Dear Foothills Family,

Hebrews 10:25 says: "Let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." What Day are we approaching? Undoubtedly it is the Day of the Lord's return!

Jesus described the signs of the last days in Luke 21 where He gave this exhortation: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!" (v. 28). What are "these things?" They are the great movements of men and nations. In the days leading up to our Lord's return, the world will be plunged into unprecedented turmoil. Take the present unrest in the Middle East and multiply it by a factor of 100, and we will be approaching the situation that Jesus is talking about.

Jesus encourages--let's be stronger--Jesus expects His followers to stay alert and watch for His return. As the battle increasingly rages around us, we can take courage because we know the coming of Christ is not far off. As spiritual opposition increases, mutual encouragement is absolutely essential.

So, how's your E.Q.--your Encouragement Quotient? Here are a few questions you and I can ask ourselves:

1. Do my words of encouragement outweigh my words of criticism?

2. Am I uplifting to be around?

3. Do words of praise come easily to my lips?

4. Would those who know me well consider me to be an encouraging person?

5. Do I swallow gossip and pass along good news?

6. Do I focus on the positive qualities of other people?

7. Would I rather give praise, or receive praise?

8. Can I think of someone who needs encouragement right now?

9. Do I pray for the difficult people in my life?

10. Am I diligent in encouraging the people closest to me--my spouse, my children, my friends, my co-workers, my students, my clients?

Like the miracle of the loaves and fish, the more we give, the more we have. By giving encouragement to a fellow traveler, the spigot of God's blessing is opened to us. When we freely share what God puts within us, rather than running out, we will find ourselves overflowing with the grace, goodness, and encouragement that God provides!

Mark Twain said: "I can live for a week off one good compliment." William James said: "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." And George Adams said: "Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul." Encouragement is fundamental to the Christian faith. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The Holy Spirit is creating at Foothills a community of faith, hope, love, joy, peace, and encouragement!

With much love,

Pastor Duff