ENCOURAGEMENT IS A DAILY THING

Encouragement takes persistence. Persistence takes patience. Just because you have encouraged someone once does not mean that your role of encouragement in his or her life is over. They did not become discouraged overnight, and they will not often become re-encouraged overnight.

Encouragement is like that. It takes layers of love and great patience to
replenish, restore, and put courage back into a heart. Patience is an
important part of encouragement.

2 Timothy 4:2 also says that we are to encourage others with careful
instruction, being sensitive to the condition of the learner, to the one who
is in need of encouragement. Learning does not begin with the truth. Learning begins with the learner and requires loving flexibility. Instruction that is wrapped with encouragement really works. No one cares how much you know until they know just how much you care. I have heard it said that advice and instruction are like snow. The softer they fall - the deeper they stick. Sensitive instruction is encouragement.

Encouragement stays close. It is encouraging to know that we are not alone, that someone else is close by, in the rocking boat with us. Remember that one of the definitions of encouragement is "to be beside." A shared joy is a double joy, but a shared sorrow is half a sorrow. God has given us to each other so that we can share the load. A shared load is always a lighter load.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

I read about an ingenious teenager who grew tired of reading bedtime stories to his little sister. So he decided to record several of her favorite stories on tape. He gave her a tape player and plugged in the tape. "Now you can hear your stories anytime you want. Isn't that great?" he said. She looked at the machine for a moment and then replied, "No. It hasn't got a lap."

We all need the closeness of relationship. We all need to know we are loved. We all need encouragement. Staying close to those who need you brings them encouragement.

Encouragement is a daily thing. "Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13

An encourager is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become, and still gently invites you to grow. How often do we need to practice encouragement? Daily. Continually. Constantly.

Encouragers look for opportunities to work. Acts 4:36

This cold and dark world is hungry for the touch of someone who cares, for a word of kindness, for an act of compassion. This world - your world - is
reaching out to you for encouragement. Be an encourager.

LET'S PRAY:
Father, I come, asking You to teach me how to be an encouragement to those around me. Help me to see those who are hurting. Don't let me miss the broken hearts that cross my path. Give me the wisdom and love to be "God with skin on" to the people in my world.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD” AND “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Luke 10:27

Did you know that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had more than six hundred man-made laws they were required to obey? The people couldn’t keep all those laws; it was impossible. Yet the rulers believed that those laws had to be obeyed in order to win God’s favor.

But Jesus summed up God’s Law with only two commands:

“LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD” AND “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.”

He used a special, all-encompassing word for love, a word that includes everyone. We are to love our neighbors, He said, even though they may have a different color skin, ethnic background, or language; even though they look different, walk differently, or act differently. We are also to help our neighbors who are poor. The gospel of Christ has no meaning unless it is applied to those who are in need.

The Greek word for love that Jesus used implies action. It is not a passive word; it is an action word. We are to love by our actions. What will you do today to show God’s love by your actions?

Your Turn

Who is your neighbor? Keep your eyes open today for opportunities to share God's love in action!

YOU MATTER TO GOD

- by Rick Warren

You are not an accident. You matter to God. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind, and he planned you for His purposes. These purposes will extend far beyond the few years you will spend on earth. You were made to last forever!

The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. That’s because we typically begin at the wrong starting point—ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like “What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future?” But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. The Bible says, “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power” (Job 12:10).

To find your purpose, you must begin with God, your Creator, and his reasons for creating you. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny.

Memory Verse

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one
has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

Generosity comes in many forms. One version is material gifts.  Another is the
sharing of our time and wisdom.

You may not have the financial means to help people in need, but you can offer
them your time and insights. It may be just what they need to point them in
the right direction.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, tonight we reach for a truly generous life together. Guide
and strengthen our willingness to share. Thank You for putting us on earth for
something bigger and more meaningful than our own comfort or happiness. Amen.

YOUR HUSBAND IS A GIFT

=================
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap… yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24

Although the battle for healthy self‐confidence is most often fought by women, many men also struggle with the issue. Unlike a woman, a man derives his sense of worth primarily from the reputation he earns in his job or profession. He draws emotional satisfaction from achieving in business, becoming financially independent, developing a highly respected skill, being the “boss,” or being loved and appreciated by his patients, clients, or business associates. When his career fails, however, look out.

His confidence often falters, and he becomes vulnerable. Depression, anger, and withdrawal are just some of his potential responses. Wives, here’s something to remember: More than anything, your man needs your respect. Compliment him on the qualities you most admire in him. Avoid comments that debase or embarrass him—especially in the eyes of others. As much as is reasonably possible, understand and support his career, but also create such an affirming atmosphere at home that he will be happy to leave career concerns at the office.

The better you understand your differences, the more you’ll appreciate the
gift that is your mate.

Just between us…
================
(wife) What achievement are you proudest of to your husband?

(wife) Are you satisfied with the current state of your husband’s career?

(wife) How can you help your husband with your career?

(wife) How can you show more respect for your husband and what you do?

(wife) Father, thank You for my husband—for the energy, skills, and ambitions
you’ve placed in him. Help him to know that You love him no matter how he
performs, and please help me show him the honor and respect I feel. Amen.

FOCUSING ON GOD

I am an avid reader. In fact, reading is one of my favorite ways to escape the chaotic pace of daily life. I also enjoy browsing through bookstores,
especially the ones that provide cushy chairs where customers can sit quietly and read without being disturbed.

It is easy to tune out your surroundings and lose yourself in the pages of a
good book. I was doing just that when I heard a familiar voice. Looking up, I spotted one of my friends, Carol, who was asking an employee where she could find a new suspense novel that had just been released. The young man quickly handed Carol the book from his personal stash behind the counter and went back to work. I watched a smile spread across Carol's face as she examined her new treasure while gently turning the book over in her hands and flipping through pages. Carol then did something I absolutely could not believe. She turned to the last several pages of the book and began reading.

It was time for an intervention. I was ready for the task. I quickly put the book I had been reading back on the shelf. I needed to focus on the obvious needs of my friend. With a quick wave, I got Carol's attention
and made my approach. After a quick hug, I said, "It is so good to see you. How have you been?" We spent a few minutes catching up on what was happening in our lives.

I could not help myself. "Are you buying that book?" I asked. It was an honest question because, for the life of me, I could not understand why anyone would want to buy a suspense novel when they already knew how it ended. Excitement danced in her eyes as she responded, "Yes, I am. I can't wait to read it. The ending is awesome!"

Now I can understand reading the first few pages or scanning the table of
contents before buying a book. I can even comprehend reading a few paragraphs here and there to get an idea of the story line. That makes sense to me. Carol's perspective did not. "Okay. I have to confess that I saw you reading the last few pages of the book. Why in the world did you read the ending? Won't that spoil the story for you?" I asked.

"Not at all," Carol quickly responded. "Before I buy a book, I always read the ending to make sure I really want that particular book," she explained. It was worse than I thought. Seeing the look of disbelief on my face, she laughed and admitted, "I know. It sounds crazy, but I have to know that everything turns out okay before I commit to reading the book."

The more I thought about Carol's words, the more I realize that, as followers of God, we need to do the same. Billy Graham once said, "I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right."

When we focus only on what we can see and understand or explain, we will worry. Fear and doubt will become familiar companions if we live each day against the backdrop of this broken world. Our only hope is God. And it is not enough to just know about Him. We must know Him. A personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ assures us that no matter what the world throws our way, it's all going to be okay.  

Let's Pray:
Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess!
Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me to remember that You really are in control. In Jesus' name, amen.

TRUE FORGIVENESS

I had been lied to, betrayed, and hurt. I was angry and felt I had every right to be. Anger crushed my desire to forgive. Although I’d asked God to fill my heart with mercy, I kept a running mental list of justifications for my anger that overrode my empty prayers.

My internal dialogue was one big argument. One voice tried to convince me I was justified in remaining angry; another voice tried to persuade me that mercy was the right choice.

For months, the loudest voice was the one that indulged my damaged emotions:Yes, I have a right to be angry. Anyone would agree.

Listening to the voice of bitterness and unforgiveness, I often lashed out with impatience and meanness. I could play the good Christian woman for short periods of time, but if something triggered my suppressed emotions, hostility and resentment catapulted to the surface.

Reading Scripture one morning, I sensed God inviting me to consider the direction my anger was taking me and the damage it was doing. As I read the words from James 1, I couldn’t help but notice how it says “everyone” should be slow to speak and slow to anger. This truth from God’s Word left no room for my excuses or righteous indignation, even though I felt like my anger was justified. And then a few verses later, I read this:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. — James 1:22

From a worldly perspective, I knew I had every right to be angry. But from God’s perspective, my anger only added to the sin of the situation. My refusal to extend the same mercy and forgiveness God had given me was preventing me from living out the Gospel.

Through the words of James, God softened my heart. I acknowledged that although I said I’d forgiven this person with my words, I had not forgiven with my heart — and it was time to do so and move on.

In every area of life, including managing our most powerful emotions, God tells us to be quick to listen (to Him and others), slow to speak, and slow to become angry. As we apply these practices in our relationships, we become doers of His Word, not just hearers, and that leads to the righteousness God desires.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for harboring anger. Equip me with a supernatural ability to forgive those who have hurt me. Guard my heart when old emotions threaten to surface. Strip my heart of anger and replace it with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Anger only worsens any situation, but selfless forgiveness brings freedom. We are all called to forgive even when wronged, just as God forgives us.

REFLECT

Whom have you been harboring anger toward or withholding forgiveness from? Have these feelings caused you to feel bitter?

RESPOND

Pour out your heart to God today, telling Him how you feel. Then write out a prayer of forgiveness for the one who hurt you, surrendering that burden to God, and asking Him to replace your feelings of bitterness with peace and joy.

POWER VERSES

Ephesians 4:26–27; Ephesians 4:30–31