Musings #1
There has perhaps never been a time in my life when the world needed as much encouragement as it does now. We are beset by a horrible health crisis, looming economic problems, unparalleled political division, and a growing population of unchurched and anti-church people. The world situation gives us much to be discouraged about in all ways. Our Gospel, the good news, allows us to see a different point of view. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” These were encouraging words for a gloomy time then, and are still so today.
The first question is, how do we get the abundant life that Jesus proclaims? We get abundance by simply believing that Jesus can deliver what he has promised. Jesus is God on earth that came to redeem the world. The world is so busy trying to redeem itself, that a cloud of gloom and discouragement has landed upon us. We are like the ships of old that are sailing into a fog bank and frantically looking for the lighthouse to guide them around the treacherous rocks. It is only when the light is seen that the ship is safe. We need to see the light of Jesus and follow it to the path of abundance.
That is an encouraging word. We do have something to look toward, and it is far better than anything that we can conjure for ourselves. Once we see that abundance, then we can feel encouragement and share encouragement with others.
-
We can know that God is really with us, and he never abandons us, even in the darkest times.
-
We can walk through dark times with the knowledge that he is helping us along the way.
-
We can share words of encouragement with others, because we know that we will come out on the other side.
-
We can share a forward-thinking attitude that allows others to look forward as well.
-
We live in such a way that people can see that God is with us.
Stephen Covey tells us to treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become such a man. That is a tremendous charge for us. Jesus tells us to be the salt and light of the world. Most assuredly, we can make a difference in the lives of others. We can encourage and sustain them, and the world will be the greater for it. Followers of Jesus are called to be the encouragers of the world. Let us try to invite those we meet to be the person God intended them to be.
There are times that Christians need encouragement as well. The best source of encouragement is the church. As members of a church, you are introduced to the preaching and teaching of the word, have access to the sacraments, and contact with one another. These are means of grace, and they are all found in the church.
The Church is meant to be a cauldron of encouragement. A church is a place that we are on our best behavior, and we are looking for the best in each other. Pray that you will be of such a mindset when you are participating in church. It will encourage you as well as all those around you.
Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.
~~~ Anne Frank
Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.”
~~~Stephen R. Covey
You can get a thousand no’s from people, and only one “yes” from God.”
~~~Tyler Perry
Instruction does much, but encouragement everything.
~~~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Encouragement to others is something everyone can give. Somebody needs what you have to give. It may not be your money; it may be your time. It may be your listening ear. It may be your arms to encourage. It may be your smile to uplift. Who knows?
~~~Joel Osteen
A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.
~~~Unknown
When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you’re making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement really does make a difference.
~~~Zig Ziglar
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
~~~Marcus Aurelius
“Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best.”
“When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry – your Lifeguard walks on water.”
“Never let a bad situation bring out the worst in you. Choose to stay positive and be the strong person that God created you to be!”
“You’re not going to master the rest of your life in one day. Just relax. Master the day. Then just keep doing that every day.”
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
– Albert Camus
For nothing will be impossible with God.
~~~Luke 1:37
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
~~~Proverbs 3:5-6
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?
~~~Psalm 27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
~~~John 14:27
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
~~~Proverbs 28:1
for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
~~~2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
~~~Zephaniah 3:17
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.
~~~Proverbs 28:1
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
~~~1 Corinthians 10:13
I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’
~~~John 16:33
LORD, if there was ever a time that we need some encouragement, it’s now. Let me hear a word from you and know that you have my well-being in the palm of your hand. I trust you to guide me through these difficult days. Help to hear the word as I read the word. Help to hear the words of comfort and encouragement as others speak them to me. I know that you will provide all that I need. Amen
A Pastor's Thoughts 