RESIDES INSIDE

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.

Was posting a message to FACEBOOK yesterday when a little post from a dear and faithful man of GOD popped up

“Anybody got a word of encouragement for a tired, discouraged man?"

For all its flaws, FACEBOOK does have a few merits and after this posted, more than 25 comments of encouragement came pouring in.  It is nice to see the “body” respond when another is hurting or down.

That is one of our jobs you know. You’ve heard it repeatedly, we are to encourage one another! 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Remember:

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. - Dale Carnegie

But the truth is life can often zap the enthusiasm right out of any of us. We all get discouraged like my friend; even the GODLIEST have gloomy days. But GOD reminds us over and over again that HIS SPIRIT that lives in us is greater than any discouragement, lie, depression, or gloom that the enemy can throw our way.  In fact, GOD reminds us to tap into that continuously; that we are to encourage OURSELVES in that SPIRIT when life takes us low.  

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love…Jude 1:20-21 (NLT)

Yes, FACEBOOK friends are wonderful for a “pick me up” when we are down and despondent, but nothing compares to the amazing and uplifting hope and power of the SPIRIT! 

So, let’s not let gloom gain an advantage! 

Remember instead that the SPIRIT has our back today; HE is offering personal encouragement like no other!

Do not let your hearts be troubled…– John 14:1 (NLT) 

Allow HIS HOPE, HIS PEACE, HIS POWER, and HIS SPIRIT to pick you up flow through you and overcome your discouragements.

Oh, you are wondering what I responded with for my dear discouraged disciple?

Here you go...it will look familiar.  Seems to be the verse of the week in one form or another! 

pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. 

Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit… Romans 15:13 (NIV)

When nobody else celebrates you, learn to celebrate the SPIRIT within YOU. 

When nobody else compliments you, then ALLOW the SPIRIT to provide the needed compliment.

Remember, it’s not totally up to other people to keep you encouraged.

It’s ALWAYS available right there in you.

Encouragement truly RESIDES INSIDE. – Anonymous

I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE