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Soul’d Out – Inspire

Jesus inspired the people who crossed his path. Whether it was a tax collector, leper, fisherman, child or rich young ruler, every interaction resulted in Jesus adding value, encouraging, challenging and helping those he encountered. In the Greek language the word inspire means to breathe into or blow into. Consider a hot air balloon lying on the ground. In order to inflate the balloon, air must be warmed and blown into the balloon causing it to rise. It then has the ability to fly high above the ground. We can all think of a time when someone spoke into our lives and because of their inspiration, we found the strength to move forward, to keep on trying; they breathed new life into us. Jesus calls us to inspire one another. When we inspire someone who is down or struggling, it can make all the difference. We get to see them gain courage and momentum to fly above their circumstances and attain new heights.

Scriptures
Isa 40:30-31, 43:18-19; Jer 29:11; Lk 22:14-15; Jn 1:42; Phil 3:13-14; Heb 10:24;

Verse
Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds,… (Heb 10:24)

Thought
Some ways you can inspire others: First, let them know they are valued. Every person is a unique creation of our Heavenly Father and each has value for who they are not just for what they can contribute. When a leader values his team, it shows. It changes the culture of the organization. If you want to change things in your home, your neighborhood, at work, school or in your community, value others! Next, cheer people on. This doesn’t require a lot of time or work, just be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to the people around you. When you see a need, follow God’s lead—breathe life. Share a Scripture with someone, let them know you believe in them, encourage them! Remind them that they have what it takes to get through whatever they are facing. Tell them that quitting is not an option. Your words and encouragement can renew their faith in themselves and in God’s ability to keep them moving forward, one step at a time. Whether they are ready to walk away from a marriage or to give up fighting an addiction that is taking its toll, let them know you care and are praying for them. With God all things are possible. Sometimes you need to encourage someone to “let it go.” We all mess up, we hurt people, we make stupid decisions and do the wrong thing, but getting mired in past mistakes is a dead end. Sin causes many mistakes and much devastation, but God forgives and buries our sins in the depths of the sea. Encourage people to move on and learn from their past instead of allowing it to blockade their future. Let’s be people who breathe life into others and bring encouragement into troubled situations. We will reap the joy and blessing of seeing what God can do in and through us.

Questions
Does encouraging come naturally for you or do you have to think about it and work at it? Describe a time when you were in a low place and who or what encouraged you to keep going. Who stands out as being a source of inspiration and encouragement in your life? Describe a time when you gave someone encouragement that you know made a difference. Who or what brings the most encouragement to you when you are struggling? How do you continue to encourage someone who repeatedly makes the same mistake/s over and over again? Have you ever walked away from someone you got tired of encouraging? Do you have any insight as to how to keep encouraging someone, when everything you see, says it’s not working. What would Jesus do?

Response
Encourage people at every opportunity. Identify someone in need of the affirmation and encouragement you can give. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Keep a daily log of how you encouraged someone.

Prayer
Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and to be ready to speak words of encouragement and hope into their lives. Let your inspiration flow through me. In Jesus Name I pray.

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