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One day, the Devil laid out his gleaming, razor-edged tools upon a worn and ancient wooden table. He announced a "fire" sale and carefully marked the price upon each tool:

ANGER: $100,

RESENTMENT: $400,

HATRED: $600, etc.

Each tool sold almost as quickly as it was placed upon the table. Toward the end of the day, a crooked old man in tattered rags approached. The man eyed the tools that remained, but was taken by a certain tool at the end of the table. The tool resembled the two long and bowed fangs of a viper. Its chrome-like pointy tusks caught the sun and sent flashes of blinding light everywhere. With one hand, the old man blocked his eyes from the glare and with the other, he reached for the tool. As he grabbed hold, the tool's steely, needle tips nearly pierced his hand. This seemed to please the old man. He snatched up the tool and held it to his chest. With a glint in his eye, the man asked the Devil, “How much for this one?” “I’m sorry, that tool isn’t for sale,” the Devil replied. Without hesitation, the man said, “But I’ll pay double. I know how valuable it is.”

The Devil narrowed his eyes and hissed, “Sir, I’ve told you, that tool is not for sale, nor will I ever sell it. It is the most useful tool I own and without it, I wouldn't be half as effective in my work. With that tool alone, I can accomplish my every task. Now good day, sir.” Dejected, the man looked once more at the shiny tool, then slowly placed it on the table. With almost a whisper, he said to the Devil, "If I can't buy it, would you, at least tell me its name?" A slow and wicked grin grew across the Devil's face. "Of course, old man, its name is... Discouragement."

Defeat should never be a source of discouragement.  You now have a new learning experience.

Thomas Edison was asked once about why he failed so often in creating the light bulb (he failed in his first 3,000 + experiments to create the light bulb). He replied, "I didn't fail. I just learned 3,000 new ways it didn't work!" (By the way, I love Thomas Edison's attitude! When his factory burned to the ground, he woke up all of his neighbors to watch because, "You'll never see a fire this big again in your lifetime!")

Discouragement is not the absence of ability, but rather the absence of courage. Thus the name “disCOURAGEment”. Don’t quit. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) It’s always darkest just before the dawn. Hang tough. Discipline yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2) and know this:

The difference between dismal failure and magnificent success is the ability to keep on and not allow discouragement to hinder you.

“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Enthusiasm comes from a combination of two Greek words: En - meaning "in" and Theos - meaning "God." If we remain "In God" we will be ENTHUSIASTIC!

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1, NLT)

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10, NLT)

I am not advocating "The Power of Positive Thinking!" I like being around positive people more than negative people, but what GOD'S WORD teaches is "The Power of Positive Praying!"

Let's pray through our discouragement to GOD'S bright future - together!

• Encouragement comes from above and discouragement comes from below.
  On a scale of 1-10 how encouraged are you right now?
  Why? Would spending some time talking with the Lord help your current encouragement level? He's ready to listen and help!

Rejoicing, On the Victory Side!

Beau

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