| 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: 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,
|
