Encouragement

2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

I saw a cartoon that featured a little boy who was obviously discouraged. In the first frame, his mother is concerned about his sad countenance.

“What’s wrong?” his mother asks.

Without missing a beat, the young boy replies, “No one likes me.”

The next frame finds the mom reassuring her offspring. “That’s not true,” she says encouragingly. “I like you!”

In the final frame, the little boy looks up at his mom and responds, “Of course you do. That’s your job!”

I guess that is your job as a parent. You want to encourage your children and help them overcome adversity in every form. But the task of encouraging others isn’t limited to your relationship with your children. Imagine the state of our world if every believer made a conscious effort to encourage others.

Dear Lord, we want to be an encourager to the people in our family, in our church, in our neighborhood, and in the world beyond. Teach us to encourage others with our words and with our actions. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Don’t forget your team

Acts 2:46 (ESV)

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

It’s game day. You know what you have to do, so you get out on the court or field to face your opponents. Then you realize something’s wrong. You’re all by yourself. The other team is there, looming over you like a dark storm cloud from the other end of the field. However, not one of your teammates can be seen. Not on the court. Not on the bench. Nowhere. You have no one on your side.

Do you ever feel like that is your spiritual situation? Maybe you feel like the only Christian at your school facing the whole science department that teaches evolution as truth. Maybe you’re the only one at your job who doesn’t want to take a longer break than allowed. Maybe you’re the only one at a party who doesn’t want to drink.

In those situations, you may feel alone and unable to handle the pressure. You know His promise to always be with you, yet the present situation makes you question God’s presence.

That’s one of the reasons God surrounds us with the church and puts other Christians in our lives. God does not want us to be alone. He wants us to be together.

God equips your Christian friends to help you through all kinds of life’s problems, earthly or spiritual. Whether you have questions about the Bible or about your homework, whether you’re trying to pick a college or what to wear to school tomorrow, Christian friends can help because they (like you) know where to find answers to life’s critical questions. Christian brothers and sisters can remind you of God’s promises and give encouragement, comfort, or even correction from God’s Word. And not only do you get to enjoy these benefits, but to share them! God calls you to be that encouraging, supportive Christian friend to others too.

Most importantly, when you do crack under the pressure and give in to sin, your Christian friends are there to point you to Jesus. Your Christian friends are there to show and give you Jesus’s forgiveness. His perfect life and innocent death paid the penalty for all your sins. That’s the message you need to hear most of all. That’s also the message your friends need to hear from you most of all.

Do you have Christian friends? Thank God for them! Surround yourself with them. Then be one for them!

Dear Lord, thank You so much for blessing us with Christian friends so we can encourage each other to stay close to You. Forgive us for the times we haven’t been the friend You want us to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Don't look down on the young

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1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

After high school, Darrell Blizzard left the orphanage where he grew up to join the US Army Air Corps. World War II was in full swing, and soon he faced responsibilities usually given to older and more experienced men. He told a reporter years later that a four-mule plow team was the biggest thing he’d driven before he became the pilot of a four-engine B-17. Now in his late eighties, he said, “We were all just kids flying those things.”

In the Bible, we find accounts of many people who followed God courageously when they were young. In a situation of corrupt spiritual leadership, “Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1 Sam. 2:18). David faced the giant Goliath in spite of being told, “You are not able to go against this Philistine . . . for you are a youth” (17:33). Mary, the mother of Jesus, was most likely very young when she was told she would bear the Son of God. She responded to the angel’s announcement by saying, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Paul told the young pastor Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers” (1 Tim. 4:12).

God values each one in His family. In His strength, the young can be bold in their faith, while those who are older can encourage those who are “just kids.”

This is a great reminder as we watch our youth take lead in different parts of our church life.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be the encouragement to all those that serve you no matter their age. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The power of encouraging words

Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

    and a word in season, how good it is!

A modern parable has been written about the tools of the enemy that I believe we can really learn from.

"Some time ago, an advertisement appeared in which the devil was putting all his tools up for sale. On the day of public inspection, each one of his tools was marked with its selling price: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Doubt, Lying, Pride, and so on, were each on the block. Set apart, however, from all the rest of the pile, was a harmless-looking tool, well-worn, but priced very high -- it was discouragement!"

Someone asked the devil, 'why is that one priced so high?' He replied, 'Ah, that one is more useful to me than all the rest. With it I can pry open a man's heart and enter, when I cannot get near him with any other tools. Once inside, I can lead him any way I choose. The tool is very worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me.'"

The enemy loves to sow discouragement -- but believers have a tool much more powerful -- encouragement! We can speak a word into the lives of those who desperately need to hear it: to the college student adjusting to his new environment; to the missionary who may feel alone in the harvest field; to the disillusioned newlywed young couple; to the forgotten servants of God who labor in an obscure and difficult ministry; to the orphans and the widows; to all those who need to hear a word in due season!

Dear Lord, help our words be filled with encouragement top those around us. Help us not fall into the trap of discouragement.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Three Points of Positive Motivation

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

One wife waited patiently, then impatiently, for her husband to repair the lawn mower as he had promised. One day, not wanting to confront him in anger, she tried another tack. That was the day he came home and found her seated on the ground snipping grass with sewing scissors, one blade at a time. He watched in absolute amazement. Then he went into the house and returned with a toothbrush. "Honey," he said, "when you finish cutting the grass would you mind sweeping the sidewalks?"

They both laughed. And, more importantly, he turned his attention to the mower.

We've all been there. We want to encourage a child to do her homework, or a spouse to complete a project, or a colleague to follow through. How can we encourage without criticizing, nagging, berating or pushing?

Over the years I've learned a few important things about the finer points of positive motivation.

First, whenever possible, try to keep it light-hearted. The careful use of humor can work in any relationship to make the point in a way it will be heard. Sometimes we are so frustrated we know that however we say it, it will be bound to come out wrong. These are especially the times when humor may be needed.

Second, without exception, be polite and respectful. Sometimes it's more about how we say it than what we say. Too much of the world is run on the theory that you don't need road manners if you drive a five-ton truck. No one wants to be forced, pushed, run over, cajoled or manipulated. They want to be respected.

Finally, as often as you can, show appreciation. Novelist Arnold Bennett had a publisher who boasted about the consistently exceptional work of his assistant. One day while visiting the publisher's office, Bennett struck up a conversation with the valued employee. He told her what her boss said about her work. "What's your secret?" He asked.

"It's not my secret," said the assistant, "it's his." She went on to tell him that her boss always acknowledges and appreciates everything she does, regardless how insignificant. That is why she finds it so easy to take pride in her work. The appreciation of her employer nudges her toward constant improvement.

These are a few of the finer points of positive motivation. And even if motivating is not your purpose, respect and appreciation, topped off with a little humor is bound to improve any relationship.

Dear Lord, help us be mindful of those around us and the things they do. Help us be thankful and encouraging gto those around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Blank Wall

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.  The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.  As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. Take the time today to brighten someone’s life today.

Dear Lord, we pray that no matter our circumstance that we would take the time to share joy with others. Help us look for those that need some encouraging word today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Second Note of Encouragement.

Hebrews 4:16 (New International Version)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Douglas Maurer, 15, of Creve Coeur , Missouri , had been feeling badly for several days. His temperature was ranging between 103 and 105 degrees, and he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. Finally, his mother took him to the hospital in St. Louis . Douglas Maurer was diagnosed as having leukemia. The doctors told him in frank terms about his disease. They said that for the next three years, he would have to undergo chemotherapy. They didn’t sugarcoat the side effects. They told Douglas he would go bald and that his body would most likely bloat. Upon learning this, he went into a deep depression.

His aunt called a floral shop to send Douglas an arrangement of flowers. She told the clerk that it was for her teenage nephew who has leukemia. When the flowers arrived at the hospital, they were beautiful. Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card. It said:

“ Douglas – I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I’m 22 years old now. Good luck! My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley.”

His face lit up. His whole outlook changed. It’s remarkable! Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with millions of dollars worth of the most sophisticated medical equipment. He was being treated by expert doctors and nurses with medical training totaling in the hundreds of years. But it was a salesclerk in a flower shop, a woman making $170 a week, who – by taking the time to care, and by being willing to go with what her heart told her to do – gave Douglas HOPE and the WILL to carry on. *

It is encouraging and comforting to know that no matter what you are facing in life, there is Someone who CARES and who can RELATE to what we are going through. That Someone is JESUS...

Dear Lord we pray that today You would use us to touch somebody that really needs a touch today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep Working For the Harvest

Galatians 6:9 (New International Version)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

What follows is a story I read the other day that has great meaning to each of us. We may never see the fruit of our witnessing, but God can use it. If you are discouraged today take heart and know that God will use the seeds that you plant in the souls of man.

His name was Ronnie and he would continually come each day faithfully and share his Baptist belief about Jesus Christ to me. I had known Ronnie for many years in my boyhood town but through the years we became separated and went our own way in life. Now here he was preaching to an alcoholic and drug addict about this Jesus.

He would daily tell me of the love Jesus had for me and that unless I received Him I was going to hell. My answer to that was typical, I didn’t care and besides all my friends were going with me.

Every day he came and every day I embarrassed him, was rude to him and humiliated him. Then one day Ronnie stopped coming and I was so relieved.

As time passed I became introduced to the Christian life style and one day I accepted Jesus into my life. I then proceeded to go to Bible College, became ordained and today am a Pastor of a Congregational Church in London Ontario, Canada.

During this time in my walk, God spoke to me and told me to find Ronnie and let him know what had happened. This urging was so great that I just could not deny it nor ignore it. I called my mother to see if she could get me Ronnie’s phone number and she did. I then proceeded to make the call and got Ronnie on the line.

I proceeded to tell him how the seeds he had planted in my life had borne fruit and that I wanted him to know that he truly was a blessing to me and my family.

There was a pause on the other end and then I could hear Ronnie crying. I wondered what I had said to make this man cry. He came back on the line and told me that he was just sitting at his kitchen table feeling kind of down because he had been questioning God as to whether he had been used to bring anyone to Christ and he had felt like a failure.

He then proceeded to tell me that he had just returned from the doctor that day and had been diagnosed with cancer and could not be operated on. He had a very short time left.

Ronnie told me that that phone call had made a difference to him and he could now feel good because he had brought one bad character to the Lord.

When the voice of the Holy Spirit is so loud, so persistent, never ignore Him. You never know whose life you will make an impact upon.

Dear Lord help our life, our actions and our words make an impact on somebody today. Help us always be faithful and to take the opportunity to share the Good News with those in our life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don't Wait to Encourage Somebody.

Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)

not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they, at least, showed potential talent.

Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Rossetti was a kind man and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.

The visitor was disappointed, but seemed to accept Rossetti's judgment. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti's time, but would he just look at a few more drawings - these done by a young art student?

Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately enthused over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "ah, these are good. This young man, whoever he is, has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future, if he will work hard and stick with it."

Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. "Who is this fine young artist?" he asked. "Your son?"

"No," said the old fellow sadly. "It is me - 40 years ago. If only I heard your praise then . . . for you see, I got discouraged and gave up - too soon."

Dear Lord we pray today that we would take the time to encourage the person You bring into our life. We pray that we will make a difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You Have One Minute? You Can Make a Difference.

Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)

not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, "Foremen: Leaders or Drivers?" In his true-life story, Rogers illustrates the importance of effective relationships.

During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge.

"What if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled all day, giving the other men a hard time.

"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works."

Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said.

When he finished, Tony dropped the shovelful of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?"

That day Tony worked harder than ever before -- and he smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like Christmas."

Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to California and happened to have such success.

Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you talk to me back in Idaho, I keel somebody someday. One minute, it changed my whole life."

Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of affirmation can make in any relationship!

One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about her? A minute to elaborate on something he did well? One minute. It can make a difference for a lifetime.

Dear Lord we pray today that we would take the time, that one minute to tell somebody we appreciate them. Help our eyes be open to see the good things all around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Will You Encourage Someone Today?

Hebrews 3:13 (New International Version)

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

During the 1870's, a red-haired, talented Polish lad wanted to be a pianist. However, his teachers at the Warsaw Musical Institute gave no encouragement. He was told that his fingers were too short and thick for the piano. Later he bought a cornet. The same answer was given to him with the statement that he should try another instrument. Passed around like a hot potato, he went back to the piano.

Embittered and discouraged, he chanced to meet the famous composer and pianist Anton Rubinstein. The young Pole played for him. Rubinstein praised and encouraged him. The lad promised to practice seven hours a day. Words of praise changed the entire world for Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

By 1885, Paderewski swept the musical world with his playing and his dynamic personality. For the next fifty years, Paderewski was acknowledged as the world's greatest pianist. He also excelled as a composer, writing more than two dozen compositions including two operas.

Writing about the composer in his book entitled The Story of the Modern Immortal, Charles Phillips says of Paderewski: "It is difficult to write of Paderewski without emotion. Statesman, orator, pianist and composer, he is a superlative man, and his genius transcends that of anyone I have ever known."

One of the greatest ministries you can have is being an encourager to others. Without the encouragement of Barnabas, there would not be an Apostle Paul. Do you know someone who needs to be encouraged in the Lord?

Dear Lord we thank You for the hope You give each of us. We pray today that we would seek to encourage those we come into contact with today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You an Encouragement to Somebody Today?

1 Peter 4:8-10 (New International Version)

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good.

Then one day he met the great pianist, Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of encouragement he ever received. "Young man," Rubinstein said, "you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can... if you will practice seven hours a day."

That was all the encouragement he needed! The great Rubinstein had told him he could do it! He would have to dedicate his life to practicing piano, but he could do it! He could be good! Anton Rubinstein said so!

He did practice for many hours a day and his hard work was rewarded, for years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time. An encouraging word carried within it the power to ignite a young boy's eager spirit, which burned brightly for decades.

Your encouraging word, given today, may forever change a receptive life!

Dear Lord we pray today that we would be the encouragement that somebody needs today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Like Barnabas?

Galatians 6:1-2 (New International Version)

 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

As we get close to opening day of Baseball season let’s take a look at a name we all will likely recognize, Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson Was the first African-American to play Major League baseball. In his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson faced hatred nearly everywhere he traveled. Pitchers threw fastballs at his head. Runners spiked him on the bases, ugly insults were written on cards and spoken from the opposing dugouts. Even the home crowds in Brooklyn saw him as an object of reproach.

During one game in Cincinnati, the taunts and racial slurs seemed to reach a peak. To make matters worse, Robinson committed an error and stood at second base humiliated while the fans hurled insults at him. Another Dodger, a Southern white man by the name Pee Wee Reese, called timeout. He walked from his position at shortstop toward Robinson at second base, and with the crowds looking on; he put his arm around Robinson's shoulder. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.

That reminds me of a similar story in the Bible. Saul was a most unlikely candidate for Christianity. I doubt if he was on anybody's soul-winning list. Except God's. The reason is that you would have been locked up or killed before you got through the first Bible study. The words Saul and persecution were synonymous. So, Saul had a bit of a problem when he became a Christian. Everybody was afraid to get close to him. The members of the Jerusalem church thought that Paul was pulling a fast one, that he was only pretending to be a disciple.

After all, that was a perfect plan -- pretend to become a member of the church, get the names of all of the members, call the Sanhedrin and then take the whole bunch to prison. Sounds like a spy story, doesn't it? But, they weren't about to fall for that one! But Barnabas accepted him.

There are a couple of things about Barnabas that we need to imitate. First of all, he was a man who insisted on believing the best in others. When others suspected Saul of being a spy, Barnabas insisted on believing he was genuine and real. The world is largely divided into people who think the best of others and people who think the worst of others. "Love doesn't keep track of wrongs....never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up." (I Corinthians 13:5,7.

Barnabas was also a person who didn't hold a man's past against him. It happens so often that whenever a man makes a mistake, he is forever condemned in our eyes. It is a wonderful characteristic of God that he doesn't hold our past sins against us. We, too, should never condemn a man just because he has failed in the past.

What a great example! We've all been there -- standing in need of someone to face our problems with us. And we have those around us who need the encouraging arm around the shoulder.

Dear Lord we pray today that we would be like Barnabas and that we would encourage those we come into contact with. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The Art of Encouragement.

Hebrews 3:13 (New International Version)

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

A well-known preacher visited a school in England and spoke to the boys. A few days later the preacher received a letter from one of the boys which read, "A wonderful thing happened as a result of your talk. Yesterday our form master actually praised our work - a thing never known before. Can you come again and have a go at the headmaster? We might get an extra half-holiday.

And a man thought his boss was going 'funny' for he actually said "thank you" that morning - the first time he had said that for years.

There are countless people in every walk of life who are never recognized or encouraged no matter how hard they try. Often that lack of appreciation is the last straw. Yet many think that to give a word of praise may cause the recipient to get a swollen head.

Most people will put a good deal of effort into all they do if now and again someone says: "Well Done" or "Thank you." But if those words are never spoken, if there is no sign that the effort put into something is appreciated, it's impossible to do ones best continuously. Perhaps people think that a job well done is a reward in itself, and that may be so if the work is routine and the salary is good. But for many who give of their time and talent without financial recompense, such as voluntary social workers, then those words of encouragement and appreciation are often the only reward.

It is sometimes suggested that it may embarrass people to be thanked, and certainly the patronizing friend who is always telling us how good it was can come on a bit heavy at times, but we all know one or two people who could help the cause considerably with a little more recognition, encouragement and thanks.

We could all stand a good deal of so-called "embarrassment." The sudden shock of finding one's efforts are appreciated is seldom fatal.

Dear Lord we pray today that we would take the time to compliment or encourage somebody today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Discouraged?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn is one of the leading Russian writers of the 20th century. He was born in Kislovodsk on December 11, 1918. A brilliant student, he graduated from the University of Rostov-on-Don majoring in physics and mathematics. He served in the Red Army and rose to the rank of Captain. In 1945 he was arrested after writing critical remarks in a letter to a friend. He was sentenced to eight years of hard labor. In 1950, he was transferred to the most dreaded labor camp in Kazakhstan. In 1952, with less than a year to go to his release, Alexander was losing hope. Weakened from the years of beatings and malnutrition, he came up with a plan. He would end it all by stopping his work and letting the guards beat him to death. Alexander leaned on his shovel, but as he did, a Christian prisoner next to him quickly drew a cross in the dirt at Alexander's feet. Then as just as quickly, the man erased it before a guard could see it. Alexander was a believer, and he later wrote that he was energized by that man's silent act of encouragement to remind him of his hope in Christ.

Are you discouraged? Look to the Lord, for He is our eternal hope! Today in prayer, give all of your discouragements and sadness to Jesus and He will strengthen you with hope.

Dear Lord we pray the when we are discouraged that we would turn it all over to You. We also pray that we would be an encouragement to those around us that need the encouragement today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You An Encourager?

Napoleon's genius had been attributed to many things, but, above all, he was a superb natural leader of men. Like any wise leader he was aware that his own success would have been nothing had his men not been willing, even eager, to follow him. Obviously he could not know and personally inspire every man in his vast army, therefore he devised a simple technique for circumventing this difficulty. Before visiting a regiment he would call the colonel aside and ask for the name of a soldier who had served well in previous campaigns, but who had not been given the credit he deserved. The colonel would indicate such a man. Napoleon would then learn everything about him, where he was born, the names of his family, his exploits in battle, etc. Later, upon passing this man while reviewing the troops, and at a signal from the colonel, Napoleon would stop, single out the man, greet him warmly, ask about his family, compliment him on his bravery and loyalty, reminisce about old campaigns, then pin a medal on the grateful soldier. The gesture worked. After the review, the other soldiers would remark, "You see, he knows us--he remembers. He knows our families. He knows we have served." 

What a great example of leadership. We need to take the time to know those around us in a way that makes them feel special.  In feeling special they will give their best.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

-1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)

Dear Lord we pray today that we would be the encouragement that somebody needs today. We pray that our eyes would be open so that we can be ready to share your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Elevated in Chicago.

Back in the early 1980’s I attended Moody Bible Institute and remember riding on the subway, also known as the “Elevated” because as it exited the city limits it would come from below ground and travel on an elevated track. While attending Moody I read a story about about the "elevated" in Chicago—

A young man was riding that train day after day as a commuter. And as the train slowed up for the station where he got off, he could look through an open curtain into a room of a building and see a woman lying in a bed. She was there day after day, for a long time, obviously quite ill. He began to get interested in her since he saw her every day. Finally he determined to find out her name. He discovered her address, and he wrote her a card, assuring her that he was praying for her recovery. He signed it: "The young man on the elevated."

A few weeks later, he pulled into the station, and he looked through that window and the bed was empty. Instead there was a great huge sign: GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIEND ON THE ELEVATED!

Let us be the encouragement today to the one that needs it.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

- Psalm 143:8 (New King James Version)

Dear Lord we pray that we will look for the person that needs encouragement today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Seen by an Elephants Eye.

On the fifteenth of May, in the jungle of Nool, In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool,He was splashing…enjoying the jungle’s great joys… When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.

So Horton stopped splashing. He looked towards the sound.“That’s funny,” thought Horton. “There’s no one around. ”Then he heard it again! Just a very faint yelp As if some tiny person were calling for help.

“I’ll help you,” said Horton. “But who are you? Where?” He looked and he looked. He could see nothing there But a small speck of dust blowing past though the air.

“I say!” murmured Horton. “I’ve never heard tell Of a small speck of dust that is able to yell.

So you know what I think?…Why, I think that there must Be someone on top of that small speck of dust!

Some sort of a creature of very small size, too small to be seen by an elephant’s eyes…

“…some poor little person who’s shaking with fear That he’ll blow in the pool! He has no way to steer!

I’ll just have to save him. Because, after all, A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Dr Seuss “Horton Hears a Who” is great fun! Just think what we can learn from the story. It actually teaches many lessons such as standing up for those that don't have a voice and can't be heard and making our own voices heard.

Horton, the lovable elephant, tries to protect tiny creatures on a speck of dust.

No matter how small or young we are, God can use us .

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

-1 Timothy 4:12

Dear Lord, we pray that we will never look down on somebody because of there size or age. We pray that we will see the potential that you see in them or in our selves. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Barnabas the Encourager

Today in Sunday school we studied Barnabas The Apostle of Encouragement, it reminded me about a story I read once of an University football coach who each year would privately talk to a new player at the beginning of football season. He told him, "I’m very impressed with your ability. If you work really hard this year, I think you’re good enough to make it to the National Football League." He told this to every player on the team! You know what happened? He had the highest percentage of players of any University to make it into professional football.

We’ve all met people like that — those who believed in us so much that we began to believe in ourselves. The result was we tried harder and we did better. Lets make it our goal to encourage those around us today!

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

-1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, We thank you for your word and the encouragement it is to us. We pray that we will be an encouragement to those in our life. In Jesus’ Name Amen.