Be the Encourager...

1 Kings 3:11-12New Life Version (NLV)

11 God said to him, “You have asked this, and have not asked for a long life for yourself. You have not asked for riches, or for the life of those who hate you. But you have asked for understanding to know what is right. Because you have asked this, 12 I have done what you said. See, I have given you a wise and understanding heart. No one has been like you before, and there will be no one like you in the future.

1 Thessalonians 5:11New Life Version (NLV)

11 So comfort each other and make each other strong as you are already doing.

Matthew 5:14-16The Message (MSG)

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Be the encourager…

So many times in our day we have opportunities to be the encourager to others.  Why is it so hard at times?  When we are frustrated with a situation, upset with an outcome, tired, or just feeling discouraged ourselves, it can be hard.  The more that we let God mold our hearts, through reading the word and spending time with Him, he gives us understanding and help us become stronger to face such a dark world.  

I read a story once in a Max Lucado book titled God Came Near.  It was one that stays with me today.  He told of a time that he and his wife had no electricity due to a storm.  He goes into a closet that has all of the candles to retrieve them.  However, these candles are special, they talk.  As he grabs each one, they refuse to go out into the house and light up the darkness.  They each have an excuse listed below:

1st candle states he is not ready.  I need more preparation.  

2nd candle says that he is too busy meditating on the importance of being a light.

3rd says that he is not stable enough and is a “hot head”.

4th says that lighting the world is just not her gift.  Her gift is to sing to encourage the other candles to go out and be the light.   

The story ends with Max walking out with no candles to light up his dark house.  He then asks his wife where she purchased those candles.  She states that she bought them from a church that had closed across town.  Which makes sense, because those candles modeled what the members of the church were doing.  

So what are we doing to reflect His love and encourage others.  It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.  It can be very simple.  So go out today and encourage others.  

Enjoy listening to 

Addison Road "This Little Light of Mine"

Be blessed!