“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20

In this world of disappointment, discouragement, and trials all of us need encouragement. Have you gone through a discouraging time and it seemed like no one cared?  Have you encouraged someone who was bearing a heavy burden?

We are so good at hiding our feelings.  We don’t want people to know that we have problems.  However, that is not what Jesus told us to do.  He told us to share our burdens so that others could pray for us.  It is very important to understand that when someone asks you to pray for them, do not use that as a time of criticism of things you think they are doing wrong.

Immediately pray for that person and let Jesus be the One to instruct and change that person if he or she needs to change.  None of us are perfect and Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

I challenge all of us to be an encourager and encourage people with the Love of Jesus.

July 23, 2005