Encourage Each Other – Western Loudoun Community Church

Encourage one another and build each other up……..1 Thessalonians 5:11

When Philadelphia Eagle’s quarterback Carson Wentz returned to the field after healing from a severe injury, the NFL team’s backup quarterback, Nick Foles, graciously returned to the bench. Although competing for the same position, the two men chose to support each other and remained confident in their roles. One reporter observed that the two athletes have a “unique relationship rooted in their faith in Christ” shown through their ongoing prayers for each other. As others watched, they brought honor to God by remembering they were on the same team—not just as Eagles quarterbacks, but as believers in Jesus representing Him.

The apostle Paul reminds believers to live as “children of the light” awaiting Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6). With our hope secure in the salvation Christ has provided, we can shrug off any temptations to compete out of jealousy, insecurity, fear, or envy. Instead, we can “encourage one another and build each other up” (v. 11). We can respect spiritual leaders who honor God and “live in peace” as we serve together to accomplish our shared goal—telling people about the gospel and encouraging others to live for Jesus (vv. 12-15).

As we serve on the same team, we can heed Paul’s command: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (vv. 16-18)……..By Xochitl Dixon

REFLECT & PRAY:

Jesus, please give me opportunities today to encourage someone who serves with me.

Credit: Our Daily Bread

Grace is the power of the Holy Spirit coming to us freely, enabling us to do with ease what we could never do on our own. You might find other definitions describing grace as God’s divine favor, and that is certainly true, but His grace is also the power you need to live in victory. Grace can be received only through faith, and that is one of the main reasons we must resist fear. When we allow fear to rule us, we unwittingly receive what Satan has planned for our lives. But when we live by faith through grace, God is able to work His divine plan in us. Whatever you need to do today, lean on God, and let Him empower you to be successful.

Power Thought: By God’s grace I have the skills to do all He asks of me with ease.

From the book Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer.

What were we fighting about?

As a couple, have you ever had a big fight and then a week later cannot remember what you were fighting about? We have. We can remember the fight and some of the things said that we wish were had not been said, but we don’t remember the catalyst that started the whole thing.

What that tells me is that we often fight over trivial things. If that is true, we need to do a better job of choosing our battles. For me, choosing my battles involves a couple of steps. The first is asking, “In the big scheme of things, how important is this to me? If I can let it go and not hold resentment, then why not let it go?” If it is important to me, then my job is to communicate clearly to Nancy what I am upset about and what I think I need to resolve the issue. When I take the time to go through this two-step process, the big fight never happens.

Your One Thing today is to begin the process of choosing your battles well!
Today’s One Thing:
Today begin the process of choosing your battles well!

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