Ministry of Encouragement

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” -Hebrews 3:1, 12-13

There’s something important you can do that takes a small amount of time but makes a large impact in your relationships! It’s an often neglected ministry that you can participate in by simply being more aware of the needs of those around you! That often neglected ministry opportunity is using your words to intentionally encourage others!

There are at least two levels of encouragement. The first level is complimenting people on things they have done, traits that you notice about them, and choices they have made. When you point out the good things in their life it helps them feel noticed and cared for while also reminding them of God's many blessings!

The second layer of encouragement is more significant and happens when you encourage others in Christ! This is where you point people to the victory we have in Jesus because of what He did on the cross to defeat sin and death. This is where you remind them of the promises of God, tell them not to fear because God is always with us, and point them to the truth of God’s Word related to things they are going through.

We’re all called to this ministry of encouragement and you are equipped with everything you need to begin today! The Bible instructs us to speak words that build others up according to their needs so that it benefits those who hear you (Ephesians 4:29).

It will cost you very little time and only require you to be more intentional with your words. As you start to notice encouragement opportunities and take advantage of them, you’ll see a big difference in your relationships! Over the course of time you’ll make a significant ministry impact!

Start with your family, friends, and those you see frequently! Try to encourage them in some way with your words every day! Then start looking for ways to encourage others beyond the people you are closet to relationally. Everyone needs encouragement and as you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, there will be no shortage of people that pass through your life who you can encourage!

Start building others up with your words today and watch how God uses you to improve relationships, uplift people, and minister to them through encouragement!

Right on?

Read/listen to Hebrews chapters 3-5

Prayer focus: ask God to help you have eyes to see people more like He sees them and to help you become more intentional about encouraging others in Christ with your words

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Strength in Submission

“I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.  I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.  But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.” -Philemon 1:12-14

The apostle Paul was very accomplished, he had a lot of authority, and he was especially bold as a leader. However, he did not force his will onto people or force his way over God‘s will. Some people live with a determination that their will should be done no matter what the cost. This kind of self-centered determination causes a lot of damage and hurts many relationships.

When you, instead, submit your will to God‘s will, life get so much better! Less damage is done through forcing your will onto others. You also start to realize that God's will is actually far better than your will as His dreams are bigger! You may consider yourself a great dreamer or big planner, but forcing your plans ahead of God's plan is a massive mistake! God is wiser, has a higher perspective, and He see the whole field far beyond your limited space in time.

A root issue under the battle of wills is the question of who is first. If you are first in your life, you will always fight to protect and promote your will. When you truly put God first in your life, you can more easily submit to the guidance of His Spirit in every situation because He is first!

One of the most damaging things in relationship is one person forcing their will over the other person without understanding the needs and desires of the other person. When you approach a relationship with gentleness and humility, listening to the needs of the other person first, things are much healthier!

It's hard to submit your will and it may not feel natural to pursue the will of others over your own, but it can add great strength to your relationships!

Jesus modeled a submitted will for us before going to the cross when He prayed for the Father's will above His own (Luke 22:42). Although it was the harder road, the will of the Father was the best because through the sacrifice of the Son, we can have eternal life through placing our faith in Jesus!

God sees the bigger vision, He is always working for your good, and you can trust Him with your life! Have the courage to pray for God's will above your own and watch the masterpiece of God come together all around you!

Right on?

Read/listen to Philemon chapter 1 and Hebrews chapters 1-2

Prayer focus: surrender your will to God in prayer and ask Him for the strength, humility, and gentleness not to force your own will over His will or onto others

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School's In Session

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” -Titus 2:11-13

Do you think of yourself as a student when it comes to your spiritual growth? It’s helpful to know that we are taught (v. 12) to say no to the things that are not good for us and that we can learn to live a self-controlled godly life!

This is encouraging because it also infers that we can be taught, we can learn these things, and that we need to put ourselves into the posture of a student! When you see yourself as a student in your spiritual development journey, it changes how you approach your growth!

If you are a student and school is in session, you have to carry a heart of humility to get the most out of your learning! Part of that humility is to understand you don’t know everything, and that there is a lot more yet to be learned!

As a willing student, the Holy Spirit will help you mature over time, educated by the truth of God’s Word! However, a student has to also apply themselves by showing up regularly to learn, asking good questions, and applying what they are taught!

Have you committed to being a student in your spiritual development or are you just casually standing around the things of God? A good student goes after their learning with passion and commitment! Are you working hard inside the grace of God to grow to your fullest potential in Christ?

Have you fully committed to rhythms of learning such as daily time sitting at Jesus feet (Luke 10:39), continually reading the Bible, and consistently gathering with your church family to hear Biblical preaching?

When you apply yourself as a student, God will help you grow over time into the fullness of what He has planned for you! Embrace the humble posture of a student! Keep going, keep growing, and keep learning to be more like Jesus every day!

Right on?

Read/listen to Titus chapters 1-3

Prayer focus: talk to God about the posture you want to have as a student and some of the areas where you want to learn related to your spiritual growth

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