May 31, 2022. Reflections on “Encouraging Words!”

 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:23-24.

         We just celebrated Memorial Day, when we celebrate those who fought for our freedom as a nation and gave the ultimate price. They understand this verse. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13.

         Verse 14 continues: You are my friends if you do what I command you. This is part of love and loving one another produces encouraging words. Encouraging Words do not emanate from a manual on how to make friends or raise children or how to be the pleasing employee. His Word shows us the way. So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

         Lies and Fear are the way of the world and ensnares us. Saying “NO” to Discouragement and Fear and “Yes!” to the Strength and Joy of Jesus provides freedom from sin.

         As Moses led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, he said these words: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you!” Deuteronomy 31:6.

          Who hasn’t heard the story in the Old Testament about David slaying the giant, Goliath? A young shepherd boy fighting against the giant successfully.

         When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. So, David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. I Samuel 17:53.

         Encouraging Words continue to give me strength. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

         Jesus said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27. “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34.

            Then one day I read these two verses: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:19-20. Go! And Jesus is with us to the end of the age. We are in His Presence!

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One who helps you.” Isaiah 41:31.

         I chose five Encouraging Words to live by: Believe, Faith, Trust, Hope, and Peace. There are more and all of them are words I respond to each day, and they bring me everlasting Joy of the being His.

         I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and my Savior. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14.

         Faith is putting a response of obedience to our Beliefs.  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it, the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3.

         Trust is delighting in Him and knowing He is the Truth and the Way. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. Psalm 37:3-5.
         Hope is the joy of knowing our Lord each day and meditating on His Goodness day and night. For now, we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:12-13.

         Peace comes when we know and believe the Truth. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17.

         A Doxology with Encouraging Words are found at the end of Jude.

         Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25.

         What are your encouraging words for living each day? Are you encouraging others?