Encouragement - “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”   We all need encouragement from time to time.   Encouragement that “it is going to be ok.”  Encouragement that says,”you are not alone, we are in this together.”   Encouragement that helps you face the day or the task at hand.  Encouragement that brings you that glimmer of “hope!”

Hope for today!   Jesus’ birth was historical, prophetical and life-changing!

Not only life-changing eternally speaking, but life-changing for the present.

But those who have answered the call to salvation through Jesus Christ, called to be saints - still need encouragement.   Encouragement that says, “I’m thankful for you and your faith in Christ.”   Encouragement that serves in the Spirit by praying for one another, and letting each other know, “I just wanted you to know that I have been praying for you this week.”  Encouragement that says, “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you so that we might be encouraged together!”  These should be adjectives of our faith.

This is the mutual faith that the Apostle Paul spoke of in Romans (cf. 1: 8)

So often we forget this part of our faith.  Jesus is not in the crib.  Jesus is not on the cross.  Jesus is not in the grave.  Jesus is in you and He is coming again!  Be encouraged and be an encourager in the faith!

And remember - the best is yet to come!  “For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come…Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (cf. Revelation 19) 

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney