This past week I was blessed to receive a number of very encouraging emails from our Amberlea family. Thank you. In this very unusual time, where I find myself writing, filming, producing, lighting and editing all alone in my office… I am so grateful to hear from those of you who have found God’s word encouraging. It is in fact an encouragement to me.

We’ve all needed encouragement haven’t we? The Apostle Paul wrote:

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:11)

The church in Thessalonica struggled and faced an uncertain future. Sound familiar? Many of us today, find ourselves struggling amidst this global pandemic and the uncertainty we face, is real.

The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage them, reminding them of their faith, love and hope in Jesus. He reminded them that with these assurances they could keep encouraging one another and building each other up.

We have all been on the receiving end of encouraging words. And you might agree that sometimes a word of encouragement has the power and potential to change the trajectory of our thinking, if not our life.

Encouragement is a gift no matter where we are — at work, at school, at home or at church. It is also a gift we can share! As we come alongside others we can be a blessing to them as we encourage them. It’s not difficult, encouragement can be as simple as listening, consoling, affirming, or just being there. It is truly a way of living out the command to love one another.

Who have been the encouragers in your life? The ones who were there when you thought you’d never laugh again. The ones who listened to you; while others just talked. They were very likely a blessing to you.

We are so grateful for them, aren’t we?

So, when was the last time you encouraged someone? When were you that blessing in someone else’s life?

“Encourage one another and build each other up…”

This Thanksgiving weekend, be blessed and be a blessing!

Be Well.

Be Safe.

Happy Thanksgiving!