The Saturday Journal: May I Leave You with Some Encouragement

Last Saturday I had a phone conversation I pray I never forget--I pray it will linger with me--soak deep into my being. I'll explain a little more. I have been asked by this wonderful ministry to help write their story..it is an honor and soon I'll share more in this space. But for now...

A story never starts with words--a story begins with listening. And on this night by the beauty of the air waves stretching thousands of miles--I listened as he told his story--shared his early memories of what today is a ministry reaching others through grace and faith.

And before our conversation ended, he said, 'I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. I never keep them. But this year I wanted to do this...may I leave you with some encouragement.

Then he read to me John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

This gentleman is giving the Gift of Encouragement daily--passing it on to one person per day and as of a week ago Saturday--he has touched 101 people by giving them the Gift of Encouragement. (He didn't share this number--he's too humble for that--this is me, telling you).

And Jesus hung on the cross--He never gave up--never closed His eyes until His last drop of blood poured to the already saturated ground. I can not grasp in my mind or heart how hard it must have been for His followers--His disciples--His Mother--to bear witness to this. Did He whisper their name--tell them I'm doing this for you. Did He whisper I'm doing this for your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren and generations to come? I know their names--just as I know yours.

Jesus died for ______________________.

Place your name in the blank space---Read it. Speak it loud. Again.

Because it's true.

John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

And as this gentleman shared his encouragement with me--I want to do the same--pass on the same grace--the same encouragement to you--

Sunday's coming.

He's coming.

John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I pray you and your family have a blessed Easter--I pray you know just how deep

this love of God is for you--for us--for whosoever.