Encourage | Kristi's Morning Devotional

A week or so back we were talking with friends about memories we have made since moving into our Arizona home. So many good times, so many good friends. One memory in particular came to mind.

About three years ago, our youngest daughter and her family had come to visit for the weekend. Sam, our grandson, was about 15 months old. I was in the kitchen cooking and his parents and Pappy were outside on the patio. He stood at the door waiting for someone to let him out but no one came. Sam had been watching our dog, Glory, go in and out the doggie door so he crawled over to it and tried to go through.

He got stuck, high centered in fact. The outside patio is considerably lower than the kitchen floor and as he went through the door, his hands went down to the patio but his feet in the kitchen came up and he no longer had any traction to move himself forward.

I was laughing almost uncontrollably. His Mom saw what was happening and she came to his rescue by offering him a hand to hold, a hand to help.

There are so many of us like little Sam. We just need a helping hand. Sometimes life gives us what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. Our own efforts lack the ability to bring us through successfully. We need a hand to hold.

“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NLT

I have heard the Lord whisper those same words of encouragement to my heart in times of struggle. “Just take my hand”.

“You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me, your help has made me great.³⁶You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” Psalm 18:35-36 NLT

During this time of year, there are so many around us who need a helping hand. They need to know that whatever obstacle, situation, or heart ache they face they aren’t in it alone. They need to know there is a hand to hold. Jesus said when we help the least of those around us we are reaching out as if He were the one in need.

Extend a hand to someone in need. It may be the best gift they receive.

This is the question I was asking myself this morning. Why?

Why do I write this blog each morning? Why do I get up as early as I do? Why?

The answer was clear. Because there is no other way I would rather start my day than having a quiet cup of coffee with the Lord. It brings my day into focus, gives me direction and perspective, the Word gives me wisdom and fills my heart with strength.

“Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God. ¹⁷Whatever you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:16-18 NLV

Years ago I realized that the thing I was most passionate about, the thing I desired to do the most and the thing that I felt the Lord had truly gifted me to do was to teach His word in a way that was practical and easy to understand. That’s the answer to the why do I write each morning. If I can help one person each day gain strength and understanding from God’s word than my life is truly successful.

I remember years ago I was talking with a young woman who has an amazing voice. She has a musical talent, a gift, that compels people to stop and listen. However, she was struggling. Struggling with the lack of opportunities to use her talent publicly. Her question was this. This talent I have has been given me by God, why don’t I have more occasions to use it?

I told her she has as many opportunities as she wants. She can sing while working in her yard and the neighbors may hear, she can sing in the break room at work and bless her co-workers. She can sing to her nieces and nephews. Her singing, something as simple as Jesus Loves Me, may have a life-defining impact on someone who goes on to become the next Billy Graham or the next Bill Gates.

Whatever we do, we do in the name of the Lord. Why?

To give God thanks for all He has done in our lives and to draw others to a relationship with Him.

If you’re a construction workers, a teacher, a doctor, a first responder, a student, a homemaker, a retail clerk or medical technician do all to the glory of God. Parent, child, grandparent, uncle, aunt, unemployed, fully employed, business owner or retiree do all to the glory of God.

Whatever we do, whatever we say, wherever we go we go with a mission. We use our lives to show God’s goodness to others.

Why?

“…Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life. ¹³Continue to read the Scriptures to the people, encourage them, and teach them…” I Timothy 4:12-13 ERV

We each have a purpose, a God-ordained destiny. Live life for His glory!

Tag: Encourage

A Hand to Hold

Why?