PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS APRIL 21, 2009
Encouragement!! Got any?! For the next few days, think about encouragement. Where does it come from? It comes from a heart of joy, of course. Joy comes from Jesus and is listed as one of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. So, think of this, Jesus is the source of our joy and joy is the source of our encouragement!! When we become God's child, joy is a gift given to us from our Lord Jesus. One of the natural products that flows from joy in our lives is 'encouragement.' We are told in God's Word to "encourage one another daily." Hebrews 3:13 So we can make this connection, the action of encouragement comes from the source of joy that is provided by our Lord!
We know that our enemy Satan is totally against encouragement. He is against all of God's gifts!! He doesn't want us to be filled with joy. He doesn't want us to be encouragers! Therefore, stand firm and fight him on this issue. How can you do that? Practice being an encourager! May I suggest that in the next few days, you set a goal to encourage at least five people by your words or actions. Encourage a family member by a kind, loving word or deed. Look for those at work who need an encouraging word. Even a smile can encourage people.
There was a young man in Thailand who lived in our neighborhood. He was mentally challenged. He was always out and about finding something to do that he thought would help others. One day, he saw me struggling to carry groceries to my car and he raced over to help. So, I thought, he never has very much money so this is an opportunity to give him a tip but as I extended the money toward him, he stepped back and with horror on his face he said, "Help that is not help is not help!!" He didn't know how to express it but what he meant was, "If I try to help you and you pay for it then it ceases to be help!" I learned a lot from that young man that day. Encouragement is given freely without expecting anything in return from the one we are helping. So give encouragement freely and with a heart of joy!!
Encouragement!! Got any?? Then......give it away!!
Pastor Jack
Jack L. Martin |
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