"At that time I earnestly prayed, ‘Sovereign LORD, I know that you have shown me only the beginning of the great and wonderful things you are going to do. There is no god in heaven or on earth who can do the mighty things that you have done! Let me cross the Jordan River, LORD, and see the fertile land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon Mountains.’"

"But because of you people the LORD was angry with me and would not listen. Instead, he said, ‘That’s enough! Don’t mention this again! Go to the peak of Mount Pisgah and look to the north and to the south, to the east and to the west. Look carefully at what you see, because you will never go across the Jordan. Give Joshua his instructions. Strengthen his determination, because he will lead the people across to occupy the land that you see.’"

Deuteronomy 3:23-28

All of us need a word of encouragement to spur us on, when we are facing a major new challenge. But we also need words of appreciation and commendation as we carry out our daily responsibilities, whether at home or at work. People need approval and recognition for what they do. Sometimes a warm handshake and an honest expression of appreciation for the good we see in them is just what they need. Encourage people without flattery.

A word of encouragement can make the difference

between giving up or going on.

Our Daily Bread – July 7, 2003