LET US DO OUR PART

PROCLAMATION

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear …”  Jude 1:21-23 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Jude, the brother of James and the half-brother of Jesus who also called Thaddeus, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to all Christians.  After introducing himself, identifying his target audience, and greeting them, Jude states his reasons for writing this epistle. (Jude 1:1-3)  He warned them that ungodly men had slipped in among the members of the church in order to pervert the grace of God by denying Jesus, The Christ. (Jude 1:4)  He reminds them of their history and the punishment inflicted upon the false teachers and their followers. (Jude 1:5-7)  He stated that even angels who turned against God were punished. (Jude 1:6)  Jude describes these ungodly men and their activities, and the resultant apostasy, the falling away from the faith. (Jude 1:8-16)  Then he exhorts and encourages them to persevere in the faith personally and to help as many others as possible. (Jude 1:20-23)  He ends the chapter with a very profound doxology. (Jude 1:24-25)

 

APPLICATION

The message in The Bible Book of Jude is clear.  Unlike the ungodly worldly men with their carnal focus, skeptical and critical nature, unrepentant sinful behavior, and unbelieving doctrine, which is leading to world destruction, as believers we are to pray frequently, read God’s Holy Word, walk in the light, exercise our faith, demonstrate our love for one another, be merciful and kind, and spread the gospel as part of a kingdom building effort to win souls to Christ.

  

 

 

PROCLAMATION

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire …”  Jude 1:21-23 (NIV)

 

LET US HOLD ON TO OUR FAITH

PROCLAMATION

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see The Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the unknown human author, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the Hebrew believers and indirectly to all believers.   The author begins this  tenth chapter by continuing the discussion of Christ’s sacrifice once and for all and the covenant He made with His people. (Hebrews 10:1-18)  Then he presents a call to the believers to persevere in the faith. (Hebrews 10:19-25)  After this he discusses the implications which could result if they keep on committing the same sin and falling away from God after they have received the knowledge of the truth. (Hebrews 10:26-35)  He ends the chapter encouraging them to persevere and not to shrink back from their faith. (Hebrews 10:36-39) 

 

APPLICATION

We need to hold on to our faith and exercise it, for The Lord God who made the promise to us is coming back. (Hebrews 10:36-37)  He will not be pleased with us if we shrink back from our faith. (Hebrews 10:38)  Not only are we to keep the faith, we also are to encourage one another to do likewise, and we are to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) so that God may be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)  Instead of tearing one another down, we ought to be encouraging one another and building each other up.  “The Day” is approaching; the end is closer than we think.

 

DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE

PROCLAMATION

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this last chapter with a discussion regarding the collection of money to help The Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)  He told them that he wanted to spend some significant time with them after he went through Macedonia and after his stay in Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 16:5-9)  He made a special request regarding Timothy’s visit to them and he told them that Apollos would come to them later. (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)  Then he offered them some words of encouragement, telling them to be careful, keep the faith, and stand strong.  He exhorted them to do everything in love.  He also told them to graciously accept new people who were doing The Lord’s work, (1 Corinthians 16:15-18) then he gave them his final farewell greeting. (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

 

APPLICATION

As believers we should always encourage and build one another up.  Even those believers who are strong in The Lord, and in The Word, still occasionally need a word of encouragement.  All of us go through trials, temptations, and tribulations.  We have no idea of all the things that a fellow believer may be dealing with.  It is not necessary for us to know their personal business in order for us to offer them an encouraging word or to pray for them.  We should make sure that whatever we do or say is done in love.  We should THINK first before we speak or act.  Make sure that it is Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Nice, and Kind.  We all need to stay strong in the faith and to repeatedly demonstrate our love for one another.

 

WHEN TROUBLE STRIKES

PROCLAMATION

“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.”  Acts 28:3 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Paul was arrested by the Roman commander, (Acts 21:33) and ordered taken to the barracks, (Acts 22:24) he underwent a series of trials.  Paul testified in his own defense before the Sanhedrin council, (Acts 23:1-10) before Governor Felix, (Acts 24:10-21) before Governor Festus, (Acts 25:6-11) and before King Agrippa. (Acts 26:1-31)  As a Roman citizen, Paul requested an appeal before Caesar, and it was granted. (Acts 26:32)  As they sailed to Rome, the winds were not in their favor. (Acts 27:4)  Paul warned them not to continue sailing but they did not listen to him. (Acts 27:9-11)  The winds turned into a violent storm. (Acts 27:13-20)  After two weeks at sea in the storm, they struck a sandbar, and the ship was broken into pieces. (Acts 27:27-41)  The crew and the prisoners all made it safely to shore. (Acts 27:44)  Altogether there were 276 people on board the ship. (Acts 27:37)  The people on the island of Malta welcomed them and helped them to build a fire because it was raining and cold. (Acts 28:1-3)  That was when Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.  However, he did not die; he just shook the snake off and kept on working. (Acts 28:5-6)  Eventually, Paul healed every sick person on the island before continuing on to Rome. (Acts 28:7-9)

 

APPLICATION

We all go through various trials and tribulations along our journey called life.  At times bad storms will occur and disrupt the lives of good people.  We just need to keep the faith, speak the truth, and keep on doing the right thing.  When trouble strikes, first, don’t panic because that will only make things worse.  Second, just shake it off and count it all as joy (James 1:2) because God can use it for our good. (Romans 8:28)  Third, keep on working for The Lord.  He did not say that we would not have any troubles in our life.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  There will be storms in our life, but He will be with us during the storms and He has the power to control the storms. (Mark 4:39)  So, when trouble strikes, don’t panic, keep the faith, shake it off, and keep on doing what thus says The Lord.

 

BELIEVERS MUST ENDURE MANY HARDSHIPS IN THIS LIFE

PROCLAMATION

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples.  Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.  ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.  Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Paul and Barnabas preached so effectively in Iconium that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)  But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the people so that the city was divided.  There was a plot to stone them, but they fled to Lystra. (Acts 14:2-7)  In Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth and the people thought that they were gods and wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:8-18)  Some of the Jews who came from Antioch stirred up the people, won over a large crowd and they stoned Paul and left him for dead. (Acts 14:19)  The next day Paul and Barnabas left for Derbe. (Acts 14:20)  After preaching there they retraced their steps and went back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.

 

APPLICATION

It is not easy to be a Christian.  There is a price to be paid for being a believer and following Christ.  Jesus, The Christ, said that we must take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23)  He also said that we would be hated among men for His sake. (Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, and John 15:18)  However, if we endure the hardships in this life, we will be rewarded in the next life. (Matthew 5:10)  So, keep the faith, we may suffer now but joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)

 

SOMETIMES OUR FRIENDS DON'T REALLY KNOW US

PROCLAMATION

“But now be so kind as to look at me.  Would I lie to your face?  Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.”  Job 6:28-29 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After discarding the advice from his wife, (Job 2:9-10) three of Job’s friends, having heard about his troubles, came to visit him and to comfort him. (Job 2:11-13)  They sat with him for seven days without saying a word. (Job 2:13)  After that Job spoke, and he complained about his situation, and he cursed the day that he was born. (Job 3:1-26)  His friend Eliphaz then spoke and said that Job should remember the words which he had taught to others. (Job 4:1-6)  He said that those who sow trouble will reap it. (Job 4:7-9)  Then he asked Job can a mortal be more righteous than God? (Job 4:17)  Afterwards he told Job, “If I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him.” (Job 5:8)  Then he said, “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)  Job replied that he wished that God would grant his request and kill him. (Job 6:8-10)  Job also told his friend that he had not sinned, and he would not lie about it. (Job 6:28-30)

APPLICATION

People can be our friend for years and not really know us.  They may know what we did in the past and who we were, but they do not know who we are now.  If they are non-believers, then they really cannot understand us or our behavior.  Their assessment of us and our situation is based upon insufficient information and their advice should be taken with a grain of salt.  If their premise is wrong, then their advice is also wrong.  Sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just be there with us and keep their opinions to themselves.  When we need help, we should “take our burdens to The Lord and leave them there.”  The Lord God knows us, He knows all about us, and He knows what is best for us.  Trust not in man, (Psalm 146:3) trust in The Lord God. (Psalm 16:1)

EVEN YOUR MATE MAY TRY TO TURN YOU AGAINST GOD

PROCLAMATION

“His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity?  Curse God and die!’  He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’  In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”  Job 2:9-10 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The Lord God told Satan, when he again presented himself before Him, that Job maintained his integrity even though you took all that he had and tried to ruin him. (Job 2:3)  Satan replied that if his flesh and bones were affected, then he would curse God. (Job 2:4-5)  The Lord God then gave Satan permission to attack Job’s health but not take his life. (Job 2:6)  Job was afflicted with painful sores from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.  Satan even used Job’s wife to get him to turn against God, but he would not curse The Lord God. (Job 2:7-10)

APPLICATION

When times are bad and we feel like everything is going against us, we need to be careful about the advice we receive even from our loved ones.  They may mean well but they may have very selfish motives.  The Lord God will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  We may be going through a storm, but He will be with us in the midst of the storm.  We just need to go through it, persevere, and endure, (Matthew 10:22) and keep the faith because our joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)  We should look to Him who is our help, (Psalm 121:1) and if we keep our focus on Him, we will not sink. (Matthew 14:28-31)  Peter did not sink until he took his eyes off of Jesus, The Christ, and began to focus on the storm.  Blessed is the man who endures, for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown that The Lord God has promised. (James 1:12)

STAND FIRM AND HOLD ON TO THE BELIEF IN THE WORD OF GOD

Proclamation:

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15-16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  He began this second chapter by discussing the antichrist and reminded them that he had told them about these things when he was with them. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5)  The coming of the antichrist will be in accordance with how Satan works using displays of power through signs and wonders to support his lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10)  The false prophets were spreading the word that the Day of The Lord had already come and Paul was telling the believers that it had not come yet. (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3)  Then Paul encourages them to stand firm and hold on to the teachings which they had received.  He ends by praying that God will encourage and strengthen them.

Application:

After the rapture, the day of The Lord will begin.  The Day of The Lord is a technical phrase which refers to the period of time beginning with the Great Tribulation. (Read Matthew 24:3-28)  The antichrist will reveal himself during this period and present himself as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4)  He will have power and he will deceive the world. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10)  As bad as thing are in the world today, they will get worse because the day of The Lord has not yet come.  When it does come, believers will not be here to see it because it will occur after the rapture.  So, keep the faith and keep spreading The Word of God by mouth and by actions.  We can rest assured that we are safely within God’s hands. (John 10:29)

BE CAREFUL KEEP THE FAITH BE COURAGEOUS AND BE STRONG

Proclamation:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this last chapter with a discussion regarding the collection of money to help The Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)  He told them that he wanted to spend some significant time with them after he went through Macedonia and after his stay in Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 16:5-9)  He made a special request regarding Timothy’s visit to them and he told them that Apollos would come to them later. (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)  Then he offered them some words of encouragement, telling them to be careful, keep the faith, and stand strong.  He exhorted them to do everything in love.  He also told them to graciously accept new people who were doing The Lord’s work, (1 Corinthians 16:15-18) then he gave them his final farewell greeting. (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

Application:

As believers we should encourage and build one another up.  Even those believers who are strong in The Lord, and in The Word, still occasionally need a word of encouragement.  All of us go through trials, temptations, and tribulations.  We have no idea of all the things that a fellow believer may be dealing with.  It is not necessary for us to know their personal business in order for us to offer them an encouraging word or to pray for them.  We should make sure that whatever we do or say is done in love.  We should THINK first before we speak or act.  Make sure that it is Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Nice, and Kind.

BELIEVERS MUST ENDURE MANY HARDSHIPS IN THIS LIFE

Proclamation:

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples.  Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.  ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.  Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Paul and Barnabas preached so effectively in Iconium that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)  But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the people so that the city was divided.  There was a plot to stone them but they fled to Lystra. (Acts 14:2-7)  In Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth and the people thought that they were gods and wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:8-18)  Some of the Jews who came from Antioch stirred up the people, won over a large crowd and they stoned Paul and left him for dead. (Acts 14:19)  The next day Paul and Barnabas left for Derbe. (Acts 14:20)  After preaching there they retraced their steps and went back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.

Application:

It is not easy to be a Christian.  There is a price to be paid for being a believer and following Christ.  Jesus, The Christ, said that we must take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23)  He also said that we would be hated among men for His sake. (Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, and John 15:18)  However, if we endure the hardships in this life, we will be rewarded in the next life.  So, keep the faith, joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)

LET US PERSEVERE AND HOLD ON TO OUR FAITH

Proclamation:

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The author begins this chapter by continuing the discussion of Christ’s sacrifice once and for all and the covenant He made with His people. (Hebrews 10:1-18)  Then he presents a call to the believers to persevere in the faith. (Hebrews 10:19-25)  After this he discusses the implications which could result if they keep on committing the same sin and falling away from God after they have received the knowledge of the truth. (Hebrews 10:26-35)  He ends the chapter encouraging them to persevere and not to shrink back from their faith. (Hebrews 10:36-39) 

Application:

We need to hold on to our faith and exercise it, for The Lord God who made the promise to us is coming back. (Hebrews 10:36-37)  He will not be pleased with us if we shrink back from our faith. (Hebrews 10:38)  Not only are we to keep the faith, we are to encourage one another to do likewise, and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) so that God may be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)  Instead of tearing one another down, we ought to be encouraging one another.  The “Day” is approaching; the end is closer than we think.

HOLD ON FIRMLY TO YOUR BELIEF IN CHRIST NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS

Proclamation:

“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.  We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”  Hebrews 3:12-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  He begins this chapter stating that Jesus, The Christ, is greater than Moses. (Hebrews 3:1-6)  Then he warns the people against unbelief by quoting Old Testament scriptures. (Hebrews 3:7-11 is taken from Psalm 95:7-11)  He goes on to tell them not to turn away from God and not to let their hearts be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  After that he encourages them to encourage one another and tells them to hold on to their beliefs and convictions.

Application:

The storms of life can sometimes knock us down, and sinful temptations can test us, but we should never let go of our belief and conviction in Christ.  Even if we fall into sin, we should never turn away from Christ, and we should never doubt Him.  The devil can tempt us and test us because he knows our weaknesses.  However, there can be not testimony without first having to pass a test.  Since we all have our temptations, let us encourage each other daily.  Let us also share The Word of God with others.  Failure to believe in Christ is the reason for the loss of salvation.  Those who have heard The Word of God and who choose not to believe are lost.

LORD LET YOUR FACE SHINE UPON US

Proclamation:

“Love The Lord, all His faithful people!  The Lord preserves those who are true to Him, but the proud He pays back in full.  Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The Lord.”  Psalm 31:23-24 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  This psalm is essentially a long prayer.  As he prays he moves from his problems to praise, from anguish to assurance, and from reproach to relief.  He demonstrates his trust in The Lord by turning over his life to Him (Psalm 31:5) using the same words which Jesus, The Christ, would utter from the cross at Calvary.  He asks The Lord to smile on him and to let His grace shine upon him in the midst of his troubles. (Psalm 31:16)  David ends this psalm by encouraging the people of God to demonstrate their love and obedience to The Lord, and he tells them to keep the faith.

Application:

Whatever our situation in life, we want The Lord God to look down upon us, to smile upon us, and to bless us. (Psalm 31:16)  As we go through the troubles, trials and tribulations of this life, we need to keep our trust in The Lord.  We ought to pray frequently, and pray about everything. (Matthew 21:22)  Some of the things that we want we do not have because we have not asked for them.  “Ye have not, because ye ask not.” (James 4:2)  We need to remember that even in the midst of our storms our purpose is to give God glory.  No one should have to tell us to pray and praise The Lord.

BE OF GOOD COURAGE AND WAIT ON THE LORD

Proclamation:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? … One thing I ask from The Lord, this only do I seek: That I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of The Lord and to seek Him in His temple. … Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.”  Psalm 27:1-4 and 14 (NIV)

Explanation: 

The words of this psalm were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  It is believed by most Bible scholars that these words were written after David had been harassed and pursued by King Saul.  David knew that The Lord was the light of grace which was bestrode upon him that gave him his salvation.  Even though he ran from Saul to save his life, he knew that he should not be afraid.  His main focus, desire and prayer was not to return to Saul’s court, or his own home, but to dwell daily in the presence of The Living God.  This was not a reference to heaven, which would be his eternal dwelling place, but in the church house where he could continually worship The Lord.  David knew that if he was patient, kept the faith, and waited upon The Lord that his time would come. 

Application:

It is important for believers to pray often and sincerely.  We need to thank God for our blessings and privileges, to tell Him of our concerns and problems, and ask for His help and perseverance.  When we are in the midst of our storms and troubles, we can cry out to The Lord and know that He will hear and answer us. (Psalm 27:7-8)   “Our God is bigger than our problems.” (Author unknown)  As the song says, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time.  He’s an on time God, yes He is.”  We just have to be patient, be of good courage, and wait on The Lord, and know that our deliverance and our blessing will come. (Psalm 27:14)  We need to cultivate and express confidence in The Lord.

THE LORD GOD IS KING FOR EVER AND EVER

Proclamation:

“The Lord is King for ever and ever; … You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere mortals will never again strike terror.”  Psalm 10:16-18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  This untitled psalm is thought to be a continuation of Psalm 9.  David begins this psalm on a note of despair. (Psalm 10:1)  He spends most of this psalm focusing on the hostile actions, words, and thoughts of the wicked.  He asks The Lord God to raise up His hand (Psalm 10:12) and break the arm of the wicked. (Psalm 10:15)  Then he offers words of encouragement to the believers telling them that The Lord is in control and that He has heard their cries. (Psalm 10:16-18)  This psalm begins with a statement of despair, but it ends with a statement of faith.

Application:

We live in a world full of atheists. (Psalms 10:4, 10:11, and 10:13)  If we listen to them, we will be discouraged.  We need to understand that The Lord God is The King of kings and that He has all power in His hands. (Matthew 28:18)  We are just passing through this world headed to our home in heaven.  Jesus said that, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)  He also said that going to prepare a place for us so that we could be with Him throughout eternity. (John 14:1-6)  We need to know that there will come a time when the heathen and the wicked will be destroyed. (Psalm 10:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:24-26)  When The Lord establishes the new heaven and the new earth, the wicked will no longer exist. (2 Peter 3:13)  The weak and the meek, the fatherless and the oppressed will be avenged.  The Lord knows of our suffering and He has heard our cries.  One day, we will sit at His feet and be blessed.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Proclamation:

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love."  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth.  Paul was encouraging them to be alert to false teaching, to keep their faith in God, and to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity knowing that they were facing times of trouble and tribulation.  He also told them to do all that they do in love.

Application:

Today, whatever our particular situation, we are to act in a Christ-like manner.  We are to obey The Word of God, have confidence in His power, know that He will keep His promises, and with His strength we will have the victory.  We should always be on guard for the devil and his devices.  We should be unyielding in our belief and our faith.  We should be courageous when we face our problems, trials, and temptations because God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)  With His help and strength we are victorious and more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  We should always demonstrate loving-kindness, especially towards one another.  That way the world will know that we are true believers in Jesus, The Christ. (John 13:35)  We should always be about doing the work of The Lord, and we should encourage others who are doing likewise. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)  We never really know what others are dealing with and a kind word of encouragement, spoken in love, can help build up who is silently suffering.

See The Goodness Of The Lord

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of The LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for The LORD; be strong, and take heart, and wait for The LORD."  Psalms 27:13-14 (NIV)

This psalm of King David was written to encourage the believers to be patient and wait for The Lord.  He knew that The Lord does things in His own time frame.  However, David was confident that he would see the goodness of The Lord before he died.

Believers know that God is in control of everything.  However, we tend to want God to act for us when we want Him to act.  When we pray to God for help, we need to do so in humble submission, realizing that we are totally dependent upon Him, and then we need to be resolved to keep the faith and wait for Him to respond.  Whatever He says for us to do, we need to be obedient and do it.  Then we shall behold the goodness of The Lord because all of His goodness is not reserved for heaven. (Psalms 33:5)

Don't Give Up Hold On And Keep The Faith

"Love The LORD, all His saints!  The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full.  Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD."  Psalms 31:23-24 (NIV)

King David exhorted the people of God to love The Lord God, to keep the faith, and to be strong.  He encouraged them to hold on, and not to give up.  He said that The Lord God would preserve them if they just kept their faith in Him.

The Word of God offers believers the assurance that The Lord God will keep the faithful, those who have faith and hope in Him, safe from hurt, harm, and danger.  He has always kept His promises in the past, and He will continue to do so. (Deuteronomy 7:9)  As believers we should be strong in our faith in God and be of good courage because we have good reason to do so.  He has great goodness stored up and waiting for us. (Psalms 31:19)  He will protect us and keep us safe from the evil that men have planned for us. (Psalms 31:20)  He has already blessed us with numerous acts of His kindness. (Psalms 31:21)  The Lord God hears and answers our prayers. (Psalms 31:22)  He has promised that if we are faithful, He will preserve, protect, and keep us. (Psalms 31:23)  He will strengthen our mind, body, and spirit, as long as we continue to have faith and hope in Him. (Psalms 31:24)  Who wouldn't love a God like Him, He gave His only son to die and pay the price for our sins so that we could be saved. (John 3:16)  Love The Lord, keep your faith and hope in Him strong.  Don't give up, whatever happens, hold on, keep the faith, better days are coming, God is in control.

Wait Upon The Lord

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, The Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in The LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Thus said the prophet Isaiah, speaking about The Lord God to the chosen people of God who had turned from God to empty ritualism and idolatry.  He had prophesied regarding their coming captivity by the Babylonians and their subsequent delivery.  Here he was reminding the people who The Lord God was, and what He had done.  He spoke of power, knowledge, and strength of God.  Then he encouraged them to be patient, to wait upon The Lord, and to maintain their faith in Him.

How quickly we seem to forget about all that The Lord has done for us.  We forget that He is all powerful, all knowing, and every where all at the same time.  We act like He doesn't see us when we engage in our sinful activities.  We call ourselves "Christians" but we have not turned from our sinful wicked ways.  The Bible says that when He comes back, there will be those calling to Him saying, "Lord, Lord", but He will say to them depart from Me for I know you not. (Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 13:24-27)  We need to recognize who He is, humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, so that He will hear us and bless us. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  We need to wait patiently upon The Lord and keep the faith, because our trials and temptations are only tests. (1 Peter 1:7)  God can strengthen us and help us get through any situation. (Philippians 4:13)  We just have to believe and obey His Word.  When judgement day comes, we want to hear Him say "Well done", we do not want to hear "Depart from me." 

Encouraging Words

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love."  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

These are the words of the Apostle Paul as he offered encouragement to the believers in Corinth who were facing trying times and troubles.  His words were simple, but powerful.  He told them to stand firm in their faith, and to be on guard against anything that would tear it down.  He told them to exercise courage and strength, recognizing that both of these come from God.  Finally he said, in all that they do, they should do it with the love of God.

The events and storms of life can bring us down, or knock us down.  Believers are not immune to troubles, trials, and tribulations, but with the help of The Lord God we can get back up after we have been knocked down.  Once we recognize who we are and whose we are, like the prodigal son, we do not have to stay in the muck and mire of bad situations and circumstances. (Luke 15:17-18)  In our weakness He has the opportunity to demonstrate His strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9)  The battles that we are trying to fight, are not ours to fight. (Ephesians 6:12)  We need to put on the whole armor of God, and just stand and witness His power. (Ephesians 6:11 and 6:13)  Our strength and our courage come from Him, and from knowing that The Lord God will fight our battles and protect us.  In Him we are conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  We just need to remember that we are His, and we need to act like it.  So, be encouraged, trouble don't last always, joy is coming. (Psalms 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 4:17)