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To strengthen, comfort, instruct, teach, admonish, exhort, to call to one's side...

Encouragement is something that we can't get enough of. The world beats us down at times with everything going on: death, divorce, illness, broken relationships and much more. We all need encouragement to help get through life. We can be encouraged that God has great plans for our lives and even though sometimes it seems like things are out of control, He is always in control.

"And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don't stop meeting together with other Believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, esecially as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10: 24-25 (CEB)

Relationships, family, jobs, traffic, house work, errands, emotions, future plans... Can you relate or am I the only one that needs a good solid dose of peace from my Heavenly Father? If you are like most people, I don't think that I'm the only one that is asking for this.

In the middle of the chaos that life can throw at you remember to take a deep breath and take a moment to remember at least one of God's promises for you. Many times there are instructions given first but we often skip over the instructions and are disappointed when we find ourselves overwhelmed by the circumstances. Think about Philippians 4: 6-7, for example, and keep it in mind the next time life tries to overwhelm you.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Did you catch the instruction and, then, the promise?!

How important are Godly friendships? How important is it for us to make sure that we are building strong healthy friendships? How are your friendships? Take out a pen and a piece of paper and make a list of your friendships.

Are you able to be genuine within these friendships or do you find yourself having to put on a show? Do you find yourself often being phoney or frustrated with friends? Do you find yourself doing things that you know that you are not suppose to be doing when certain people are involved? How do you handle your conversations? Do you often feel uplifted after you've talked with your friend?

1 Thessalonians 5:11