Daily Devotional
Are You an Encourager?
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29
September 3, 2024
Ponder This
When I was a young man, I did not consider myself a preacher. I remember when somebody called on me to lead a prayer in public. But I thank God for people who put their arms around me and encouraged me.
I was reading about a 16-year-old boy who dropped out of school. Do you know why he dropped out? His teacher said he was mentally deficient. So, he worked in manual labor from the age of 16 to 32. Then somebody looked at him and said, “You know that boy has talent. That boy has latent ability. I believe we ought to give him an IQ test.” They gave him the test and found out he was brilliant. He began to study. He went on to be a scientist working in laser technology at a respected position and with a high salary because somebody looked at a person who had a buried talent and said, “There’s something in that boy, let’s get it out of him.”
I wonder if there are not some people who could sing, some people who could preach, or some people who could teach but just don’t realize it yet. Barnabas stood by Paul’s side to encourage him. He was a load lifter; he was a friend finder; he was a bridge builder; he was a disciple developer. Encouragement powerfully impacts the lives of people around you!
- What is one word of encouragement that has made an impact on you?
- Why should all Christians be people of encouragement?
Practice This
Encourage someone you know today.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
