Date:
October 3, 2025Needed Today: A Ministry of Encouragement
Be honest: when was the last time you said something or gave something or wrote something or did something with the single motive of encouraging someone else?
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Encouragement
In the classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, tumbles into the miry bog, the “slough of despond,” and struggles to get free. But the heavy burden on his back pulls him in deeper, and he begins to sink.
This image pictures what it feels like when we’re sinking in difficult circumstances—when our debts outweigh our income, when past hurts won’t heal, when discontentment marks our relationships, and when the light of heaven seems distant and dim. Discouragement, despondency, pain, suffering—these miry pits along life’s journey can pull us down into our own “slough of despond.”
Christian’s rescue came by the hand of a fellow traveller named Help...and the same is true for you today. Use these resources to find encouragement for your own life...or to minister help to those you find along life’s journey.
A Mother's Real Love
Each day you can make a difference in someone’s life. The people you come into contact with give you opportunities to extending kindness, courtesy, and compassion.
Glorying and Groaning
Discover with Pastor Chuck Swindoll more about the “groaning” found in Romans 8. Learn how the future and eternal glory awaiting the Christian far surpasses the agony of present suffering.
The Importance of Relationships
We live in a society of isolation and indifference. But the truth is, we need each other. When you’re separate, you’re weak. And if you think you can make it through life on your own, you’re headed for a fall.
Parenting Guilt
Parents, you’re only human. Everyone makes mistakes. But stay at it. Your family needs you!
Seven Ways to Cultivate Joy
Want more joy in your day? Cultivate it! Joy springs from viewing the day’s events from eternity’s perspective. With this intentional focus, you’re sure to see today differently—with more joy and conviction that God is at work in your life.
Getting Into Heaven
It’s hard to imagine what heaven will be like. But the Bible does say it’s a real place and there’s nothing you can do to earn your place there. You just need to accept God’s free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Unquenchable Hope
Pastors today constantly counsel believers struggling with depression, broken marriages, anxiety, anger, and weak self-control. They can’t help but wonder, “Where’s that abundant life Christ promised in John 10:10?”
Music that Soothes
Music is medicinal. It calms, soothes, and lifts our weariness. It also delights and entertains, and helps us to forget our problems. Like the English poet William Congreve said—music has charms to sooth the savage breast, to soften rocks, to bend a knotted oak.
Do You Have a Yes Face?
Negativity is all around us, but it is possible to rise above it. The key? Grace. Grace changes our attitudes, and makes an incredible difference in our relationships. Grace will give you a "yes face."
