Back to His Arms (James 5:19-20)

Today’s scripture: James 5:19-20

As I wrote yesterday, I don’t usually post on weekends, but I wanted to finish James before the new year begins. (I’m going to try something new, so I hope you continue visiting!)

We’re told, “Do not judge and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37). We’re told to “esteem others better than ourselves” (Phil. 2:3).

And indeed we should not judge others. It is God’s place and His right to judge the actions of us human beings.

However, we who follow Christ should be willing and able to help guide fellow believers back to faith. While we shouldn’t judge them and the choices they’ve made, we can help them to see where they’ve strayed and share truth with them.

And we can remind them of God’s love for them. We can share verses like 1 John 1:9 that assure them of forgiveness.

Over a decade ago, I wrote my testimony in book form. Toward its end, I included these words:

God loves each of us, and He dearly loves prodigals—and welcomes them back with open arms. I know this from experience. I spent a very long time as a prodigal daughter, but praise God, I finally made my way back to Him. As I wrote in Crooked Paths: For the first time, I could picture that father standing in the road, just waiting for his son to return. It didn’t matter where the son had gone or what he’d done, the father loved him still. It didn’t matter that the son had squandered his inheritance or that he’d lived an immoral lifestyle, the father waited with unconditionally opened arms. That’s the picture I had that evening and the picture I have now: my heavenly Father standing in the road with His arms open wide, just waiting for me to come home, waiting to embrace me with all the love He has for me. (Crooked Paths © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

If you know someone who’s strayed from the truth, someone who’s a prodigal, walk alongside her. Help her find her way back to the arms of the Father.

If Only ... (1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15

If only … if only we all lived at peace with one another. If we encouraged each other. If we helped those weaker than we are.

If only …

If only we were patient with everyone. If we all sought after the good for everyone.

If only …

Think of what this world would be like.

But because of sin, our world is full of hate. War. Greed. Anger. Immorality. Selfishness. And it’s not going to get better until Christ’s return.

Then and only then will we experience peace—true peace. Until then, we who follow Christ need to strive to be peaceful and encouraging. We need to serve those less fortunate than we are. We need to be patient.

And maybe we’ll influence those around us … so our little corner of the world will be as heaven-on-earth as possible.

Preachers and Teachers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a

Being a pastor is often a thankless job. Most men and women who have been called to teach or preach God’s word on a regular basis work very hard—harder than we who sit in pews each week know.

They study God’s word diligently. They research. They write sermons. They practice and practice in order to seamlessly share the words God has given them.

They visit the housebound or those in hospitals. They counsel. They attend committee meetings. They supervise staff.

Oh, and they usually strive to maintain strong marriages and to raise their children to know and follow God.

Yet how often do we who are the recipients of their dedicated work thank them? I know I usually just take the efforts of my pastor for granted. I do the same for the teaching leader of my women’s Bible study. I do pray for those in Christian leadership regularly. But a personal “thanks for what you do”?

Now I believe that neither of these people is looking for accolades—not at all. They’re doing what God has called them to do. But a “thank you” or “God spoke to me through you” goes a long way.

I think I’m going to send a message of encouragement to these servants of God. Why don’t you do the same for those who “labor among you” and “give you instruction”?

Encourage Others ... and Pray (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

We have such great benefits as children of God. And one of the best is how we have brothers and sisters to encourage us. And pray for us. Just as Timothy encouraged the Thessalonian believers.

When I’m struggling with my health, I can ask my siblings in Christ to pray for me. While I might not feel any better physically, knowing I’m being supported in prayer certainly helps me emotionally.

Paul experienced the same encouragement throughout his ministry. Yet, he sometimes felt concern that his fellow believers weren’t feeling encouraged when they heard of his “afflictions.” And rightfully so.

Haven’t you sometimes felt discouraged when you hear about someone else’s pain and suffering? You hear of a friend’s battling cancer or a colleague’s child is in an accident. And you wonder why …

When these moments—or seasons—come, you have a great opportunity to bless others by encouraging them. Even if all you do is pray—it’s more than enough.

Words of Affirmation (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

This is not a commercial for the book, but I’ve been reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman again. While I’ve read it a few times over the years, now that Russ and I are in a new season of our lives, I thought it would be helpful to be reminded of effective communication based on our primary love languages.

My primary love language is “words of affirmation.” Like many of you, my “tank” is filled when I am affirmed and encouraged. I try to fill the tanks of others by doing the same.

So many today need words of commendation and encouragement. Teachers. Pastors. The girl at the checkout counter. The guy making coffee.

Your friends. Your parents. Your kids …

Your spouse.

Too many go through their days with little encouragement. In fact, they live or work or go to school in places where all they hear are put-downs and belittling words. Their “tanks” are constantly bordering on empty.

Your co-worker. The person sitting across the aisle at school. The person sitting across the dinner table.

What an amazing gift you could give by saying, “I’m proud of you” or “you did a great job” or "thank you for your help" or "I appreciate you."

Simple words, but oh-so-powerful.

Fill someone’s “tank” today.  

Tell God's Stories (Psalm 40:9-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:9-10

One of the greatest joys I have in being a Christ-follower is that I'm part of His family. I have brothers and sisters all over the world, and I can rejoice with them when God works in and through them.

I love sharing stories of God's faithfulness. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love hearing stories of His faithfulness as well. When I'm feeling discouraged or doubtful, sometimes just hearing about how God has worked in someone else's life gives me hope.

I think this is one of the reasons God calls us to "assemble" with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). We certainly need to listen to God's word through the teaching of godly men and women, but it also gives us the chance to hear what God is doing in others' lives.

This is also why it's important to be part of a small group. When you meet with the same group of people regularly, you share stories. You have a front-row seat to God's work. My small group has been meeting together for quite a while now, and we know each other very well. We've seen God's hand through amazing blessings, and we've seen His comfort through the deepest pain. Without fail, my heart is blessed when I hear of God's righteousness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness through their stories.

We really do need to "proclaim" God's faithfulness and not "conceal" it. Through stories of God's faithfulness, our faith grows.

If you're not already in a church where you hear truth, I pray you find one. If you're not part of a small group of believers with whom you can share God's stories, again, I pray you find one.

Proclaim His truth. Share His stories. You will be blessed.

Strength from Stories (3 John 1:11-12)

Today's scripture: 3 John 1:11-12

I’m often inspired by the stories, by the testimonies, of other people of faith.

When I’m struggling with pain, I read testimonies of people like Joni Earekson Tada. When I’m fearful, I remember how Queen Esther faithfully and courageously entered into the king’s presence, risking her very life. When I’m impatient, I recall my grandfather’s amazing ability to remain calm during times of crises. When I'm discontent, I remember my grandmother's quiet contentment even when she had so little.

I so admire people who live what they believe. They imitate Christ and strive to do good. And I’m challenged to the same.

Are you feeling a shakiness in your faith? Read the stories of God’s people from the Old or New Testament. Are you questioning God’s plan? Find words of wisdom from whose who’ve walked before you.

And remember: Someone maybe watching you, and your testimony may encourage and inspire her. Live as Christ would. Walk the path the Father has designed just for you. And then be ready to tell your story.

Declare Among the Peoples (Ps. 9:11-12)

Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion;
         Declare among the peoples His deeds.
For He who requires blood remembers them;
         He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
(Psalm 9:11-12, NASB)

Two of my favorite things: singing praises to my Lord and declaring to others what He’s done in my life.

What a blessing to know when I do either, I’m obeying commandments! I’ve been equally blessed when I listen to others sing. And hearing how God has worked in others’ lives? I love it! I had lunch with a friend yesterday, and it was such a blessing to hear of how God has blessed her—even though her life is far from perfect.

How often do you tell your own story? Maybe it’s exactly what someone else needs to hear. Maybe she’ll be blessed and comforted or encouraged by you. And how often do you really listen to how God has worked in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ?

If you want to be inspired or encouraged or convicted, listen to those stories. Read biographies of men and women of faith. Your faith will grow. And you will be blessed.

Supply What Is Lacking (1 Cor. 16:14-18)

Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
(1 Corinthians 16:14-18, NASB)

It bears repeating: We Christians are all part of one Body, and we’ve been created to serve our God in whatever capacity He’s designed. We all have gifts that “supply what is lacking” in others.

I cannot do what you can do in the exact way you do it. You cannot do what I can do in the exact way I do it. Together, however, we all do exactly what God wants us to do. That’s one of the greatest things about being a child of God: We’re not on this journey alone. Not only do we have our never-leaving, never-forsaking God (Hebrews 13:5), not only does He love us everlastingly (Jeremiah 31:3), but we also have our brothers and sisters to walk alongside us. Paul certainly did.

So we need to support one another, “acknowledge” each other. Celebrate each other. Show gratitude to each other. Submit to each other.

Love each other.

Appreciate Those Who Instruct (1 Thess. 5:12-13a)

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a, NASB)

Being a pastor is often a thankless job. Most men and women who have been called to teach or preach God’s word on a regular basis work very hard—harder than we who sit in pews each week know.

They study God’s word diligently. They research. They write sermons. They practice and practice in order to seamlessly share the words God has given them.

They visit the housebound or those in hospitals. They counsel. They attend committee meetings. They supervise staff.

Oh, and they usually strive to maintain strong marriages and to raise their children to know and follow God.

And the same is true of those who teach Sunday school, or lead our youth or our children. Or those who are called to speak at events.

Yet how often do we who are the recipients of their dedicated work thank them? I know I usually just take the efforts of my pastor for granted. I do the same for the teaching leader of my women’s Bible study. I do pray for those in Christian leadership regularly. But a personal “thanks for what you do”?

Now I believe that most of preachers and teachers aren't looking for accolades—not at all. They’re doing what God has called them to do. But a “thank you” or “God spoke to me through you” goes a long way.

I think I’m going to send a message of encouragement to these servants of God. Why don’t you do the same for those who “labor among you” and “give you instruction”?