Boldness of Belief
September 26
Below is the entire devotional message by Bailey on encouraging one another. Thanks to all of you who keep me keeping on with this ministry. There have been many times I've wanted to quit and then an encouraging email, note or call comes from you and I know that is Jesus saying to keep on keeping on.
Encourage One Another by The Wisdom Hunter...Boyd Bailey
"Courage in Christ is a gift Christians have to give one another.
It is a boldness of belief bent on bettering others. "
Boyd Bailey
A forward came across my email, from a woman I have only met once. She had my email from a spiritual growth and prayer group list. This was the second time in less than two years she had emailed the same ten year old propaganda email against the Target Corporation. She was encouraging people not to shop there. The last time I replied, explaining our son was an employee of Target in Minneapolis and the email was not true. This time I wrote her to share again about the validity of these claims, but more importantly to ask for prayer concerning something very exciting occurring at Target's headquarters. A couple years ago our son had approached management about the possibility of having corporate Bible studies at headquarters. What began with initial responses from about 600 employees has now grown to 12 weekly Bible studies for over 1,000 people! Our son has stepped out into the battle front with these other believers in a boldness of belief and we need to pray for their courage in Christ to continue. Please, pray for protection for these individuals in leadership roles and for the doors to remain open to these Bible studies within this company and other corporations desiring to follow suit.
The woman replied to me that even if that email was false, she still wasn't going to shop there because they had a picture of a homosexual couple on their wedding registry website. Sharing this with my son, his reply was "Wow. This woman needs to check her heart. We are called to love the lost."
We may not agree with the lifestyle choices of others. Goodness...within our own churches we can't agree on the type of music to be sung and we gossip getting our panties in a twit over people that come through the doors. If we are answering the call to be disciples we need to love and pray for the woman at the well, the demon possessed man, the addict who feels hopeless, and even the neighbor blowing his leaves into our yard.
Below is the entire devotional message by Bailey on encouraging one another. Thanks to all of you who keep me keeping on with this ministry. There have been many times I've wanted to quit and then an encouraging email, note or call comes from you and I know that is Jesus saying to keep on keeping on.
Encourage One Another by The Wisdom Hunter...Boyd Bailey
He [Christ] died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1Thessalonians 5:10-11
1Thessalonians 5:10-11
Courage in Christ is a gift Christians have to give one another. It is a boldness of belief bent on bettering others. Daily life drains courage from a person’s heart, but believers are able to fill with encouragement what unrighteousness removes with discouragement. Saintly support comes when a person is aware that someone knows and cares about them. There is an emotional engagement that flows from an inner desire to be there for a needy friend.
Our encouragement is like being an ambassador from Almighty God. We represent Jesus to His followers and to those who have not come to faith. It’s when people see Jesus in our actions and attitudes that they are drawn to personally know Him. Yes, our encouragement is a conduit for Christ! We give a cup of courage in Jesus’ name, and the thirsty recipient tastes that the Lord is good. Their soul then seeks to drink the living water of Christ.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:13-14
Your encouragement builds up the hope, faith and love of another loved one. Over coffee, an acquaintance hears from you that they matter, because they matter to God. Your words of truth grow confidence in a character who struggles to be consistent with Christ’s commands. Encouragement challenges as well as comforts. Most do not complain of too much encouragement, but many quietly crave more.
Most of all be encouraged by Jesus. Invite Him to invigorate your faith and rejuvenate your passion. Christ is your biggest cheerleader. His courage is limitless and breeds bravery. His eternal energy engages your soul to persevere as a praying parent, to be patient in whom to marry, to serve in your church and to give a kind word to a stranger. Be encouraged by Christ, so you can encourage another. Encouragement gives courage!
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for encouraging me to encourage others.
Related Readings: Job 16:5; Act 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:13
Our encouragement is like being an ambassador from Almighty God. We represent Jesus to His followers and to those who have not come to faith. It’s when people see Jesus in our actions and attitudes that they are drawn to personally know Him. Yes, our encouragement is a conduit for Christ! We give a cup of courage in Jesus’ name, and the thirsty recipient tastes that the Lord is good. Their soul then seeks to drink the living water of Christ.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:13-14
Your encouragement builds up the hope, faith and love of another loved one. Over coffee, an acquaintance hears from you that they matter, because they matter to God. Your words of truth grow confidence in a character who struggles to be consistent with Christ’s commands. Encouragement challenges as well as comforts. Most do not complain of too much encouragement, but many quietly crave more.
Most of all be encouraged by Jesus. Invite Him to invigorate your faith and rejuvenate your passion. Christ is your biggest cheerleader. His courage is limitless and breeds bravery. His eternal energy engages your soul to persevere as a praying parent, to be patient in whom to marry, to serve in your church and to give a kind word to a stranger. Be encouraged by Christ, so you can encourage another. Encouragement gives courage!
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for encouraging me to encourage others.
Related Readings: Job 16:5; Act 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:13
