Encouragement - Part III

(This is a continuation of the devotional "Encouragement"...see Part I and II as well)

3. People

Philemon 1:6 "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus"

Have you ever faced something and you thought you were the first person to ever have to endure such trial or problem? I have thought that way at times. I thought it was for some other lady to face--not me. I've been there and gotten through those times with the Lord's help. Now, I see how those discouraging times have enabled me to encourage other ladies who are facing similar circumstances. If I hadn't faced those times, I wouldn't know how to encourage and be a blessing to others.

When we share how God has been faithful to us during those times, that may be all a person needs to give them the determination to persevere through the trials they are facing right now.

(It's Your Turn)

1. Are you allowing the Lord to use you and your past circumstances to be an encouragement to others?

2. Think of someone who has been an encouragement to you because they'd already faced what you were facing. Werent' they a blessing?

3. Have YOU been able to be a blessing to someone by sharing how God has been faithful during your times of discouragement?

4. Priority Mail

Have you opened your mailbox with a smile lately? For the most part, I find that hard to do because when I open it (or when the girls bring the mail), there awaits for me bills and junk mail--most of the time. How encouraging is that?

Do you know what kind of mail I love to receive? I love to get an encouraging card sealed in a brightly colored envelope. "Real Mail" comes in the form of a personalized, handwritten envelope, with a pretty stamp and maybe even some cute stickers. For just the price of a postage stamp, encouragement can be passed along.

What does encouragement do for those around us?

I Thes. 5:11 "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Our encouragement gives others the strength to carry on, strength to grow, and strength to rejoice through the days.

What is the value of an encouraging word?

Proverbs 12:25 "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad"

A word of encouragement can often drive away the worries that tend to pull us down.

How do we choose our words to say to someone?

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Remember, we are to encourage. Our words can build up or they can tear down. We need to choose encouraging words--words to strengthen someone's spiritual walk with the Lord.

(It's Your Turn)

1. Go get you a pack of note cards and a book of stamps.
2. Set down and ask the Lord to bring some ladies to your mind that are need of some encouragement.
3. Do you have your list of verses that are an encouragement to you?

- Always put at least one Scripture reference in with your notes.

- What's the main Source of encouragement we have? God's precious promises found in HIS WORD!

5. Presents

Hebrews 3:13 a "But exhort one another daily, while it is call To day"

When I say 'presents', I am not thinking of spending a lot of monies! You've heard the saying, "It's the thought that counts". It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. All that's needed is something a little out of the ordinary.

Here are just a few ideas to brighten someone's day:

- bake a fresh batch of cookies

- fix a meal

- offer to watch the children for a day while she goes grocery shopping -- that would be a relief :-)

- candles - I love candles! (I'll let you in on my secret--No matter how dirty your house is (or you think it is) -- the smell of candles will make the house feel (and smell) fresh and clean)

- small basket of snacks

- meet a friend at the park for a picnic lunch

- go for a walk with a friend

- treat them to lunch

(It's Your Turn)

Look within your family, church, neighborhood, work place--is there a lady in need of just a little surprise to cause her to pause and smile?

Ladies, each and every day we have the opportunity to offer encouragement, but we are so busy trying to keep our own lives going we let them pass right by. Let's pray the Lord will open our eyes to see those around us who are in need of encouragement. Just think what God would do through YOU (and I) - if we make ourselves available and have a willing heart. Look for ways to be a blessing and an encouragment--starting TODAY! You may be the one in need of a blessing and encouragement tomorrow.

Remember, encouragement goes both ways--

Send it out to be a blessing

And you'll receive a blessing in return!

Have a blessed day!