PM#0517 Difficult times and Thanksgiving Heb 13 vs 5

PM#0517

Difficult Times and Thanksgiving

Heb 13:5

In difficult times—when issues come up—how do we turn around and give thanks???  That is a good question for most of us.  Peter was faced with the reality of angry waves when he got out of the boat and sank.  His only hope was Jesus—and he cried out to Jesus who was there for him.

The important question is, when these very difficult issues exist, how can we genuinely give thanks to God? 

Look at Hebrews 13:5 which says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  No matter how difficult the circumstance that we face, God has said He will never leave us.  I for one can find a way to be thankful for that promise.

Here is a simple prayer to consider with times are difficult:  Father, thank you for your promise that you will not leave me and will be with me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

There is a song:

Just keep your eyes on Jesus,

As Peter learned to do,

When he walked that stormy sea of Galilee.

Though satan’s darts are hurled,

Just keep your eyes on Him,

And He will guide you all the way.

Writer:  Lewis Turner

What storms have you faced recently?

What would have happened to Peter if he did not look to Jesus?

Look at Heb 13:5 and share how that verse can encourage us in a storm.

PM#0516 Encouraging Others?

Heb 3:13

How well do you know your acquaintances?  If you have worked with them, maybe you know something about them, but are you really interested in learning about them?

That is only a question you can answer, but consider this—How can we encourage someone if we don’t not know anything about?

The Bible says in Heb 3:13 to encourage one another.  Also, that verse says the encouragement should be daily.

Now how do we start encouraging others when we have not be reaching out and encouraging them?  It will take some help—help that comes from God.  A good place to start is to ask God’s help to encourage others.  He will help you if you genuinely want His help.

Take time and consider this prayer—“Father, help me to listen to my friend and encourage Him your way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0515 Praying Together and Encouragement

PM#0515

Praying Together and Encouragement

Matthew 18:19-20, Heb 3:13

If we listed things that are personal to you, what might you list?  The list could range from special items given to you, sentimental items, alone time.  Now let’s ask—is prayer personal to you?  Probably most of us would say a definite yes.  What we pray about from our heart—those heart groanings—may actually be very personal.

Now I would like to ask a question, is prayer so personal, that we can’t pray together with others?  Christ encouraged us to pray with others in Matthew

18:19-20.  He did this I believe to also help us encourage one another (see Heb 3:13) by praying together.

It is difficult to for us to share, but to have encouragement from others, we need to share with others, especially with trusted prayer partners.

Father, help us to pray together and encourage each other today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.