When you feel down and out, drug through the mud, and totally discouraged, it's time for 'Super' Encourager to save the day. And sometimes we need to be our own encourager. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 is filled with ideas. It is too easy to let the slugs of life drag us down when indeed we need to be doing just the opposite to free ourselves from the storm. Pull yourself up by your boot straps and start doing good for others (Thank you Joyce Meyer).
Though the scripture in its entirety is overwhelming to try to accomplish, we can choose to focus on one morsel at a time. For we must remember that we have God's power available to us through the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is ask.
Today, I ask the Lord to give me an awareness and a mindfulness to see the opportunities that appear for doing good and encouraging others. Allow me to touch another's day with sunshine and a smile. Show me how to leave my burdens buried behind me and step out in faith as I walk with You, hand in hand. And at the end of the day may my actions, my words, my ways all bring Glory to Your Holy Name. Amen.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 NIV).
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