Devotionals by Dale O'Shields
Lift Someone's Spirit
There is no question that the world is filled with bad news. Like an unrelenting avalanche, it comes at us day after day. Stories about tragedies, crime, economic pressures, along with concern over our own personal problems and pain contribute to overwhelming feelings of anxiety and despair. All of this can leave us with a very heavy heart.
In the midst of such a world, God calls us to be His helpers, His “assistants,” His instruments of love, grace, support and encouragement. As the God of hope and encouragement, He longs to get His good news message out to people who are hurting, worried, grieving and afraid. He is looking for people who use their voice to speak His words — words that lift and inspire the heavy-hearted.
The writer of Proverbs described the power of such words and the impact of such a person:
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” — Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)
The Hebrew term for “worry” can also be translated “heaviness.” It refers to anxiety and apprehension over trouble. It speaks of the negative emotions we feel when receiving or anticipating bad news.
The Bible gives us the solution for a heavy heart. The cure for such anxiety and apprehension is an “encouraging word.” One translation reads, “a good word.” The Hebrew phrase refers to a message that lifts someone’s spirit out of their preoccupation with the bad and ugly and refocuses it on the pleasant possibilities and potential.
You are a communicator of bad news or good news; discouraging thoughts or encouraging thoughts; anxiety, fear and despair or faith, hope and love. The world already has enough of the negative, go for the positive. Lift someone’s spirit today!
Dale O'Shields
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About Practical Living
About Dale O'Shields
Dale O’Shields is the founding and Senior Pastor of Church of the Redeemer, a multi-cultural church that operates four campuses in Maryland, just north of the greater Washington, DC area.
Dale O’Shields is known for his relevant teaching style focused on practical application in people’s lives. His messages are regularly broadcast on radio and television. He is also the author of several books, devotionals and group study guides.
Dale O’Shields is a frequent conference speaker with a passion for leadership development and church growth. He has served as the Senior Pastor of a thriving local church for over 25 years. His heart to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders has led him to be a key founder of United Pastors Network.
Dale O’Shields has been involved in pastoral ministry since 1978, serving previously as Director of Campus Ministries and as an adjunct instructor at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. He and his wife Terry have two married daughters and seven grandchildren.Contact Practical Living with Dale O'Shields
Info@church-redeemer.org
Church Of The Redeemer
19425 Woodfield Road
(301) 926-0967