The other day, I received some great encouragement from a dear friend of mine. It wasn’t much more than a simple text message. However, with just a few sentences, it was enough to totally change the mood I was in that morning. It reminded me about the sermon I recently preached from Hebrews. We read this verse, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25
As a husband and father, as a pastor and friend, I need encouragement! Giving and getting encouragement is important for all of us. When it is absent in the lives of the brothers and sisters we do life with, it’s not long before we can absolutely feel unloved, unnoticed and forgotten. I was feeling quite discouraged that morning; but, at just the right time, my faithful friend sent that text message unannounced. It radically changed my outlook on the day. It didn’t take much, but it changed much.
Who Can You Encourage?
So, my question for all of us would be, “Who can you encourage today?” I’m not asking whose new haircut you’ll compliment, or which co-worker you’ll thank for the last donut (although those are totally cool). I’m asking who is in your life that needs some of that real Jesus-kind of love and support? Who could you write, call or drop-in on to visit? Is someone you know having a tough week? Maybe you could come alongside them and lighten their load? Who could you stir up and encourage with affections for Jesus today?
Pray that Jesus would make that person plain as day — then act. Additionally, if you want to step it up a notch, do the same thing tomorrow. While you’re at it, why don’t you go ahead and make this a daily spiritual discipline as well!?
Like I mentioned in my last sermon, the Lord has made each and every one of us unique. What is more, He has equipped us with His Holy Spirit — to bless and encourage one another. So, I ask again, “Who can you encourage today?”
It won’t take much, but it sure will change much.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor