Are you learning a foreign language? Perhaps you are learning to play an instrument and find it a bit challenging. Our 5-year-old grandson has progressed from scribbling to coloring inside the images. A bit of praise has helped him on his way to becoming a "budding artist!"
Then there's the cupcake decorating... especially when 5 grandchildren visit their YaYa for Christmas! By the way, YaYa is Greek for grandmother. This year we had 4 grandsons stay with us over Christmas break an I must say, spice cupcakes and gingerbread cookies were a treat! Hence, the clip art in this post from Artifex. Each grandchild created a masterpiece with sprinkles and candy canes for that extra special decorating touch! You could hear, "Well done" from every family member!
Perhaps on your journey through life, you need a bit of cheering with hearing, "You Did It," from your friends and loved ones.
So, this past May I listened to Pastor Mel Svendsen speak on "encouragement."I wanted to share some of the highlights with you that I found to be very useful... especially during this beautiful holiday time. Family and community are so important to me. Let's serve one another!
The Power of Encouragement
- Your walk with Christ is best done in relationship with others. (Community) Build one another up. Everyone is a fixer-upper. 1Thess. 5:11-14
- Your growth in Christ is greatly enhanced by the impact of others (ministry). Romans 16:1-18 Hebrews 3:13. Don’t be hardened by deceitfulness.
Deception’s Goal
Unbelief - doubt
Rebellion - my way
Self Centered - What are people going to do for me
Resentment - You think others have a better life
Lack of discernment
Isolation
3. Your impact in this life is exponentially increased when in treatment with others. (Security)
Romans 16: 1-18. Gifts complementing one another.
4. Your best response is to encourage and build up others (humility). Romans 16: 1-16
Definition: “Encouragement”. Sincere words or deeds done to inspire others to go further
and grow stronger in becoming who God wants them to be!
Words That Encourage
- Words that express God’s values.
- Words that facilitate growth.
- Words that focus on solutions and restoration.
- Words that express your love and commitment.
- Words that attack or tear down the person.
Who can you encourage today by a sacrifice of your resources? (time/talent/treasures.)
Who can you encourage by reaching out to someone who is not feeling connected?
Who can you encourage by helping out in a ministry that may be short-handed and is needing additional help?
Who can you encourage by including them in something that’s a blessing and growing in you?
Who can you encourage today by forgiving them and giving them another chance?
Pastor Mel Svendsen
5/6-18
Want to learn more about Pastor Mel? Here's my interview that I was privileged to do with my pastor a while back, An-Interview-With-Pastor-Mel-Svendsen.
May you be encouraged today!
Lady D
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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