Today’s Scripture: After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” Acts 13:15 NLT
Do you ever struggle to find words of encouragement? Do you ever have to battle your feelings and your weak flesh just to offer a good word? I am hoping we can do as Paul did here when asked. He didn’t go out and try to be eloquent and impress with some fresh new take or amaze with his opinion.
Paul simply retold the story of the Good News. He reminded his audience they were chosen. He reminded them of the history of their people and how God chose David. David was a man after God’s own heart and was willing to do everything God wanted him to do. Can’t we do that? Can we be encouraged to know we have been chosen to follow after God’s own heart and do everything He wants us to do?
This salvation is for us! Paul told us this in Acts 13:26 so be encouraged. We are here to bring you the Good News. Not my words, but His. I do not have to be creative I only have to answer Paul and Barnabas’ urging in Acts 13:43 “By God’s grace, remain faithful.” That’s it, remain faithful and share the Good News. We have this encouragement, will we give it?
Today’s Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me everything I need. You are the living God and I ask You to help me to remain faithful and share Your Good News. May I be reminded and may I remind others that You chose us and You sent us Your Son and our belief in Him alone gives us salvation. Thank You LORD for your disciples who shared with us and who encouraged us to share. Help me to preach boldly about Your grace; Your words and not mine. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Encouragement is such a big deal for me. It’s not just a warm fuzzy feeling but actually a command we have been given. The price of neglect is extremely high:
“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.” Hebrews 3:13
If we’re not encouraging one another, our hearts get hard which leads to deception. If that’s not a sobering warning, I don’t know what is! Great stuff, Tom!
Thanks for stopping by Tony and glad Donald introduced us! I look forward to following your blog as I have felt God wants us to EXPECT Him!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the encouragement to encourage, Tom. Every morning I look forward to reading your post because they are so uplifting.
Thanks Dustin, I am so thankful that God’s word is so uplifting and encouraging. He is amazing and His joy if full. I so appreciate you visiting with me every morning, that my friend encourages me to continue to seek His treasures and He is so faithful!
Thank goodness it is His word that we have to encourage each other!
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
Amen Kimberly!! I love this verse, thanks for sharing as we definitely can help motivate and spur each other on to all kinds of good works! Blessings to you!
Yes … my constant prayer, God’s words and not mine. God only knows where people are and what they need to hear. When we let Him guide our words and not force certain words, then I think God can use them in powerful ways. Thank you for this powerful reminder to be the light and let it shine.
Rachel
Thanks Rachel, let it shine and rest in knowing the Good News is all everyone needs.
You are an encourager Tom and I deeply appreciate it.
Back at you Cycleguy!