---SOURCES OF ENCOURAGEMENT ~~

-"In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
--[John 16:33] --

--My guide was a quiet fellow. I never did learn his name, and I cannot recall even one detail of his appearance. As we slowly climbed to the summit of a high, grassy knoll, a breathtaking view of endless mountains and valleys stretched out before us. I have hiked many mountain trails, but the indescribable peace and beauty of the land below was unlike anything I had even seen before. "What is it?" I asked my guide. "What makes this land so overwhelming in its beauty?" There's no sin there"--he replied. And with a start I woke up.

I have never placed much significance in my dreams, yet this one is an exception and continues to be a strong encouragement to me. It may not correspond to any Biblical description of Heaven, but where else is there a land without sin?

Galatians 6:9 advises us to "not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." A rainbow, a brilliant, a hardwood forest in the riot of Fall colors, and a Spring meadow covered with wildflowers are a few of the natural phenomena that can lift our spirits as we reflect on the majesty and love of our great Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. But sincere expressions of love, concern, and sympathy from other people are by far the most effective in comforting us and dispelling the discouragements brought by this world's trials.

The overwhelmed, the fearful, and the disillusioned are all around us. May God give us the wisdom to recognize them and the love to encourage each one with divinely inspired messages of deliverance and hope. ~~

-"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." -[Hebrews 3:13]

--BSW/PL~