ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER!

Our bible study group is in the midst of studying Paul’s letters to Timothy and how he is preparing him to take on the church of Ephesus. He realized that Timothy is quite young, possibly around thirty years old, and will endure many hardships, one, possibly, from some of the elders who think they know more than he does. Paul has such a tender and loving way of encouraging him urging him to stand firm in the truth and be active in the spiritual gifts that God has placed inside him rather that letting them lie dormant. He tells him he needs to live the spiritual life that he preaches about, setting the example for the church he is to lead so they will see him as a true soldier of God. Paul is the example we all could use in our lives to keep not only ourselves, those around us, especially our younger generation lifted up and encouraged to continue moving forward. We may not get that everyday but it is good to know the ones who are good encouragers and who we can go to when we feel let down. As Paul tells Timothy, live in spiritual truth which is how we should all be living. We want encouragement through tender, loving and truthful words, not just words that sound good but mean nothing!

‘Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father continue to encourage us when we feel overwhelmed, help us to find the peace and renew our strength when we need it. Remind us we are never alone. Help us to be good encouragers to those around us and find the words they need to hear in love and truth so they may find peace and renewed strength as well. In Your precious name we pray. Amen