With remarkable literary skill, the author of Esther recorded God’s work on behalf of His people without once mentioning God’s name. As we begin our journey through Esther, we sharpen our theological lens to see God’s invisible hand moving people and events.
More InformationCurrent Broadcast
New? Start Here!
Request your free gift, connect with Insight for Living Canada, and learn more about our non-profit Bible-teaching ministry.
Current Devotional
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
(1 John 3:17)
Going to the statement found in Hebrews 10:24, we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” In other words, we are to give thought to specific ways we can lift up, affirm, and help others. God’s commands are not theoretical—especially those that relate to people in need.
If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty,” and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do? (James 2:15–16 TLB)
Maybe a few ideas will help spark an interest in putting our encouragement into action.
- Observe and mention admirable character qualities you see in others, such as punctuality, thoroughness, tactfulness, diligence, faithfulness, honesty, compassion, good attitude, loyalty, tolerance, vision, faith, and good sense of humour.
- Correspondence. Handwritten notes are the best of all, but emails and texts can be very encouraging. Maybe even deliver small gifts with a note attached. Preferably not so much at birthdays or Christmas, but at unexpected times.
- Phone calls. Be brief and to the point. Express appreciation for something specific that you genuinely appreciate.
- Notice a job well done and say so. I know of a few important people who are successful largely because they have splendid assistance from secretaries and support personnel within the ranks...but seldom are those people told what a fine job they’re doing.
- Cultivate a positive, reassuring attitude. Think and respond along this line. Encouragement cannot thrive in a negative, squint-eyed atmosphere.
- Pick up the tab in a restaurant...provide free tickets to some event you know the person (or family) would enjoy...send flowers...a gift card to their favourite restaurant.
- Be supportive to someone you know is hurting. Reach out without fear of what others may think or say.
Taken from Strengthening Your Grip by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2015 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Worthy Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Ministry Offer
Shedding Light on Our Dark Side
When we accepted Christ’s forgiveness, His sacrifice removed sin’s penalty but not our capacity to sin. Through new life and the Spirit’s work, we gain power to resist. Understanding sin helps us live faithfully and walk in victory.
View DetailsCurrent Articles
“Our sacred mission at Insight for Living is to daily teach God’s inerrant Word...equipping and encouraging pastors, families, churches, and children everywhere.”
God never intended for us to walk the Christian life alone. As believers, we are called to share both the joys and the burdens—the stories of His faithfulness as well as the seasons when we need prayer, encouragement, and support.
You want to lead a Bible study, but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve never led a group before. Maybe you’ve led groups for years but want a fresh approach rooted in a solid Bible-study method. Either way, Insight for Living’s Searching the Scriptures Bible studies can help you.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll has been dishing out nutritious dishes from God’s Word for decades, but he didn’t always know his way around the Scriptures. He had to learn to study the Bible, glean its truths, and prepare his own spiritual meals...and he wants to help you be able to do the same by showing you how through his Searching the Scriptures method of studying God’s Word.
