Friday, August 17, 2007

Encouragement

Encouragement

Hebrews 10: 24-25 "...Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..."
Romans 12:6, 8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a [woman's] gift is...encouraging, let [her] encourage."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."


What does it mean to encourage someone?
1 a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope b : to attempt to persuade
2 : to spur on
3 : to give help or patronage to
ENCOURAGE means to fill with courage or strength of purpose...suggests the raising of one's confidence. 1
Encouragement is a gift we all need to be giving one another on a regular basis. It doesn't cost us a thing and most times is worth a million bucks. How many times have you lacked the courage to do the very thing you know you must do and someone came along side you, encouraged you and prayed for you? Perhaps you had a season of trials in your life, a time of grief, or a time of discouragement. Then just when you needed it most a sister in Christ called, sent a note or perhaps even showed up on your door step. Or have you ever felt the prompting from the Holy Spirit to do one of those things for someone else? You have an irresistible urge to call or visit or perhaps you woke up at 3 a.m. and God placed someone on your heart. Too many times we brush that off or even say I'll get to that later...but later never comes. Then you find out it was at that very time this friend needed the strength, courage or endurance that comes from God alone.
I don't think any of us wants to miss these opportunities to encourage and bless another because there will be a time when we will need the very same thing and we certainly don't want someone else ignoring the Holy Spirit's promptings!
So...is there someone you can't get off your mind? Start now by praying and then maybe give a call or even stop by. You will be glad you did because you will know that was just what the Holy Spirit was prompting you to do.

MaryAnn

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