With the many struggles that people are going through all around us, it is
important that we be that shining beacon of hope letting them know that 
even though they have troubles, good days are still ahead of them. In my
conversations with friends and family I always try to let a bad situation
become a little better. When they tell me of their past hurts or current
troubles, I always try to answer with a “Yes, but...” Yes someone may have
hurt you in the past, but there is always someone better in your future.
Yes those financial problems would trouble me too, but stay encouraged and
something good will come your way. Whatever someone is going through in 
life, we can always come back with a “Yes, but.” We can show them with our
encouraging and affirming words that tough times don't last, but tough 
people do. They just have to dig in their heels and be determined to 
overcome every trial and challenge that comes their way. (Matthew 5:16)

If they're not strong enough to realize that for themselves, then we can be
the catalyst that helps them move in that direction. Never underestimate
the power that you have as an encourager. The world is hurting all around
us and needs to be reminded of how special they are and how they can rise
up again and be better than they were before. Be encouraged to take the 
initiative when you feel the need and lift others up until they know they
are strong enough to stand up on their own. When you do, you will be 
making an impact that will never be forgotten. (Romans 15:1-2) (James 1:27)

I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to see the power 
that our encouraging words have on others. It may be a simple thing for 
us to do, but for the recipient it can be life changing.


AN ENCOURAGING WORD

In the few years I was a teacher I learned a lot of things. Perhaps the 
most important one of all was the glorious, life changing power of an 
encouraging word. I discovered it early while I was still in college 
completing my student teaching hours in a local middle school.

I had read the work Leo Buscaglia had done with his University of Southern
California students. In one exercise Leo and his students had made two 
lists of words, one positive and one negative. Then they had thrown the 
negative words in the trash and tried to use only the positive words for 
one month. They were amazed at how much better their lives became just by
using words full of kindness and encouragement.

I decided to try this as well by finding something good to write on each 
paper my students handed in. It was a lot easier than I thought it would 
be. No matter how many errors a student’s paper contained there was always
a funny sentence, beautiful thought, or great idea that I could comment 
on. I remember glancing over my desk and seeing some of the students 
rereading those encouraging words again and again. It was a joy seeing 
their eyes shine a little brighter, their backs sit up a little straighter,
and their learning climb a lot higher.

I recently saw one of my former students from that class and we talked for
a while. He was married, doing well in his job, and had two children of 
his own now. As I was saying goodbye he said, “You know I still have a few
of those old papers from your class. I still look at them from time to 
time. I just hope my kids have as good a teacher as you.” I walked off 
amazed at the effect those few positive words had on his life. I thanked 
God too for always giving me the words I needed as a teacher and as a 
writer. May your own life be forever full of encouraging words in your 
ears, from your lips, and in your heart.

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Ephesians 4:29-32 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and 
anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all 
malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one 
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Galatians 6:2-4 “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of 
Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he
deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall 
he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

Romans 15:1-4 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the
weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour
for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as 
it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me. For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, 
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.


Today's Selected Poem: THE POWER OF WORDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem40.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: HE WANTED ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony88.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry