10:23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.
10:24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,

10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:23-25

A voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

- Matthew 3:17 (KJV)

Good Job Grandma!

Once a week, my two-year-old granddaughter and I go on an adventure. Before we drive to the park or the carousel, I buckle my granddaughter into her car seat. Last week, as usual, I found the task challenging. Lifting her into her car seat was awkward. I struggled to position, adjust, and buckle the shoulder straps and then the lap belt. The task completed, I looked at my granddaughter — now safe and secure — and let out a deep sigh of relief. She looked up at me with big blue eyes, smiled, and said, “Good job!” I was startled that a two-year-old knew those words, more surprised that she knew when to say them. I felt that my efforts were appreciated and realized that her parents must have been saying, “Good job!” to her as she mastered new skills. I was pleased that she is learning to be an encourager.

God is the ultimate encourager. We hear encouragement in God’s words after Jesus’ baptism, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We follow God’s example when we appreciate the efforts of others. Encouragers lift the spirits of struggling people. As the word implies, encouragers fill us with courage for the next challenge. We can speak encouragement to people who need to hear that their efforts are appreciated — and that is all of us.

Prayer - Dear God, help us to encourage one another in facing the challenges of daily life. Amen.

Prayer focus - Those who are discouraged

Monday, June 3, 2013

Good Job!