Encourage and Encouraged

S- Romans 1

S-"I am eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12

A- let our faith be an encouragement 

L- The Good News brings great encouragement

    Paul was always encouraging believers everywhere.  If you study his letters encouragement is weaves all throughout them. 

Why is encouragement important?

  Better yet why is Scriptural encouragement important?

        It builds us up in our faith.

        It keeps us strengthened

        It gives us courage to stand firm and to continue spreading the Good News

        It places our attention on Christ's goodness and faithfulness.

        It brings hope

Scriptural encouragement is so much better than worldly encouragement.

Do you know the difference between the two?

Let's look and see we can apply Paul's encouragement to the Christians in Rome and the Churches in Galatia.

Romans 1:8-"Let me first of all say that your faith in God is becoming known throughout the world. How I thank God through Jesus Christ for each one of you. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about his Son." 

Galatians 1:3-5-"May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. That is why all glory belongs to God through all the ages of eternity. Amen." 

We can use these two Scriptures to encourage one another and to be encouraged.

Ways to Encourage

   -Focus on areas their faith is growing
   -Tell them how thankful you are for them
   -Pray with them (It speaks volumes when you actually stop and pray instead of just say you will pray)
   -Show them grace, and pray God's grace over them.
   -Share with them, remind them, and tell them what Christ did for them and that they have been rescued from this evil world.

    -Then together praise God for His love and kindness.

Ways we are Encouraged

   -When we encourage with God's Word, His love and encouragement falls back upon us.
   -When we encourage others, our eyes are off of ourselves and our hearts begin to fill up with joy.
   -We too are rescued
   -The faith of our brothers and sisters supplies us with the same courage, strength, hope, and ability to keep standing firm.

How can you encourage someone with the Word of God?

S-Let's share encouragement with one another today.

 

Altar Sunday

Today I pray that all of us who claim to be followers of Christ will stop saying it and live it.

It's easy to tell someone we believe in Jesus but its a whole other thing to actually live it out.

What's in Your Bag?

What baggage as a wife and mother are you still carrying that you need to lay at the foot of the Cross?

The Book of Romans and SSALS

S-Romans 1

S-"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." Romans 5:1

A-The Truth of the Good News

L- Romans 1-What to Believe

         * Date Written- A.D. 57-from Corinth

         * Author-Paul

         * Purpose-to introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrived in Rome. 

The book of Romans is jammed pack with the foundations of faith. Paul was very organized in this letter. He breaks down the sin of humanity, the importance of forgiveness, freedom, and our responsibility as followers of Christ. He wanted the Christians in Rome to know about his faith in Christ and how God intervened and saved us from the death trap of sin.

Paul began his letter by saying, "This letter is from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News." Romans 1:1
  
            Why did Paul call himself a slave to Christ?

             Do we today, consider ourselves a slave for Christ?

Paul wanted and was willingly to submit all of himself to serving Jesus and going out and spreading the truth of the Good News. No matter the circumstances Paul faced or was in, he continued to submit to his Master-Jesus.

In Chapter 1 Paul gets straight down to business. Following the opening of his letter Paul says, "This Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. It is the Good News about his Son, Jesus, who came as a man, born into King David's royal family line. And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority, to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." Romans 1:2-5

Paul was very thorough in describing the Good News and so should we. Not only that but we need to have the same attitude and understanding that Paul did. In verse 5 Paul says, through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell people everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, thus bringing glory to His name. (Paraphrase mine)

Do we see sharing the Good News about Christ as a privilege? Do we see that we as followers of Christ now have the authority and call to go out and share it?

Jesus as we dive into these two aw some books-Galatians and Romans open our hearts and our eyes to see and absorb all this amazing truth that lies within them. Show us how we can be better ambassadors for You. Amen

S-Go out and share the Good  News about Christ with others, let them know what God did for them so they too will come to know Christ, believe in Him, obey Him, thus bringing glory to His name. 

The Book of Galatians and SSALS

“So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1 

Over the next however long, I will be studying the book of Galatians along with Romans. I am super excited about this study and all that God is going to pour into this heart of mine. I will be using a lot more of SSALS (Study, Store, Apply, Live/Learn, and Share) as I go along. I hope you will bury up with me over the next long while.

S-Galatians 1-The Authenticity of the gospel.
 
S- "He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. That is why all glory belongs to God through all the ages of eternity. Amen." Galatians 1:4-5

A-Freedom in Christ through the rescuing of His death and blood 

L- The Gospel and the Rescue

*The Book of Galatians was written appr. A.D. 49 from Antioch, prior to the Jerusalem council 

* The purpose-To refute the Judaizers who taught that Gentile believers must obey the Jewish law in order to be saved, and to call Christians to faith and freedom in Christ.

*Author-Paul 

The time this book was written, there was a lot of controversy about the Gospel. The Judaizers were claiming that the Gentiles had to obey the Jewish law in order to be saved, and that just isn't the case. It was the wrong gospel message, thus God used Paul to set it straight and bring believers back to the pure gospel.  

So what is the pure, real, authentic Gospel? God's Good News is for everyone, Salvation is God's grace to us through faith in Jesus Christ. It is centered on God. The death of Christ thus bringing about the death of our sin (We must daily die to ourselves.) The gift and power of the Holy Spirit within us, we are saved by faith in Christ not by keeping the law. We are one in Christ, and we are set free from sin and death.  

When we understand this we also understand and know this we understand freedom in a whole new light. 

The opening chapter of Galatians Paul comes out strong. He doesn’t wait to speak of the truth or to address the problem at hand. I like this about Paul. He tells it as it is.  

Paul makes it very clear that He was called by Christ Himself to write this letter. (Galatians 1:1)  

Why do you think it was important for Paul to do that?

                -Because many people questioned and doubted His authority to speak on such matters. 

As we read further on in verse 4 Paul makes a very powerful statement about Christ, His love, and why the pure gospel offers such freedom.

“He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. That is why all glory belongs to God through all the ages of eternity. Amen.” Galatians 1:4-5 

To be rescued from this evil world means that we are free from the confinement of sin, its danger and the evilness of it. We are saved and delivered, no longer held captive. The chains have been broken. 

Jesus died to set me free. His death saved me. There is praise to be made, glory and honor to be given. So why do I often walk as though I am still held captive by my sin? 

Jesus teach me through this powerful verse how to live in the freedom of God’s grace. Help me to not fall back into the slavery of the law and sin. I want to walk with joy and confidence because I am free.  

I have been saved by Christ to live for Christ.  In the book of Romans there are several passages that help us understand how to live in freedom and that it is for everyone, even us.

Romans 3:22-“We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.”

God’s tells us very specifically right here. No matter who you are or what you have done, if you trust in my Son Jesus Christ and believe that He will take away your sins, you will be saved. 

There is hope, hope for all mankind.  You can be set free from the bondage and entanglement of sin!

Jesus there is always so much to take in when we study Your Word. Thank You for the unending amount of knowledge and wisdom that pours out over us as we study Your Word. As we take in all that You have taught us today, I ask with complete faith that it will stick within our hearts second by second setting us free from any bondage of sin we are in. Show us and teach us today more about the freedom that comes from the pure Gospel truth.

Set Free

"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

Set free from the bondage of sin and death, by the blood and death of Jesus Christ.

Have you thanked Him today for setting you free?

Do You Know?

Do you know God loved you when no one else did? Ezekiel 16:6-8

Do you know He is the only one that knows everything about you and still loves and desires to be with you? Psalm 139

Do you know that God had you in mind when He sent His only Son to earth to die? John 3:16

Do you know that you are of value and have been set apart for the Lord? Jeremiah 1:4-5

Do you know that the Lord promises to never leave you nor forsake you? Hebrews 13:5

Altar Sunday

Today I come to the altar for him.

When Your Name is Mentioned

When people hear or mention your name, does Jesus immediately pop into their heads? Isn't that what reflecting Jesus is all about?

You being put aside and Jesus being seen and thought of?

The Golden Rule

"Do for others what you would like them to do for you." Matthew 7:12

 I think the greatest place to start is by seeking the Lord and asking Him to reveal to you how exactly you want to be treated.

This might sound crazy but the truth is we have fallen far away from this Golden Rule.

All throughout Scripture we see how the Lord treats us and He did it knowing that it might not ever be reciprocated.

After you have sought the Lord's counsel then I say make a list. List out 10 ways or things you would like others to do for you or how you want them to treat you and then you begin to do it for them first.

I think it is wise to go into this knowing that it's not about you getting something in return, but that you are returning the same love Christ has given and shown you.

I think we could all apply this Golden rule a little more than we do.

Jesus cleanse me from self, so that I can offer all of me to loving and serving others the way You have taught me to, with selflessness and mercy. You have done the most amazing things for me and I want to pour that out onto others. Forgive me for failing to obey You in this area. Amen

The Two Women that Fulfill this Verse

"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." Titus 2:3-5

There are two women in my life who have taken me under their wings and teach me daily what a godly woman looks like.

They fulfill every part of this Scripture. They are rare and very special.

My mom and Sue Gee!

I learn from them daily and soak up every ounce of wisdom that the Lord pours out of them.

They are some of the greatest blessings! I value their opinion and I know, when they say they will pray for me, that they will truly pray for me. They don't just talk it they walk it and you can see it in every part of their lives.

I need them in my life! I want to sit and learn from them. I love to see how God has worked in their lives. I love and desire to have a home and family that is as blessed as theirs is because of their faithfulness to Christ.

They are beyond beautiful on the inside. Jesus I. Them shines so bright you can't help but to be drawn to Him.

They are humble, gracious, merciful, loving, wise, and two of the most precious jewels in my life.

It is my prayer for you, that God will bring a truly godly woman into your life to teach you His ways, His truths, His love. So that one day you can fulfill this passage and bless another woman. Ladies we need these women!

Jesus I know the importance of having godly women in my life and I am so blessed to have these two amazing women in mine. Bless them Father as they daily seek to serve and honor You. Thank You that they daily give of themselves to teach women the importance of Your Word and love. Jesus help me to live this passage out! I want to do the same thing for other women that these two did and do for me daily. Amen

At What Point?

"Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe." Colossians 2:8-10

At what point did we start allowing the world to control our thoughts rather than God's Word?

We have to bring Christ and His Word back to the forefront of our minds and control us. Otherwise we will be led astray by the lies of Satan.

Jesus this is so much easier said than done. Please take control of our every thought and hold it captive, examining it with Your Word. If any thought is found to be opposite of what Your Word says, give us the strength, discipline, and self-control to remove it.  So many times we don't even think before we act and in return we express ugliness through our speech and attitude. Father give us the ability to push our feelings and emotions aside and allow the truth of Your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to take over and be in control. Remove us from the thrones we have placed ourselves on. Amen

Do You Get Bogged Down...

Do you get bogged down by the problems, frustrations, sin, and failures in your life?

If so take heart, "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5

Christ will help us bear the load.

It's My Choice

"It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20


I can spend my day focusing inward on myself, my wants, or my failures OR I can get up, put my focus on Christ and others and take action doing what pleases the Lord.

It's my choice.

Altar Sunday

Today you can find me at the altar, praying for you. Nothing in general, just everything specific, just as the Holy Spirit would have it.

My Heart's Daily Desire

"Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me the purity of heart, so that I may honor you." Psalm 86:11

Jesus let this verse become my hearts daily desire. Amen

Acknowledge His Goodness

"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name." Psalm 138:2

The more we focus on Christ's goodness the more we allow change to take place within us. It's a good change, a needed change. It takes our focus off of our problems, the negative, our doubts, fears, and shines light on His faithfulness, love, mercy, forgiveness, and kindness.

The more we do it, the more joy we will have. The more love we will have, the more we will be grateful for the things He has given us. The more content we will become. And the more we will experience healing and hope.

Jesus thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for all You do every second of every day. Amen

Christians and Social Media-Ryan Burchett

Ryan Burchett has so graciously blessed us with many devotionals on Godly Gossip and now he has his own.

His devo yesterday was amazing and he was so sweet to share.  Please check it out.

http://alongthewaywiththeryno.blogspot.com/

Expressing the Faith We Claim To Believe

“Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.” James 2:14

Jesus I don’t want to only have mere words that speak of faith, yet never show it. It is easier to read and speak of faith, but to actually live it out…

That is real, genuine faith. It requires a heart that has been transformed by the blood of Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit, which will then express a real transformation.

It is no longer the same as it used to be.

If we are going to claim to believe it with words, then we must express with our actions.

Please Be Praying For This Event and If You Feel Led, Please Donate

If you feel led, please donate!

Jesus we ask that You continue to go above and beyond and do great and mighty things at this event for Mark and Dana. May all the money raised bless You first and foremost and in return bless them. Thank You for Your goodness, love, and comfort. Amen