Confidence of Christ Ministries Daily Encouragement 1.01.2015 Encourage One Another Here we are poised on the first day of a New Year. What this year hold for us we do not know. Many are struggling with many difficult issues. Jesus never told us that life would be easy. In fact, He told us just the opposite of that: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer – take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted – for I have overcome the world – I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you]” John 16:33, The Amplified Bible. (Emphasis added). Notice three things: First Jesus is telling the disciples that they will have trouble in this world, so we can know that we too will have trouble. Second, He said, “Be at peace, even in the trials and difficulties, because He has overcome them and instructed us to “be of good cheer”. Thirdly, notice that He said, “I have overcome the world”, but at that point in His ministry, Jesus had not yet gone to the cross. Here is another example of Jesus acting just like His Father – calling those things that be not as though they were. Jesus was already counting the Devil defeated. We must do the same thing. That is how we can be of “good cheer” in the midst of trials, difficulties, and the attacks of the enemy – he is defeated! The passing of time does not determine his defeat. His defeat is determined by what you are saying and doing with the Word of victory already given you. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are also instructed to encourage one another. Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” The sin spoken of here is unbelief and turning away from God because of discouragement and hardship. We all go through difficult times. Sometimes the difficulty lasts much longer than we ever thought that it would and the longer we have to stand, the more discouraged we can become. It is important that we help one another stand during these seasons of difficulties. The word “encourage” means to urge forward; counsel, advice, to stimulate to the discharge of the ordinary duties of life; a calling to one’s aid; an exhortation, encouragement, to beseech or exhort, and comfort. (W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary). Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.” It is exceedingly important that when we learn of the difficult situation that a brother or sister may be incurring, that we are very careful in what we say to them and to others. Remember, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness. We stand with them against the enemy. We do not judge them for their difficulty. Encourage them with 1 Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful – reliable, trustworthy and [therefore] ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on; by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Then guard your attitude that you do what is instructed in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony, and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you; but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.” We are the Body of Christ, so it is paramount that we build and strengthen one another in love. Often it is required of us that we go beyond just praying for a situation, but that we become actively involved in whatever capacity the Holy Spirit directs. Be quick to respond to His unction. This year purpose to be one who encourages, builds, and strengthens the body of Christ. We all need each other. Great blessings, strength, joy, and peace to you, Dottie
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:27:21 +0000
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