ENCOURAGE the ENCOURAGER

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ― Mark Twain

Are you an encourager?

Do you look for ways to positively impact the lives of others?

Do you strive to “believe the best” in people; seeking ways to lift them up?

Didn’t know if you knew this, but that is what Christians are to do.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 are a few little “encouragements to be encouragers”

Along with this one…

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…

Yet sadly, our culture would rather glorify the “put down”, the “Oh no he/she didn’t” and the criticism. It’s more entertaining.

Folks would rather throw rocks at someone rather than share THE ROCK with the hurting or down.

So today the message is simple, short and sweet.

I want to “encourage” the “encourager” that is in each of us.

Just last night while in Elyria I was blessed to spend some time with a man who has dedicated 35 years of his life encouraging others to pursue their dreams;to be the difference makers and social entrepreneurs. He has a deep heart for the needs of others and more importantly has been gifted to stir those who can help to meet them!

So here is what I want us to do today.

Let’s all ask God to help us to be more sensitive to the needs of others, to seek his wisdom to find ways to encourage those around us.

Is it a listening ear?

Just showing we care by really listening to what they have to say? 

They might have a problem or an idea they are hesitant to move ahead with and allowing them to unpack it might make the difference between successes or continued perceived failure. They may be facing some special challenge and knowing that someone values them enough to listen and offer time can be an encouragement.

Perhaps they need words of encouragement.

And nothing can be more encouraging than God's Word, shared from a loving heart. So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. Romans 14:19 (MSG)

Maybe they need us to show our faith in them with an action. As we prayerfully approach them, God will guide.

I say it a lot.

The walk is challenging enough. It sure doesn’t need the extra burden of criticism, jealousy and gossip weighing it down.

And that sort of thing certainly doesn’t align with GOD.

Ephesians 4:31(NIV)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Therefore today, do as GOD instructs!

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

…think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

…an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

Love you all…

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE (Champions Charge)