Encourage One Another
Hebrews 3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”(Psalm 95:7-11)
See to it, brothers, and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in many places where I had other Christians around me. This gave me the ability to both encourage and be encouraged daily in the faith. This I believe is one of the reasons I have been able to grow so deeply in my relationship with Jesus.
However, I know that not everyone has that blessing. There are those who work in environments that are less than godly, surrounded by co-workers who not only do not honor Jesus, but who degrade those who do. In those instances, I think it is even more important and valuable to find a way to encourage and be encouraged “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
This perhaps is an instance where we know what we ought to do, yet we do not do it. (James 4:17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.) That is to reach out and encourage, or to ask for prayer and encouragement. But we must remember that Christianity is not something we can drift through, it is an intentional discipleship (apprenticeship) program that the passionate grasp with fervor. (Mathew 11:12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and the violent take it by force.)
The Kingdom of God cannot be experienced lackadaisically. (lacking life, spirit or zest) For we are encouraged in Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Prayer: Jesus forgive me for when I have been less than passionate and less than diligent about my relationship with you. Forgive me for when I have not asked for encouragement and prayer or have not offered it when I should. Help me to Encourage others daily in You. And keep me from being swept away from you by the currents of busyness or laziness in this world.
Amen
Verse to Memorize and Meditate on: Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Point to Ponder: Do I Truly seek out Christian Community or do I merely engage with those who are around me, and allowing myself to be influenced by them more than the family of faith?
Apply it to your life: Today if you do not leave a comment below then you need to re-read the above encouragement LOL! Also consider forwarding the text/email to someone you know who needs encouragement. Also Come back to this one tomorrow and read the comment left by others.
Leave a comment below to share what God spoke to you specifically in this passage with others or text me back a question or comment.
