purpose.

 

When GOD gives a purpose to someone, it benefits many. I have seen people encourage the lost and their lives were changed for good. GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to live my life with purpose, bringing those around me to HIM. HE will do just as HE promises. In HIM I place my trust.

 

• What is your purpose?
• Will you stay stuck on the problem or look forward to GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you encourage people around you and love those who are hard to love, so JESUS can save you and them today?

Cured by Encouragement

Cured by Encouragement

Acts 20: When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. ² He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, ³ where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. ⁴ He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. ⁵ These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. ⁶ But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

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Feeling lost, I attended a meeting with other out of work people. “What am I going to get out of this?” I asked myself. I mean, I should be meeting people with jobs, not people who are down and out like me. Someone approached me and introduced himself. He had been out of work for a year. He smiled and encouraged me. I felt better. Maybe this group isn’t so bad.

• Many times I needed to hear encouraging words.
• Many times I just wanted to hear that it would be alright.
• Many times I desired to hear I was on the right path.

Paul gathered the disciples after the riot. Some were probably a little shaken, especially those who were grabbed and put in front of the public. He encouraged them without making the situation seem lighter than it was. Paul left and went to other places, spreading encouragement.

• GOD gives me access to people who can encourage me.
• GOD sees my troubles and heals me when I encourage others in the middle of my troubles.
• GOD grows me to encourage people who are going through something I have been through or I am going through right now.

People need relief, especially when difficult times seem to go on and on. Encouragement is in short supplies these days. When I am feeling low, sometimes the best way out is to speak life and encourage someone. When I hear the words I am saying, it ministers to me, sometimes more than the person I am speaking to. I am grateful GOD has sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me.

• Are you troubled?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of your situation?
• Will you be encouraged that GOD hears your cry and wants to use this situation to bless many people through you and only you?
• Will you encourage someone today even in the middle of your troubles?

Fed and Watered

Fed and Watered

Acts 15: ³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. ³² Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. ³³ After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. ^[34] But Silas decided to remain there. ³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

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Tired of being a “weakling”, I tried weightlifting. Struggling to pick up the heavy bar to bench-press, I made it obvious to those around me that I would forever remain the recipient of bully ridicule. A few guys came up to me and said, “Join us.” They showed me proper technique and encouraged me when I lifted the featherweight, compared to their impressive loads. I felt I could get stronger.

• There were many times when I was down and alone.
• There were many times when I wanted to get stronger but felt I had no help.
• There were many times when I tried some things under my own power and did not get very far.

Judas and Silas arrived with a letter to the Gentiles. The people read it and were very encouraged. They were prophets, so they encouraged and strengthened the believers. After some time, they were sent back with a blessing of peace.

• GOD wants me to thank those who have encouraged me.
• GOD wants me to thank those who have helped me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM, for HE is the one who sent people to help me.

My life is like a vine. I get hungry and thirsty, and sometimes I cannot find water or food. BUT GOD sends someone to feed and water me. This grows my roots in GOD and strengthens the vine so I can reach others. My growth enables me to thank people and GOD because I can bear fruit. I am grateful for those who have encouraged me and for GOD who strengthens me.

• Do you need encouragement?
• Does someone you know need encouragement?
• Will you accept that GOD is extremely pleased with you and has a wonderful plan for you?
• Will you encourage someone who needs GOD’s strength today?

Place to Place

Place to Place

Acts 14: ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

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Rushing into the gas station bathroom, I held my breath as long as I could. I really had to go, so the super-disgusting surrounding would not deter my mission. Not knowing if I made up a saying or heard it along the way, I remembered “Leave a place better than you found it.” I wiped off the grimy sink.

• There have been some places I’ve been that were disgusting.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were difficult.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were downright disastrous.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the place where Paul was stoned. Their return brought on new life to those who remained. They encouraged the residents to remain true to the faith, explaining the hardships of a true follower of JESUS. They appointed elders, committing them to the LORD. This place was now better.

• GOD wants me to meet people wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to leave people better than I found them.
• GOD wants me to encourage people and prepare them to be strong during persecution.

Some people will remain stationary and reach others for CHRIST. Others, like me, will go from place to place with HIS encouraging message. No matter which of the two, GOD wants HIS kingdom to be encouraged.

Each encounter I have with another human is precious. GOD wants me to see what HE sees in people and encourage them rather than sending up yet another complaint about “that” person. GOD already has the accuser standing before HIM, complaining about each human. GOD wats me to stand firm and pray a blessing on people I meet. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you complaining about people?
• Are you being persecuted?
• If you are planning to leave a place, will you encourage the people before you leave so they can be strengthened in CHRIST?

Mentor’s Role

Mentor’s Role

Acts 13: ⁴² As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. ⁴³ When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

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Excited about being asked to be a mentor, I went to a peer and asked, “What should I say?” I mean I had never mentored anyone before. Or at least I did not knowingly mentor anyone. He said “Pull them up, just like you are being pulled up.” I did this for a while but I learned a new twist.

• There were times when I thought I was higher than someone.
• There were times when I believed in levels.
• There were times when I compared my abilities to other people.

Paul and Barnabas finished speaking about JESUS to a group who had been attending church regularly. They were so intrigued, that they invited Paul and Barnabas to speak the next week. From that day, they became mentors.

• GOD wants me to point people upward.
• GOD wants me to grow people to believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to take the focus off of me and place it on HIM.

The new twist I learned in mentoring was not to “pull someone up”, rather point “people upward.” GOD is the only One who is “up.” HE is the Most High. Encouraging people to follow HIM is the best mentoring I can ever do. I am grateful I can point people to the grace of GOD.

• Are you being followed by people?
• Do people take your advice?
• Will you provide people with encouragement to follow GOD and urge them to surrender their lives to JESUS today?

Encourage with Purpose

Encourage with Purpose

Acts 11: ²² Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. ²³ When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. ²⁴ For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

²⁵ Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. ²⁶ And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

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“Become a speaker to high schoolers” someone suggested . “What should I say?” was my reply. “Just talk about what you do” was the suggestion. I did just that and I could hear “get off the stage” in their lack of attention. Another speaker suggested I encourage them next time. I did and that went much better.

• There were times when I just wanted to speak.
• There were times when I wanted to be part of the solution but went about it in a bragging way.
• There were times when I was not confident in what I could offer and it showed when I spoke.

Barnabas was sent to Antioch because the news of the people believing in JESUS had spread. When he arrived, he saw the grace of GOD. People must have had so much joy, that it showed on their faces in spite of their circumstances. Barnabas encouraged them with “purpose of heart.”

• GOD wants me to live my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to bear HIS fruit while HE sustains me.
• GOD wants me to encourage others to believe in HIM, give their lives to HIM and live their lives with purpose for HIM.

Encouraging people is great. Encouraging people to live their lives with purpose for GOD is exactly what HE is looking for. HE wants people to be encouraged enough to want to bear fruit. This is not easy, especially when the circumstances seem to grow larger each day.

GOD cared enough to warn humans about the days we are in. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I would hold on, otherwise I would give up. HIS message of love filled my heart. I am grateful HE wants me to encourage others for HIM.

• Have you been believing in JESUS as the answer to everything?
• Have you put your trust in GOD continuously?
• Will you continue to grow in HIS faith, knowing HE sees you and hears you and is pleased with you and what you just did for “that” person?