Keeping the Corpath Experience REAL with ENCOURAGEMENT
Psalm 21:1-13
Over the next few weeks, we will continue our journey as we focus on four unique ways your group can operate with transparency and high integrity while providing a safe space for Corpath members to share and walk through the Christian journey together.
Using the word REAL as an acronym for the four ideas, the first topic we discussed (last week) was “RESPECT”.
For this week, we will focus Keeping the Corpath Experience REAL with ENCOURAGEMENT.
I don't know about you, but when I look at the world around me it's easy to spot those who are discouraged. It seems as though life has taken on a whole new level of complexity over the past few years and it has become harder than ever for everyone to function with competence and confidence.
Our personal boundaries and professional spaces have been reset.
Our normal routines have been upended and require re-creation.
Our business plans have had to be amended and adapted to new regulations and policies.
Our homes are being infiltrated with discussion topics we never ever would have dreamed as necessary.
Everything seems harder!
Considering all of this, It would be very easy for us to fall into the deep pit of discouragement and feel a complete lack of ability to navigate anything well.
Q: Using a "spectrum bar" concept, would you say you are feeling more DISCOURAGED (far left side) or more ENCOURAGED (far right side) lately? Where would you place yourself on the spectrum? And why?
There are so many places where we can find discouraging factors and seemingly few areas where we feel and receive encouragement. However, as a Christian and Corpath member we know we can find encouragement in a couple of critical areas.
The WORD
I love reading the Psalms, most of which was written by David. In this book there are many accounts where he cries out for relief, laments in his situation, apologizes for his carnal thoughts, and repents for his sins.
Throughout his life he was led to do some ridiculously hard things. He fought lions and bears as he tended sheep. He left home to engage in a battle with a giant he knew little about. He was threatened and hunted by the King of Israel. He was appointed King over a divided people. He experienced the consequences of grave sins.
Yet, in all of this he continues to be encouraged by his faith in God.
Consider this passage in Psalm 21:1-13 where journals his thoughts. Take a moment to read this passage right now.
God’s word is filled with stories of how those who are faithful we able to overcome great obstacles and challenges as He provided for them. Spending time in the word can bring great encouragement to all of us!
Our FAITH
Pursuing a relationship with God requires faith. If we truly believe He cares for us and holds us in the palm of His hand, then we know that all things are working for good.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Faith in God’s goodness means we can be encouraged even in tough times.
Our CORPATH GROUP
I value the wisdom of my Corpath group members. There have been times when I have received great counsel and support from them. There have also been times When I have attended a Corpath meeting feeling challenged and discouraged but have left the meeting ceiling light hearted and encouraged.
In the Bible, we read about a man who was known as “the encourager”. His name was Barnabas. Acts 11:24 describes him this way, “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.”
In fact, the name Barnabas literally means “son of encouragement”.
At times we, as Corpath members, are called to give encouragement while at other times we are needing to receive it.
Q: Can you remember a time, in your Corpath group, when you were the encourager? What was happening? Was there another time when you felt encouraged?
As you begin this new Corpath year, strive to make your Corpath group a place where all members can give and receive encouragement. Remind each other that God is indeed working in good ways in all situations.
PRAYER
My God and Father, I approach you today recognizing you as the infinite encourager. I praise You for Your word. Please continue to grow my faith in you. Thank you for my Corpath brothers and sisters who also encourage me. Please show me how I can be “a Barnabas “to all you put in my path this week. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
