2 Corinthians 4:1 – Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 2:12 – We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. (NLT)

In advance of the 20th anniversary of the PresbyCan Daily Devotional on May 25th, I designed an appropriate poster and submitted it to Facebook. It was there that I heard from some of the people whom I had known, and still know, as writers for the Daily and others who sent the feedback that I used to receive. This goes as far back as 1999, the first year that I began to write devotionals for the Daily. In those days, I felt like I almost knew these people personally.

With this in mind, I revived my habit of writing some words of encouragement to our writers (especially our newer ones) to keep on writing — something that I have not done for well over a year.

As a devotional writer, I always looked forward anxiously to the feedback with a certain amount of anticipation, wondering just how the readers would react to my messages. Often, it was just a "thank you" for a message that they were waiting to hear. Then there were others who went on at length to tell of an experience that they were going through right then. Many times, I would hear that they had found some help in the devotional that eased their problem. It was always encouraging. In many cases, by way of follow-up, I was able to share my faith, as we encouraged one another.

Romans 1:11-12 – For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (ESV)

What a privilege it has been to be involved in this ministry! I want to give you confidence that you, also, can engage yourself in Christ's service as an encourager of other people's faith!

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, look upon us with favour and encouragement to search Your Word and put it to work in our lives. Thank You for the thoughts that You place upon our hearts to write. May we rejoice in the Daily, and may the readers and writers be blessed by the messages given to them in Jesus' name. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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