Sunday, July 23, 2023

Reflection - Vernon Grounds - Encouragers

Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 69, "Encouragers", Page 79.
By Vernon Grounds, Our Daily Bread Author


I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
PHOTO: I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
Read: Acts 27:21-36

Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry - the ministry of encouragement.

Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring Carrs Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed, "God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!" Then off she hurried. Dale later testified, "The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God."

The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Philippians 2:19) but also to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That's a ministry all of us can be involved in.

Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.
Credit: Adobe Stock
Picture posted by    J. Borchardt, Eos on 28 October 2015
 

I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
PHOTO: I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
Picture posted by Vision For Christ Orphanage Goromonzi Zimbabwe on Thursday, 01 June 2023 at 05:25 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQW5qAet1EtPn3cr7lWVA8uDLvIV0NHzEcepMxybyaL-HS2Lr5trpSfkgUiH5zG9PEzUhA9l_jNfqDlhy4iwcnA0xMG-qGVmgGnDBSZPwO0kyZAaTCCwdaZPpaerd53IrMeyC3pObtXUDr26VbGsv7NJcpBb1xVHOgUAy9-LoLarUwBBvULaXrAVOo8U/s720/350851406_667601318526005_5934242304501621304_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/350851406_667601318526005_5934242304501621304_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=104&cb=99be929b-59f725be&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=bYBhF-R3ZuwAX8sTjki&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AfDBygh9sMWQVdfd-mzSrelc0nufagrl7WrKjHK4cerQDA&oe=64BFBEB7
https://www.facebook.com/VFCORPHANAGEZIM/posts/pfbid0248RUYkFL7w32rdSSgEUnbe4dbVh5wRy5HmKn4GQa11r9dJys1yN6esSLYvwroHzl


Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry - the ministry of encouragement.


Discouragement is a problem for many Christians.
PHOTO: Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry - the ministry of encouragement.
Picture posted by Utoimage
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yzqjpLZXZVLYjfemXryKPxdJby7s5PlR3foHmVUJ2t9qgbQLaIis6dYaOHQstFX7FbHFn4tJIhG_1or-zf9GUF1U33zH3TtGcVSBwO1t2g19H2z9UVBjcCYfPBY786mSgV5tsroRk71DTqV0Xl9cQxPF5yMQDXzzuNncF50TXvZC9cJ0xIvBUFZFhE/s1334/202006013639_500-1000x1334.jpg
https://image.utoimage.com/preview/cp917663/2020/06/202006013639_500.jpg
https://www.utoimage.com/?m=goods.photo_view&idx=21412335



Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring Carrs Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed, "God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!" Then off she hurried. Dale later testified, "The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God."


Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring Carrs Lane Church.
PHOTO: Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring Carrs Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed, "God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!" Then off she hurried. Dale later testified, "The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God."
Picture grom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_EulRF6gat0j1KjXZbQCKzFHCiuoQxdrBf1KfLN8vf1kTDSsZtC6Z-zvC6ZN6tTdKuhSu6o9CSZ7PdRWzO0Bh-ZKMhW-NKItdQ6thxLPETumYqfK-i7RfAIOr44i1Z6llYtce0EmYDCEHJLtboFrGC0BLffBnAMB3zKlvYfzEPT_PhAXJYgNWmYoeRI/s2126/RW_Dale_cartoon_1877.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_William_Dale#/media/File:RW_Dale_cartoon_1877.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_William_Dale



The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Philippians 2:19) but also to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That's a ministry all of us can be involved in.


The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Philippians 2:19) but also to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36).
PHOTO: The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Philippians 2:19) but also to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That's a ministry all of us can be involved in.
Picture posted by Jerold Aust, Senior Writer and Minister, United Church of God
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAviWiKgthZgRIrmWvYViZtEBdvulcGgD0iuj3XYRqPh5QSrE7fMoWintxpJfEp6uMJB8WhMOilZGHD4jfcGic00VweQ2xBb-Lv1QzRyFUxWyEK1j7vrv-wY1Ct042f54a0wE-LelgW1kds76aY2ZTyuhLSv4CEXgHofH0QpYNgMClG-h3QuQfdT_odQU/s1493/profiles-of-faith-luke-pauls-beloved-friend-and-companion.jpg
https://www.ucg.org/files/image/article/profiles-of-faith-luke-pauls-beloved-friend-and-companion.jpg
https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/profiles-of-faith-luke-pauls-beloved-friend-and-companion



Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.

Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.
PHOTO: Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.
Picture posted by Brian Weiner on 29 May 2023 - Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU9ToV6MJK-rJ9k8uh2rbakXNs9Ra8oz_Mj1GVO5PX9gmNgZX6a1WU9V1VTE4Pk_KVw5cciD5ag5-1FJx_Lzjb3uKNkrufVmfy5o9VyeuIKaHyAmLVW8VdXVH8knwAd7RTnmDzrpuZAPgWf2GrgVGfgFJ0exEW1Vamo0gZSnY2LKWbpuHInx6WOQVbCc/s2500/Power-of-Positivity-3.jpg
https://brianweiner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Power-of-Positivity-3.jpg
https://brianweiner.com/be-an-encourager-the-world-has-plenty-of-critics-already/
 
 
Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
It may seem insignificant
To say a word or two,
But when it is encouragement,
What wonders it can do!
- K. DeHaan
Picture posted by Splashes of Joy
Reflection - Vernon Grounds - Encouragers
Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 69, "Encouragers", Page 79.
By Vernon Grounds, Our Daily Bread Author




"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html



Reference
[1] From "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Chapter 69, "Encouragers", Page 79.


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.