Scripture Challenge {Week 43}

Week 43 Challenge Word: Encourage

Have you ever looked into the face of a child when you encourage him? How about when you talk negatively to him? How do his eyes and expressions differ? How about you? How do you feel when someone says something negative to you versus encouraging to you? I bet you have different facial expressions also. I read that “children need ten times as many encouraging remarks as negative ones.” I am sure that applies to adults too. I know how most of us thrive on encouraging feedback even on our scrappy work! Most of us are waiting to be encouraged!

Well, in today’s darkening world, it is easy to lose courage. It is easy to look at all of the depressing things happening to us and around us and just lose hope. However, as Christians, we are to encourage those around us. We are to give them the courage they lack. We can share His truths and what He has done in our lives. We can share specific Bible passages that may apply to someone that needs encouragement. Or we can even mail them a note of encouragement. Sharing encouragement with others also lifts us up and helps us not to focus on the many things that could keep our focus off of Christ.

Now, who encourages us when we need it? Our precious Father of course. He is our Great Encourager! His Word shares encouragement to us throughout the scriptures! When you are feeling down, grab your Bible, open it up to any page, and see what encouragement He has for you there. He is waiting to encourage you too! You just need to look for it.

For my card this week, I used the new Basic Grey Wassail Collection that I purchased from Create My Keepsake. Even though it is supposed to be a Christmas collection, there are papers that can be used for any time of year. They are just beautiful! I also used the Unity Scalloped Journal stamp that can be used on ATC cards, cards, and layouts! It is a versatile stamp for sure! I also had to do this in a mad rush since my husband returned today from his big trip to China, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan! So, in my flurry, this is what I came up with:
I also used two wonderful scriptures:
Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ". . .encourage on another and build each other up. . ."

So, stop your grumbling, look around you, and see who it is that God would have you encourage today! Have a great week everyone!