Daily Encouragement
Hebrews says, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in
any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (3:12,13).
This past month I have had many opportunities to be around many
faithful, encouraging Christians on nearly a daily basis.
For one week last month we had a gospel meeting with A.W. Goff. It is
impossible to describe how refreshed I felt after the week was over. I
had the chance to hear great lessons. Nearly every day of the week, I
conversed with Brother Goff, a preacher of the gospel for many years. In
addition, it was nice to assemble with the brethren every day and to see
two souls baptized into the body of Christ.
One week later I had the opportunity to moderate for my father in a
religious discussion in Indianapolis on the subject of baptism and the
plan of salvation. Several preachers from across the country attended
and Christians from around the state were present. We had the
opportunity to hear both sides of the issue presented and the truth
shone brightly as it was used to combat error. Two hours of religious
discussion each night was followed by two more hours of conversation
with Christians after the debate. It was a great week of spiritual
growth.
Other opportunities abounded too this month, but there is not enough
room to write about them.
By the time April was over I was tired, but encouraged. I had
experienced the refreshing lesson of Hebrews 3 emphasizing the
importance of “daily” encouragement. In addition, I thought of
the early church in Acts 2:46, “...continuing daily with one accord
in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house…”
It is no wonder the early church multiplied and grew at an exponential
rate. Maybe if we found opportunities each day to talk to other
Christians, listen to a lesson from God’s Word or even read simple
articles like those in this bulletin we would find ourselves growing
more than ever before. That’s something I have learned. You think about
it too.
May 2006