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Dear Christian Believer,
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: 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 of the eyes (of him whose heart is joyful]
rejoices the heart of others, and good news nourishes
the bones. (in the King James 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. Encouragement
was an important part of the ministry of Jesus Christ.
In Mark 5 a ruler of the synagogue came
to Jesus for help and the healing of his sick daughter.
While they were on their way, someone from the ruler’s
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 rule r 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 a 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 tells them that an angel of the Lord appeared
unto him and told him, that the ship shall be lost, but
of there lives would be saved. Another time God spoke
to Paul and encouraged him in: Acts 18:9-10, when
he was fearful of his life and was going to leave the
area he was preaching and move on. “... 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 the Lord 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,
while 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 believe,
live and share the blessings that GOD has made available
to all that 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 and what he says they are and what they can do. Encouragement
is very essential to help men and women stay committed
and faithful to GOD and the life HE has called them to
live.
Proverbs 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 down spirited and troubled, who are struggling
for whatever reason. They need GOD’S encouragement and
we are the ones to give it. Blessed is the man or woman
who gives encouragement to others.
Love you much!
John
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