Encourage One Another Daily

[Desertsrose]

Paul told us to encourage one another daily.

I thought it would be great to have an, "encourage one another thread".

It seems that this is not one of those things that comes easily to us. How do you encourage people in your daily lives?

Do you purposely set out to encourage your family, your friends, your church family, your co-worker, your pastor, someone you know is down in the dumps?

What are some ideas you can think of that will help us to be an encourager?

One idea that I have is to text something to someone that would give an encouraging boost to help them through their day.

If they don't have a smart phone, there's always a quick phone call or a snail mail pick me up card.

 

[Desertsrose]

1 Thessalonians 5:11


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

 

[Hirokized]

I agree. Even in the midst of trial, we remind ourselves that Jesus still loves us.

 

[Desertsrose]

Have you burned your black and whites?


If we think of a bird enclosed in it's cage shackled to it's home so that it can't fly and be free, we might get a glimpse of what happens when our heart turns to hate. That's what we do with those we can't or won't forgive. In turn, we shackle our own hearts.....we're not free; chains encase our hearts and holds us captive.


In Christ we've been given the power to forgive. As He has forgiven us of all our sins so we too can forgive others of their sins. Our own sin is so much greater in degrees and also much more in the amount of sin as compared to that one sin we just can't seem to forgive.


Corrie ten Boom was giving her testimony to a journalist who was interviewing her. She got to the place in her story where she told of the traitors that reported her and her family to the gestapo. She mentioned to the journalist that she had the paper that showed her traitors, what there names are; in other words she has it in black and white as proof of who her traitors were.


The journalist asked Corrie if she had forgiven them. She realized she hadn't since she still had what she called, "those black and whites". So she burned those papers that day and completely forgave those who were traitors to the ten booms. Out of the 10 persons in the ten Boom family that were arrested 4 died in the camps. They all were tortured for their faith because of the love they had for God's chosen people; the Jews.


Today, do we have any of what Corrie called those black and whites? Are they written on paper or are they written on our heart? Today, this very moment would be a good day to burn those black and whites of unforgiveness as Corrie did? Let's open the door of our caged souls and set our hearts free to soar to new heights in Christ and learn what it really means to love one another.

 

[Desertsrose]

I agree. Even in the midst of trial, we remind ourselves that Jesus still loves us.

Hi Hirokized,

So true! I experience His love so much more in the midst of trials. And it's because He loves us that we experience trials.

Thanks for sharing, Hirokized! Have a blessed day in the Lord!

 

[heartofdavid]

Have you burned your black and whites?


If we think of a bird enclosed in it's cage shackled to it's home so that it can't fly and be free, we might get a glimpse of what happens when our heart turns to hate. That's what we do with those we can't or won't forgive. In turn, we shackle our own hearts.....we're not free; chains encase our hearts and holds us captive.


In Christ we've been given the power to forgive. As He has forgiven us of all our sins so we too can forgive others of their sins. Our own sin is so much greater in degrees and also much more in the amount of sin as compared to that one sin we just can't seem to forgive.


Corrie ten Boom was giving her testimony to a journalist who was interviewing her. She got to the place in her story where she told of the traitors that reported her and her family to the gestapo. She mentioned to the journalist that she had the paper that showed her traitors, what there names are; in other words she has it in black and white as proof of who her traitors were.


The journalist asked Corrie if she had forgiven them. She realized she hadn't since she still had what she called, "those black and whites". So she burned those papers that day and completely forgave those who were traitors to the ten booms. Out of the 10 persons in the ten Boom family that were arrested 4 died in the camps. They all were tortured for their faith because of the love they had for God's chosen people; the Jews.


Today, do we have any of what Corrie called those black and whites? Are they written on paper or are they written on our heart? Today, this very moment would be a good day to burn those black and whites of unforgiveness as Corrie did? Let's open the door of our caged souls and set our hearts free to soar to new heights in Christ and learn what it really means to love one another.

View attachment 174286

Good word. It is we ourselves that are prisoners if we harbor resentment hatred,or unforgiveness.

Revenge is one fruit of unforgiveness.

Revenge is God's property.

Like you say,be free!!!!

 

[Depleted]

I encourage often. Too many assume I'm discouraging.

 

[Desertsrose]

Good word. It is we ourselves that are prisoners if we harbor resentment hatred,or unforgiveness.Revenge is one fruit of unforgiveness.Revenge is God's property.Like you say,be free!!!!

Thanks heartofdavid!

Yes, hatred can birth revenge when we don't extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.


Galatians 5:1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

 

[Desertsrose]

I encourage often. Too many assume I'm discouraging.

Hi Lynn,

I'm always looking for new ways to encourage others. It's one area I like to and want to grow in.

Suggestions?

 

[Depleted]

Hi Lynn,

I'm always looking for new ways to encourage others. It's one area I like to and want to grow in.

Suggestions?

I tend to encourage as needed. (It's usually needed.) And I'm usually specific to what the person needs to be encouraged about.

-- Hubby is gaining weight and hates it. "Want to go for a walk together?" Or I'll make enough for dinner to get full, instead of stuffed.

-- Friend's freaking out about an upcoming test, and I compare it to root canal. Torture while going through it, but there is always after root canal.

-- Someone is freaking out because something showed up on the mammogram, so she has to go back for another scan. Yes, it might be bad news, but it might not be. So all the freak out is wasted until/if she comes to that bridge that may or may not need to be crossed. I freaked twice and over the same stupid cysts that are still there. (I forgot. )

-- Someone is dealing with a love one in the hospital and trying to manage the home front at the same time. I try to explain hunker-down mode. (Hunker-down mode -- if it has to be done, do it. If it doesn't have to be done, ignore it for now. No house has ever fallen down because it's "dirty." And dirt waits, so not a problem.)

I'm not very good at generalized encouragement. I can't ever see what the person could use to do that for them. But I do encourage when I see someone floundering under frustration.

 

[Desertsrose]

Hi Lynn,


Thanks for sharing!


I had my gall bladder taken out when I was a 3 month old babe in Christ at 25 years old. When I awoke from surgery, I was still so groggy and I faded back into dreamland, but right before I did, I remember a woman holding my hand. She and her husband were kind of like our spiritual parents in the Lord and were discipling us.


That was so encouraging to me. No words, just a loving gesture.


Just a smile or a thumbs up can be encouragement to a person down in the dumps.


It amazes me at how easy it is to encourage others and wonder why we don't do that more often. Just like telling others we love them. It's not a difficult thing to do, but we don't tend to do it that often.

 

[Virginia123]

It's a great idea. I got lots of help here, so I know how important encourage is, especially to people in a spirital crisis. Deserstrose,Lynn and Depleted,thank you for sharing.

 

[FrankLee]

Hello folks. Years ago as I drove down the street the Lord spoke to me. A still, small said "Behold, I give you the gift of encouragement". I realize the need of encouragement. My wife and I dwell alone in a rural place and haven't had a good church in years. The state of churches is another matter altogether!

David had to encourage himself in the Lord and so must we all. There will rarely be someone to lift you up. But if we are filled with the Holy Spirit then God will surely lift our hearts.

My son lives alone and I try to encourage him. Every day I send scriptures on different subjects to him. I know it's something he looks forward to. There is something about giving that lifts the giver. As Jesus said it is better to give than receive. There's a no way you can give without receiving a blessing.

May the following lift your hearts. The Lord gave me this awhile ago and I consider everything He gives is for me to distribute to others. Be of good cheer Brothers and sisters it is His good pleasure to give to us the kingdom. Righteousness, peace and joy.

Stones Appearing
​

by Frank Lee Jennings​

Walking I walk to the water again
where no bridge or crossing awaits me
Stopping at the edge I wonder, question
How shall I pass over? I bow my head.

Praying, beseeching, I cry out,
Lord, make a way for me to pass over
because there is no way, I am urged
to step into nothingness, and a stone appears.

My foot falls onto a stone,
a foundation created for me by
the forger of creation, by the Maker of me
Weeping, laughing, I give thanks, and walk on.

Many are the waters I have passed over
many stones have come up under my feet
on this mysterious journey of life
as I walk towards my long home.

Fearful rolling waters, foaming, troubled
Making a way He places firmament for me to tread, puts it there with His word
His untiring hands.

Death is a rolling water,
fear a troubled water. Adversaries,
impending doom, rejection, lack,
sickness and temptation
dark black waters all.

Often I've stood long and long, weary
wondering that a way would, could be made
for my shredded heart, wounded spirit
yet it was revealed in His time.

Walking across on stones he spoke into place, Jesus, son of God, steps with me, gripping my hand.
I will never leave or forsake you He tells me. A Carpenter is He, yes, and a stone setter too.

 

[Enow]

Have you burned your black and whites?


If we think of a bird enclosed in it's cage shackled to it's home so that it can't fly and be free, we might get a glimpse of what happens when our heart turns to hate. That's what we do with those we can't or won't forgive. In turn, we shackle our own hearts.....we're not free; chains encase our hearts and holds us captive.


In Christ we've been given the power to forgive. As He has forgiven us of all our sins so we too can forgive others of their sins. Our own sin is so much greater in degrees and also much more in the amount of sin as compared to that one sin we just can't seem to forgive.


Corrie ten Boom was giving her testimony to a journalist who was interviewing her. She got to the place in her story where she told of the traitors that reported her and her family to the gestapo. She mentioned to the journalist that she had the paper that showed her traitors, what there names are; in other words she has it in black and white as proof of who her traitors were.


The journalist asked Corrie if she had forgiven them. She realized she hadn't since she still had what she called, "those black and whites". So she burned those papers that day and completely forgave those who were traitors to the ten booms. Out of the 10 persons in the ten Boom family that were arrested 4 died in the camps. They all were tortured for their faith because of the love they had for God's chosen people; the Jews.


Today, do we have any of what Corrie called those black and whites? Are they written on paper or are they written on our heart? Today, this very moment would be a good day to burn those black and whites of unforgiveness as Corrie did? Let's open the door of our caged souls and set our hearts free to soar to new heights in Christ and learn what it really means to love one another.

View attachment 174286

I need to do this everyday as the devil likes to bring back past offenses into memory to reignite my righteous anger and turn it into hatred and malice. Even in my imaginations to escape the reality of my life to a different life, I need Him to cast down wicked imaginations that seems to be used by the devil to do unto me there in using my anger towards injustice and turn it into hatred and/or malice.

So it is a daily carrying the cross thing as I deny myself as able to follow Him and so I lean on Him all the time to forgive them for they know not what they do just as the Lord has forgiven me for the sins I knew not what I was doing. Jesus had set the example towards those whom had plotted and brought about His punishment inciting the crowd and still were while He was hanging on the cross.

1 Peter 2:[SUP]19 [/SUP]For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.[SUP] 20 [/SUP]For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.[SUP] 21 [/SUP]For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:[SUP] 22 [/SUP]Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:[SUP] 23 [/SUP]Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.[SUP] 25 [/SUP]For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

I need His continual help to trust Him that He is Lord and that when I suffer grief, this is acceptable to God. Not sure how any one can bear the fruit of longsuffering unless we are suffering for something... even if it is to cease from sin... like ceasing to hate and to have malice.

1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;[SUP] 2 [/SUP]That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:[SUP] 4 [/SUP]Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:[SUP] 5 [/SUP]Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.[SUP] 6 [/SUP]For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.[SUP] 7 [/SUP]But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.[SUP] 8 [/SUP]And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.[SUP] 9 [/SUP]Use hospitality one to another without grudging.[SUP] 10 [/SUP]As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.[SUP] 12 [/SUP]Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:[SUP] 13 [/SUP]But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

[Enow]

Paul told us to encourage one another daily.

What are some ideas you can think of that will help us to be an encourager?

Share scripture for those who has found themselves in a mes they had made with their sinful lives that wonder if they can ever really come back to Him for help as their personal Good Shepherd in following Him now all the time.

Romans 8:[SUP]31 [/SUP]What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?[SUP] 32 [/SUP]He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?[SUP] 33 [/SUP]Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.[SUP] 34 [/SUP]Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.[SUP]35 [/SUP]Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?[SUP] 36 [/SUP]As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.[SUP] 37 [/SUP]Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.[SUP] 38 [/SUP]For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,[SUP] 39 [/SUP]Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus will never give up on us and will always be waiting for us to return to Him for forgiveness and help in repentance in laying aside every weight & sin so we can follow Him by His grace & by His help.

[video=youtube;_rR_Rdb1CTE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE[/video]

 

[Desertsrose]

Hello folks. Years ago as I drove down the street the Lord spoke to me. A still, small said "Behold, I give you the gift of encouragement". I realize the need of encouragement. My wife and I dwell alone in a rural place and haven't had a good church in years. The state of churches is another matter altogether! David had to encourage himself in the Lord and so must we all. There will rarely be someone to lift you up. But if we are filled with the Holy Spirit then God will surely lift our hearts. My son lives alone and I try to encourage him. Every day I send scriptures on different subjects to him. I know it's something he looks forward to. There is something about giving that lifts the giver. As Jesus said it is better to give than receive. There's a no way you can give without receiving a blessing. May the following lift your hearts. The Lord gave me this awhile ago and I consider everything He gives is for me to distribute to others. Be of good cheer Brothers and sisters it is His good pleasure to give to us the kingdom. Righteousness, peace and joy.

Stones Appearing​

by Frank Lee Jennings​

Walking I walk to the water again where no bridge or crossing awaits me Stopping at the edge I wonder, questionHow shall I pass over? I bow my head.Praying, beseeching, I cry out,Lord, make a way for me to pass overbecause there is no way, I am urged to step into nothingness, and a stone appears.My foot falls onto a stone, a foundation created for me bythe forger of creation, by the Maker of me Weeping, laughing, I give thanks, and walk on.Many are the waters I have passed over many stones have come up under my feet on this mysterious journey of lifeas I walk towards my long home.Fearful rolling waters, foaming, troubledMaking a way He places firmament for me to tread, puts it there with His wordHis untiring hands.Death is a rolling water,fear a troubled water. Adversaries,impending doom, rejection, lack,sickness and temptationdark black waters all.Often I've stood long and long, wearywondering that a way would, could be madefor my shredded heart, wounded spirityet it was revealed in His time.Walking across on stones he spoke into place, Jesus, son of God, steps with me, gripping my hand.I will never leave or forsake you He tells me. A Carpenter is He, yes, and a stone setter too.

Hi Frank,


So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your encouraging words.

 

[Desertsrose]

Share scripture for those who has found themselves in a mes they had made with their sinful lives that wonder if they can ever really come back to Him for help as their personal Good Shepherd in following Him now all the time.

Romans 8:[SUP]31 [/SUP]What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?[SUP] 32 [/SUP]He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?[SUP] 33 [/SUP]Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.[SUP] 34 [/SUP]Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.[SUP]35 [/SUP]Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?[SUP] 36 [/SUP]As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.[SUP] 37 [/SUP]Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.[SUP] 38 [/SUP]For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,[SUP] 39 [/SUP]Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus will never give up on us and will always be waiting for us to return to Him for forgiveness and help in repentance in laying aside every weight & sin so we can follow Him by His grace & by His help.

Amen, enow!

If God be for us who can be against us!!! Thanks for sharing some encouragement. Sometimes we'll never know how we've touched someone's life by sharing the love of God with them.

 

[Desertsrose]

Redemption is at Hand


comforting, soothing
caressing gentle touch


melodious whispers
He cares so very much


embracing, nestled
wrapped close within His breast


quiet surroundings
contented child at rest


forever, eternal
tranquil promised land


expected presence
redemption is at hand

 

[Depleted]

From Spurgeon.

“Encourage him.” Deu. 1:38
God employs his people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, “Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan-go, encourage him.” God never works needless miracles; if his purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, he will not use miraculous agency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work as Moses. A brother’s sympathy is more precious than an angel’s embassy. The angel, swift of wing, had better known the Master’s bidding than the people’s temper. An angel had never experienced the hardness of the road, nor seen the fiery serpents, nor had he led the stiff-necked multitude in the wilderness as Moses had done. We should be glad that God usually works for man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutually dependent on one another, we are fused more completely into one family. Brethren, take the text as God’s message to you. Labour to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. Talk cheerily to the young and anxious enquirer, lovingly try to remove stumbling blocks out of his way. When you find a spark of grace in the heart, kneel down and blow it into a flame. Leave the young believer to discover the roughness of the road by degrees, but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of the promise, and of the charms of communion with Christ. Aim to comfort the sorrowful, and to animate the desponding. Speak a word in season to him that is weary, and encourage those who are fearful to go on their way with gladness. God encourages you by his promises; Christ encourages you as he points to the heaven he has won for you, and the spirit encourages you as he works in you to will and to do of his own will and pleasure. Imitate divine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of this evening.

 

[Desertsrose]

See God in Everything
--A. E. Finn


"Give me a new idea," I said,
While musing on a sleepless bed;


"A new idea that'll bring to earth
A balm for souls of priceless worth;


That'll give men thoughts of things above,
And teach them how to serve and love,


That'll banish every selfish thought,
And rid men of the sins they've fought."


The new thought came, just how, I'll tell:
'Twas when on bended knee I fell,


And sought from HIM who knows full well
The way our sorrow to expel.


SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small,
And give HIM praise whate'er befall,


In life or death, in pain or woe,
See God, and overcome thy foe.


I saw HIM in the morning light,
HE made the day shine clear and bright;


I saw HIM in the noontide hour,
And gained from HIM refreshing shower.


At eventide, when worn and sad,
HE gave me help, and made me glad.


At midnight, when on tossing bed
My weary soul to sleep HE led.


I saw HIM when great losses came,
And found HE loved me just the same.


When heavy loads I had to bear,
I found HE lightened every care.


By sickness, sorrow, sore distress,
HE calmed my mind and gave me rest.


HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise
Since I gave HIM the upward gaze.


'Twas new to me, yet old to some,
This thought that to me has become


A revelation of the way
We all should live throughout the day;


For as each day unfolds its light,
We'll walk by faith and not by sight.


Life will, indeed, a blessing bring,
If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING."