Let the Encouragement Flow

Let the Encouragement Flow

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up

Proverbs 12:25, NLT.

TODAY’S WORD

When you see someone who is struggling, a co-worker who is discouraged, a friend who is not up to par, how do you respond? Our words can be what keeps a person going; our compliments can put a spring back into their step. Now more than ever, we need to automatically let the encouragement flow. We need to tell others how much we love them, how we value them, and tell them that they are talented and creative. Always remember, with your words you carry life-giving water. You carry hope, healing, encouragement and new beginnings, and you can pour it out everywhere you go.

Today, choose to speak encouragement. Choose to speak victory and faith. Instead of telling people what they’re doing wrong, instead of pointing out all their faults, find what they are doing right. Focus on the good. There are already enough critical, judgmental people in the world. Let’s be people who lift up others and restore them. Let’s be the light of Jesus in the world.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for speaking through me. Thank You for using me to be a blessing to others. Thank You for encouraging my heart as I find ways to encourage the people around me. I love You and bless Your holy Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Winning the War Inside of You by Rick Warren “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) You may not realize it, but you’re at war. You may not wear military fatigues. You may not eat at a mess hall. You may not dodge physical bullets. But you’re in a war — an invisible one. It’s called spiritual warfare. You’ll be in the war from the moment you’re born until the moment you die. The Bible tells us that you have three mortal enemies out to destroy your life and everything God wants to do through it: The world — the dominant value system around us The flesh — the old nature within you The Devil — a real being that's out to “kill, steal, and destroy” along with his demonic minions. The victory for the war you’re in won’t come through bullets or tactics. The Bible teaches us that, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). In this war, all that matters is Jesus. He has to be the general of your life, the one in charge of the battle plan. You may be a believer, but that’s not enough for this war. Jesus has to be your Lord, too. Many people believe in Jesus. But to find victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, Jesus has to be more than just someone you believe in. Romans 7:24-25 says, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (NIV) The answer to the all-consuming battle you’re in isn’t a self-help seminar, a new book, a conference, a psychology, or a therapy. It’s Jesus. Make him your boss. Paul, who wrote the book of Romans, makes it clear he is at the end of his rope. He can’t win the battle on his own. His only hope is “Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Bible says it’s Jesus, the Lord, who will deliver you, too. It’s time to put a sign over your life: “Under new management.” Talk It Over - What are the times in your life when you feel like you experience more spiritual warfare than usual? - Why do you think so many people are quick to try therapy to fix their problems but hesitant to surrender to Jesus?