Encouragers are God's water boys (and water girls); He has us positioned skillfully along life's pathway. Our singular purpose is to encourage the beleaguered Christian to put one foot in front of the other, to continue believing God for their miracle. We point towards the cross, leading our sisters and brothers to victory.  We are not saviors. We are not miracle workers, nor should we try to "fix" anything in the natural. When the time comes, we must let go, stepping back from our place alongside the Christian and allow the Holy Spirit to take up the charge.

That's the tough part, letting go. As an encourager, I admit, there are times when I "stay" too long. In the past, instead of being a support system, I inadvertently allow a dependency to develop. I'm too available, too willing to allow God to work solo or through another person He's positioned. That's a dangerous place for an encourager.

Dear Encouragers, I want to remind you to seek God constantly during your ministry. Encourage according to His plan. Don't move yourself into Christ's position. You cannot save a marriage, heal a heart or soothe a grieving soul. You are to deliver healing balm through the Word of God, a kind human touch then allow God to direct you.

Human encouragers, like you and I, must love and let go so God's Spirit can step in to finish the work. It's better to build strong Christians than dependent ones that resent you in the end because they feel as if you have failed them. Keep pointing to Jesus. He will never fail the discouraged.

Like many Christians, I rely on my scriptural foundation to get me through the tough times in my life. There's something about those first, fresh words I collected through my initial Bible readings that stay with me. Later, words spoken to me (in due season) God added to that spiritual repertoire, and there they rest, just waiting for God to use them once again to refresh and heal me.  I learn more every week, but I lean on the things I first learned.
After He established me, I began to seek Him for clear direction for my life. Like many people, I discovered God kept many secrets and there were many times when I didn't understand His attentions. I wanted a clear path before I began to do the real walking. That's not how God's kingdom operates.
I came upon Proverbs 3:5,6  and my life changed -- for the better:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)

That was the key! I exercised my trust in God and refused to become stressed about my purpose. I began to follow the small nudges, I also "acknowledged Him" as the KJV says, "in all my ways." I looked for Him, and said, "Yes, God -- I see you in this! And this! And this!" Once this changed of perspective occurred, God's plan began to unfold, clearly and perfectly.

Read more from Mimi by checking out her children's parable, "The Young Boy and the Great Mountain."

Samson was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. His supernatural strength, long hair and attractive physique must have given Samson a real advantages with the people he served. Like Samuel, looking for the next king, the people of Samson's time probably assumed because he looked the part, he was the perfect leader. We know from scripture that this Judge of Israel was not the perfect leader; he had an eye for the ladies, anger issues and severe streak of pride. However, he played along the edges of God's will until he stepped quietly yet firmly across the line. Once his secret was out, it took wings on the wind -- everyone knew. Unfortunately and ultimately, an evil "friend" betrayed him to his undoing...

Before the loss of his power, Samson had the opportunity to shake himself, not once but twice. Time and time again, he was betrayed and set upon, each time he claimed victory. Until the last time. Finally, after crossing the line one too many times, Samson shook himself only to find he was alone. Utterly and completely alone. We all know the sad ending of a life cut too short and marred by regret and despair.

Beloved, God has drawn a line around our lives, our country, even the world. Now is the time to shake yourself. Shake yourself now -- before the enemy arrives. If you find your strength fading, seek Him. Talk to God openly about your sin and make it right before Him.

This is the hour to be all God has called you to be!

M.L. Bullock

 Like many Moms, my Mother's Day celebration was filled with appreciation, love and family. Among all the smiles and hugs from my two kids and husband, I felt a stirring of my spirit. I knew that God wanted to show me something. I could feel the excitement of the Spirit as I slipped off for a few minutes alone on the deck by my pool. I leaned back on my chair, enjoying the rest, trying to distance myself from the activity in my home. A loving family was preparing me a great meal!

I could sense His Presence but for a few minutes He said nothing, I just enjoyed being there with Him in the moment. I pushed back the thoughts of the children I wouldn't see that day. You see, before I became a Christian, I had submitted myself to three abortions. Mother's Day was always sad for me. Earlier in the day, God and I had talked about my children. I knew He had forgiven me long ago, but today, somehow I realized that in Him, they also forgave me. I can't explain it but I had peace for the first time. I looked forward to one day, having all my children with me.

Just as these thoughts passed through my head, I felt Him say, "Look up!" I looked up into the sky and was amazed. My God, and my children sent me a Mother's Day gift. I snapped this photo with my iPhone that I had brought with me.

Above my head, was a perfect heart with an arrow shot through it. It was like the many that my little ones had given me over the years for special days like Valentine's and Mother's Day. I laughed, then cried and thanked God for such a peaceful, thoughtful gift. As I watched, my gift dissolved and melted into the surrounding clouds. God had arranged it perfectly.

To all you mothers who lost a child, for whatever reason, God loves you. I share my gift with you to let you know that everything is going to be okay!

Love to you,
Monica Bullock

Unless you live in a box ( and a very small one at that) you know the times are changing. Times like these remind me of something Isaiah said, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." What a day we live in when our leaders abandon the standards of God and declare evil to be good!

Beloved, it's easy to become spiritually agitated by what we see, to see deception and confusion take over the lives of people around us. However, God's directive to us hasn't changed despite the state of the world. We are to TRUST and BELIEVE! Unroll that faith and wrap it around yourself like a shield. Now is the time to remember the Truth, know the heart of the God you serve. Be a gentle as doves but wise as serpents. Continue to love and believe God.

What God has given you: peace, hope, love and joy -- no man can take away!

M.L. Bullock

Once, when the leaders of Israel gathered to help Moses lead the nation, the Spirit of God came upon them too, enabling them to prophesy. Under the influence of the Invisible Spirit, the men of Israel began to prophesy mighty things. Imagine each standing up one-by-one, on shaky, uncertain legs under the power of God. With a loud voice, each man declared the works of God, some works that would come to pass in those days and yet, even some for our time. Imagine the husband of a barren wife turning to her with hope and love, commanding her womb to yield. Some prophesied increase in storehouses they did not own. Other spoke of wonders not yet seen and spoke of cities not yet discovered. (Did I hear these things with my own ears? No! But such things are heard by the Spirit!)

When the young man, Joshua, saw all these things, he ran to his teacher. He reported the amazing sight he saw and was confused, angry and jealous for Moses.

Moses calmed Joshua’s fears by saying, “I wish that all men, everyone, would prophesy.” What a world we would live in if all men and women heard the voice of God and received his Invisible Spirit! What a world it would be Young Eagles, if you took flight to speak the good things of God in to the darkness!

That day, Joshua had a new thought. This was available to him too. He too would prophesy.

Excerpt from The Prophet's Code - a book by Monica Bullock. Click on the book title to see details. Thank you for supporting EFC. With your help we encourage people around the world to continue in their Christian faith.

Would you believe this statement, "God has no idea how strong He is?" Of course you wouldn't! God knows and understands His own strength, it's limitless! His ability to create is infinite. God makes something from nothing, He defeats all His enemies and has the strength to carry the known and unknown world. God is fully conscious of His strength.

Would you believe this statement, "I have no idea how strong I am?" Of course you would! We don't have the consciousness of God to know, at any given moment, the limits of our strength. It takes human experiences to reveal to us our strong suits and our weaknesses. In these revealing moments -- even seasons, we see God's handiwork, His ability to mature us more clearly. Or, during these times, He exposes our weaknesses to encourage us to become stronger still.

I encourage you to take God's strength test. Endure trials with vigor. Learn to see yourself as God sees you, strong and capable of achieving great tests of strength.

Monica Bullock

Most people love choices. Multiple choice options often bring laughter and joy as someone mulls over several items, or decisions, that can be made to choose the very best one possible. It has been said that too many choices are worse than having no choices at al. I disagree with that statement. The day you feel like you've run out of options, and your back is against the wall, often results in overwhelming hopelessness. Despair sets in and emotional darkness covers many other areas of life. Refuse to live without choices and options.

Remember, the Name of the Lord is a strong tower and those who run into it are safe. Cast off the feeling of abandonment and come on into safety. Connect with God at a fresh, new level knowing He has the solution for every point of stress in life. With God all things are possible is not printed in God’s Word to take up space. It’s a creative word from Almighty God to reassure those who feel there are no options available, and all hope is gone. God is the option when you decide I am unwilling to live with NO MORE OPTIONS!

Gerald Doggett

Throughout life we accumulate feelings, attitudes and opinions based on events we’ve encountered. Some of those events have left pain and wounds that remain tender spots in our present life experience. Some call it, “The baggage of the past.” Regardless of what’s attached, and how it got there, use this moment to pause, and shake it off. Carrying past issues is a drag on energy and focus. Every time you decide to create a new beginning, the unresolved issues from yesterday’s events always seem to appear. Let them go.

God stands ready to manifest your grandest dreams. You sure don’t want the pain of yesterday to be carried into the fresh wind of God blowing in your future. No one can properly deal with the residue of yesterday’s painful events but you and God. Healing comes from Jehovah. Allow Him to touch your life in the area of greatest discomfort, trusting He will bring complete healing physically, emotionally, and financially. He is the Great Physician. Your relationship with Him has undiscovered benefits. It’s a great day to access those benefits, let God do some healing, and then your responsibility is to simply SHAKE IT OFF!

Gerald Doggett