1 QUOTE

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Hebrews 3:13

1 NOTE

Drs. Bobby and Richard Clinton define the gift of exhortation as “the capacity to urge people to action in terms of applying Biblical truths.” I understand the gift to operation in three distinct functions:

Admonish - Paul’s intensity

Encourage - Barnabas’ building

Comfort - Luke’s love

Most Christian leaders start off strongest in one function and weak in the opposite function. It is important to know your starting point. So while a butt-kicker may never be known as a gentle person of love, it is important to operate in all three fuctions. In my own life, I began on the comfort and building side. It is not natural for me, so I must work harder to admonish.

On Friday, our daughter, Kara Teter turned 18 years old. For one present Becky encouraged me to put my encouragement gift to work. I reached out to five categories of people in Kara’s life: family, ohana family, Holy Faith Fellowship, mentors, high school tennis team. I was overwhelmed with the response.

Shout out to Richard Clinton for responding with an incredible note within an hour of the request. He and Kara are golf buddies and he faithfully prays for her every day. I received 50 pages of encouragement. Joy (sister) and Luke (brother) wrote notes of encouragement that made me cry a puddle of tears on my desk…true story. I formatted all of the encouragements, formatted, printed and produced coil bindings (we produce materials ourselves and never use Staples or Office Depot). My exhortation gift was flying and our home office filled with joy!

We presented Kara her ‘Birthday 18 Encouragement’ book at our family dinner. I attached a shot of the cover below. As Kara scanned each page, Becky and I could feel the love and encouragement fill her heart and mind. I am so glad I put my encouragement gift to work. Use it or lose it!

1 QUESTION

Who in your social network can you take the time to admonish, encourage or comfort this holiday season?

Until Next Tuesday,

John