Mount Hope Men’s Ministry
CHALLENGE #4 Encourage / Bless Others Every Day If you have been participating in the first three challenges, you may have noticed that all three are more focused on you and how you interact with God. In this, the fourth challenge, we will begin to shift our efforts outward toward those around us. This month we will try and spread blessings to others through words of encouragement. But what does the bible say about encouragement? Why is it important? “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24) NIV “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) NIV A close look at these two verses reveals some useful insights – all of which are important and relevant to us today. The first thing is that spurring one another on toward love and good deeds is tied together with meeting face to face. Of course, the early church did not have access to email, phones, and text messaging. However, since we do, we should take advantage of it. We have little excuse for not communicating often with so much technology at our disposal. The second thing to note is the importance of encouraging one another. Through encouraging one another we can help others from becoming hardened and losing awareness to sin. Encouraging words are powerful! They can lift us out of tiredness in our spirit. When people recognize God’s character in someone, then point it out to that person, a few simple kind words can completely change someone’s day, week, year, perhaps their life. Encouragement can certainly give a tired person endurance. And we have the power to give that blessing to others. Researchers have discovered that when a person is encouraged, endorphins are released in the brain which immediately elevates mood and can even strengthen the immune system – which helps keep us from getting sick. Wow! Why would we not use the power of our words to help others? “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” (Romans 15:5) NIV Some Practical Tips:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Words are powerful. So, let’s get busy putting our power to good use! Let’s bless at least one person each day.
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Challenges
August 2024
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