Paul the Encourager

Today's Reading:  Numbers 7, Psalm 23, Acts 27

Paul the Encourager: by Debbie McGrath

Scripture that spoke to me: 
Acts 27:25 - So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God
 that it will happen just as he told me.

Observation:
Paul was a prisoner on a ship along with 276 other men. While on this journey, they spent 14 days in the middle of a northeaster.  For 14 days, they were in total darkness - no light of sun by day and no stars by night.  Everyone gave up hope of being saved except Paul. Paul was anchored in God's presence, he did not panic in the storm because he knew he belonged to God!! Paul, a mature Christian, could encourage others because he knew God was in control.

Application: 
If we are anchored in God's presence like Paul, no matter what is going on in our life - we should be able to encourage others.  Daily, we should encourage and comfort others because our hope is in Christ. A godly mature Christian is an encourager.  God has called Christians to be encouragers.
 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Encourage one another and build each other up.  By being an encourager, we can change someone's life.  Encouraging others is a ministry, it cost nothing and we have an unlimited arsenal of encouragement at our disposal.

Prayer:  
Dear Lord, today and everyday remind us to encourage everyone we come in contact with - giving them hope. Let us remember, a word of encouragement can change someone's life.