Feb 25, 2026 – Encouragement
Encouragement is such an important part of living in this world with other people. One kind, uplifting word can change the course of someone’s day – like mine this morning. I was feeling a little ummm defeated about this wine selling business I’ve undertaken. It seems that my friends and their friends may only be buying wines after the tastings because of the friendships. (It could also be that this is how the business of selling goes at first and only those who understand and rise above rejection, and move on to the next opportunity, survive. Maybe I need a thicker skin.)
The wines are either too expensive or just not tasty enough to invest in – except, it seems, for one (so far). I pointed out to Don that the funniest part of this work experiment is that I took an empty bottle of one that he and liked a lot to the recent tasting to tell them about it and show them the label (it’s in support of the military and $2 of each bottle goes to the charity). What’s funny is that 5 of the 8 guests (so far), who are going to place an order, have each requested one to two bottles of this wine – that they didn’t even taste! Here’s where the encouragement comes in: Don said, “See, you are a good salesperson!” I have to tell you, those few words changed my outlook and the course of my day!
Power – Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Joyce points out that, “Spiritually mature persons can receive conviction and not let it condemn them. Correction from God is never rejection. The fact that He is unwilling to leave us as we are is a sign of His love for us, and He works daily to change us into His image and help us develop His character.”
Prevail #56 – Larson writes, “That which is not growing is dying. Life is not static; it’s moving in one way or another…. It’s been said that over time, our most consistent choices either expose us or promote us. In other words, what we’ve been doing in private in due time shows up in a public way…. Am I drawing nearer to the Lord, or am I walking away from Him for the sake of momentary pleasure? As I often say, God’s will for you is your best-case scenario.”
JA – “Staying conscious of Me when you’re busy can be quite a challenge. But I have created you with an amazing mind that can function on more than one ‘track.’ Practicing My Presence involves dedicating one track to your relationship with Me…. When you are aware that I am present with you, you’re less likely to do or say something that’s displeasing to Me. When you’re struggling with difficult circumstances or painful feelings, awareness of My Presence offers courage and comfort.” And, He brings people across our paths to offer encouragement, if we will receive it! Romans 8:28 NLT – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
JC – “Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released…. Thank Me for each blessing along the way [like Don’s encouragement] … A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking.”
Simpson concludes today with this prayer, “Lord, help me this day to abide in Thee, and to grow into the habit of drawing all my life from Thine so that it shall be true for me, ‘In Him I live and move and have my being.’” Amen
