4:12YOUTH
February 2018
Encourage one another and build each other up...
Can you think of a time in which someone provided you encouragement? Maybe that encouragement came at a time when you were challenged with a hard task like taking a test. You probably heard something like, “You can do this, you got this, I believe in you.” Or maybe you received encouragement when you were going through a difficult time in your life and you heard, “You are strong and can get through this, I am here for you, and this too will pass.” Or maybe you experienced that everyday encouragement from that one friend like, “Wow you are awesome, thanks for being you, I appreciate you so much and I’m blessed have you in my life.”
In any case, I think we can agree that when we receive encouragement, no matter when it happens, it feels good and it lifts you up. It can bring joy in your heart, it can brighten even the darkest of days, and it can motivate you. I would even dare to say that “receiving encouragement” is a necessary part of daily living. Being encouraged and hearing those words which builds us up are vital to a healthy and productive life.
BUT, the reality is that many of us do not get the encouragement we so badly desire or need. For many, this vital need of each person is missing or lacking. Whether from the leaders/coworkers in our places of work, at school, from friends, from family, and even from a spouse, the need to be built up and poured into is not filled. This can leave us feeling depressed, anxious, and separated from others. It can bring stress in work places, relationships, marriages, and even in our families. Those simple yet powerful words of encouragement pass us by and we feel the bite of the venomous viper of “unworthiness”.
Encouraging and building others up is something we can all do! Texting, a phone call, a hand written note, a hug, or even verbally, we all can be encourages. As Christ followers, it should be one of the things we look to do every day. We are to pour into others, build each other up, and to show them the very best of themselves. It requires us to be humble, to lower ourselves while lifting others up, and having a desire to help others be the very best “them”. By doing this we are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, being Christ like leaders of the faith, and setting an example that others will want to follow. In a grocery store, at the bank, at school, at home, or even with your spouse……..how can you be a Christ Like encourager? Remaining silent can destroy and tear down, But the words of encouragement you speak to someone right now can change a life forever!
ARE YOU AN ENCOURAGER? WHO DO YOU NEED TO SEND ENCOURAGEMENT TO RIGHT NOW…DON’T WAIT, DO IT! AND LEAD YOUR KIDS BY YOUR EXAMPLE!
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” 1Thess 5:11
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25Upcoming 4:12YOUTH Dates
February 11 Large Group 6-8 pm. We need a volunteer for dinner please
February 23-24 Overnighter! Cost is $20. RSVP soon as spots are limited!
February 25 Area wide worship service 5-7:30pm
March 11 Large Group 6-8pm. Henions providing supper
You asked for it...you got it....ALL NIGHTER!!!
Gluten Free...why it matters
Some good choices are GF pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, gluten free chicken nuggets from aldis, taco meat with Ortega seasoning only, deli meat, pasta dishes just use GF pasta, sloppy joes, pulled pork, fruit, chips, GF brownies and cookies.
It is not our intent to make serving a meal harder :) I am willing to provide gluten free options if you are not serving something Gluten Free. Those dealing with GF realize it's a bit overwhelming when you are not used to preparing GF foods! All I ask is that you communicate your menu choices with me so I can be sure that there is food available for everyone.
Once again...THANK YOU for helping to feed our hungry kids :)
Remeber WHO you are and WHOSE you are...
May we strive to encourage each other as parents and leaders, and be obedient Christ like examples in our homes, work places and in all we do!
Blessings to each of you!!
Email: cnv2005@att.net
Phone: (616)554-0364