CGMI Above Only - Encouraging One Another

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Sunday, November 20

Encouraging One Another

Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 17:17, Hebrews 10:25 (GNB)
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. *A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. *Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.
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It is beneficial to understand how to encourage oneself in the Lord; but it is equally beneficial and critically important when you know how to encourage others. Someone you encourage
today may be the one to encourage you or someone else tomorrow . No one hates to be encouraged and encouragement can never be too excessive.

James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults one to another and to pray for one another so that we may be healed. We need to continually create spaces where we can be open to each other and willing to support and strengthen each other spiritually and otherwise. Once after Apostle Paul was stoned, dragged out of a city and left for dead, the believers gathered around him, after which he rose up and returned to that same city, Acts 14:19-20. In the same way, we must support and be present for those who are bruised, weak and weary.

Let us stop killing our wounded soldiers. Instead, we are instructed by the Word to love them, encourage them and nurture them back to health. Be a good friend. Speak life and give hope unto others. Genuinely pray for others and express concern for them. Give others wise counsel. Show care, show love and sharpen the countenance of others. Express gratitude for every opportunity you have to spend time with other believers. The babies in our wombs should leap for joy when we come together in joy and encouragement, Luke 1:41-44. Remember, our best days are ahead of us.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray genuinely for someone that you know needs encouragement right now. Ask God to continue to use you to strengthen others and to be a blessing to them.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: Acts 9-10

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