I pray you are (or will soon be) having a blessed day. If you linked here from my devotion The Power of Encouraging Words, I’m so glad you stopped by! I’m amazed at what God can do with encouraging words. They can literally change the course of someone’s life. I know because they have mine. More about that tomorrow.
A few years ago, my friend Carrie came up with the idea to “Bless It Forward” inspired by the movie Pay it Forward. Today I pray that we’ll bless each other forward by encouraging and getting encouragement through the stories and lives of women around the world!!
“Bless It Forward” starts when you give a blessing to someone else and ask them to bless it forward to another person. Here is how we can start blessing it forward this week:
First, I’ll be giving several of you a gift, and then I want you to pass the blessing on when you are finished being blessed by it. The blessings will include a P31 autographed book, a worship CD, a teaching DVD, a P31 woman magazine subscription and $10 Target card.
Second, being part of the first blessing has a two-fold purpose. To enter to win, I want you to share how someone’s encouragement in the past has impacted your life, and in turn you will inspire others to bless it forward by encouraging someone they know today. Let’s get started.
Click on “comments” below this post.
Type your comment. A white box will pop up where I’d love for you to describe one way someone has encouraged you – either another person or something God did. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Just something that brought encouragement to your heart. God will use your story to show others how they can encourage someone today.
Include the following details: your state and/or country, your name if you want to, and be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you win.
Post your comment. Click on the orange button to post it. If you don’t have a blogger account, simply click anonymous.
Take time to read the other comments and ask God to show you an idea and a person He wants you to encourage today – either through a note, a call, a text message, an act of kindness or something you get here.
Come back tomorrow to tell us how you have or will bless it forward through the power of encouraging words this week. To remind yourself to come back, scroll down the right margin and sign up for bloglines. You’ll get a notice in the morning when I open up my blog for new comments and more chances to win!
With today’s comments I’ll draw 3 winners and with tomorrows commitments I’ll draw the other 2 winners to bless it forward. I’ll do the drawings and announce Wednesday morning who the the winners are for my “Bless It Forward” give-aways. I can’t wait to see what God will do.
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Your posts are so encouraging to me. Thank you for your love and sharing the joy in your heart. My family has been so blessed by others. We have a daughter who is 8 and she has a brain injury that occured when she was 18 mo. old. She was a typical toddler but became sick and went downhill. Her disability is similar to CP. I can not begin to tell you the outpouring of love we have recieved. Her health has not been the best for a few years and our local church has really stepped up. Meals, cards, prayers and love. The kind of support that you know comes from God shinning through others. We do our best to pay it forward. When someone is in need and it is possible for us to help you better bet we are there. That is what this life is all about. Relationships and growing in Christ!! We as a family have felt the presence of Christ in our life. Family and friends have stepped up in our times of need more than we could have ever imagined. They have unselfishly given of their time, support and hearts. We cherish each and every one of them. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
God Bless you and your family,
Tricia in KY
A few weeks ago my husband asked me to consider taking a ministry position in our church. The position has been open for a long time but the job description just changed, and it’s very involved. With two young children and no experience, I was very scared and did not want to apply, but God encouraged me every day for more than a week. From the weekly chapel meeting at our preschool where I teach to verbal encouragement from a trusted friend to even winning a special mom’s organizational planner when I stressed about how to get everything done, God has definitely made it clear that I’m supposed to trust Him! Now I have an interview for the position Thursday evening, and I know that whatever happens, He’s taking care of it – and us.
Hi Renee,
I was encouraged by your devotion today and also Lysa Terkeurst’s blog. She talked of taking a problem she was having with her daughter and the middle school she was attending, one day at a time and with lots of prayer to God. Also she talked about tucking bible verses sprayed with her perfume in her daughter’s book bag to help her daughter throughout her day. The Proverbs 31 blogs are always encouraging and I enjoy reading them daily.
Deb
[email protected]
Not long ago, a dear blogging friend encouraged me with some great words of encouragement regarding my writing journey (actually, more than one friend…many!). In particular, her words extended beyond the usual “you can do it” to chronicle some specific points she felt God leading her to tell me about my writing.
It was spoken to me over the phone and so impacted me, I emailed her and asked her to write the words down for me in an email. I told her I wanted to remember them for always. What makes this so significant is that my friend has cancer and is going through some really dark days right now. Thus, the witness of her words and her taking the time to speak and write them means all the more to me.
Now, when I’m feeling discouraged, I reach for her email and re-read the gift that she gave me. I will cherish it for always.
I’m from NC, my name is elaine, and I hope that the witness of my friend will encourage us all to use our words and our blogs for God’s kingdom purposes.
peace~elaine
Hi,
I wrote earlier (before you finished your blog entry.)
I was just thinking the other day about someone who really blessed me greatly not so long ago. In the early summer our basement flooded and we had a mess (that we’re still working on) to clean up. There were a few people that called and said “if I can do anything let me know” which was a kind thought but it was hard to know quite what to tell them. But one friend called (her name is Renee also) and she said “I am going to make your family a meal what can I make?” I hesitated and she insisted that we let her do something…it almost felt as though I was doing her a favor in letting her help. She was SO kind and she and her husband gave us a $100 gift card as well as a terrific dinner. It was a sweet blessing in a time of trial. If she had only said “let me know if there’s something I can do” which most of us say, I probably wouldn’t have called her back…but since she insisted on helping in a way she was good at (cooking)…it truly blessed our whole family! I thought about how I needed to be more like that…she was an example of “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
CJ-MICHIGAN [email protected]
“In believing the power of God’s promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well.” Wow. That one quote was worth reading a week’s worth of devotionals!! It is why I like being a teacher– as I teach the truth of God to others, it becomes real to me in a new way.
I hear you were up at my old stomping grounds, Camp Berea. They said that you were excellent in your teaching of the Word and very well received. Congratulations on a job well-done!
Four years ago Saturday, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had a 6wk old little girl, no job, and we were barely getting by financially. Through word of mouth, past churches where I had served began to call and offer to cook, clean, come stay with my daughter and I while my husband went to work, and even paid some of our bills for us. We were indeed blessed by those churches.
Since my diagnosis, and healing, I have been able to encourage several other women who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is amazing to hear their stories, to keep up with their stories, and be a shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. I am truly been blessed by each of these ladies.
carlyn … NC … [email protected]
Renee-
Thank you for your devotion today. I touched my heart as I was reminded of the power of encouragment. I didn’t realize how powerful encouragement was until I found a friend that encouraged me. As a person with a “words of affirmation” love language, I had always desired to be encouraged but never had an encourager. This friend came along after God had prompted me for a few years to begin speaking publicly about what He had accomplished in my life. Due to fear, I had been refusing to obey God. My friend soon realized this and pushed and prodded me until I finally said yes to God. I will be indebted to them for the rest of my life for giving me the opportunity to truly trust in and rely on our God.
Christie
Illinois
Thanks for your devotional this morning. God certainly used it to confirm something He's been teaching me. This last Friday, I hurt my back pretty bad. It's hard to walk, and a real challenge taking care of my three small children. While it might seem like this has been a rough few days, they've been some of my BEST! Because God has overwhelmed me with love from those around me. As soon as I started having trouble, friends stepped in to take care of me and our family. They brought gadgets, like heating & massaging pads; took care of my kids; brought dinner; and offered up countless prayers. Even minutes ago, another friend brought lunch & groceries. I am just FLOORED by God's care and love through others, and I SO want to be just like them. I want to be used unashamedly in moments of need, without hesitation or fear. So it starts today. I will begin by letting those who helped me know how much they have blessed me and that God has used them to teach me to be more like Him.
Thank you, for this ‘reminder’ for me to be a blessing. My women’s Bible study group has received this same challenge so God’s blessings will surely be multiplying!
The Lord has blessed me with a husband who has truly been through it all with me. When I met my husband we were both teenagers. I was struggling with family matters that seemed to difficult to handle. Looking back, I know God placed Eric in my life to be encouraging, to love me no matter what and to protect me. God knew it all! And He provided just what I needed. He always has! I give Him all the praise.
Maria Zematis
CT
[email protected]
Thank you, for this ‘reminder’ for me to be a blessing. My women’s Bible study group has received this same challenge so God’s blessings will surely be multiplying!
The Lord has blessed me with a husband who has truly been through it all with me. When I met my husband we were both teenagers. I was struggling with family matters that seemed to difficult to handle. Looking back, I know God placed Eric in my life to be encouraging, to love me no matter what and to protect me. God knew it all! And He provided just what I needed. He always has! I give Him all the praise.
There was a time when my kids were 4 and 2 and I was feeling down about myself. I had been talking with a friend about not feeling attractive to my husband. I was tired. The next day she gave me an encouraging note and money, offering to keep my kids so I could to a spa and relax. It was such a surprise. It was so refreshing and just what I needed to get through a challenging time. I had never been given a gift like that before but just as equally nice was that she took my kids for the day so I could do it.
God has blessed me in so many ways big and small. For years my son has had hand me down clothes that were like new. He would say “Mom can we go shopping in my closet” There were so many clothes that I was able to pass them on to 2 other boys. My husband’s dad was in ICU 2 weeks ago,he was very sick. A friend (hadn’t talked in long time) called to say God had impressed him to call and let us know he and his wife had been praying for our ministry and wanted to encourage us so I was able to share about Dad and he was going to call my husband right away and pray with him. There are so many ways to encourage and bless someone if only we stop and look and allow God to lead. I could go on and on. Thanks for doing this.
[email protected]
Indiana
Ahhh .. let me count the ways that the Lord has encouraged me with His presence. One of my earliest encounters was when I was 18, with me struggling to attach a new rubber bumper guard to my car which had been in hit and run. After an hour or so and a few tears, with no success, I stopped to pray, “God please help me. I can’t do this.” Then I resumed my job and immediately it slipped into place. No reason why that was suddenly possible, except that God wanted me to know that when we ask, we will receive. God is good and He is faithful in ALL things and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Phil 4:13) That day taught me a wonderful lesson that I can think back on and apply to the rest of my life.
Thank you, Rene, for your blessed minsitry!!
I remember one time I was going through a real growing and stretching time with the Lord.. And it was scary to me. But, the Lord placed godly women in my life to run this race with me.. They have been so encouraging.. There have been times that I thought I would not make it, and the Lord would have someone call and say just what I needed to hear to keep on, keepin on!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words.2 1/2 years ago God called my family and I to go on the road traveling with my husband’s job. I was so fearful of leaving my bubble of friends and security, but God was holding my hand.He has become so much more real as I have had to learn how to depend on Him alone for things spiritually, emotionally, phsically, and financially. He has sent encouragement from friends back home who have believed in me, friends who would speak life and purpose into my heart. I am so grateful to my loving God. I am also grateful for the people He has put in my journey to pour into. I am happiest when I am being His Vessel, being used by Him and not focused on me. I look forward now to the people He has put in my path across the country. I need to be giving for Him. He wired us that way I think.
Thanks sharing your encouragement and wisdom today. I was really blessed.
Your devotion today touched my heart. I remember reading some of it from an earlier blog post you did and thought what a brave encourager you were. Sometimes even when we are not feeling brave, we find encouragement for ourselves in encouraging others.
I was not the recipient of many kind or encouraging words growing up from my earthly father, but he has changed and encourages me today. Back in the day, the words of encouragement I did receive made me believe I could scale the rock wall you mentioned!
Christ, however, has been my Encourager for quite some time. I let God battle infertility in my life for a long long time, 8 years to be exact. He gave me encouragement in His Word through one particular verse…”He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.” ~ Psalm 113:9 (NIV) I raised my husband’s daughter from age 6 to 20, and am now a grandmother to 2 precious grandsons. His Word has come to pass – I only had to be encouraged by it. Sorry for the long post, which could be even longer if I were to list all the ways Christ has encouraged me!
Hi There, I feel that there is definately a small bubble forming here in Vancouver now. Being a Vancouver realtor for almost 10 years now I have seen ups and downs in the market. Given our current levels of sales over listings we are not in a very good position. Overall I will be honest and say that the Canadian market is overall about 25% overvalued while the US market (some areas) are now 25% unlduvaere. – Rate this comment: 0 0
Morning Sister,
As you know, I am battling Young Onset Parkinson’s disease. After being diagnosed one of my main concerns was how would this disease affect my ministry and in particular my ability to speak and lead bible studies. Not only did I have encouragement and support from many friends, I also gained, through much prayer, God’s assurance that He would never place a calling on my life that He would not equip me to handle. Is it always easy? No. But the beauty in that is that my faith and dependence on God is growing and in turn He is giving me fresh perspectives to share in my ministry. I am like Paul in that “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)
Blessings and grace to you!
I went back to school 4 years ago. There were days that I felt like I could not do it. I felt God’s presence with me through it all encouraging me to not give up, but instead lean on Him for the strength I needed to finish the goal He had given to me. It taught me so much to know that God never fails!
Hi,
I have been encouraged and challenged as well by your words (and God’s words to me through them). I am at a juncture in my life where God seems to be wanting me to step out as well…but I am fearful. It is His call to help others but I feel inept. After I read your post on Prov. 31, I read your blog about opening your heart and home to the women of Africa. Your words about dependence…moment by moment on God, have touched a spot in my heart because that seems to be the place that God is trying to bring me as well. It is so difficult to “lay it all down” and trust HIM to guide me (and guide those I love).
I am at one of those places where I am “all out” and if I am to continue on with the LORD it will have to be Him that takes me forward…that utter surrender that you spoke of…will need to be more of a life-style than a “respite”, a dwelling place (home) not a hotel… I guess that’s what He meant by abiding…
Thank you for shariing your story…that stirred my heart to move closer to God today… CJ
Hi rene,
I was really blessed by your devotion today, it was very inspiring. You caught it right there when you said that in helping others you take your mind away from your fears. Isn’t that just like witnessing? You are scared to approach a stranger to tell them of the love of Jesus, but when you see someone who’s in trouble, that fear just vanishes. Thank you for your timely post.