November 2, 2015

30 Days of Encouragement {Day 1}: Introduction

Hi!  It is November, which means a daily series here at Life in the Valley.  About a week or so ago, I decided on a topic.  Then yesterday I realized, It's November.  I'm supposed to start a series.  Oops!  During a series, I always take Sundays off, so I caught a break that the month started on a Sunday; the Spirit reminded me it was series time with perfect timing!


Here we are then.  I'm ready to start a series.  Are you ready to join me?  I hope so!  At the A Mom's Heart in Illinois conference coming up this weekend, my portion of sharing is about Encouraging One Another.  Since I have already got my mind in that mode, I'm going to roll with it for this month's series!

Encouragement is a topic that is dear to me.  Each of us need encouragement to keep on keeping on in this life, and in faith.  I have a bit of the gift of encouragement, so I suppose it comes a little naturally.  But I am also convinced that encouraging one another is a responsibility of all Christians and that we can develop our ability to encourage.  Consider these words in Colossians 3:16-17,

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Our words and actions can be sources of encouragement to one another.  The Lord invites us into relationship with Him and ministry to others when He calls us to Himself.  I am grateful to the many folks who have encouraged me over the course of my life.  You can probably think of several people, too, who have been your cheerleaders and companions.  In fact, what a great way to begin this series.  Ask yourself:


Who has been a real encouragement to me?
What can I learn from them about how I can encourage others?



Yes, that is an excellent way to get started!  And here are some themes I'll touch on over the rest of the month:
  • what is encouragement?
  • why should we encourage one another?
  • who should we encourage?
  • where and when should we encourage?
  • how can we encourage one another?
  • what if I need encouragement?

This should be fun and I hope we will all be encouraged by it!  The Lord can transform us into encouragers, even in the midst of our own life's challenges and difficulties.  He can do so much - more than we could EVER ask or imagine. I will be praying for you, readers, as I write.  God bless you!

2 comments:

  1. sounds fantastic. I could use some... Been a hard year...

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    Replies
    1. So glad you are here, Amy. Sad to hear that it has been a tough year. How have you seen God being faithful to you and your family? I will be praying for you all!

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