Tag: encouragement

Hebrews 3:7-19

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            Although many people do their outdoor grilling with propane and propane accessories, there are still some who go with the old charcoal grill.  The key to a good hot grill is in the stacking of the briquettes into a neat pile before lighting them.  If this is not done, it is likely the white hot fire will never get going.  At the most, the briquettes will become warm but quickly grow cold and die.
 
            The New Testament lesson for today operates with the same principle.  “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”  Just as a pile of charcoal needs all the individual briquettes together in order to become hot and not grow cold, so every Christian needs other Christians to speak into his/her life every day.  If this dynamic does not happen, the heart will grow cold and hard and eventually lead, if unchecked, to a falling away from the faith.
 
            There is much we can learn from the Korean church on this matter.  Every day they have opportunities early in the morning to gather together for prayer and encouragement before going off to their jobs and busy lives.  There is a reason that the Korean church has grown hot for God with many Christians and lots of missionaries going all over the world.  It would be not only wise, but necessary to re-think and re-do our American spiritual practices to better accommodate and reflect an obedience to these very verses in Hebrews.
 

 

            Blessed Holy Trinity, I have been made in your image – the image of the triune God.  Help me to reflect that image every day by encouraging my fellow believers and allowing them to exhort me toward love and good deeds in the faith of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            The news is rarely filled with good wholesome edifying reporting; it is usually filled with the grit and grime of human depravity.  Whether it is terrible war and economic meltdowns half-way across the world, or child pornography, theft, and murder closer to home, we live in a time of both unprecedented communication and unparalleled evil.  So, where does God fit into all this?
 
            He is there, calling his people to a life of moral sobriety, spiritual holiness, and unflagging encouragement of one another.  In the midst of the sinful muck, the Apostle Paul made the astounding statement that “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  God is patiently and constantly working behind the scenes to overshadow the world with grace.  There will come a time when this present order of things will pass away and the fullness of God’s rule and reign will be established forever. 
 
            In the meantime, until that Day occurs, we are to be vigilant to “encourage one another and build one another up.”  While God works, we encourage.  We are to come alongside each other, speaking grace and helping one another become successful in our daily Christian walks.  That is no small task, considering the immense evil in the world.  Thus, no lone ranger Christianity will do.  Individual mavericks will not make it unless they accept the encouragement and help of God’s people.
 
            So, are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength, on your own terms, in your own way?  “Private Christian” is an oxymoron.  Every believer needs the encouragement that God provides through his people, the church.  What will you do today to foster and/or deepen your bonds with other believers?
            Gracious God, thank you that I do not need to live the Christian life on my own.  Not only have you given me your Holy Spirit, but other believers to help and encourage me as I strive to walk in holiness each and every day.  Empower me to bless others, as well, through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.

Jeremiah 29:1-14

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar verse to many Christians for whom their life assurance and confidence is built:  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Yet, less well known is the command of verse 7 which frames and gives the meaning to the assurance:  “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
 
            The ancient Jews had experienced the heart-wrenching experience of having the Babylonians come and destroy Jerusalem and carry them into exile to Babylon.  They grieved and they lamented, and rightly so.  But there came a time for the Jews to cease their disappointment and despondency and turn their inward focus to the outward focus of prayer for their captors.
 
            It is human nature to fold our arms and be sullen when things do not go our way.  Put yourselves in the shoes (or sandals) of the Jews.  They lost their home and their lives were completely turned upside-down.  Perhaps you can relate to them.  Maybe there are times when you feel like you are in exile, far from where you want to be.  God is calling us all as his people to be concerned for the communities where we live and work, and to pray for their welfare, even if they have caused us harm.  When we do this, we participate with Jesus in loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us.  Our welfare is inextricably bound up with the community around us.
            Gracious God, you have called me to a ministry of prayer.  Give me a heart of concern for my community and my nation.  I pray for them, that they might prosper in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and come to faith in him.  Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year ALeave a comment
            The Apostle Paul came to the conclusion of his letter to a discouraged congregation at Thessalonica and, like a parent barking final instructions to the kids as they go out the door, gave them a series of short exhortations so they would be careful to keep their minds on living their Christian lives with focus and intention.
 
            Paul succinctly made it quite clear what the will of God is for the church.  Rather than sitting idle and waiting for Christ to return, believers are to be busy doing good to one another, encouraging each other, and listening well to their spiritual leaders.  As for our relationship with God we are to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  If we were to simply focus on those three short commands of Scripture it would completely alter the spiritual landscape of our lives and our churches.
 
            Historically, believers throughout the ages have obeyed these commands by keeping the Daily Office of pausing at set times during the day to offer thanksgiving and prayer.  Falling to our knees when arising from bed; break times at work; a few minutes at lunch; family devotions at supper; and, prayer with a spouse before retiring at night are all potential opportunities to build a rich inner life of spirituality to our souls and fortify us to have a joyous relationship with Jesus that lasts a lifetime.  If actually scheduling these times in our calendars and planners will help us to remember and do it, then let us be about the business of having appointments with God without procrastination.
            Lord God Almighty, thank you for the privilege of prayer and the perspective of giving thanks in each situation I am faced with every day.  Help me to effectively and joyously connect with you today so that your will is done in my life, just as your will is always done in heaven.  Through Jesus my Lord, Amen.