"....MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED...."

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."  (Romans 1:11, 12)

I do, but most of us are so far apart.  I once had a gathering at the Lamplighter in Delmont, PA, years ago.  It was a sort of update, but for me it was also, "....mutually encouraged by each other's faith."  Fellowship is not a one way street.

You see this attitude in the First Century Church revealed in the Book of Acts as well as all of the Epistles, and, I might add in our Lord Jesus as well, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you...."

"....mutually encouraged by each other's faith", means sharing and listening, I mean, really listening.  No one of us has all we need to be encouraged.  It is, "....mutually encouraged...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for the Brethren in my lifetime who have fulfilled today's text in my life.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"GRADUALLY"

"Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned."  (Acts 27:20, NASB)

Every time I read our text the phrase which stands out the most to me is, "....gradually abandoned."  It is sort of like a slow, methodical wearing down of one's life.  

There are times when we may go through what some call "seasons."  It is not good, however, to play on that precipice of life.  We all need to resist that demonic, "....from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned."  The, "gradually," is perhaps the most dangerous.

Those of us in Jesus Christ have no reason to abandon, because Jesus never abandons us.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for anyone who may read this and is in such a battle.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....AT ALL TIMES--CONTINUALLY"

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1)

It was a simple song which came out in the early days of the renewal, and still is.  The Words, "at all times," and, "continually," however, are the challenge.

You know as well as I that, "at all times," and, "continually," are great in the praise gatherings, but when our soul is perplexed, as in, "the dark night of the soul," it is time to "speak" to our soul, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my hope is from Him." (Psalm 62)

Bless our Lord Jesus Christ with me over and over again today.  And if your soul does not "feel like it," speak to it again, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name." (Psalm 103)

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I by Your mercy be a, "at all times," and, "continually," Follower of You.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"DOES JESUS CARE?

"Then Job replied, 'If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales!  It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas-- no wonder my words have been impetuous."  (Job 6:1-3, NIV)

Millions of people throughout history have been here.

But now I think of an old hymn I grew up with:

1. "Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song;

As the burden press, and the cares distress,

And the way grows weary and long?

2. "Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

4. "Does Jesus care when I've said goodbye

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks--

Is is aught to Him? Does He see?

Chorus:

"O yes, He cares-- I know He cares!

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, 

I know my Savior cares."

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2