The writer of Hebrews urges believers to be nourished in community. Hebrews 10:24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. …
Returning to strengthen souls is part of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey. This reveals that God’s mission includes returning to strengthen what He has begun. Acts 14:21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia.[1] After facing persecution, rejection, and danger, …
Receiving spiritual insight from the Lord is a gift He bestows on His children. This was the type of insight Elizabeth received when her younger relative, Mary, came to visit her. Luke 1:42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.[1] Only God …
Mary and Elizabeth had a shared journey. Culture would say that one woman was pregnant too late, while the other was pregnant too soon. But both pregnancies were God-given. As Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus, he also gave her a sign. Elizabeth was pregnant. Luke 1: 36 What’s more, your relative …
Caring for your spiritual leaders is another step in building up the body of Christ. How is the Lord calling you today to care for your spiritual leaders? How can caring for them make a difference in their lives and those they serve? Early in the Old Testament, the Lord established the value of caring …
The importance of comfort and encouragement is apparent around the world each day. A child will fall, and a parent will come and comfort and encourage him. A player will make a costly mistake in a sports game and be comforted and encouraged by team members. Someone will receive a disappointing doctor’s report and receive …
People that build us up are especially important on our life journey. They are interested in us when others may not be. They inspire us when we feel like giving up and listen when we just need someone to talk to. If you have had someone like that in your life, you have been blessed. …