Devotions

Make a difference by encouraging others

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Light for the Way devotional series

We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.

By Campus Pastor Bev Modlin, Walnut Ridge

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11

I received a nice note of encouragement awhile back. I cannot remember exactly what the note said. I can, however, without question, tell you that the note brought a smile to my face and made me feel cared for, important, supported and loved.

The presence of encouragement is an important part of life. When encouragement is absent, people can feel unloved, unimportant and forgotten. God knows we are people in need of grace-filled reminders. In fact, giving and receiving encouragement is important for the receiver as well as the giver. So, scripture is packed with encouraging verses. In Hebrews 3 we read that Christ calls us to encourage each other every day.

Encouragement is not about complimenting someone’s haircut or what they are wearing. It is about sharing encouragement with the hope that someone’s heart will be lifted toward the Lord. It points out the evidence of grace in another’s life to help them see that God is using them.

Scripture tells us of an encourager who cared for and supported others. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles named him Barnabas, which means ‘Son of Encouragement.’ After Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Barnabas joined Paul in ministry, and he encouraged him as well as others.

Be a Barnabas (an encourager) to those on your team, to those you serve, and to your friends and family, as they will always remember how you made them feel.

As author Maya Angelou said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Campus Pastor Bev ModlinRev. Bev Modlin serves PHS as campus pastor at Walnut Ridge in Clive, Iowa. She is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and has served in eldercare, hospice, hospital and congregational settings. When she is not keeping busy with the Walnut Ridge residents, you can find her resting while watching Hallmark. She and Hubby Rick enjoy taking walks with their rescue dog and spending time with family, especially their grandkids.

The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.

Find more in the Light for the Way series:

A world-changing mission
Honoring loved ones while offering hope
Get to know us: a Christian ministry
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series

In addition to Light for the Way, you can find reflections, devotions, music and other resources on the Pastoral Care resources website.

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