Day 21

How can I go out of my way daily to encourage people in the small (and big) things?

---

Scripture

“When the riots calmed down, Paul sent for the believers — there were a relatively small amount compared to all who were rioting — and encouraged them. Paul left for Macedonia and along his travels, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through.” — Acts 20:1-12, my paraphrase

Observation

Paul was a man of encouragement. He suffered a lot for the cause of Christ during his life, but he still chose to follow Christ and love people. He shows his love for Christ and people by focusing on their person/heart to encourage them to stick to it, to fight for the cause of Christ, and to refresh them with his words/actions.

Application

I want to love like Paul in this passage, I want to encourage those around me and to be a refreshment. How can I go out of my way daily to encourage people in the small (and big) things?

Prayer

“Lord, please help me to focus more outside myself — outward to those around me, to shift my perspective and focus on how Paul and you, Jesus, would encourage others. To love like you love. Please strip me of my selfishness and let me seek you. Help me to love You well and to love people well. Amen.”

Scripture

Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. Take time to read and allow God to speak to you. Write down the one or two verses that stick out. Even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.

Observation

Make a basic observation about the scripture you just read. What stood out? Was something repeated? What is the author trying to communicate? What does the Scripture passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about humanity?

Application

Ask, “What does this verse(s) mean for my life?” How might this verse affect your heart — how you feel? How does this verse challenge your thinking? How does it affect your will, asking, “What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?”

Prayer

Write out a prayer to God. Scripture is God speaking to you, take this moment to speak back. Take a moment to say, “Thank you,” confess to Him what needs to change, or ask for something that is on your heart.