But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today,so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Lillian has been my hairdresser for 15 years, so you can imagine the conversations that have transpired while I have sat in her chair. We’ve discussed family, world events, books and our own struggles with weight issues.
Many years ago, I invited all of her salon staff to an evangelistic Luis Palau ladies luncheon; during that event, Lillian made a personal commitment to Christ. Since then, we’ve talked frequently of faith and church, seeking to mutually encourage one another.
This fall, Lillian and her husband, Tom, joined my First Place 4 Health class, even though it meets an hour from their home. The second week, she announced, “At home, I always said these stairs are going to be the death of me! But now that I’m moving more, I realize these stairs are going to be the life of me!”
Today, when I opened my email, I realized that God always uses our efforts to encourage one another:
Dear Cindy, we pray for you each day and thank the Lord for your encouraging words that got us to First Place 4 Health and this wonderful Bible study. We are learning so much and enjoying the prayer together each day as a couple. It has brought us even closer to each other by the miracle of His Holy Word!! Thank you so much for your personal encouragement about my weight. I have never lost so much weight with as little ease, knowing that I am restoring the “temple” that God the Father prepared for me to house the Holy Spirit. Looking at it in this different way and putting God first has made all the difference! Blessings, Lillian
Action Item: Take a bold step this week to encourage someone with a word of hope, comfort, an offer to help or an invitation to your First Place 4 Health group. Write in your journal the person’s name and the action you will take, and then pray for God’s guidance and timing.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, Christian author and speaker
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Devotional taken from the devotional, Better Together. To order, visit our website, www.firstplace4health.com, or call 800.727.5223, x1002.