Be an encourager.

IN CHRIST.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for 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 and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject 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. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God's people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5

                                       


Are you an encourager? Do you seek out opportunities to lift up people around you who may be struggling? There are people all around you who need to feel Christ's love. There is a person living next door to you who may be struggling financially but who has a gift or talent hidden within them that they can use! There is an old friend of yours who is lonely...a laboring military wife struggling to balance life without her husband.

Sometimes it is hard for me to not be judgemental. My fleshy self sometimes sees life through my own eyes and not my Fathers. And He does not instruct me to find and point out my sisters and brothers faults, but lift them up! Pray for them! Give encouragement!

If you are someone who doesn't come from a long line of earthly encouragement, just know that God has big plans for you. He has given you gifts. He has provided you with the tools to get you to the next BIG SEASON of your life. Diligently ask God to show you what gifts He has chosen for you and how to use them.

I recently started painting again. It had been many many years since I had picked up a paint brush or an oil pastel. In fact almost ten years to be exact. But I always felt as if a part of me was missing. A part of me that was not being used or nurtured. And I am not a person who comes from a long line of "earthly encourager's". But I have received the gift of Gods encouragement and it could not compare to any words anyone on this earth could give. But that is where it started...

It started with a few people who just simply said, you can do this. Their love and encouragement and prayers led me to a place where I stood in agreement. The power of your words and your acts of kindness might just propel someone into understanding who God created them to be. Be a person who speaks movement and love into peoples lives. Choose love.

You just never know what kind of sparks you might ignite!