THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Early into my Pastoral Ministry I stumbled on  (or was it the Lord leading me?)Hebrews 3:13 N.I.V. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today” so that none of you may be hardened by the sin of deceitfulness. From then on I tried to make a practice of encouraging people when I saw them. When I went into Bible College Ministry one of my numerous duties was as the Dean of Men, I had the Pastoral responsibility of all the male students (it was a residential College). So I particularly decided that whenever I connected with a student I would pray “Lord give me a word of encouragement for this guy”. I can recount a number of times where a simple word of encouragement really spoke to that person.
I am personally blessed with a good temperament and am not in need of regular encouragement, but this week as a result of making the decision  what I sincerely believe is the will of God to conclude my overseas teaching ministry, emotionally I feel as if there has been a death in the family, and I feel sad in my heart.
I opened my Facebook page this morning and discovered Margaret had felt impressed to post something to my page. After almost 51 years of marriage she could discern something of the emotions going on in my life at this time. This is the post.
Jentezen Franklin   If the enemy can convince you that your  best days are behind you..he wins. He will degrade your soul with feelings of disqualification.For without a vision, the people perish -but with God there is a hope and a future Jer. 29:11 N.L.T. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
It spoke to my heart, and I was blest and encouraged. I am not through it all yet, so would ask for your prayer support. But by the grace of God I declare:

THE BEST IS YET TO COME