TEN DAYS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
by Fran Caffey Sandin

Day 1

Dear ______________,

Let’s talk things over!  No matter what you’ve done or how deep the stain of your sin, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.  Even if your stains are as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool.  If you just tell me what you’ve done, and honestly confess, you can depend upon Me to cleanse you from every wrong.  That is possible because my son, Jesus, died to wash away your sin.  Think about it!  I loved you so much that I sent my son to die for you so that you might live and have fullness of life.  There is no greater love than my love for you.

You are my precious child,
God

P.S.  You can read it for yourself in Isaiah 1: 18, I John 1: 9, 1 John 4: 10, and John 10: 10.

Day 2

Dear ______________,

People will often let you down in this life, but if you call upon Me and trust in Me, you will not be disappointed.  I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.  If you draw close to Me, I will draw close to you.  I am the Guardian of your soul.

I love you,
God

P.S.  Read about how dependable I am in Psalm 22: 5, Hebrews 13: 5, James 4: 8, and I Peter 2: 25

Day 3

Dear _________________,

In your distress, put your trust in Me.  It is better to trust in Me than to place your confidence in men.  You can take refuge in Me because my strong arm will do glorious things.  I want you to trust Me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give Me glory.  I will not despise your broken heart and will not ignore your feelings.

Your trustworthy Father,
God

P.S.  Discover more about Me in Psalm 118: 8, 16, Psalm 50: 15, and Psalm 51: 17

Day 4

Dear _______________,

Look at your new clothes!  I have clothed you with the garments of salvation and draped you with the robe of righteousness (right living and right thinking).  You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and constantly becoming more like Christ who created this new life within you.  I have given you beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of heaviness. 

Your Heavenly Tailor,
God

P.S.  To find out more about your new wardrobe, search out Isaiah 61: 3, 10; and Colossians 3: 10.

Day 5

Dear_________________,

I give power to the weak, tired, and worn-out ones.  When you feel exhausted and want to give up, search for me, listen, and read my Word.  I will renew your strength so that you shall mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint.  Do not fear for I am with you, and I will uphold you with my victorious right hand!

The Eagle-Maker Who loves you,
God

P.S. Come soar with Me as you personalize Isaiah 40: 29-31; and 41: 10.

Day 6

Dear __________________,

Did you know that if you bring me your broken heart, I will heal you and bind up your wounds?  Do not be wise in your own eyes but have deep respect for Me and turn away from evil.  That will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.  If you have strayed far away from Me, return, and I will even heal your faithlessness. 

Your Great Physician,
God

P.S.  For bandages of hope, explore Psalm 147: 3, Proverbs 3: 7-8, and Jeremiah 3: 22.

Day 7

Dear___________________,

You are in a daily battle with my enemy and yours, Satan.  So your strength needs to come from my mighty power within you.  Put on my armor to stand safe against all the tricks of Satan.  To do this, don the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval.  Wear shoes that speed you along to share the Good News, peace with God.  Raise your shield of faith to stop Satan’s fiery arrows.  Place the helmet of salvation on your head, and use the sword of the Spirit—which is My Word.  When you resist the enemy in an attack, you will be standing firm when it’s over.

Your Armor-Bearer,
God

P.S.  Discover how to use these tools in Ephesians 6: 10-17.

Day 8

Dear__________________,

You have been given freedom:  not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.  For my Law can be summed up in this one command:  “Love others as you love yourself.”  But if instead of showing love you are always critical and catty, watch out.  You could really hurt someone.  When my Holy Spirit controls your life, He will produce this kind of fruit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  And these qualities are right in line with my Law.

Your Freedom-giver,
God

P.S.  Find out more about how to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life from Galations 5: 13-15 and 5: 22.

Day 9

Dear___________________,

Are you feeling defeated?  Trying to live a good life in your own strength?  Relax.  You are a branch.  My Son, Jesus, is the Vine and He is the source of nourishment for branches.  Apart from Jesus, a branch cannot bear fruit.  It withers.  You can bring glory to Me by staying attached to the Vine through prayer, obedience, and studying His Word. Then your life and the lives of others will reap a harvest of benefits. 

Your Master-Gardener,
God

P.S. Read more about fruit-bearing in John 15: 1-8.

Day 10

Dear_______________,

You are like an olive tree flourishing in my house.  I have loved you with an everlasting love.  So what if someone is against you?  I am for you, and nothing can separate you from my love.  Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.  You are my dear and cherished one, the object of my wonderful deeds.

Your  Compassionate Father,
God

P.S.  Seek after His love in Psalm 52: 8, Romans 8: 31, Isaiah 54: 10, and Psalm 107: 8, 9, 15, 16.