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When I Need Encouragement - Encouragement Café - February 8, 2016

When I Need Encouragement

Café Menu for Monday, February 8, 2016

Today’s Special is:  Hope from the Holy Spirit

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell

Main Ingredient:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NKJV

Entrée:

Have you ever had a day where everything goes wrong, and suddenly, God speaks comfort and hope to your weary soul?

It is exactly what you need in that moment.  Perhaps it is a realization that your bad day is not nearly as rotten as somebody else’s.  It may come in the form of a song, a Bible verse on Twitter, or a reassuring Facebook post.

I recently went through a season where discouragement was taking up residence on my doorstep.  Just at the point where I thought I would break, there was the Holy Spirit with just the right word or phrase, the perfect Scripture or song.  It felt like my heavenly Father had just wrapped His arms around me.

It’s wonderful when our spirits are lifted by others, but when the Holy Spirit, Himself inspires us, it is precious.  What an honor it is when He makes a point to lift me up.  In those moments, I feel especially loved.

Christian, the same Holy Spirit dwells within each one of us.  He will tenderly nudge you with comfort, peace and joy.  Keep an eye out for those special instances of grace and mercy.  Let’s show our gratitude by extending that same gift to others.

As vessels of the Spirit, we should overflow with the very same support to others.  Words of encouragement and hope should spill over onto those who are near.  We don’t want to miss any opportunity that God gives us to bless our brothers and sisters with Spirit-filled kindness.  The hope I need is the hope I need to share.

… be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJV

Take Out:

When I begin to feel discouraged, I turn to Scripture or gospel music.  It is also a good time for me to reach out and encourage someone else.  

How can you share hope with someone today?

Dessert:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the times when You plant special signs along my path inspiring me to keep going, even when the road gets steep.  Help me renew and inspire others along life’s journey.  Amen.

© 2016 by Carolyn Dale Newell.  All rights reserved.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.

Need a refill?  Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends

The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh.  We invite you to listen inas we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.

Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug.  We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.

Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.

Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!

Originally published Monday, 08 February 2016.

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