Spring/Summer 2023 Newsletter

Through 9th Sunday of Pentecost

ENCOURAGEMENT

I have been thinking these days about what things endure in our lives. The definition of endure means “the things that last.” God teaches and employs us to encourage one another. For example, He did not say to the angel Gabriel, “My servant Joshua is ready to lead My people into Canaan…go, encourage him.” God does not work needless miracles if His purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means. He will not use a miraculous scene. Oh yes, the Lord God does and can work through angels as well as His powerful Word. I think of Isaiah 41:10. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Or Romans 15:13. “May the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

You and I should be glad, as well, that God usually works for man using man. Meaning, forming a bond with others. Like a brotherhood or sisterhood and being mutually dependent on one another where we are fused more completely into one family. These brothers and sisters than take the text…God’s personal and powerful message to others. Bring His Word to men, women, and children. A labor to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. In a universe of discouragement coming at us from all directions, 24-7, with these incessant and continuous news cycles, this should be Good News to you and to me. However, the work is hard at times and takes effort. Talk positive things to the young and encourage them with all the good things the Lord God has bestowed upon your life with wisdom, direction, and kindness.

Recently I visited Arlington National Cemetery with my father in-law. It was a part of a yearly honoring of veteran military where I helped, escorting my father in-law to Washington, D.C. for special recognition. We got to see the great changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At one point after the guard was changed, a corporal, and a part of the Honor Guard that morning, approached three high school students who were presenting a wreath that day to the many fallen and to honor them in a brief ceremony. Standing close enough to the corporal to hear what he was saying as he was taking the wreath from the high school students, he spoke to them for 45 seconds or so very quietly. He was encouraging each one to believe in the goodness of the United States and that patriotism is contagious. He said the road will be rough at times but remained extremely encouraging and real with them. It was so good to see and to hear.

Jesus calls upon us to comfort those who are sorrowful and to reinvigorate those we know and run into that are despondent about the future. Speak to people who are weary with the encouragement you have in your heart through your knowledge and love for Christ. Remember that Christ encourages you and me as He points to the heaven He has won for us, and that this same Spirit encourages you and me as He works His will through us each day.

So, imitate this divine wisdom you possess and encourage others! Start today.

In Christ,

Pastor Dan        

Matthew 5:14-16