Hebrews 3:13 says we are to “… encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Jesus’ life was spent spurring others on to be better, to be more, to become all God designed them to be. Look at his encounters with Zacchaeus, Matthew the tax collector, the woman caught in adultery, and Peter, just to name a few.
Having Christian friends and the support of a church family is vital as we grow in our walk with God. Not only is it an encouragement when times are hard or perhaps disheartening, but it also gives us accountability when straying from the straight and narrow.
Following Jesus’ example, we must commit to regular church attendance. 16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. (Luke 4:14) “as was his custom” Jesus went to church regularly and so should we. We can’t stay connected with people we don’t spend time with. Also, we need to participate in worshipping together, communion and hearing the Word preached/taught.
Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” You see, even in the first century “42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 While driving, taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can allow you to drift into the oncoming traffic. We need this encouragement to stay on course.
But this isn’t just a Sunday commitment. Remember the words of Joshua 24:14-15 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” I try to remember to place emphasis on THIS day, since daily I have to choose.
Whom will I serve today? Myself? Money or work? My hobbies? Sports? TV shows? The internet? (I don’t know about you, but this hits close to home for me!) Or today, will I choose to serve the Most High God? Will I choose to serve His people in His name?
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
I want to encourage YOU today to stay committed to God, to His people - your Christian brothers and sisters, to completing the race. “24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) I pray that these scriptures will fill your heart with a desire to be steadfast for the entire race. When you become discouraged or tired and want to step back – remember to choose daily to serve the only true God – Jehovah!
Having Christian friends and the support of a church family is vital as we grow in our walk with God. Not only is it an encouragement when times are hard or perhaps disheartening, but it also gives us accountability when straying from the straight and narrow.
Following Jesus’ example, we must commit to regular church attendance. 16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. (Luke 4:14) “as was his custom” Jesus went to church regularly and so should we. We can’t stay connected with people we don’t spend time with. Also, we need to participate in worshipping together, communion and hearing the Word preached/taught.
Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” You see, even in the first century “42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 While driving, taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can allow you to drift into the oncoming traffic. We need this encouragement to stay on course.
But this isn’t just a Sunday commitment. Remember the words of Joshua 24:14-15 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” I try to remember to place emphasis on THIS day, since daily I have to choose.
Whom will I serve today? Myself? Money or work? My hobbies? Sports? TV shows? The internet? (I don’t know about you, but this hits close to home for me!) Or today, will I choose to serve the Most High God? Will I choose to serve His people in His name?
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
I want to encourage YOU today to stay committed to God, to His people - your Christian brothers and sisters, to completing the race. “24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) I pray that these scriptures will fill your heart with a desire to be steadfast for the entire race. When you become discouraged or tired and want to step back – remember to choose daily to serve the only true God – Jehovah!
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