240/365: The Power of Encouragement

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5: 14

Surround yourself with people who can help keep you on track. And play your part in keeping your friends on track.

Together, we guard one another from falling into traps of laziness and disruption. We encourage one another. We pick up our tired friends - and they pick us up.

Be patient as you encourage those around you. Remember, It's tough to respond to encouragement when we feel low.

GO DEEPER: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Next Step: Go through your list of close friends. Who is God leading you to encourage? To support?

peter

on 08/31/2023 at 08:19 AM

Men, warriors of Christ, my brothers. I have been on and off this app now for about 2 years. I am born again but it doesn’t mean I don’t face temptations, lust, and challenges from the devil. I have failed, many a time, fallen short of the grace of God, but I am here asking, praying that there is someone I could turn to, a mentor, a bother, someone I could turn to, text, reach out message when I feel I am being tempted beyond my control.Someone that can, could and will hold me accountable that I can reach out to in my time and hour if need. I am also going to seek my local church as well but I figured I would reach out and ask. If you feel that is you, feel free to text me, let me know that you are willing. As I stated it’s taken me just over two years to ask, but I am realizing my salvation and eternity with my lord and savior is far more valuable and rewarding then to continue with my selfish pride. My name is Pete and my number is 603-661-3672 .Amen

Daniel

on 08/28/2023 at 10:42 PM

praying for you Ashley. I've been in NA and out of the program for many years now. 12 years clean. Through the time I've experienced with helping others is that it will only work when THEY are ready. And they have to make that decision on their own. The best help is what you're doing by showing you care by answering the phone and living the life. By this way you are showing love, that life can work out, and by planting the seeds. You could have decided to help that day and the man still did what he did and you would have faulted/2nd guessed or blamed yourself still. Just keep showing love and it will work out if this man wants it and God willing. Keep up the good work you're doing now and I'm praying for you. God bless

Ron Childs

on 08/28/2023 at 05:19 PM

There are only two ways to handle life and it’s hardships, avoidance or processing. I choose avoidance as that was all I knew from my upbringing. The first thing I was told in my recovery was I was going to face my issues head on with the support of God’s Holy Spirit and other Christian men. In the way of encouragement I have witnessed that those that have chosen to avoid life and suffer the consequences will sometimes see us processing life and maturing then chose to start recovery. Show to them that there is hope in changing Stay strong in your witness and recovery. Your prayers and witness have power. God’s blessings to all

Ron Childs

on 08/28/2023 at 04:43 PM

Hello Michael and my other brothers.

Ethan Rogers

on 08/28/2023 at 04:43 PM

I am in recovery from addiction, and I know several who are suffering from this disease. Unfortunately, all I can do is pray for them. Show them by my actions and be there for them when they are ready. However, encouragement and a vision of a better way can be the hope they need. This journey called life is something We all R on The road of.. We need each other as social creatures. God puts others in our lives and puts us in the lives of others for His purpose. I remain ready to help my fellow man to aid in the journey. The path is arduous, and the narrow gate is the only way to go for me. With hope for other's whose lives I can touch. Thanks to Jesus who carries us when the road is rough.

Old Dude

on 08/28/2023 at 04:21 PM

Praying for your brother, Michael. 🙏🏻

Ashley Jarvis

on 08/28/2023 at 02:40 PM

I know for me, when my sponsor in recovery suggested I was ready to consider taking on a sponsee, I disagreed. He told me I’ve had what I needed all along, but that I was ready now because I’d learned the principles and tools needed to properly walk another through the steps. When I prayed to be of service, and for God to show me who He’d have me help, that very day a guy walked into the meeting who after came up to me and asked. That man tried for a couple weeks, and I did the best I knew how to share my story and experience as we talked through some steps. He then chose to go back out, and I had to fight blaming myself. It’s been a valuable lesson in patience, grace, and love. He has been in and out and currently back in jail… BUT, each time he has called, Ive answered, and shared more and more about the love of God, and he is a few weeks from release, with a plan on sober living, working the steps, and getting his life together. I don’t know what will happen, I only know I’m to be of service so long as he’s willing to put in the work. The greatest tool we have in helping another, is our own story of the past experiences where God turned it all around for us. May we all be of service today, amen 🙏🏻

Brandon Pembleton

on 08/28/2023 at 02:18 PM

It can be very tough to encourage the desperados in our lives. There was a great series on this at my girlfriend’s church last year. Those tough to love because they choose chaos and self destruction. I ask God that for those like this in my life I be a messenger through example. I know from my own time being a desperado that anytime anyone pointed it out well my ego would get bruised like a soft peach. Then I’d get angry at them for pointing out the obvious. Eventually life got so sour that something had to be done and I reached out for help. God help me to be that beacon of help but guide me not to enable those desperados in my life. So that in this way life gets uncomfortable enough for them to seriously consider change and by that I mean full blown surrender to the will of God. So He may blast away all the pain m that drives the poor decision making in their life, and heal them from the inside out in a way that only God himself can heal. Thank you for mending my life God and may I always pay it forward. I love you God amen 🙏

Boyce Moses

on 08/28/2023 at 01:58 PM

Each of us need to work to support each other however we can. The main thing to me is to be kind always. We never know what others are truly going through, so be kind. Love you Jesus! 🤎💜🤍💛

on 08/28/2023 at 01:26 PM

I want to thank you guys who prayed for me. Yesterday was the most amazing I have had inthe Spirit in a long time. Michael I am praying that your words spoken to your brother sink deep into his heart and that he is delivered from the alcohol. Blessings to you all.

Justin Barrett

on 08/28/2023 at 01:22 PM

Prayers for your brother Michael. God can and will deliver him from this! Great devotion this morning.

michael f vinning

on 08/28/2023 at 12:42 PM

Last night I had to let my only remaining brother (biological) that I knew of his alcoholism. He lost his job about 5 months ago and since then has been MIA-I found out he’s been drinking his days away, starting around7-8am until bed, his wife is on the verge of leaving him, he has not looked for another job, started as a way to escape the shame and guilt of screwing up a 30 yr job, now he’s locked in the grips of addiction and hiding from the world. I called him on it last night. Please pray with me that my words sink deep into his heart and that God remove the veil from his eyes and heart that he might see the truth and seek help! I am aware that I may have driven him farther away from me but I couldn’t just say nothing!

Barry

on 08/28/2023 at 12:34 PM

Good morning my brothers. While doing my morning prayers the latter part of this scripture came to me. The importance of not going through our walk with God alone. We really need one another through this journey called life. I am so thankfull for this app, that links us up to one another. Just want to share a testamony of us together. A few days ago i was going through a heart renching situation and asked for prayers from you guys my brothers and your prayers were answered. God gave me the strength to go through it. Let us all stick together in prayer and encourage us through. May our Heavenly Father keeps us all. God bless.

240/365: The Power of Encouragement

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