An Encouraging Word

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called, ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

These verses remind us to always be encouraging to our brothers and sisters in Christ. What are we to encourage them about? I am glad you asked. Encourage them in the Lord. We are to speak life into each other. Life only comes from God who is light. Paul mentions to not be like others who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. This would imply that people are not intentional about living holy lives before the Lord. They aimlessly wonder around hoping to make a positive impact on their sphere of influence. When you come up to a questionable practice or habit, dig deep. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “’I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ – but not everything is constructive.” Find out why you feel the way you do about it. Then search the Scriptures or talk to someone who is grounded in God’s Word. Do whatever it takes to live a life pleasing to the Lord in all you do and say. You are never off the clock. Just think, you have a role in helping others to live their life pleasing to God.

Even in places where Christians do not experience overt persecution or hatred, we all know that life can be difficult. Discouragement can set in at the most inopportune times. You never know when someone around you is going through a difficult time.

A man in the early church named Joseph was given the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Through the encouragement of Barnabas, the apostle Paul was first accepted by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). Barnabas was constantly living up to his new name. It became a part of who he was. He found the secret of encouragement. Encouragement gives hope, it helps us through times of testing, it gives us the drive to live a fulfilled Christian life, it can prevent burnout, it can save us from believing lies, just to mention a few.

Could someone accuse you of being an encourager in the Lord? My prayer is that wherever you go this week, people will be spiritually lifted up to a higher level. This is a good place for a proverb, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is celebrating the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem as the Servant King. We have been looking at this passage of Scripture in Matthew 21 on Sundays during our current series, “Lead Me to the Cross.” Let’s plan to come and worship together as our choir leads us to the throne of God in worship. It is going to be a great day!

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org