Friday, September 3, 2010

BE ENCOURAGED!



SCRIPTURE

Colossians 4:7-17 (NRSV)

A faithful and beloved brother

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions - if he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord."



DEVOTION

It is my prayer that I will always strive to be an "encourager of people's hearts."

In this day and age, it is so simple to tear people down, rather than build them up.

We're told to "let people have it! Tell them what you really think! Talk to the hand, buddy!..." and other such nonsense.

We have forgotten the important injunction to correct people with love and without harsh judgment.

If Christians everywhere would simply become encouragers, our families, communities, and world would change for the better.

If we concentrate on listening to the hearts of other people and encouraging them, we could bring peace where there is conflict. If we listened to hearts and encouraged them we could bring joy where there is despair. If we listened to hearts and encouraged them we could banish fear and instill confidence.

Learning to listen to the hearts of those around us takes commitment and a willingness to listen and learn from the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is able to help us to hear what cannot be heard and see what cannot be seen. The Holy Spirit is able to teach us to be loving, faithful, comforting, prayerful, and hard working servants of the Kingdom of Love.

If there is a person in your life (husband, wife, daughter, son, mother, father, sister, brother, co-worker, neighbor, etc.) who needs to be encouraged, as a Christian you are just the one to accomplish this important task.

Won't you pray that God will cause you to listen to their heart and then give you the words necessary to encourage them?

Our ministry of encouragement is invaluable in this fallen world that is often lacking in the love, joy, and peace that people truly need to be happy. As we encourage hearts, sharing the good news about God's love and Jesus' death and resurrection, we will find that we are doing life-giving, life-changing work that makes a difference!

Be encouraged today and then encourage someone else, in Jesus' Name!


Let us pray: Oh God, open the spiritual ears of my heart that I might take notice of those who need a word of encouragement today. Please help me to find the right words through the Power of your Holy Spirit, to speak love, joy, and peace into the life of another. I know that you are the source of all that is good. Please help me to share your goodness with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

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