PM#0494 Encouraing Others Matthew 18 vs 19

PM#0494

Encouraging Others

Matthew 18:19

How often when we are involved with others, do we fail to encourage God’s calling for that individual?

Here is a way that may help.   Christ said in Matthew 18:19, that where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst.  Coming together with others in prayer, invites Christ to be with us and help us. He can help our hearts to open to each other as we pray.  When hearts start to join together in prayer, relationships develop that are started by Christ, bringing connection with each other.

As we grow together, Christ can help us encourage one another, and to appreciate each other’s calling from the Lord.  Then we can encourage one another to move forward. 

Consider this thought and prayer.  ‘Father, help me to join with others in prayer, and may You help me to encourage others’.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

As Christians—why would we be hesitant to encourage another brother or sister in the Lord?

How important is connection with each other in encouraging others?  Does connection include involvement with them?

Does the Lord use our encouragement of others to move help them move forward?

Hedge of Protection

PM#0017

Hedge of Protection

Job 1:10

In the Bible, we fine that Satan complained to God about a hedge of protection around the Biblical Character of Job.  In  Job 1 vs 10, satan said to God, hast thou not made a hedge about him? 

There is another tier for husbands and the protection they are to provide for their wives.  We should protect our wives and we can do this in prayer by asking God for a hedge of protection around them.

What type of protection should we ask for?  A few items might be:

•That they will be protected wherever they go.

•That they will be safe from any accidents,

•and also evil influences.

There is indeed more that could be used in prayer, but these suggestions are a start.

Father, I ask that each of us who are husbands that we will be moved by the Holy Spirit to ask for protection for wife you have given us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Have you ever thought about protection as a hedge?

Why is it important to ask God for protection for our wives?

PM#0212 Three Fold Cord Ecclesiastes 4 vs 12

PM#00212

Three fold cord

Ec 4:12

It has been found that couples who pray together are more likely to stay together.

Every wonder what praying together does for them?

When a couple prays together, the Bible says Jesus is in the midst.  Add up all those present and you have three during the prayer time.  That provides 3 cords which makes a three fold cord, with the husband, the wife, and Jesus, each being one of those strands.  Ec 4:12 says “A cord of three strands is not easily broken”.  Praying together brings strength to the marriage with God’s help.

If you have not been praying with your spouse, why not start today.

Father, help us to pray with sour spouses and we invite you to join us when we do.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Is there other Scripture where we are taught who is present when two or more are gathered in His Name?_____________

Why would Christ say He will be present?_____________

If Christ is present when two of us pray—how might that affect us and encourage us?__________________