Oct.01.02: Light For The Day - "Encouraging Others"

-- Romans 12:6-8 (NIVUS)
" We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
7 If it is serving, let him serve;
if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

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My mind was fixed on my own scheduled events.
I found myself going along full-speed ahead.
But in the midst of everything. I felt You coaxing me to call
or write to a particular person. I stopped and prayed for that one.
Then I had the good sense to write their name in bold letters
at the top of all other plans.

I'm not always in tune enough to recognize the needs of
those around me. This is why I am thankful for Your nudges, Lord.

I stole away from responsibilities for a lunch break, ate a few bites,
and headed for a nearby phone. I tapped in the number. 
It rang. A familiar voice answered. 
I knew in a moment why You told me to call.

I wonder how many people feel like Job, Lord? Alone. Rejected.
Misunderstood. I want to encourage them as You show me the way.
Do I notice the lonely, the discouraged? What of those I know in prisons, hospitals, nursing homes? I don't always recognize the signs of their needs. Thank You for helping me see and for showing me
how to encourage.

You have blessed me, Lord. You have sent people to me when
I desperately needed friends. I want to show my praise and thanks
by passing on some of those blessings to others.
Thanks You for helping me to do so.

-- A.C.Donihue

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-- 2 Corinthians 1:11 (NIVUS)
"As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on
our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to
the prayers of many."

-- Matthew 25:40 (NIVUS)
".... 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.'"

-- 2 Thessalonians 2: 16,17 (NIVUS)
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement
and good hope,
17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every
good deed and word."

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