Corona Devo 1762
Anyone who knows me and my family knows that we have a heart for unbelievers.
Can we introduce the forgiveness, love, grace and freedom of Jesus Christ to someone that has not accepted Him yet? Then let's do it! And this is a call that Jesus has on every Believer's life: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 28:19).
Expect a smile, invite, event, or prayer from us in the hopes of an opportunity to open the door to stepping closer to Christ and His salvation.
But this week, I was reminded...no immersed, in a separate call that the Lord has on the life of a Believer: to encourage each other.
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. (10) This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
(11) Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. (12) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (13) Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them...
(15) Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. (16) Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. ~I Timothy 4:9-13, 15-16
This week, I saw the heart that God has (and desires for us to have) for Believers.
Yes, we need to teach and serve others in Christ's name and as He did, but we also need to encourage one another (as Believer's). We need to exhort one another. Champion one another. Love one another and uphold one another, as Sisters and Brothers in Christ. God calls us to this.
God's goal is for all to be saved, but His heart is also (particularly) tender toward those of us who currently stand under His wing...and our family felt that this week.
...for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. ~I Timothy 4:10.
Out-of-town and away-from-home, our family had made a decision (and challenge) to be bold for the Lord in activity, conversation, and spirit this week. My husband even planned and organized a church service (complete with printed programs!) because we would not have the opportunity to attend church in person.
We had purposed to encourage others in Christ (and hopefully we succeeded as we handed out Jesus bracelets, Savior stickers, and held an open church service), but in (amazing) addition to our efforts, God's people (Believers!) met us everywhere we went. God was way ahead of us (of course), and...what an encouragement to be encouraged by other Believers!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~I Thessalonians 5:11
We hadn't expected to meet Pastor Doug and his wife Linda, who provided two (outstanding and powerful) church services and two devotional-meetings during the week that we shared together. What an encouragement they were to us and many!
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (14) We have come to share in Christ... ~Hebrews 3:13-14
Who knew that (seemingly) 90% of the people that we "happened" to meet ended up spurring us on toward love and good deeds, and they fell into categories of:
- Professing Christians
- Christian college students
- Missionaries
- Active Believers
- Family members of faith
- clergy
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~Hebrews 10:24-25
This encouragement happened to us all week, and it made us strong.
~~~
I am always very focused on serving the unbeliever...but over the past week, the Lord reminded me of the importance and the reward of serving (encouraging) other Believers.
It is powerful stuff!
Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them... ~I Timothy 4:14
I didn't expect a faith-community to be present in a place and with people that I did not know, but sometimes we forget how extensive God's family (and sovereignty) is.
We need each other (as God's children), and we can encourage and strengthen each other greatly today.
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. ~Acts 15:32
~~~
Today, be reminded...no: be immersed in the call that the Lord has on our lives to encourage each other. There is something special, intangible, powerful, and spiritual about Believers encouraging one another. Let's do it.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~I Thessalonians 5:11
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