Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Acts 15:22-35
Acts 15:32 (NIV) "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers."
Were you ever discouraged by a teacher in school to quit pursuing one subject or interest altogether? Well, this happened to one the most famous inventors ever, Thomas Edison. As a young boy whose IQ was estimated to be about 80, Edison was good at mechanics. However, his most beloved teacher told him, "Thomas, you don't seem to have a knack for math or science. Why don't you do something more in keeping with your ability? But Thomas Alva Edison had other bright ideas in mind. As history records, he stuck with the encouragement from his close friends and family to become one of the greatest inventors this world has ever known (Christianglobe.com).
Fortunately, the words of this well-meaning critic did not destroy the spirit of young Edison as he pursued his inventions. But I have to wonder how many other people's plans and desires have been delayed or destroyed over time just because someone discouraged them. Thats why it is so important for us as Christians to learn and practice the fine art of encouragement rather than the critical and judgmental attitude of discouragement. We all need encouragement from others to keep going, and we should all give it to others so they can keep going. And we should especially encourage each other in our Christian faith.
Perhaps one of the greatest biblical examples of encouragement comes from the early church leader Barnabas. A glimpse of this can be seen when Barnabas arrived at Antioch after a stint of persecution separated the disciples and early believers. Instead of casting doubt on the situation or scorning the people for the fearful attitude, Barnabas encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23). It was this attitude that made Barnabas a vital asset to the early formation of the church in its darkest hours.
Today's topic verses records that "Judas and Silas...said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32). Like these two well-respected leaders in the early church (15:22), let's make sure our words are always helpful, beneficial, and encouraging to those around us, including the saved and unsaved.
Faith Lesson: A simple word, letter, call of encouragement to someone struggling can make all the difference in the way they view their life and God-given mission.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
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Check out the Daily Message Devotional's new and full-featured website at http://www.dailymessage.org
To subscribe to the Daily Message Devotional mailing list, please send a blank email to UICDevotions-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
READ: Acts 15:22-35
Acts 15:32 (NIV) "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers."
Were you ever discouraged by a teacher in school to quit pursuing one subject or interest altogether? Well, this happened to one the most famous inventors ever, Thomas Edison. As a young boy whose IQ was estimated to be about 80, Edison was good at mechanics. However, his most beloved teacher told him, "Thomas, you don't seem to have a knack for math or science. Why don't you do something more in keeping with your ability? But Thomas Alva Edison had other bright ideas in mind. As history records, he stuck with the encouragement from his close friends and family to become one of the greatest inventors this world has ever known (Christianglobe.com).
Fortunately, the words of this well-meaning critic did not destroy the spirit of young Edison as he pursued his inventions. But I have to wonder how many other people's plans and desires have been delayed or destroyed over time just because someone discouraged them. Thats why it is so important for us as Christians to learn and practice the fine art of encouragement rather than the critical and judgmental attitude of discouragement. We all need encouragement from others to keep going, and we should all give it to others so they can keep going. And we should especially encourage each other in our Christian faith.
Perhaps one of the greatest biblical examples of encouragement comes from the early church leader Barnabas. A glimpse of this can be seen when Barnabas arrived at Antioch after a stint of persecution separated the disciples and early believers. Instead of casting doubt on the situation or scorning the people for the fearful attitude, Barnabas encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23). It was this attitude that made Barnabas a vital asset to the early formation of the church in its darkest hours.
Today's topic verses records that "Judas and Silas...said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32). Like these two well-respected leaders in the early church (15:22), let's make sure our words are always helpful, beneficial, and encouraging to those around us, including the saved and unsaved.
Faith Lesson: A simple word, letter, call of encouragement to someone struggling can make all the difference in the way they view their life and God-given mission.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the Daily Message Devotional's new and full-featured website at http://www.dailymessage.org
To subscribe to the Daily Message Devotional mailing list, please send a blank email to UICDevotions-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
