Even though Paul was addressing this letter to the Church in Thessalonica…he probably could be speaking directly to any modern-day Church you know. Certain members of the Thessalonian Church, in anticipation of Christ’s return, had become careless and neglectful of their responsibility to work and support themselves. In other words…they were sitting around, waiting for the Rapture! Now, we may not see that degree of slothfulness in Church today…but what you can see is the attitude that “It’s me and Thee, God, and I’m not worrying about anybody else.” Paul warned that laziness and apathy would contribute to the downfall of any Church. Secondly, as the Church Body, we are to be Spiritual Cheerleaders for the fainthearted…the worry-warts…and those who can only see the cup half empty. We are to be encouragers of each other. Finally, as the Church, we are all to be ready with a helping hand for those who are weak spiritually, for when they grow, the Church grows.
Tag: word of encouragement
House Rules – If it cries…love it.
If there are young people in your house, you probably either formally, or informally have House Rules. Principles that help maintain order, routine, and guidance for everyone within the household. The same goes for the Body of Christ. This House Rule – If it cries…love it, takes it context from II Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” He is the God of all comfort…extending mercy, love and encouragement to us in our times of crisis and pain. And in that, we learn how to pattern and demonstrate that same love to others.
We’ve got to live: Keeping His Gospel in view.
What’s on your calendar this coming week? If it’s like most, you’ll be busy with meetings at work, kid’s sports practices and music lessons, and maybe some volunteer work. So my question to you is, how can you bring the Gospel into the center of your hectic week? The Lord has charged us with the duty of proclaiming the Gospel to others. (Romans 15:16) He also insists that we not be ashamed of declaring the Gospel. (Romans 1:16) So how can we bring God into the picture in a non-preachy way? Sometimes, it’s by what we not do. Our greatest impact for the Lord could be by not joining in the gossip mill at work…by not degrading co-workers or referees, or by not using bad language in front of children. By simply encouraging others rather than discouraging them, you’ll be speaking the Gospel Message loud and clear.
Matthew 6:25 ” Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…”
How much time do I squander away worrying? I’d hate to count up the minutes I spend stressing over the most stupid things…worse case scenarios that 99.9% of the time never happen. Rather than worrying, we should be worshiping…rather than glorifying our anxiety, we should be exalting the Lord. For God has kept His promises to us in the past…and He’s not going to stop now.
Philemon 7 ” Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. “
What happens when you encourage someone? They hear those words of inspiration and their spirit is renewed and energized. And as their spirit is lifted, that encouragement gives them the courage to persevere through the challenges they face. Never refuse the chance to encourage someone…it may be the one word they need to hang on.
Romans 15: 32 ” So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”
When we come together as God’s family, my spirit and yours are refreshed. (I Cor. 16:18) The Lord has opportunity to minster through you and me to touch others with encouragement when we meet together. He can also move corporately throughout to refresh…exhorting, inspiring, and spurring on. But when you decide not to go to Church or Bible Study or Prayer Group for selfish reasons, you are denying others the blessing of giving and receiving hope and inspiration through your absence. Never believe that you don’t matter in the Family of God, for you are a very important and intricate part of the spiritual community called the Body.
Proverbs 11:25 ” A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Everyone can use encouragement…everyone likes words of appreciation. This week I was explaining to a group of ladies the purpose of this Devotional. Over 4 years ago, the Lord challenged me to become a modern-day Barnabas…an encourager of others. And in today’s world of negativity – I would challenge you also to become that man or woman of God that strengthens those around you…renewing souls with encouragement and gratitude…reviving and renewing those who are discouraged and down-trodden. A kind word could be life changing to someone around you today….resolve to be a Barnabas.
James 1:23 ” Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
You know your face better than anyone else…every nook and cranny – every spot and wrinkle. You’re familiar enough with your face that you can readily pick yourself out of a group picture. We need to know the Word of God in the same manner. We can’t causally listen to His Word allowing it to go in one ear and out the other. His Word must go deep inside…changing us for the better – not being dismissed and forgotten. The key is to contemplate, internalize, and apply His Word to your life…mirroring His life with yours.
Romans 1:11-12 ” I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
There’s no way around it…we all need to be around fellow Believers. There’s nothing like being with like-minded Christians…sharing, listening, and bearing each others burdens in prayer. All of us need encouragement and our faith strengthened by interacting with other Believers…we all need to hear how God is moving in other’s lives. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, ” As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Think of it…something the Lord has brought you through is exactly what someone needs to hear today.
Luke 5:16 ” But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
It’s not that Jesus was anti-social or hated the crowds that pressed in all the time around Him…for He loved people. But He did require Father-Son time, and searching out solitary places to pray was essential for His wellbeing. When we’re alone by our self in the silence – we shut out the noise of the world…we gain God’s perspective…we hear clearly from the Holy Spirit. It was essential for Jesus…it’s no different for you.
Safetypinlove 