Easy Encouragement

For those of us who don't use social media constantly, it can be hard sometimes to keep in touch with people. I wanted to share something I started doing a few months ago.

In one of my little circles, I have my sisters-in-law and some nieces. I put them in a group in my phone contacts list. Once a week, I share a short message or verse from my own Bible study. It's nothing fancy and it doesn't take a lot of time (now that I know how to dictate my texts by voice!).

The first message I shared was that: 

Matthew & John are written for believers - Matthew for new ones & John for mature ones. Mark & Luke primarily for unbelievers. Mark with news about Jesus & to have faith in him. Luke - the only Gentile - is concerned that fellow Gentiles should know Christ.

That was a little tidbit from Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson (he covers the Old & New Testaments). As soon as it came up in my study, I knew it was perfect for sharing. The latest message I sent was from Chuck Missler's Learn the Bible in 24 Hours (Old & New Testaments). It was very helpful to me when the very first time I saw it:

• You have been saved from the penalty of sin (Justification Eph. 2:8,9 & Rom 5:18)
• You are being saved from the power of the flesh (Rom. 7:24–25), the world (1 John 5:4), and the devil (James 4:7) - (Sanctification)
• You shall be saved from the presence of sin (Redemption /Glorification of our body Rom. 8:23)

The ladies really loved that one!

So, yeah, this is such a simple and quick way to encourage and uplift loved ones. And it hasn't hurt me to reiterate those messages in my own heart.

Peace

--Free 

Are You Discouraged or Encouraged?

I just want to share a short message with you. I was about to take another look at the news before going to bed, but I decided not to. Sometimes, I can really see that the news is not so much to inform us but to inflame us. I can do without that nonsense tonight.

A lot of friends and neighbors have been feeling the weight of all this national turmoil. Of course, we Americans tend to think we are the center of the universe. If things get bad here, we assume it's a sign of the end of all times. Well, we are not the center of the universe, but I do believe that this world is creeping into end times chaos.

It is hard not to get discouraged when so much of the secular media is pushing doom and a lot of Christian news is putting man at the forefront - forgetting that our hope is to be in Christ alone. But we must not forget that.

I try to remind myself that the more chaotic this world gets, the closer we are to the return of Jesus. That should be our focus. We need to stop wringing our hands over what politicians are (or not) doing and start warning people to be ready for the Lord.

Recently, I started a text group with the women in my family. Every week, I share something I learned in my Bible study. Of course, I have mentioned the blackboard I hang outside my door. I share some verse or verses of encouragement. These are little things, but they matter.

So, keep praying and keep living for the Lord. 

Peace

--Free

Are You Okay? Do You Know That You Matter?

My younger brother is one of those people who has no problem bringing up his faith with strangers. He will be having one of those brief interactions with someone in a grocery store and somehow manage to bring up why he puts his trust in Jesus. I've tried to emulate his methods and end up working myself into a state of anxiety about it.

I have found one way to spread the gospel - in a very passive way. I bought a large blackboard to hang outside my apartment door. Every few days I will write out a Bible passage for people to see as they pass by. For the first several weeks I wondered if anyone took time to notice, then neighbors started to comment (positively) about it. One day, I stepped out and caught the building's cleaning lady taking a snapshot of the board. She explained that since she didn't have time to write down the messages, she always took a snap. (By the way, I have since learned that some neighbors do take time to write down the chapter and verse to read later!)

So, while I have found a way to share some of the Bible with a limited amount of people, I do want to start being more Christlike in my interactions with more people. I have found one way to do this - even though I get some anxiety about it! 

The idea came to me after I recently attended a family wedding. One of my young relatives seemed to be struggling with thoughts of his life mistakes as he watched the new couple celebrate. To strangers, he looked like any other guest at the event - happy and enjoying the festivities. I felt that he seemed to be a little melancholy, and I know that he has separated from his own wife after just a few years. I've been there: having to watch other couples so happy when your own relationship has faltered.

I didn't get a chance to say anything about all this at the time but, when I got home, I did send this person a message. I simply let him know that I saw his pain and that I could relate. I let him know I'm here if he needs me. He sent me a heart and kiss back. At least he knows now that his pain is recognized.

Not sure where I am going with all this. I guess I just wanted to encourage everyone to be Christlike in their interactions. Not all of us are as bold as my brother, but we can all be loving and kind in other ways.

If you see someone who needs to be checked on, check on them. It doesn't take a lot to let someone feel "seen". Everyone wants to matter. 

Peace

--Free