Sunday Words of Encouragement July 24, 2016

We had a good Sunday School this morning finishing up in Romans, Chapter 16. Our SS teacher noted that there are many ‘workers’/servants/supporters, men and women, mentioned by name as those who helped Paul in his ministry. The point is made that not everyone is chosen to be an outspoken evangelist but we each can find a way to be a support resource.

We shared communion, focusing on accepting the healing powers of the sacraments; the healing power in the blood Jesus shed for us. We honored a staff member who has been with the church almost 30 years. We also honored a young girl who was ‘crowned’ and rewarded with decorations for her dedicated learning, memorization and completion of projects in the Mpact Star program.  I found this particularly moving as we have watched this young lady grow over the past ten years that we have been at the church.

Pastor’s sermon was centered on Hebrews 4:1-13, ultimately seeking the ‘rest’ promised by God. As long as we are still in this world, we must remain diligent to pursue obedience.
We can be disobedient if we:

• Hold on to worldly friends, leaving open a door for the work of the devil.
•  Hold on to unforgiveness, which will hurt us more than the person we refuse to forgive.
•  Hold on to pet sins thinking there will be no consequence. All of our behaviors, including those ‘little’ sins are an example to our children as well as to others around us.
•  Talk against others, including authority. We are told to pray for leaders, not criticize them. We are to lead a wrongdoer gently to restoration, not speak badly about them. Our mouths can bring unrest and destruction if we do not curb the negative comments.

Pastor admonished us that we in the church body can be the ‘next generation’ supporting our new Pastor if we are obedient in our behaviors. It is our choice to be obedient or not. V11.

Once again I had a specific song in mind but I could not find it. 

Instead I was led to this song: I Come Running.

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 4:1-2, 11
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
v11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

I must pray each morning to follow Romans 16:19 “be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” I must also pray for the Holy Spirit to give me strength and courage to be obedient to God’s word and Will so that, someday, I may enter the rest He has promised.I know it is a matter of faith, but faith shows in obedience.