Getting Encouragement

In summary of Romans 15:3-6, it says "Christ didn’t live to please himself.  He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, instead he waded right in and helped out.  He took on the troubles of the troubled is the way Scriptures put it.  These things were written long ago to teach us and give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently (endure) for God’s promises to be fulfilled.  God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next.  May God, who is the one who gives patience and encouragement, help develop you in maturity, showing you how to live in complete harmony with each other, as would be fitting for the followers of Christ.  Then all can join together in one voice, giving praise and glory to God, who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Bottom Line:
Christ didn’t live on earth just to please himself.  Instead of taking it easy, avoiding people's troubles, he waded right in and helped them out.  Scriptures say he took on the troubles of the troubled.  His example along with the scriptures were written to teach us, give us hope and encouragement as we endure and wait patiently for God’s ultimate promises to be fulfilled.  God wants to use the combination of his warm, personal, steady and constant counsel presented in his Word to characterize us, keep us alert what he will do next.  God who is the one gives patience and encouragement, will help you develop in maturity showing you have to live in harmony with others who are also followers of Christ.  Then all can join together in one voice, giving praise and glory to God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does this mean for me:
God provides his written Word to encourage us, even the toughest parts encourage us in the right direction.  Spending time alone reading his Word and talking with him is extremely important.  Scripture shows the example of Jesus and how he didn’t live for himself but to serve and make a difference for others.  So next time I’m feeling down, instead of having a pity party, I should reach for my Bible instead and give myself a “Word” break.  If I’m feeling discouraged, hopeless, alone.. I should see these things as a signal that I’m not spending enough time in His Word.  Instead of turning on the TV or surfing the Internet, I’ll open God’s Word and read it.
I’m convinced that God’s Word has the power to change my life.  It is the “real stuff” - true encouragement.  While it may be difficult, I need to be sure that I do whatever I can to have my daily time with God.