To Stay True the Course

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change. – (Hebrews 3:13, ERV)

This is the time to encourage each other to never be stubborn or hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – (Hebrews 3:13, TPT)

 

This is part of the explanation of why we need to be part of a body of believers. If left to our own devices, there is no one to encourage nor spur us on in our faith. Even the most devoted need encouragement to stay the course. We are created to be in community. The benefit of belonging grants a place to be plugged in and to grow. As we are encouraged to stay the course, we too, do the same for others.  In strength, our hearts are softened to others, so that they too may learn of the love that the Lord longs to lavish upon us all. May we encourage one another each day, so that none of us become entangled by the web of sin.

 

Encourage others, 

To stay true the course;

To which we are called,

With God as our Source.

We need each other,

To stay true the path;

To steer clear of sin,

And its aftermath.

Invest time with God,

Be part of His church;

To know others well,

And walk out our worth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to encourage each other. Thank You that the purpose is multifaceted. Thank You that encouragement propels us to do good, and helps keep us from becoming entangled in sin. Forgive us for not encouraging those around us, or for neglecting to be a part of the body. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may mutually encourage one another and help each other stay the course to which we have been called. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages others to be the best version of themselves. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we encourage each other to grow and stay the course to which we have been called. Amen.

 

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

They help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” – Isaiah 41:6

 

 

 

 

Choosing to Say Yes

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing. – (Psalm 143:10, NLT)

Show me what You want me to do. You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me over level ground. – (Psalm 143:10, ERV)

 

We had a wonderful ladies’ event on Wednesday evening at my church. It was a time of being together, connecting, worship, followed by one woman sharing what God has been teaching her. The message was all about “Saying Yes”. First, are we invested and plugged in so that we hear what God is calling us to do, and where He is calling us to go? As we hear Him, are we willing to say yes? In reality, God instructs us; always. It is only a matter of whether or not we are listening to hear, and willing to say yes. If we ask, He is faithful to answer, though not necessarily in the way in which we might have imagined. We have to be willing and ready to say yes regardless of what His instructions look like, and trust that His way is best and His plans are good. Personally, each time that I have said yes, even when it did not make sense, I have found that the direction forward led me to beautiful unexpected places that I would have never gone, if I had not been willing to obey. May we learn to say yes to God and do His will, as He is ever leading us forward on a firm foundation in Him.

 

 

The lovely and faithful Julie McKenzie sharing about #sayingyes. ❤

Oh Lord teach us how, 

To listen and hear;

So we will choose seek,

With our hearts, draw near.

Show us what You want,

Where we’re meant to go;

Make the pathway plain,

As Your way is shown.

Dear Jesus, help me,

Find strength to say yes;

No matter the call,

For Your way is best.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You teach us to do Your will. Thank You that You are ever speaking Your instruction and leading us in the direction that You intend for us to go. Forgive us for not seeking or for not obeying, as we so often get in our own way. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be willing to say yes to all that You ask of us, as Your ways are higher than ours, and the beauty that comes from obeying You far outweighs the discomfort we may go through to take those first steps. Show us how to say yes to loving those around us as You are calling us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us forward on firm footing, and rise up ready to say yes to all that You ask. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3