This morning, as I flipped pancakes in the kitchen, my husband tuned in to the TV to see if the rain would be gone so he could call his crew to roof today. There was quite the commotion going on as the sports broadcaster was in a packed gymnasium of exuberant,(to say the least- a little much so for me at 7:00 a.m.) fans of the Griffin Bears football team. Yes, the pep rally brought back some memories of the late 1960's, pleasant memories, I might add. As I watched that blueberry pancake sizzle in the pan, I pictured a 15-17 yr old girl at a free throw line in a noisy gym and hearing fans and cheerleaders, dressed in blue and white like me, exhorting and encouraging me that I could sink the shot.
As the ball swished through the net and the roars went up, I was one happy girl because I had found something of which I was good and there was just something special about the feeling that others believed that I could come through for the team. I can still hear Coach Fitzpatrick exhort me to take the outside shot because he had confidence that I could make it. Following the theme now of our "one anothers", let me replant the thought that all believers, those on God's team, those in Christ Jesus, need encouragement from time to time and many need it today. I was looking through the O.T. and N.T. this morning and I read that God told Moses and Israel to encourage Joshua, who was being handed the mantle to lead them into the Promised Land. It was said of King Josiah in 2 Chron. 35 that "he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD."
We Bible students are familiar with the N. T. example of Barnabas, who was called the "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement." We need a tribe of Barnabases today, people who are aware that there will be those, especially those on the opposite side, (those in the other stands at Norcross High School "booed" me as I sank the shot) who will always be members of the wrecking crew. But, we who are concerned that the work get done and really don't care who gets the credit want to be the builder-uppers, right? (Builder-uppers? Is that a word? Should be- I kinda like it:) In Heb. 10:24-26, the church is instructed to "stir up one another" and to "exhort one another", and especially even more as we see the Day approaching. John MacArthur comments-"There is an eschatological urgency to the exhortation which requires an increased activity as the coming of Christ approaches." We are to consider how to urge others forward in the work, to study how to stimulate other believers to keep doing what they are called to do for Christ.
A little encouragement goes a long way, Brother and Sister in Christ! I'll be brief because these "one anothers" we are looking at are simple, we can understand them so why aren't we doing them? I love the study of deeper theological truths and think we can delve as deep as God will let us. I often tell my daughter when her husband is having lunch with some of the wise minds that I would love to sit at the table and just listen because I would doubt I would have anything to add but I love to learn. Again, I think that is good but if we are missing the simple truths of the "one anothers", which even we who don't have the high IQ's can understand, are we really accomplishing anything? Let me encourage us today that if a singer sings for Jesus and the song ministers healing or encouragement to our hearts, let's tell them. If your Pastor is feeding your soul, tell him that you are blessed and that you notice his faithfulness in season and out of season. Go find the nursery worker who gets little recognition but changes lots of diapers and give her an encouraging word or the guy who is always working behind the scenes so the worship service can run more smoothly. I can't name all- I know I would omit someone- you know who they are- go tell them.
Maybe there are parents who would love to hear that their children recognize the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf. Parents, are your children despairing because "good enough" is never "good enough" for you? I know that in a balanced Scriptural lesson on exhortation, there will be negatives at times, but how are you balancing out that? Some times, the little ones and the teens need to hear that you notice their progression in an area. They will want to do better. Alicia was practicing her Christmas lines for the play-(Thank you, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Sheila), and she asked "MaMa, do you think I am saying them right? I want my Daddy to be proud!" That home is filled with affirming and encouraging exhortations from both Jeff and Amy but Alicia likes to hear it. So do my children and your children. Wives, does your husbands know that you appreciate what they do for you? Danny went to get lunch for me one day this week and when he brought it to me, I thanked him and he said, "You don't have to thank me because it's my job." I replied with a question- "Whether it is your job or not, I don't know, but doesn't an appreciative "thank- you" go a long way?" "Yes, it does!", he said. Lest I leave out the male spouses, does your wife hear more compliments from you than any other woman does? She should! She's encouraged when she feels that your eyes and your heart belong solely to her.
I remember walking off the court and hearing from my Coach and fans these words- "Good game, Deborah." Someone needs to hear that from us today, fellow pilgrim. It will encourage them to go forward today. It's my opinion that never in my lifetime have fellow believers needed each other as much as today and that probably will only increase as the pressures step up a notch or two. So, in closing, go be a Barnabas today. Their life will be blessed, your life will be blessed and only God knows how far the chain will go from there!
Looking to encourage today, Deborah
You knocked it out the park with this one
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