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the impact of encouragement

 


1 Thessalonians 5:11  NLT  

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.


I am grateful for the people who encourage me and make me a stronger person.  Please pray for our family as today is my uncle’s funeral.  Pray for my uncle Frank’s wife, son and family as they face challenges ahead as well as go through the funeral today.


There are plenty of other people in and around my life that need your prayers.  Pray for the family and friends of one of our local men that passed away on Wednesday.  And another lady in our church that has been one of my mission partners deals with her brother in law’s funeral and her sister continues to battle cancer.


And there are many more who need our prayers and encouragement.  Make a difference today with your words and encouragement!


I sat last night listening to another uncle share so many stories.  He is full of information and stories and history or our family.  It was refreshing, insightful and cool to learn so much and to be encouraged.


One story he told my brother Steve and I has really got my attention.


My grandfather, W.H. “Bill” Harrison, at one time managed A&P Grocery stores.  My dad also did the same, but a man named Mr. Black spoke some things to my grand father that made a big difference in his life.  It was about being successful in business.  So, at some point in the late 1940’s this man encouraged my grandfather to get involved in a local civic group and to be part of a church in his community.


Those two things would help him be even more successful in business.  I agree with both.  When Mr. Black talked about church, he said don’t just go to that church, but make sure you get involved in the life of the church and community.  


That encouragement went a long way.  Not only did that impact my grandfather’s life, but it has impacted his church for more than 80 years.  


One reason why this was so important is that both my grandfather and grandmother had difficult childhoods and ere not involved in church.  That changed with them


My life and my family have been touched by the encouragement from one man so many years ago.


Proverbs 10:21  NLT 

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.


Our words will encourage others.  Let’s be proactive and use our ability to encourage others.  It might make an even greater impact than we know.


Ephesians 4:29  NLT  

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

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