How do you identify someone who needs encouragement?
Answer: “That person is breathing.”
There is breakdown today in the church, in the family, and in the meaningfulness of work. All three arenas were given to us as blessings, but our culture has turned them into sources of hurt. Some pastors lead like CEOs instead of shepherds or spiritual guides. But people long for shepherds. They are looking for comfort, encouragement, direction and spiritual guidance.
Even though he headed a large institution, Pope John Paul II came across as a shepherd. He had and showed character, love and compassion. His character appealed to young people. He was the rock. The love was the generous spirit he displayed.
When our politicians wave, it’s in a way that says, “I hope you like me.” John Paul didn’t wave, he gave a blessing. People felt that they were being blessed by seeing him, that the encounter wasn’t for him, but for them. That’s encouragement.
And when he died, the occasion attracted 5 million people to the largest voluntary gathering in history.
The thoughts above concerning Pope John Paul II was the observation of Fred Smith Sr.
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Ron Corzine
Better known as Son of a Preacher, Ron started the first Christian Fellowship Church in Harlingen, Texas in 1982 and presently serves as a counselor, consultant and apostolic overseer to multiple churches and ministries. He travels nationally and internationally motivating and challenging people to be effective in their call and ministry to their local church, their community, and the marketplace.
Ron and his wife Anne were married in 1968. They have three children, seven grandchildren and presently reside in San Antonio, Texas.
Ron is the founder and president of Christian Fellowship International. Click to email Ron.
Philip Corzine 
Philip serves Christian Fellowship International by helping oversee the network of CFI churches, as well as pastoring Christian Fellowship Church McAllen, Texas. He graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas in 1991, and then served in the Army for three years. Philip is a very gifted musician, worship leader and communicator of the Word. He and his wife Trish have two daughters, Lauren and Lenzy. Click to email Philip.
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by Ron Corzine
'Lessons For Abundant Living'
02/04/2012