From the Edges – Encouragement – Morning Devotional

From the Edges – Morning Devotional

Following Jesus while we Encourage !

Pastor Calvin Cook – 7-17-2024

Scripture focus – 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.

Praying this devotional will inspire all of us to embrace the power of encouragement and strengthen friendships. By remembering a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, touching lives in ways you may never fully realize.

In this crazy world we live in with the barrage of voices and noises coming at us are we ever just a friend. Do we ever just call someone or drop a note, a text, a message just to say “Hello” how are you? It seems almost always that every contact we make with others comes with a request.  When was the last time you just stopped by someone’s house or invited someone for a cup a coffee without a request or agenda.

I heard a new word yesterday; the word was depersonalization. The person speaking believed that we have left personalized relationships and replaced them with having our needs and desires satisfied. I can’t tell you how many times I hear the words “I need you to do this” or “You need to do this” or “what are you going to do about this”. True friendship is built on mutual support and encouragement. When we take the time to uplift our friends, we strengthen the bonds between us. This creates a safe space where we can share our struggles and triumphs, knowing we have someone who genuinely cares.

Encouragement is a powerful gift we can offer to our friends and loved ones. It doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes, a kind word or a listening ear can make all the difference. In a world where negativity often dominates, being a source of positivity and hope is invaluable.

Think on the ways Jesus encouraged his disciples? Think on the presence of God in your life today as encouragement that we are loved so much that God is constantly with us. Now think on the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:11  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”