There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all

the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were

spread out on a table and labeled: hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness

and sensuality - all the weapons that everyone knows so well. But off to

one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked

"discouragement." It was old and worn-looking but it was priced far above

all the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, "Because I can

use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it

belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against

the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best." But

take heart, for God in His Word says, "No weapon that is formed against you

shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you

shall condemn...."

Encouragement, on the other hand, is a very powerful tool. It strengthens

the weak, imparts courage to the fainthearted, and gives hope to the

faltering. One of the greatest ministries we can have is to lift the

spirits of fellow believers. Many Christians have become weary in their

daily conflict with the evil one and are tempted to give up in their

spiritual struggle. They need an encouraging word, and I trust that you

find it here. Pastors and others involved in ministry need expressions of

appreciation and the assurance of our prayer support. With discouragement

taking its toll, they need encouragement to spur them on. We underestimate

the power of a kind word; a little word of encouragement can go a long way

in bringing out the best in people. At times we unwittingly play devils

advocate by raining down on someone's parade, for some are filled with more

zeal, than common sense. Seek to encourage someone today, desire gifts that

will enable you to excel in this regard. It is time to take the limits off

the gift of prophecy and move into God's plan of action to declare His will

prophetically to this, the final generation.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A little encouragement can spark a great accomplishment.

INSPIRATIONAL VERSE

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially

unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal 6:10).

(Original author, unknown.)

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Quoted from a good friend.

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