Saturday, December 26, 2009

Stepping Stones: Called Alongside to Help

Transformational Tip
While the Christmas holidays are a time of joy and excitement for some, it’s also the most painful and lonely time of year for many others. Missing a loved one, the stress of not having enough money for gifts, not getting the gifts we expect, being estranged from someone we love…so many factors having the potential to bring us down. Especially after Christmas, when Christmas expectations go unmet, many people really struggle and suffer.

It’s the time of year when encouragement of others can do more than you can ever imagine. The Greek translation of the word encouragement is “parakletos”, which means “called alongside to help.” Encouragement can be offering an uplifting word, but it can also be so much more than that.

Showing someone they have value, dignity, and are deserving of respect by you taking action…do something for them…has amazing power over people. Show them they matter to you and to God by putting aside your needs in favor of theirs. The idea they are created in God’s image, have value, and God sacrificed His son for them needs to be tangibly brought to them. You are the vehicle God will use to get them this life-saving message.

Today, think of someone who needs you “alongside” of them to help. Your spouse, a parent, child…a friend. When you stand alongside someone to help them you become a powerful source of courage, hope and happiness. You have the Holy Spirit in you and will directly bring Him to them. What better gift do you have to give than this? Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on encouraging others.

Prayer

Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to encourage me. I thank You for Your Holy Word that offers encouragement each time I open the Bible. I thank You for making it possible for me to encourage others. I pray Lord that You help me become and expert in this area. I pray in the name of the one You sent to encourage me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
But encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24

Stepping Stones: Called Alongside to Help

Transformational Tip
While the Christmas holidays are a time of joy and excitement for some, it’s also the most painful and lonely time of year for many others. Missing a loved one, the stress of not having enough money for gifts, not getting the gifts we expect, being estranged from someone we love…so many factors having the potential to bring us down. Especially after Christmas, when Christmas expectations go unmet, many people really struggle and suffer.

It’s the time of year when encouragement of others can do more than you can ever imagine. The Greek translation of the word encouragement is “parakletos”, which means “called alongside to help.” Encouragement can be offering an uplifting word, but it can also be so much more than that.

Showing someone they have value, dignity, and are deserving of respect by you taking action…do something for them…has amazing power over people. Show them they matter to you and to God by putting aside your needs in favor of theirs. The idea they are created in God’s image, have value, and God sacrificed His son for them needs to be tangibly brought to them. You are the vehicle God will use to get them this life-saving message.

Today, think of someone who needs you “alongside” of them to help. Your spouse, a parent, child…a friend. When you stand alongside someone to help them you become a powerful source of courage, hope and happiness. You have the Holy Spirit in you and will directly bring Him to them. What better gift do you have to give than this? Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on encouraging others.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to encourage me. I thank You for Your Holy Word that offers encouragement each time I open the Bible. I thank You for making it possible for me to encourage others. I pray Lord that You help me become and expert in this area. I pray in the name of the one You sent to encourage me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
But encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24