Have you ever received words of encouragement that were given with such love and authenticity and made your spirit soar? A hug, a compliment, eyes that looked into yours, words that lifted your heart. Have you ever known someone who believed in you; they saw something in you that is valuable and shared their heart and beautiful words with you.
As we encourage one another and lift each other up in prayer, we become a "family" to one another. I have been lifted up and encouraged by so many and it is such a gift!! Paul has such beautiful words of encouragement to share along with many other passages in the Bible. I thought I would share these with you and just soak in the encouragement that God speaks to our hearts through His Word.
Proverbs 10: 11 "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
Acts 15:32 "And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words."
1 Thesselonians 3:2 "and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,"
1 Thesselonians 4:18 "Therefore encourage one another with these words." (The return of Christ)
Hebrews 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Psalm 10:17 "O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear"
Romans 15:4-7 "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God."
Last week, I traveled to visit my mom's cousin near Asheville, NC. A church in Fletcher, NC called the Feed and Seed is a beautiful example of how those in the church can fellowship together, pray together and build one another up with encouraging words. They reach into the community through music as they host a variety of excellent Bluegrass bands on Friday and Saturday evenings. I still remember the first time as the music began, people stood from around the room and began clogging up the aisles to the dance floor in front of the stage. My eyes about popped out of my head! It usually takes a few songs to get up my courage to dance with everyone else. Yet, when I do get up, I have a blast and try my best to imitate those around me. As someone said last time I was there, everyone is watching the good dancers.
On Sunday mornings, several musicians in the church play and sing Southern Gospel music before worship even begins. Guitars, violins, keyboard, banjo and voices make for a warm atmosphere stepping into the building and help to prepare the heart for worship and hearing God's Word.
They have a missionary board where they share stories and events of how God is impacting lives around the world. Each missionary had their own clipboard where newsletters, notes and prayer cards are kept for anyone to read and get updates. It is a beautiful reminder of how Christ moves in our lives and impacts so many around the world! I love how God makes surprising connections in ways never imagined! He is truly a gracious and marvelous God!
Here is my cousin Cullen and I as we are standing behind the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. As you can see, the fall colors were fantastic while I was there! The leaves waited to change color until just before I showed up! God's creation held me in awe with His beauty while I was there!
The picture below is my Aunt Joanie and cousin Cullen behind the Grove Park Inn from June 2017.
The first link below is the Feed and Seed church and the second link is the livestream if you want to listen to some amazing Bluegrass on a Friday or Saturday night! The concerts usually start at 7:30 Eastern time.
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