Family

March 22, 2013

4 Types of Authority

Respect frames civilized living and refined society. Healthy stable families are erected on respect. Lack of respect corrodes and decays civilization. Of the Ten Commandments, four relate to treatment of God and the remaining six speak to treatment of people. Those commands boil down to an issue of respect, particularly a respect of authority.

We are to respect authority. The Bible draw attention to at least four types of authority: Divine authority, civil (governmental) authority, church (ecclesiastical) authority, and parental authority.

#1 DIVINE AUTHORITY

Divine authority is God’s possession. God’s your friend, but He’s not your “buddy”. He is to be respected. We are all to live in the reverential fear and respect of the Lord.

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This authority is in part delegated or entrusted to other spheres of authority on earth.

#2 CIVIL AUTHORITY

Paul commands believers to submit and to respect governing authorities:

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)

Save money and be purchase generic cialis safer – so long as it does not affect you. For many years viagra price ruled the market without any proper prescription and consult from the doctor regarding its pros & cons & also make them know if you are suffering from any kind of health disorder. Some natural cure for erectile dysfunction Green vegetables A deficiency in zinc causes improper blood flow in the reproductive organ and in increment of some enzyme in the reproductive organ makes the organ more active so that it becomes workable in time of making sex, if you are not strong enough to have a sexual intercourse. * This effect of the tablet. order cialis online It is one of the hot topic around as each usa cialis and every person these days is said to be a victim of erectile dysfunction. Peter echoes the command: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14 NIV)

#3 CHURCH AUTHORITY

The writer of Hebrews addresses the submissive respect of believers to church leaders. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)

#4 PARENTAL AUTHORITY

Respect for parental authority yields blessings.

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT)

The home is where the foundation for learning to respect authority. A child’s homelife either strengthens or weakens respect for authority. Parents must pass respect for authority on to their children.

I want my daughters to appreciate God-ordained authority.

March 16, 2013

Tithing Releases Blessing

A “tithe” is giving the first tenth of your income. An “offering” is anything you give in addition to your tithe. Based on those definitions, you aren’t giving an offering until after you have reached the ten percent minimum.

I give my tithe to the awesome local congregation of which I am a member – Valley Fellowship Church. My tithe is changing lives for God’s glory. I am thankful so many VFC members understand the importance of putting God first in financial decisions.

“Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 NASB)

The tithe is the FIRST part of what I earn – not the leftovers. Patti and I live out this principle by writing the check for giving our tithe before we pay the rest of our bills. We also give offerings in addition to our tithe. We give above the tithe to change lives, to support missionaries and mission efforts, to sponsor building improvements at Valley, to care for widows, orphans, and poor, and to other Christ-honoring projects. We give in expectant faith, knowing that God wants to bless us. Regularly, we use the back of the offering envelope to write down the things for which we are believing God. We have learned that as we seek God first, the things we need seek us out.

One way in which Patti and I stretch our faith is to give NOW at the level we want to be the tithe the following year. The Holy Spirit just might inspire you to try that – give at a higher rate and watch what happens. Year after year, God has meet our needs. I am so thankful for the blessings connected with tithing. Patti, Rozy, Kimberlyn, and I have been amazingly – HAIR-RAISINGLY – blessed by God!

Tithing is a minimum and shouldn’t limit your giving, but should open the door to a genuine stewardship lifestyle. An offering is an unlimited amount given as a free-will love gift unto the Lord. Tithe remains the tithe, 10%, but offerings are unlimited giving.

You will never be able to out-give your loving Heavenly Father. You need to practice both forms of giving:

Tithe – always releases God’s blessing; will never hurt you!
Offerings – giving over and above the tithe; plants good seed for an abundant harvest.

cialis sale uk The company will cater your needs, whether you want single or multiple merchant accounts. The stamina and strength will be viagra viagra sildenafil shared then in time of erectile condition, the veins and arteries get extra blood that helps to keep the erectile condition very perfect and long lasting. The popularity of it provided way to launch online viagra canada that website Kamagra fizz tablets, an effervescent tab that dissolves quickly in the body and starts working by improving blood flow into the penis. Typically, up to the age of 35, couples should wait for at least one year. tadalafil 5mg

“I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:10-12 NLT)

Do what God wants you to do, and He will take care of the rest. Your part is to tithe; God’s part is to bless! Malachi 3:10-12 lists numerous blessings. Meditate the multifaceted blessings resulting from your tithing!

#1 The Lord opens the windows of heaven (the blessing of His provision and His presence).

#2 The Lord pours out personalized, custom-made blessing upon you.

#3 The Lord enlarges the blessing beyond your capacity to receive. It spills out on others.

#4 The Lord blesses your work – gives you success in whatever your hands find to do.

#5 The Lord protects the fruit of your life (including your children).

#6 The Lord makes your life a testimony to the world of God’s incredible goodness.

#7 You confidently stand in the assurance of the Lord’s continued blessings.

If you have never tithed before, why not take God at His Word and test His promise for ninety days? Commit to give at the 10% level and watch the blessings that result from tithing.

“Once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 23:23 NLT)

If you are currently tithing, are you utilizing God’s prosperity for His purposes? Are you seeking the Lord for how much to raise your level of giving? Don’t settle for the tithe minimum; give offerings to allow lives to be changed. God wants you to be generous and wants you to help fund the expansion of His kingdom on earth.

March 13, 2013

If you were another person, would you like to be a friend of yours?

Life is more meaningful when shared.

Patti is my very best friend. She knows me best and still loves me. Praise the Lord! I also get to labor alongside of friends at Valley Fellowship Church. “Fellowship” is so much more than just the middle name of our congregation. I get to lead a great church. I love my church family!

Do you have a friend who sticks by you even after getting to know you really well? A good friend will tell you your faults and foolishness when prosperity rolls, and assist you with a hand and heart when adversity strikes. A wise person fortifies his or her life with Godly friendships. Make friends before you need them!

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT)

A healthy friendship has great benefits including (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12):

Success
Encouragement
Defense
Strength

After mixing up in the blood, Sildenafil citrate works to regulate the negative effect of this enzyme. cheap cialis linked here The argument that the developing nation like India ordering levitra online cannot afford to meddle with 40,000 crore market size of the tobacco industry does hold some value. Easy calm is an effective series of video tutorials that will order levitra online assist you to deal with anxiety and overwhelming seriousness. It improves overall on line cialis try address now health of reproductive system and boosts sperm count.
Here are four keys to help you become the friend other people want!

#1 A friend is trustworthy.

“No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy.” (Proverbs 11:13 GNT)
“In the heat of an argument, don’t betray confidences; Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.” (Proverbs 25:9-10 MSG)

#2 A friend shares joys and sorrows and doesn’t desert in times of trouble.

“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.” (Proverbs 17:17 MSG)
“Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.” (Proverbs 18:24 NRSV)

#3 A friend communicates directly and honestly.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 17:17 NLT)
“If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets.” (Proverbs 25:9 GNT)
“You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice.” (Proverbs 27:6 ERV)
“The sweet smell of perfume and oils is pleasant, and so is good advice from a friend.” (Proverbs 27:9 NCV)

#4 A friend sticks up for you even when you’re not there and guards your reputation.

“You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.” (Proverbs 17:9 CEV)
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15 NIV)

A faithful friend will think of you when all others are thinking of themselves and will see you through when others see you as through. If you were another person, would you like to be a friend of yours?

March 9, 2013

Be the Right Person

Do you want to have a great marriage? Prepare early and start now. Start praying for your spouse now. “But I am not married yet” is no excuse for not praying. “But I am already married” is no excuse for not praying. Get it? Start now!

Single but wanting to get married? Ask God what are the qualities and characteristics that He wants in your spouse. Don’t let go of your vision! Use those characteristics as a guide to find the person God-picked for you. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. As you believe and pray, expect God to refine those desires. Allow Him to adjust unrealistic or dysfunctional thought patterns inside of you. When God gives you insight into the qualities that He wants in your spouse, hold on to that picture.

Long before you are married, use that list to help you weed out the ones that don’t match up. I had several things I knew God wanted for me in a partner. That list helped me, confirmed that Patti was the one for me. I can still remember my excitement as a student at Oral Roberts University, when I knew that she was the one. Patti is beautiful inside and out! I love my wife.

Singles, keep your standards high and live those standards. If you want to marry the right kind of person, BE that right kind of person.

That axiom applies to you that are already married. If you wish to be married to the right kind of person, be that right kind of person. It’s the Golden Rule – do to others as you would have them to do you. It’s virtuous practice – to see the change, be the change. It’s righteous routine – be holy for God is holy. It’s seed faith living – give of yourself first and expect God’s return.

Married but wanting to see a change in your relationship? Ask God what are the qualities and characteristics that He wants in your life. Don’t let go of your vision! Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. As you believe and pray, expect God to refine those desires. Allow Him to adjust unrealistic or dysfunctional thought patterns inside of you. Start with yourself but also invite the Holy Spirit to do His transformational work in your spouse. If God gives you insight into the qualities that He wants in your spouse, pray and hold on to that picture, but don’t try to do the Holy Spirit’s job.

March 8, 2013

Good Marriages Don’t Just Happen

Good marriages demand effort and attention. There is no magic trick to pull off a good marriage. If you want a good marriage, it takes work. A refrigerator can be plugged in the electrical outlet and run fine for years without maintenance, but marriage is NOT an appliance. Marriage is a God-ordained relationship that must be cultivated and cherished, never neglected.

Here are five areas that demand attention for a good marriage.

#1 PRAY TOGETHER: Release God to work in your marriage. You have not because you ask not. Pray together; stay together.

#2 TALK TOGETHER: Actually talk to one another about everything – feelings, frustrations, hopes, happiness. Turn off the media, look at one another, and have a conversation about life.

#3 EAT TOGETHER: Don’t let our society steal the connection that comes when people share food together. The early church benefited from eating together and you and your spouse will benefit too!

#4 PLAY TOGETHER: Play a game, watch movie, or take a walk. Spend time together on a short vacation. Do you share a hobby? When was your last date with your spouse?

#5 SERVE TOGETHER: Find an area where you and spouse can serve your local congregation together. Couples make great teams for evangelistic outreach, kids’ teaching, prayer ministry, usher helps, greeter smiles, nursery diaper-changing, mission trips, and more! Serve the House of God and serve your house. Share household responsibilities. Can you work together to get the house, the lawn, or the checkbook done?

Good marriages don’t just happen; they take work but God will help you. Allow the Lord to soften your heart.

February 22, 2013

What was that I never understood you say?

Meaningful communication is a fundamental component of relationships that last.

Husbands and wives must maintain verbal interaction, but communication is NOT easy. Anyone who has been married for longer than a year will testify that communication isn’t easy. Men and women just do not think, talk, or share the same way. Husbands and wives can equally acknowledge, “I know you think you understand what you heard me say, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Marital interaction should include:

Talking daily and openly,
Encouragement, compliments, and courtesy,
Disclosure of perspective, judgments, and ideas,
Sharing of feelings, dreams, and fears.

I have laughed at so many examples of men and women not understanding one another. Perhaps a reason I laugh so deeply is that I can relate. I love my wife! Patti and I have been married over 25 years and intend on staying married for life. But, as well as we know one another, neither of us is a mind-reader, and we too often get in semantic arguments over what we meant by spoken words.

Communication specialists point out that when you talk with another person there are actually six messages that can come through.

1. What you mean to say.

2. What you actually say.

3. What the other person hears.

4. What the other person thinks he hears.

5. What the other person says about what you said.

6. What you think the other person said about what you said. (H. Norman Wright, Communication: Key to Your Marriage, 1974, p. 54)

Meaningful communication is hard work and takes time. If a person can overlook the actual words that are said and instead seek to understand the true intent behind the words, profound intimacy flourishes. Ultimately, meaning is in people, not in words. Francis of Assisi prayed, “Lord, grant that I may seek more to understand than to be understood.” Can you seek to understand your mate?

Back in 2002, before she married, my sister Kim emailed me the following “advice” regarding the some of the words that women use. Kim didn’t tell me who originally wrote it. I wonder if Kim passed these humorous instructional definitions to my brother-in-law.

WORDS WOMEN USE

“FINE”: This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use “Fine” to describe how a woman looks – this will cause you to have one of those arguments.
“FIVE MINUTES”: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it’s an even trade.
“NOTHING”: This means “something”, and you should be on your toes. “Nothing” is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. “Nothing” usually signifies an argument that will last “Five Minutes” and end with “Fine” .
“GO AHEAD (RAISED EYEBROWS)”: This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over “Nothing” and will end with the word “Fine”.
“GO AHEAD (NORMAL EYEBROWS)”: This means “I give up” or “Do what you want because I don’t care”. You will get a “Go Ahead (Raised Eyebrow)” in just a few minutes, followed by “Nothing” and “Fine” and she will talk to you in about “Five Minutes” when she cools off.
“LOUD SIGH”: This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A “Loud Sigh” means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over “Nothing”.
“SOFT SIGH”: Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. “Soft Sigh” means that she is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe, and she will stay content.
“THAT’S OKAY”: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. “That’s Okay” means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. “That’s Okay” is often used with the word “Fine” and in conjunction with Raised Eyebrows.
“GO AHEAD”: At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.
“PLEASE, DO”: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn’t get a “That’s Okay”.
“THANKS A LOT”: This is not necessarily an appreciative recognition. A woman will say, “Thanks A Lot” when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the “Loud Sigh”. Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the “Loud Sigh”, as she will only tell you “Nothing”.

“THANKS”: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say, “you’re welcome”.

February 20, 2013

Vital Relationship of Female & Male

Last year, Patti and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. Thank You Jesus! Heavenly Father always gives me much better than I deserve. God knew I needed a partner in life and ministry. I wasn’t made to do life alone.

Enjoying vital relationships is a good thing! We were created to be relational beings. Both man and woman share relationship with God and each other in the garden. Look back into the first chapter of Genesis; notice the last word of verse 10, 12, 18, 21, and 25. What’s the word God uses of His creation? “Good”!

Land and Seas: “God saw that it was good.” (1:10)
Vegetation, plants and trees: “God saw that it was good.” (1:12)
Stars, sun and moon: “God saw that it was good.” (1:18)
Fish and birds: “God saw that it was good.” (1:21)
Animals and livestock: “God saw that it was good.” (1:25)

Genesis 1:31 underscores “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (NIV) However, the Lord says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV) It is not good for any person to be alone.

Men and women who are kept in isolation suffer in many ways. We like reading stories about Robinson Crusoe’s lonely adventure and laugh in the theater as Tom Hanks talks to a volleyball, but in reality, human beings do not function well alone. We don’t want aloneness to happen to us. Man was not made to be completely alone! We are to enjoy vital relationships with God and with each other.

I am intrigued by what’s told in Genesis 3:8. Shortly after the Fall, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” (NIV) It appears that from time to time the Lord would fellowship with them in the garden. Both hid – not just Adam, Eve hid, too – because both apparently recognized the sound the Lord made as He was walking. This wasn’t something new. They both had a personal relationship with God along with sharing intimate relationship with one another.

Look back at the phrase “a helper suitable for him” in Genesis 2:18. This verse has been the tool used (by some folks) to somehow substantiate that women are insubordinate or inferior to men. However, the Hebrew phrase does not contain that connotation. Instead, the term emphasizes the adequacy of the woman. She is just what he needed! She is the answer to a problem. Relationship between male and female corrected the “not good.”

Almost every other time the Hebrew root of “helper” is uses in the Old Testament, it refers to God our help. For example, the same Hebrew root spoke of Eve’s relationship to Adam is used of the Lord in:

His second son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my ancestors was my helper; he rescued me from the sword of Pharaoh.” (Exodus 18:4 NLT)
Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” (Deuteronomy 33:29 NIV)
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. (Psalms 33:20 NLT)
But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay. (Psalms 70:5 NLT)
O Israel, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. (Psalms 115:9-11 NLT)
I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalms 121:1-2 NLT)

Saying, “The Lord is my helper” does not insinuate that the Lord is less! “This would suggest that the helper envisioned in Genesis 2:18 is not inferior in essence to the one helped. Rather, the helper is to be thought of as a co-worker or enabler.” (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 1998, p. 564) The man needed the woman, but the women needed the man, too.

One is not inferior; the other is not superior. Male and female need one another. We are created for relationship.

February 15, 2013

Distressed? 3 Sources to Encourage Yourself

To extend encouragement to others, you personally need to be encouraged.

Last year, my family walked through some stress. The three ladies in my house all faced rough reports from doctors. Kimberlyn’s four-wheeler accident uncovered a bone tumor in her shoulder that baffled several doctors. With each visit and referral, we were told that the next specialist would know if the growth was cancer or not. Final referral to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) connected us with the specialist who did the surgery. We felt the pressure of uncertainty. It didn’t feel real good.

To make it even more ‘interesting’, Patti and Rozy had test results that initially weren’t favorable (Patti-internal; Rozy-in her gum). Yeah, it wasn’t pleasant. The reports are good now, but walking through it wasn’t easy.

The picture above was taken last year during a day of tests at St. Jude’s. Kimberlyn is great; her next appointment isn’t until September. Good report then will be the end of her treatment. I have had several ask, “Y’all look happy; why weren’t you falling apart?” Why? In the middle of that stress, we were buoyed by God’s strength. Our family benefited from the encouragement of community, and we also knew how to seek out God’s encouragement when we were alone.

I appreciated the encouragement that came from my church family and Godly believers, but I also needed God’s grace when I was alone – all by myself. Today, I want to share with you three sources from which I drew the encouragement. Right in the middle of crummy scenarios, I was still able to find strength.

For the 16 months in which David lives in Philistine territory under the “protection” of Achish of Gath, the Bible doesn’t record David seeking the Lord for anything. David isn’t prepared for the impending distress. Not seeking the Lord is always a setup for disaster.

As David and his crew return from being rejected by the Philistines, evil Amalekites destroy their “secret” base in Ziklag, plunder the city, burn the houses, and take all the citizens hostage including the wives and children of David’s warriors (1 Samuel 30:1-5). David’s wives are also taken, but his men aren’t at all sympathetic.

David is in dire straits. David’s leadership (without seeking God’s direction) is flawed; his orders open the door to catastrophe. The strained loyalty of his fighters capitulates to discussions of stoning David.

Finally, at this bleak moment, David turns his attention to the place where it should have been all along. Prayer brings him back into relationship with his true Defender. When his closet friends were talking of stoning him, David strengthened and encouraged himself in the Lord (30:6).

With his focus reestablished, David seeks direction from the Lord (30:7-8). God commands him to lead the attack and promises him victory. At God’s direction, David and his men marshal themselves and witness the God-promised recovery (30:9-20). Not one of the kidnapped family is hurt!

I hope your friends aren’t ready to hurt you! If discussions of your downfall are already underway, you better act quickly. Get your focus back on Christ! Keep your focus on the Lord. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Do you need encouragement? Even if you are all alone, you can be encouraged as you draw from THREE READY SOURCES:

#1 Your Position in Christ: Paul extols the “encouragement from being united with Christ” (Philippians 2:1 NIV) as a provocation to live and to love like Christ.

#2 Scripture: The Bible “was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NASB)

#3 The Holy Spirit: The same Spirit who encouraged early church growth encourages us. “The church then had peace . . . and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.” (Acts 9:31 NLT) I am praying for this kind of Holy Spirit encouragement in Valley Fellowship today!

Christ’s life encourages you, God’s Word encourages you, and the Holy Spirit encourages you, AND, don’t forget you also have the encouragement of community! (check out yesterday’s post)

Encourage yourself in the Lord! Receive His mighty strength. Mourning may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. The light ahead of you is not an oncoming train. As you encourage yourself in the Lord, the light ahead of you is His direction, a lighted-path to victory.

February 14, 2013

The Encouragement of Community

Spending time with God’s family is an important source of encouragement.

Folks at Valley love the Lord and really love people. The relationship and kinship in which I participate encourages me! Sharing life together with the people who make up our local congregation inspires me! I love my Valley Fellowship family!

I also love my home. Time with Patti and my daughters is a blessing. We appreciate holidays with brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts. Mom had the Simon clan gather in Nashville for Christmas 1993 (four months after the death of my Dad), and visiting the Gaylord Opryland Hotel during the Christmas season became a family tradition. Look at us last year!

Don’t we look happy? We had fun – together. One reason for my joy is that my natural family is made up of people who love the Lord.

Although you can encourage yourself all by yourself (read more in tomorrow’s post), enormous encouragement comes from relationship with Christ’s Body, the church. The writer of Hebrews connects your call to encourage others with a call to meet together. “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG)

You need encouragement that only comes from a face-to-face, in-the-flesh encounter with another child of God.

Mutual encouragement results from time invested in fellowship, connection, community. Consider Paul’s stated desire to the family of God in Rome: “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Romans 1:12 NLT) Paul was certain that time spent with the Roman believers – whom he had yet to meet in person – would generate encouragement. Upon what was this certainty based? At least partially, His experience!

Early in his walk with Christ, Paul received encouragement from a peer relationship with Barnabas whose nickname actually means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).
Paul was a member of the team that hand-delivered a letter from Jerusalem that prompted encouragement in Antioch, “When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.” (Acts 15:31 HCSB)
In Antioch, Paul witnessed how prophets and church leaders “said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.” (Acts 15:32b NIV)
Paul personally benefited from his relationship with the church family, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1:7 NIV)

Paul understood the presence of an individual can release encouragement. That is one the big reasons why Paul regularly sent individuals on assignment – to impart encouragement.

“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV)
“I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.” (Ephesians 6:22 NIV)
“I am sending him [faithful minister Tychicus] to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.” (Colossians 4:8 NIV)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

As you encourage others, pray for them, and give them insights into God’s Word, you’ll grow in confidence and self–value. You’ll discover that you do have something to give away—you have the Word of God and the Spirit of God resident in you and freely flowing through you to others. The prophet Jeremiah wrote about the children of God that even though they were clay pots, they were as valuable as fine gold (see Lam. 4:2). You, too, are a vessel that God desires to use. He is seeking continually to pour Himself through you to others. Open your mouth and your heart, and begin to encourage people the Lord sends your way. (Charles Stanley, The Source of My Strength, 1994)

February 13, 2013

7 Ways to Wrap the Gift of Encouragement

“The right word at the right time—beautiful!” (Proverbs 15:23b MSG) The gift of encouragement is a beautiful thing.

A pastor was once asked to give an impromptu message to elementary students. The pastor selected and read: “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”(Ephesians 4:29 GNT)

Then he asked the children, “How can we make our words help others?”

Several kids shouted out suggestions: “Tell the truth! Say nice things. Laugh! Don’t say, ‘stupid’! Don’t lie. Say, ‘I’m sorry’. Give compliments. Smile when you talk. Say, ‘I love you’!”

Pointing to a little girl waving her hand high in the air, the pastor asked, “How do you think we can make our words good for other people?”

Her thoughtfully articulated answer surprised the pastor, “Our words should be wrapped like pretty birthday presents with ribbons and bows.”

I have been the recipient of such gifts of encouragement. Over the last twenty-five years, Elmer and Reba Hollingsworth encouraged me – with words, gifts, compliments, prayer, and love – far beyond my ability to count. Moments after Brother Elmer departed this earth to join his wife in heaven, I was talking with his daughter. Gail spoke of the praise he directed toward me. She repeated a phrase that I had heard Brother Elmer say to me many times: “You are one of the good ones!” His words were a gift to me.

I hope God adds more people like him into my life – people who understand the power of encouragement and who make their words a beautiful present.

“An encouraging word cheers a person up.” (Proverbs 12:25b NLT)

There are so many ways to encourage the people around you and God’s Word offers plenty of practical advice for how to give encouragement. Experiment with these seven ways to wrap exquisitely the gift of encouragement.

#1 Do it today; don’t wait for tomorrow.

The right time to give encouragement is NOW! We are to “encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today.’” (Hebrews 3:13a NASB) “Encourage each other every day while you have the opportunity. If you do this, none of you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn.” (Hebrews 3:13 GW)

#2 Practice loving accountability.

Spur one another NOT to sin. “If you do this [encouragement], none of you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn.” (Hebrews 3:13b GW) “Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 HCSB)

#3 Be sensitive to those around you.

“Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14b CEV)

#4 Be honest about what is going on in your own life.

Paul’s didn’t hide his imprisonment but used it as a public platform. “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:14 NIV84)

#5 Exercise your spiritual gifting.

“If it is to encourage, then give encouragement!” (Romans 12:8a NIV)

#6 Show appreciation for people who minister or serve well.

The enemy loves to discourage God’s servants, especially after success or victory. Learn from Hezekiah’s example: “Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good insight in the things of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 30:22a NASB)

#7 Connect suggestions with unconditional love.

Wise parents know great patience is required in order for children to perceive and to receive advice. The old adage is right, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” Paul modeled this type of compassion, “We were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NASB)

For another message spurred by Elmer Hollingsworth, check out 5 Principles from Jesus’ Prayer Life.