Sowing Seeds of Encouragement

From where you are positioned in life, do you see a lot of people that need encouragement?

Most people have need of it.  Most everyone needs a hand up now and then. I know I do.

An affirming or kind word. The need is not specific to age or situation in life.

.....................................................................................................................................

Barnabas. Does that name bring any thoughts to your mind? Do you think of encouragement?

Matthew 11:24, described him as a good man full of the Holy Spirit. His name translated

as "son of consolation" and "son of exhortation."( International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)




                  _______Console: To comfort;
                                to cheer the mind in distress or
                                depression



                     _________ Exhort: to encourage,
                               to embolden, to cheer, to advise


People go through times that are heart-breaking. Faith is challenged by circumstances of

unemployment, illness or strained family relationships. The work place can be place of

extreme stress with project deadlines and unreasonable expectations. Harsh words are

spoken and the constant threat of losing one's job can create an oppressive atmosphere.



The feeling of inadequacy can bring a lot of pressure and negative feelings towards
ones self. Failures and mistakes can cause one to think that they are no good and
never will be.



I have to work at being encouraging and consoling and God's word is clear about how

He would have me communicate with others. But my motivation goes much deeper

than that; I understand the feelings of inadequacy and failure. Maybe you have

lived through a season that when a kind word was spoken, it prompted tears.


Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as
you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
                                                                                                        
So, then, the things of peace may we pursue, and the things of 
building up one another. Romans 14:19


But everyone who prophesies speaks to men  for their strengthening,
encouragement and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3



I want my words to be a like a cup of cool water in the desert of life. Something that

brings life and hope. Refreshing.. renewal..



We never know what will result from encouraging another. How do you respond when

others take the time to sow seeds into your life?

******************************************************************************


We have an adopted son who had gotten off the path that he wanted to be on. He is now

pressing into God's truths and seeking to strengthen his relationship with the Lord. He

needs to know how valuable he is to God and to us as his parents. He has many strong

qualities. There are multitudes of things that we can say to build him up and we need to do

that.


God will give wisdom as we seek to build up those along our paths. He is the perfect one

of all comfort and encouragement. He understands others in ways that maybe we can't.

Even if you don't have the gift of mercy, God can help you become the spring of hope

that you desire to be.