At church today I was blessed when a friend came up to me and gave me a word that I didn't expect to hear. He blessed me with words of encouragement in an endeavor that I am undertaking. I was filled with joy and appreciation as his words poured over me in such a blessing that the rest of my day has been filled with peace and joy. As I drove home, I wondered if many of us speak words of encouragement over others, or are we too quick to tear others down by the things we say, even if we don't mean to.
"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs." Philippians 2:25.
Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others that are going through difficult times. They have the words to give strength to those of us that are discouraged and comfort to those of us that are grieving. I believe that these people are sensitive to God's voice. To me they never appear self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones that we immediately seek out when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors in our lives when we are in distress as their presence sustains us, gives us strength and hope.
There are many throughout the Bible that God enabled to encourage others. Jethro went to Moses when Moses was overwhelmed with his work. It was Jethro's wise counsel that eased Moses strain and helped him to see the situations clearly. When Paul was in prison, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him. Paul also asked for Timothy as Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy. Paul asked for Mark, and also for Luke. When everyone else was absent or busy, Luke could be found with Paul. Paul experienced many trials throughout his life, but the Lord sustained him by placing godly friends around him that provided support in practical and sacrificial ways to him.
Do we offer the same encouragement to those around us? Encouragement in the Bible, is labeled a spiritual gift, but we do not always have to have this gift to be encouraging to others. There are many around us that feel they are left alone to deal with the stresses of everyday life. There are others that experience traumatic situations in their life that have no voice to speak with them, or to them. We all deal with situations that can sap every shred of stability and sanity from us. It is good when we find that special someone that knows exactly what to say, or what to do to bring us a sense of peace, or understanding, or comfort, or just to be with us.
God wants to develop all of us into the kind of friend that can strengthen others. Even Jesus, when praying in the Garden, had angels come and minister to Him as He was about to invoke on the road to Calvary. Friends, the words we share and the things we do can bring comfort and encouragement to our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and ministers. When was the last time we let our leaders know how their teachings are affecting our lives? When was the last time you encouraged somebody else? Is there someone right now that needs to hear a kind word, or be with someone? Why not go to them now? They are already seeking!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs." Philippians 2:25.
Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others that are going through difficult times. They have the words to give strength to those of us that are discouraged and comfort to those of us that are grieving. I believe that these people are sensitive to God's voice. To me they never appear self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones that we immediately seek out when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors in our lives when we are in distress as their presence sustains us, gives us strength and hope.
There are many throughout the Bible that God enabled to encourage others. Jethro went to Moses when Moses was overwhelmed with his work. It was Jethro's wise counsel that eased Moses strain and helped him to see the situations clearly. When Paul was in prison, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him. Paul also asked for Timothy as Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy. Paul asked for Mark, and also for Luke. When everyone else was absent or busy, Luke could be found with Paul. Paul experienced many trials throughout his life, but the Lord sustained him by placing godly friends around him that provided support in practical and sacrificial ways to him.
Do we offer the same encouragement to those around us? Encouragement in the Bible, is labeled a spiritual gift, but we do not always have to have this gift to be encouraging to others. There are many around us that feel they are left alone to deal with the stresses of everyday life. There are others that experience traumatic situations in their life that have no voice to speak with them, or to them. We all deal with situations that can sap every shred of stability and sanity from us. It is good when we find that special someone that knows exactly what to say, or what to do to bring us a sense of peace, or understanding, or comfort, or just to be with us.
God wants to develop all of us into the kind of friend that can strengthen others. Even Jesus, when praying in the Garden, had angels come and minister to Him as He was about to invoke on the road to Calvary. Friends, the words we share and the things we do can bring comfort and encouragement to our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and ministers. When was the last time we let our leaders know how their teachings are affecting our lives? When was the last time you encouraged somebody else? Is there someone right now that needs to hear a kind word, or be with someone? Why not go to them now? They are already seeking!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
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