Helpful tips for staying encouraged in Christ: #2 Overcome Idleness

Tip #2 - Overcome Idleness

Listen. (I’ve often been encouraged and inspired by listening to
Christian talk-radio. It’s always good to know that others are
enduring and experiencing the same obstacles and often times
to a greater degree. Listening to a good selection of Christian
podcasts, radio, CD’s and other broadcasts can help keep you
informed and encouraged that whatever the situation, it’s not an
isolated case. We’re in this together, you are not alone.)
Read. Exercise the mind. In addition to Christian literature,
reading a variety of main stream national newspapers can help
strengthen and encourage, as well as being informative. (It’s
always inspiring to me when I pick up the Times or Chronicles
and find confirmation of what I had just been reading or studying
in the scriptures.)
Write. Put it into words and write it down on paper. Handwrite
your thoughts, ideas and goals for personal improvement and
accomplishments. Write a step by step description on how you
can begin to achieve them. (You don’t need a business plan, to
plan for life. I’ve discovered that what I personally plan for
encourages and motivates me to do it.)
Review. Stay on course or shift gears as God directs.
Periodically, assessments of your written goals are needed to
chart your progress. (Don’t be discouraged by set backs and
missed opportunities, things happen. Stay focused knowing the
ultimate goal is not speed, but progress.)
Search. The numerous promises written in God’s Word, like
hidden treasure, are just waiting to be discovered. (Just like gold
nuggets are rarely found by accident, His Word is no different.)
Encourage. The Spirit is life, keep it flowing to others, not just to
friends and family. Sending a simple email or note card to cheer
up the spirit of another can have a big impact when it comes from
the heart. (God has a special way of bouncing it back to you. On
a recent visit to a major fast food restaurant, the drive-thru clerk
had no way of knowing that the warm pleasant expression of
humor nourished and uplifted my spirit during a time when I was
stopped at a crossroad in life. Reminding me that there are great
people in my city and everyone is not the same.)
Communicate. Stay in communication with God. (Even if it’s just
a whisper of thanks for all His blessings and for the doors that
He’s opened and closed. As your relationship with Him
continues to grow and prosper, it’s vital to keep the lines of
communication open throughout each day.)
Usefulness. Outline your talents and how they can benefit the
body of Christ. Then seek Him to implement them.
Identify. Who or what is zapping your energy and draining your
spirit? (Determine what is needed to stop the bleeding, then
seek God for direction and strength to do as He requires.)
Find. Precious jewels must be found. Cultivate a circle of like-
minded people of faith to speak with about the things of God.
This is also how one learns and grows in faith and direction. It’s
also another avenue for the blessings of God to find you.

“Make it a way of life, everyday.”

Then they that feared the Lord
spake often one to another:
and the Lord hearkened, and heard it,
and a book of remembrance was written before him
for them that feared the Lord,
and that thought upon his name.
-- Malachi 3 verse 16
(Kings James Bible)

Things Happen