God bless you and your families in the name of Jesus Christ.

  Encouragement is important to all of us, especially as Christian believers. People can never get too much encouragement. Webster's Dictionary defines "encouragement" as follows; to give courage or confidence to; to raise hopes; to help with advice and interest; to stimulate a belief or idea. It's vital to others that we speak words of encouragement.

Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, (at the right time) how good is it!

  I can't begin to count the number of times people have blessed my life, by giving me a word or words of encouragement when I was discouraged at key points in my life. Sometimes you are struggling with a decision or situation, and you are wondering if you made the right decision or are doing the right thing, is this what GOD really wants you to say or do? Then comes a word or words from your spouse, a friend, other believers, or even a stranger, and you are encouraged, strengthened and refreshed to keep moving ahead.

Proverbs 15:30 (Amplified Bible)
The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones. (in the King James Version the last part of this verse reads "... a good report makes the bones fat." "Maketh the bones fat" means ...to give emotional prosperity - makes your heart to become lighter and more bearable).

  When it comes to encouragement, we both need to give it and receive it. In the Body of Christ, it's the loving thing to do. Encouragement , we both need to give it and receive it. In the body of Christ, it's the loving thing too. Encouragement was an important part of the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Mark 5 a ruler of the synagogue, came to Jesus seeking his help to heal his sick daughter. While they were on their way, someone from the rulers house came and said to the ruler, "your daughter is dead, don't trouble the master any longer." in Mark 5:36 Jesus' response is recorded: "as soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, BE NOT AFRAID ONLY BELIEVE." these five short words made all the difference to the ruler and his daughter, because Jesus went to the ruler's house and raised his daughter from the dead. the apostle Paul also gave words of encouragement to all that were on the ship that was about to be torn apart in a storm in Acts 27:22-23, Paul said unto those on the ship: "...now I exhort you to be of good cheer;" "... sirs be of good cheer." Then he told them an angel of the Lord appeared unto him and told him that the ship would be lost, but their lives would be saved. Another time God spoke to Paul and encouraged (Acts 18:9-10) when he feared for his life. Paul was going to leave the area in which he had been preaching and move on when GOD said to him; "...be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace." For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee...." How many times did GOD tell Joshua to, "Be strong and of a good courage," before he lead Israel across the Jordan to claim the Promised Land?

  People! The world is full of discouragement, but the Word of God is full of encouragement to the believer. We need to speak the Words of God rather than the words of the world. The world laughs at, and despises the ideals of the Word,and does everything possible to pour cold water on any enthusiasm men might have to live and partake of the blessings GOD has made available to all who believe. That's why we need to speak words of praise, thankfulness, appreciation words of confidence building and exhortation to others. We need to speak a word or words that encourage men and women to believe GOD, to believe what HE says we are and what we can do. Encouragement is essential to help men and women stay committed, and remain faithful to GOD, and the life HE has called us to live.

Philippians 4:13
I can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strenghteneth me.

  We ALL need to be reminded of this from time to time, especially when we are challenged. We must be full of compassion for those who are wearied and troubled, who are struggling for whatever reason. They need GOD'S encouragement and we are the ones to give it. Let us be men and women who give encouragement to others.

Love,