October 23-25, 2009, "Encouragement"
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
~ II Corinthians 12:9 ~
I have to say "thank you" to those of you who have sent encouraging words in response to the devotionals written. You truly have no idea how when God uses us to encourage, it is truly a necessity to be encouraged as well.
I am so thankful for your emails and your comments on my blog. I love it when my blogging and email friends receive a word and share with me what God has revealed in their own lives. It truly brings encouragement and there is a "Wow" factor involved! It's something that no one can glory in but ALMIGHTY GOD; to which His glory is only FITTING for HIM! For even the heavens cannot contain His Matchless Glory!
Today, is a reminder to me that even when I 'feel' I have nothing to give, if I am here another day on this earth for His glory, then even a "Hello" to a woman; a complete stranger walking across the parking lot at a mall or a store could bring encouragement.
I often wonder when we walk by another soul that God loves so much, do they battle the thoughts of, "See that person just walked by me and it was as though I didn't even exist."? I can't imagine battling such thoughts, but I know that God is truly wanting me to be more mindful of those He richly loves!
I am realizing, that just because good morals, ethics, and loving Jesus may be uncommon, does not mean it is meant to be abnormal. The uncommon should be the normal; when it comes to encouragement or enpowering others, especially as it glorifies Almighty God.
I am truly enthralled by such a thought...the one thing that is FREE to give can be the most uncomfortable. Encouragement is FREE. There have been very few times where I have encouraged someone that I didn't know, and I got a 'look' of confusion and even fear, as it seemed they thought I had an 'agenda'...haahaahaahaa!!! It really woke me up and at first I wanted to 'receive the offense' and say, "Well, I am definitely not doing that again." Haaahaaahaaa! However, more times than not, people are caught off guard with great joy and they can't help but smile. I remember someone did that to me as I was walking down an aisle in a store. I have to say, nothing but good came out of it, I was so blessed!
I am also reminded that discouragement is FREE to give out as well. However, the results are more damaging and in the end it only brings offense, bitterness, unforgiveness and grudges. It may be FREE at first; but the results are very costly.
I want to choose to be an encouragement. If I feel as though I have nothing to give; that is when God truly give us the grace as He receives the glory that is already His when I lean on Him to give out encouragement. In my weakness; His strength is made PERFECT!
I challenge myself and others; The ones that seem to have it altogether, encourage them; see what happens! :)
~ II Corinthians 12:9 ~
I have to say "thank you" to those of you who have sent encouraging words in response to the devotionals written. You truly have no idea how when God uses us to encourage, it is truly a necessity to be encouraged as well.
I am so thankful for your emails and your comments on my blog. I love it when my blogging and email friends receive a word and share with me what God has revealed in their own lives. It truly brings encouragement and there is a "Wow" factor involved! It's something that no one can glory in but ALMIGHTY GOD; to which His glory is only FITTING for HIM! For even the heavens cannot contain His Matchless Glory!
Today, is a reminder to me that even when I 'feel' I have nothing to give, if I am here another day on this earth for His glory, then even a "Hello" to a woman; a complete stranger walking across the parking lot at a mall or a store could bring encouragement.
I often wonder when we walk by another soul that God loves so much, do they battle the thoughts of, "See that person just walked by me and it was as though I didn't even exist."? I can't imagine battling such thoughts, but I know that God is truly wanting me to be more mindful of those He richly loves!
I am realizing, that just because good morals, ethics, and loving Jesus may be uncommon, does not mean it is meant to be abnormal. The uncommon should be the normal; when it comes to encouragement or enpowering others, especially as it glorifies Almighty God.
I am truly enthralled by such a thought...the one thing that is FREE to give can be the most uncomfortable. Encouragement is FREE. There have been very few times where I have encouraged someone that I didn't know, and I got a 'look' of confusion and even fear, as it seemed they thought I had an 'agenda'...haahaahaahaa!!! It really woke me up and at first I wanted to 'receive the offense' and say, "Well, I am definitely not doing that again." Haaahaaahaaa! However, more times than not, people are caught off guard with great joy and they can't help but smile. I remember someone did that to me as I was walking down an aisle in a store. I have to say, nothing but good came out of it, I was so blessed!
I am also reminded that discouragement is FREE to give out as well. However, the results are more damaging and in the end it only brings offense, bitterness, unforgiveness and grudges. It may be FREE at first; but the results are very costly.
I want to choose to be an encouragement. If I feel as though I have nothing to give; that is when God truly give us the grace as He receives the glory that is already His when I lean on Him to give out encouragement. In my weakness; His strength is made PERFECT!
I challenge myself and others; The ones that seem to have it altogether, encourage them; see what happens! :)
Praise God for this post!! I have been feeling the same things about encouragement, so clearly the Lord wants us to HEAR this message! Like you said, it is FREE to give and can have such a profound impact. In the same way, we need to be aware of how our negative looks and 'discouraging' words can break others now, and have the opposite affect. Didn't you say you wrote a book?... if so, email me and tell me more! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you,
~Tanya
Ephesians 4:29 ~ "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
Oh, so true!! God uses us, if we allow Him to! I would think one of the most important things He would use us for, would be to encourage one another!!! Life is hard...He knows that. He knows we need encouragement, especially when the going gets tough.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for such an important reminder...also the reminder about the cost of discouragement!!
love,
Michelle
I would also add that even those that don't have it together need encouragement. I agree with the majority of your blog; but I'm reminded of the many faces people wear. We have our public face, church face, etc, but rarely does our internal face come out and we never really know what is going on in their heart. Encouragement to those in that time of their life can be profound, even if it looks like they have it all together.
ReplyDeleteBe the light--shine it bright, and smiles will abound for those that hate the light will scurry and be squashed in, well you know.
Oh, Praise God for His perfect and sufficient Grace.
ReplyDeleteYes lord, let me be an encourager of the Faith!
Wonderful, well needed post.
Amen to your comment Matt..also, to all of you, thank you for your encouragement as well!
ReplyDelete