Archive for Encouragement
The Starting Point
Posted by: | Comments
Sometimes the processes of our lives could be best represented by a circle. We start at a certain point, sure that we have all the answers, cocky, self-assured, ready to conquer the world and move aside all the poor fools who have so much less understanding than we do. However, life with its hard knocks and deep valleys, has a way of enlightening us and leveling the ground of our self-importance. We often find that we weren’t quite as “right” as we first thought. We come full circle and learn to see the wisdom in some of the ones who have gone before us in this journey called life. We experience hurt and pain. We are wounded.
And a most peculiar thing happens for those who open their hearts to learn. We find that our wounds have the potential of becoming a source of healing for others.
I suppose that we have two basic choices when life wounds us – and it always does in one way or another. We can shake our fists at the pain, curse those who brought it, and become angry, resentful, and bitter, demanding payment from the world and life itself for surely we deserve retribution for the wrongs committed against us. Or we can allow God to bring beauty out of our woundedness.
If we are to truly make a difference in this life, it seems to me that the starting place for that is the place of our woundedness. Why would such a thing be true?
Hope Against Hope
Posted by: | Comments
Hopelessness leaves a man or woman frozen in despair.
Why Peter?
Posted by: | Comments
Those familiar with the New Testament often refer to Peter as the disciple who opened his mouth to change feet. We think of Peter denying Jesus. Peter, the one who said what we all would like to say, “Jesus, how many times do I really have to forgive this person before I can say ‘That’s it. I have fulfilled my quota. I don’t have to forgive you anymore.’” Peter, who told Jesus,“You’ll never wash MY feet!” Sounds ridiculous now, but how would you have felt at that moment? We think of Peter cutting off Malchus’ ear. We think of his rash statement to Jesus, “I’ll never deny you!”
The first time we are introduced to Peter is when his brother Andrew brings him to Jesus. Immediately Jesus looks at Peter and begins to tell Peter about himself. Jesus said, “You are Simon, the son of Jonah, but you will be called Cephas.” Ever wonder what it felt like to be inside Peter’s skin at that moment? His brother, Andrew, told him that they had found the Messiah, the One they had lived all their lives learning about; the One who would rescue the Jewish nation; the One who would fulfill the prophesies. Perhaps Peter is skeptical at that first moment but also hopeful. Could this man be the One? And Peter begins his experiences with Jesus with an identity encounter. Jesus basically says, “Peter, I know you, and I know who you will become. You are going to change.”
I Believe in You!
Posted by: | CommentsI think you’d be great at…
You have a wonderful way of…
You really have a gift of …
You are a gift to me…
I believe in you!
We all need them. As a matter of fact, our soul wilts without them. I’m not speaking of flattery which we might give or receive with the end in mind of manipulating someone for some purpose of our own. I am speaking of true encouragement.
God created us to give and receive it. In the beginning moments of time, Adam named his wife “Eve” which meant “life – the mother of all living.” Is that a big deal? You bet! She had just fallen. She was draped in discouragement and disappointment. When her husband looked at her and called her Eve, he was saying, “You are life to me and to the purposes of God in the earth”. He was fulfilling one of his purposes as her husband – to cover her with love and encouragement. He was also affirming his agreement with what God had decreed after her failure – “Satan, through this woman’s seed, your head will be bruised – crushed. You have brought destruction, but you and your purposes will ultimately be destroyed and cast down – through the very one you have attacked. Her seed will topple you.” Adam’s agreement with God was a shift from his earlier statement which indicated that he wanted to blame his wife for his own fall. After hearing God’s perspective, he now was able to speak life over his wife – instead of accusation.
