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This beautiful red poppy just bloomed in my Dad’s Wisconsin garden. He planted it from seed and then with the encouragement of light, water, and TLC, it opened into this magnificent bloom that blesses all who encounter it. In these times that can many times feel dark, dry, and uncaring, I want to share with you some encouragement from scripture to help you bloom where you are planted. There are many references to encouragement in scripture, and it is an important element that we need to thrive. God desires abundant life for you and the light of Christ, the waters of baptism, and the presence of the Holy Spirit full of love, peace, and encouragement might bless you to be a blessing with the beauty of your gifts. Here are the top 10 verses I share to encourage you today:

1.     Psalm 10:17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 

2.     Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. 

3.     Romans 15:4-6 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

4.     2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 

5.     Philippians 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 

6.     Colossians 2:2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God… 

7.     1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 

8.     2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 

9.     Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

10.  Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Encouraging you, Pastor Andrea