"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1)
Well, I have been so aware of the extreme VALUE of my friends and sisters/brother in the Lord. We, too, are the cloud of witnesses surrounding one another: those who go before us are examples and lead the way, those on our sides support and encourage, those behind us can easily see our progress and give shouts of victory! Hallelujah!
It is continually amazing at the timeliness & riches of God's Word! Just note other words of encouragement from Hebrews 12: 2-15; He is faithful to show us the way as He warns us of danger & the enemy's tools:
We need to lean on one another when we are weary, discouraged, beaten down.What a blessing for us to live in unity together "as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:12-17).
You are special - uniquely designed for your part in His plan! I need you desperately in my life...and you need me! Young and old, rich and poor, we can be different as night and day, yet we enrich each other's lives when we live out what God has given us as His people.
Lean on Me by Al Green (click to hear song)
Well, I have been so aware of the extreme VALUE of my friends and sisters/brother in the Lord. We, too, are the cloud of witnesses surrounding one another: those who go before us are examples and lead the way, those on our sides support and encourage, those behind us can easily see our progress and give shouts of victory! Hallelujah!
It is continually amazing at the timeliness & riches of God's Word! Just note other words of encouragement from Hebrews 12: 2-15; He is faithful to show us the way as He warns us of danger & the enemy's tools:
- look unto Jesus
- whom the Lord loves He chastens
- afterward it (chastening) yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it
- strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (beautiful picture of encouraging the down-trodden)
- pursue peace with all people, and holiness...looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble.
We need to lean on one another when we are weary, discouraged, beaten down.What a blessing for us to live in unity together "as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:12-17).You are special - uniquely designed for your part in His plan! I need you desperately in my life...and you need me! Young and old, rich and poor, we can be different as night and day, yet we enrich each other's lives when we live out what God has given us as His people.
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