Acts 20:2 Paul
traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people,
and finally arrived in Greece. (NIV)
We
are living in pretty discouraging times. Our people are divided and our leaders
are not working together. Terrible acts of violence have been committed and
hatred is on the increase. Good folks everywhere are feeling insecure and most
people are looking for real solutions to our problems. All this strife is
adding to our stress which fragments our relationships, leaving us isolated and
vulnerable. No one seems to know how to fix things and heal our problems. Our
souls are damaged and our hearts are crushed. We just need something or someone
to say the right things, give the right word, and point us in the right
direction.
This
is the Great Commission of Christ’s Church in the 21st century. We
still have a pertinent platform where words of encouragement can bring people
closer to God and, in the process, bring us together. How we express those
words is very important to the folks around us. For encouragement to work, we
have to be sensitive and supportive. If we present Christ in compassionate
ways, we will help others who are struggling with life. If we share our confidence
in God’s love, we will enable others to find refuge in Him. It all depends
whether we are willing, like Paul of old, to be vessels of Christ’s mercy and
grace. If we choose to channel His Loving Spirit, we will help others to
overcome their fears and rediscover the inner strength which faith in Christ
empowers.
Wherever
you are today, be an encourager. Whatever you do, let it be done in love.
Point to ponder
How does God encourage me? How can I share this with
others?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we can grow weary of the world and
fearful of its fallen ways. Enable us to overcome our current concerns by
placing our hopes, dreams, and lives into Your hands. In Your Holy Name, we
pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about
today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s latest winter drawings called ‘Red Cardinal in Snow.’ If you would like
to view a larger version, please click this link: Cardinal.
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