Flickr Photo Credit Steve Snodgrass
(in)couragement.
We are all hungry for it.
I think it is because were made to feast on the Word of God. Within the pages of this divine love story, we can find everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3). Every thing we hunger for. Every single thing.
But, too often we push it aside and substitute the empty calories the world has to offer. And if His children forget to run to His Table for nourishment, where does the woman who sits next to you at work go? How about your friend from high school you chat with on Facebook? How does she feed her soul hunger?
Maybe she does this:
For $40/month people can pay to receive a daily phone call from a stranger at “Awesomeness Reminders” to tell them how great they are. If you are not around, they will leave you a voicemail.
This is for real. I did not make this up. I wonder how long the list is of people waiting for their daily phone call. I wonder if the feeling of Awesomeness lasts until lunch. But no worries, as long as you pay them $40 a month, they will call you back tomorrow.
My first thought when I read this was, “Are you kidding me?” And my second thought was, “There is a blog post in that.” But, after these thoughts faded, the Lord gently spoke to me:
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I know you.
There is nothing that can separate you from my Love.
I see you and strongly support you.
If I am for you, who can be against you?
I will never leave you or forsake you.
And His Words give life.
Words I have scribbled on index cards.
Words He has written on my heart.
And He says, “This is the secret to giving them real (in)couragement.
But first, make sure you are coming to The Table regularly to feast upon it.
You can’t share what you don’t have.”
So I reach for my colored cards. And this is the first verse I write for 2011:
Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
Let your conversation be gracious and effective
so that you will have the right answer for everyone.
And I pray these Words for this blogger girl. And I pray them for you as well. May all our conversations be gracious. May each of our posts be effective. And may we offer the only (in)couragement that satisfies.
By Stacey, 29lincolnavenue
ABOUT STACEY
Wife to Mike. Mother to four vibrant girls. Believer. Communicator. Loves God’s Word and connecting with women....
couragement on http://www.incourage.me){kind=link}
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this Stacey! I need to add that verse to my cards, too.
I love starting with a verse that is short and sweet! It builds confidence! Thanks friend!
Beautiful post! Thanks for the encouragement~
So glad you were encouraged Melissa!
Friend, I’m actually fighting back tears as I write this! Even though I’d never pay $40 to have a daily “Awesomeness” phone call, I needed the reminder that my Lord loves me, created me, and knows me! I want my life to reflect that in every area! Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh sweet friend He does say this about you every day in black and white! And, your life does reflect it! Love what you are doing @asteadyrain! He is using you in big ways!
Thanks for your sweet words! This was for you!
What a difference it makes when I start the day with such knowledge that God Almighty loves me dearly, no matter what. Nothing can change His immense love for us, amazing ! Thank you for this reminder !
Tania that is so true! Keep reminding yourself that His love is constant and he is unchanging!
Blessings!
Yes! This is my goal for blogging this year-real encouragement. Of course, that means I have to step up my efforts to not just read the Bible but understand and apply it!
The blogging part actually is a great tool of accountability for me, Emily. When I write it, I am letting it sink down deeper. And when I post it, I’m reminded that I must live it because it is there for all to see!
Praying you reach this goal of real encouragement Emily!
I was having a conversation about this just yesterday… How to effectively encourage not so much in the virtual world but in real life. This is a wonderful reminder “Let your conversation be gracious and effective.” Words I need to remember.
Don’t you love that God’s Word is so timely and effective!
Thanks Katie for being here @incourage today!
Yes, so true. This is what really feeds our hearts when they’re hungry. Thank you for the reminder that nothing else can satisfy. So glad to see you here today, dear Stacey!
Hope you are feeling better Holley! Thanks for your sweet and constant God filled encouragement to me!
I have this verse on my bathroom mirror!
Great idea Erin!
LOVE the reminder: If HE is for us, who can be against us! So many times we think we’re fighting our battles alone (which is probably why they feel so hard to win!). If we only remember He is for us & with us our battles will not seem so hard to face :)
Thanks Stacey !!
I love the Chris Tomlin song that uses that in the bridge! So powerful and truly heart encouraging! Thanks for sharing that Kim!
so excited to see you here, stacey!
i am learning i first i need to listen. listen to Him. listen more intently in my conversations. listen with my heart so that i may give the encouragement in grace and love, rather than judgement.
Wow Melissa! That is dead on true! If we genuinely listen, they will be willing to hear our words so much more clearly. It also helps us to pause and choose the right words – His Words for them more wisely!
Love it!
This really spoke to me today.
Thanks, Stacy.
Blessings,
Janis
Hi Janis! It is nice to see you here! So glad you were encouraged today!
This is so funny… I was JUST telling a friend today, how much God has blessed me for spending more time in His Word…
About a week or so ago, as I sat down to have my quiet time and read my devotional books, I clearly felt God impress upon my heart to start with HIS book. Since doing that on a regular basis, I feel so much more in tune with the Spirit AND I have noticed that HE gives me more opportunities to SHARE with others the passages of scripture that have been an encouragement to me!
P.S. I have to tell you, that very first verse you mentioned (2 Peter 1:3) is one God keeps showing me!
Thank you for this post!
I love when He makes a point in our lives that we can’t miss! Thanks for sharing this Amy! I know the time in His Word is equipping you because His Word does not return void!
Have a great day!
I checked out your site too. Love your heart!
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