Tag: encouragement
God’s encouragement!
Scripture reading for June 27th: Acts 18:1-21
The apostle Paul always seemed to get in trouble as he preached about Jesus Christ in the synagogues. After leaving Athens and the confrontation with the intellectuals on Mars Hill, Paul went to Corinth and again went to the synagogue. There he encountered some interest at first, but soon was being opposed by some abusive Jews. Paul did as Jesus instructed, shaking out his clothes and stating, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles!” (Acts 18:6)
He went next door to the house of a man named Titius Justice, who was a worshiper of God. This means that he was a Gentile seeker who had attended the synagogue. Paul used his house to preach and the synagogue ruler Crispus and his entire household was saved! Many others were saved and baptized! (Acts 18:7-8)
Sometimes leaders need fresh vision and encouragement. Even though we are living life one day at a time, we need to know that we are in line with where God wants us. Sometimes we can feel His pleasure, but other times we feel opposition and even fear. God knew that Paul needed encouragement to stay in Corinth for a more extended period of time so He gave him a vision. “Don’t be afraid; keep on speaking, don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:10) Many of God’s mighty saints struggled with fear. The Holy Spirit gave them great boldness and vision and words of encouragement to keep them on track. Paul stayed in Corinth teaching for a year and a half.
As Paul left there, he went back to many of the churches he had started and encouraged them. He had a ministry of encouragement and disciple making that was ordered by his commitment to listen to the Holy Spirit. When asked by some Jews at Ephesus to stay and spend more time, he declined. He told them that he would come back if it was the Lord’s will. (Acts 18:21) God knows how to direct His disciples. We are all on a directed journey to accomplish God’s will and must finish our course! Are you listening to the Holy Spirit today?
A burning stick, snatched from the fire!
Scripture reading for September 27th: Zechariah 3-4
God’s people and their leaders faced a task that looked impossible: the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem! God sent visions to Zechariah to bring encouragement and give them hope!
The second of eight visions pictured Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Lord, and Satan there accusing him. The Lord rebuked Satan and described Joshua as a burning stick snatched from the fire! (Zechariah 3:2; Jude 22,23) He then ordered Joshua’s filthy clothes to be removed and clothed him in clean garments. Joshua was told that if he walked in the Lord’s ways and kept His requirements, he would govern God’s house and have a place among those standing there by the throne of God.
Joshua the high priest was symbolic of things to come. God would send His servant, the Branch to remove the sin of Israel in a single day. Jesus Christ was the servant of the Lord who was sent by God. He was and is the Son of God. He fully obeyed all of God’s requirements and walked in His ways. He became sin and was made like the burning stick, under the fires of God’s judgment for us. God raised Him from the dead, snatching Him from the fire, and seated Him at His right hand! In obeying His Father, Jesus Christ removed the sin from the land and from all people in one day!
Zechariah also saw a golden lamp stand with a bowl at the top and seven lights. There were two olive trees standing on either side of the bowl. Zechariah again asked for understanding. “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6) It was not their might, power, or ability that would accomplish the task. God would bless their efforts and see it through by His Spirit!
The Church is the lamp stand and the saints are lights in the world. The Spirit is the oil that brings the energy for the light. God’s anointed leaders help with the dispensing of the anointing oil as they live by faith and do their assigned jobs! Their lives of faith reflect God’s Glory and the work goes forward! It may seem like our work is small but don’t despise it– live by faith in the power of His Spirit!
Transition of Leadership
Scripture reading for April 21: 1st Chronicles 22-27
As I have attended and worked in different church families, one of the things that is often done poorly is the transition of leadership. Often the pastor resigns or sometimes is forced to leave because of some problem. No preparation or thinking has been done by the deacons or core leadership of the church and a crisis is at hand. People have different ideas and pastors are invited to come share their ministry and it becomes a popularity contest. It sometimes divides the church and there is great turmoil. Many people forget that God is a God of order and He has a plan of succession and a plan for success! We see such a plan in action in today’s reading!
David was old and “full of years”. (1st Chronicles 23:1) He made Solomon king over Israel. David’s son Adonijah had tried to make himself king and Bathsheba and Nathan worked together to redirect the situation according to the will of the Lord. (1st Kings 1:1-5) There was a power struggle here as well. People often want to be in charge and often seek to take power or to control the one who is in power. It is one of the strategies of Satan to bring division and confusion in a family, church, or nation. After installing Solomon, David wisely tried to help his son succeed in the tasks that he knew were important. One of these was the building of the temple for the Lord.
First David encouraged Solomon that it was God’s will that he build the Lord’s house. David had heard from the Lord! He knew the will of God and passed this on to Solomon. He was positive and encouraging and prayed for God’s wisdom and discretion that his son might keep the Law of God and have success! A father’s blessing and God’s blessing go a long way toward success! (1st Chronicles 22:11-13)
Next, David assembled materials for the Temple. He generously provided from his own treasury for God’s house! He set a good example for his son and the nation of generosity and focus on what was important. When God’s house was cared for, God would bless and the people would be focused on what should be central. (1st Chronicles 22:14-16)
The last thing David did was to gather the key leaders of Israel together and encourage them to support Solomon. David cited the Lord’s victories and how God had given the people rest. He encouraged the leaders to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul and to begin building. This transition would continue the vision of the Lord through David and insure the accomplishment of God’s will and purposes. (1st Chronicles 22:17-19)
I believe God wants thoughtful and peaceful transition of leadership. Pray for your family, church family and nation for the leaders and those in authority that they would be thoughtful and purposeful in this area. God’s purposes are eternal! We should keep them in focus!