DISQUS

scmcqueen · 10 months ago

Great post. Sometimes I feel like Encouragement is the calling the Lord has given me. Even if it is just one word, one smile, one touch. Sometimes the little things we do can be the start of some of the greatest changes(is that how you spell it?) for good (for God) in a persons life. I know my attitude and actions are now now a testimony of hope and encouragement; if He can change a wretch like me, then He can do anything!

F4S · 10 months ago

Did you know that researchers at the University of Virginia found that most people will perceive a hill to be steeper than it really is, especially if they're tired or carrying a heavy load. When people are asked to estimate the slope of a hill, test participants consistently misjudged it, thinking a 10-degree slant was about 30 degrees, and rating a 5-degree slope as nearly 20 degrees. Hardly any of them believed they could be that far off. When we're burdened and exhausted, even a minor problem can seem too big for us to handle.

What an excellent gift.. just to be able to effectively encourage people that are down! Many under-value such practical gifts like that. And too many try to employ it and fail, because they can’t seem to find the right words or approach. I had a great pastor in California all through the ’70s (that I’m sure you know of, Scott..) who prayed a couple times to receive gifts of healing, but God flat out told him “No” to his request and then gave him the more excellent Way—the gift of “love.” And I must admit, he’s still one of the most loving, fruit-bearing, non-compromising guys that I have ever met (Chuck Smith).

You remember how the apostle Paul said, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other” (Rom. 15:5, nlt).

He went on to say, “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?” (Phil. 2:1).

God has not left us alone in our struggles to attain spiritual growth. He helps us want to obey Him, and then He gives us the power to do what He wants. Ask Him to help you want to do His will. — Marvin Williams

Every day more like my Savior, every day my will resign, until at last Christ reigns supremely in this grateful heart of mine. —Brandt

"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength" --Isaiah 40:29

Because we so easily misjudge life's difficulties, we need courage to keep going when we are tempted to quit. Take a step of faith today and join those who depend on the Lord, who run and are not weary, who walk and do not faint (v.31). In His strength, you can conquer any difficult hill. — David C. McCasland

And finally, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29).

scmcqueen · 10 months ago

Thanks Kurt! Your encouragement is very much appreciated. I do remember that about Chuck Smith, wasn't he planning on medical school originally? I am in the medical field myself, and I do love it; but I do feel the Lord is asking more of me. We will see where he takes me. It is scary sometimes, it is still so hard to let go of me. I know he has a plan, but it is hard to tell if the butterflies in my stomach are from fear or joyful anticipation. Thanks again! Hope you get the kennel thing all sorted out!