Thursday, October 29, 2015

Challenge # 4 - Texting Thankfulness

So many of us have the use of technology at the tips of our fingers these days. For many of us our phones rarely even leave our sight, and the moment they do, we panic. We rely so heavily on being connected to those around us. So, I only find it fitting that we use technology to bless, strengthen and encourage those around us to advance the kingdom of God. This challenge is a quick and easy one. Scripture emphasizes the the importance of being thankful in spirit, but also being thankful for others. Let’s take a look at some of these examples.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16

“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2

In each of these examples Paul is showing his thanks for various people. In his day and age the way of distance communication was through a written letter and by no means was this instantaneous like we have it today. One advantage we have today is that we can tell others how grateful we are for them and they can receive that message in the blink of an eye.
So for this challenge we are going to send at least two text messages a week telling two different people how thankful we are for them. So by the end of the month we should have texted at least eight different people. The text messages can be very specific, or they can be more general, but whatever you say, by all means please make sure it is coming from the heart! I don’t know anyone who likes to receive encouragement that is forced and not genuine. If you are having trouble knowing what to say, spend some time in prayer. The Lord will lay on your heart exactly what to say that will bless the heart of the one on the receiving end of your message. If you do not have texting, then send out a quick e-mail, message a friend on Facebook, or even jot down a handwritten note and place it somewhere along that person’s path so they can find it in the midst of their day. There are many ways to let someone know that you are thankful for them and all they have done for you. The point of this is not what means we use, but that we follow through with letting others know that we are thankful for them!

May this challenge strengthen you as you strengthen others. After all, we are called to encourage one another daily. Blessings to you as you share your heartfelt thanks with those around you!

I would love to hear how this challenge and the other challenges have blessed you. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know how the challenges have been a blessing to your heart or the hearts of others.



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