Sunday Words of Encouragement October 30, 2022 -- Don't Grow Weary of Doing Good!

Our Sunday School teacher advised us we only have another 3-4 weeks to finish our two year study of Revelation. 😊 This week’s lesson regarded the Millennium and what would be happening during that period.

The service started with some nice, older praise songs. Then, after encouraging our being obedient to share tithes, and offerings (don't rob God Malachi 3:8). Pastor preached on Doing Good. The message was based on Galatians 6:1-10.

“Weary” in the context of this scripture is beyond being tired. It means being disheartened or discouraged. Believers are told ‘Do not grow weary’. Recognize that the attack of discouragement is an attack of the devil.

‘In due season we will reap a harvest.’ Although many allergy-sensitive people are not happy at this season, Pastor loves the season of peanut harvest. This scripture tells us that ‘if you do good, you will reap a harvest in time.’ The harvests will be different and will come at different times (seasons) for different people.

You can't reap if you give up. Hang in like “Hair in the biscuit” (a rather yucky image).

How do we continue to do good?
1. Restore and minister to others. v1. Show grace. Not condemnation. (See v3.)
2. Bear one another burdens. v2. This doesn’t mean you have to help a lazy person (see v4-5) but we can help those who need extra or who are going through times of struggle. Believers are exhorted to show the love of God, especially to others in the ‘family’.
3. Self-evaluate and work out your own situation. v4. Don't be critical of others. We are reminded to stay in our own lane. Only the Holy Spirit can truly ‘fix’ others.
4. Bear your own load. v5.

When we sow goodness, we will receive a response of blessing that is recognizable. v6-8. The farmer plants a single seed, kernel of corn, or one peanut. He harvests a multitude: a spike, an ear of corn, and a peanut bush. Believers reap blessings and eternal life.

Stop and ask: What am I investing my time in? An old adage says: “You have time for what you make time for.”
Our God is a God of the harvest, especially an eternal harvest. Keep serving and doing good.

This is a song that speaks of God’s great goodness and faithfulness which I have seen in my own life.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.


Lord and Spirit – Please help me to keep on doing good … for Your Glory!

 

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 9, 2020

We are still remaining at home and doing church online. Hubby gets in two services as he watches the service in Illinois (our son’s church family) and then our local service. Pastor continued and concluded this section of his Resolute Road series. The message of the unwavering, resolute nature of God was based on Romans Chapter 4.

We have all learned that man-made promises and warranties often don't hold true. People want assurances, especially in these unsure days of Covid19. But the only true assurance is found in Christ Jesus.

In Romans 4, Paul asks and answers four questions. Abraham (old testament) lived many years before the sacrifice of Jesus. Still, he was deemed righteous by his faith. Abraham believed God 100 percent. Romans 4:3 “What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

God’s promise of blessing through Abraham is for all. Romans 4:16. All people have the promise equally – if they believe.

Abraham believed in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” Romans 4:17. Abraham recognized God as the Creator. (Is it easier to believe that the world was created from chaos or that our mighty God spoke the world into existence?)

God gave a unilateral promise of blessings to Abraham and his descendants. They didn’t need to do anything…except believe. God spoke; Abraham believed and did not waiver. Romans 4:19-20.

The Point: The promises of God never fail or fade. You can take God at His word and cling to the promises He gives you.

There are many promises: Jesus took our stripes; Jesus is preparing a place for the believer in heaven; the believer who is faithful to bring his tithe to God will receive overflowing blessings; God will work all things to the good of those who believe in Him.

Do you trust God 100 percent? It can’t be 75%. It is either all…. Or not.
Cling to the promises of God

This song resonates for today’s message:

All my life you have been faithful!

Verses for Today:
Romans 4:4-5; 16
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham.

I praise you, Lord! Help me to always trust You 100%!

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 12, 2019 Happy Mother's Day!

Our Sunday School teacher summarized 1 Corinthians and the lessons he has shared these past many weeks. Service was nicely full of families ready to celebrate with Mothers.

Pastor’s message was the first in a new series he has titled “Life Skills”. He noted that Moms teach many things to children; many skills to help become a successful person in life. These lessons and skills include things like respect, manners, perseverance, planning, communication, listening, having fun, laughing a lot, relationships, kindness, and much more. A lot of the best things we learn by the age of 5.

Godly mothers hopefully teach that God comes first; family is important but not as important as God. Showing honor is a skill that will never fail you. It is more than respect or good manners. One of the commandments tells us: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12. Ephesians 6:1 reiterates this noting that it is the first commandment with a promise. That chapter also admonishes fathers not to provoke their children but it does say that children are to be brought up with training and instruction of the Lord.

Point: Honor is a reflection of the character of God in our attitude and actions.

A mature person sees beyond his or her immediate feelings such as hurt, anger, disappointment, etc. God loves us, we didn't have to earn it.

Ephesians 6:5-8 goes on to direct slaves to submit to “your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart… 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,…”

We need to give respect and honor even to those we disagree with. The message is “honor everyone”, love the family of believers, and respect the king. There are different levels (respect, honor, love) but the bottom line is the same: give deference to others.
We should be seeking to outdo each other in showing honor; love each other, take delight...Romans 12:9-18.

Our world does the opposite of what God wants. They belittle and name call. They exhibit selfishness saying “I want it my way, now”.
What does honor look like?
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
There is a proper order and priority. “ Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21.

Pursue what God wants first.
Honor in this life does not equate to honor in God's world, in eternity. We are directed to honor God and others. All men are created in His image and therefore worthy of love.

We sang this song this morning and I loved it.

Verses for Today
Romans 12:10-18
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Lord, I pray that you help me to always honor others as You direct us to do.