Every Friday from now until Christmas we will share one gift that can be given freely without a purchase and one that you can purchase. It’s all part of our Gifts of Friendship series inspired by studying The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury. Each gift we share will be presented in hopes that others will see and feel the love of Christ!
A friendship gift given freely:
This weeks gift is encouragement.
One definition of encouragement by Webster is “something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident.”
When I think of these words for my friends I want to encourage them all the more so they may be
- Determined to press forward through times of disappointment or adversity.
- Hopeful when days are long and ends come unglued.
- Confident of who they are and all they can be with Christ.
During our Friends of Jesus bible study we have discussed the importance of having friends that strengthen our faith walk.
1 Corinthians 15:58 implores us to “stand firm and let nothing move us” as we give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. This week alone I know friends that have been shaken by accidents, divorce, unemployment and death. These times of uncertainly and trial are difficult and consuming without the hope of Christ. Encouragement can be the very gift a friend needs to remain standing. Living out Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 becomes priceless in our endeavors to serve the Lord without wavering.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion…
The gift of Godly encouragement goes to the heart of the matter unlocking the power of Jesus!
Feeding the beast of negativity awakes the power of Satan. Swinging the Sword of the Spirit slays the Beast.
Encouragement comes in many ways but building up one another through the sharing God’s word with our friends is priceless. Inspiring one another with God’s word when hectic schedules, heavy financial burdens, and unsettling news reports fuel bitterness, fear and disappointment becomes a weapon to destroy Satan’s best ploys against God’s daughters.
Simple ways to unlock the power of Jesus by using His word to encourage others:
- Post a verse a day on your social media sites.
- Offer scripture rather than advice when presented with a need.
- Send cards with scripture notes tucked inside.
- Pray for one another using God’s word. (Suzie Eller shares 10 wonderful verses and prayers you can use: http://tsuzanneeller.com/2015/12/03/praying-when-words-dont-suffice/
Our pick for a purchased gift that shares Christ this week:
Gifts that spread the meaning of Christmas and help others simultaneously.
On a recent trip Donna discovered ornaments from Ten Thousand Villages that help artisans sustain a living.
She brought one back to share!
(Click photo to see their full line)
Next Friday we will give away the Nativity ornament pictured to one lucky gal!
Enter to win: Leave a comment sharing something you have purchased that in turn helps someone in need.
One winner will be selected by random drawing on Friday 12/11.
Blessings – Jodie and Donna
Last weeks winner of our Mary Kay goodies is Junie Conner!
I buy stuffed animals @ petco, for homeless animals, then turn around & donate the stuffed cat & doggie to a child or organization that provides Christmas for needy children. Helping two needs at once!
That’s an out of the box idea Junie!
Entering for Celeste!
Entering for Jenny Hand!
What a great idea:) Thank you for not only “encouraging” but for spreading love and generosity this season! I’m not going to enter the contest, but I’m really happy to be visiting your site for the first time this week. Keep it up ladies!!
Meg, I’m so glad you stopped over! Let’s all spread love and generosity this season so that God’s love is known to all!
Amy
Thank you for sharing your hearts and Jesus’s love! Great ideas you have on this page!