Encouragement 12/16

Romans 15:4 NLT, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises.”

Paul was writing to Roman Christians Church and he explained what it would take to have a strong church. One of them was to study the Scripture. Here is one example of Acts 17:11-12, NLT “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did some of the prominent Greek women and many men.”

Inspiration: I read a short story about Samuel Zwemer from Heaven’s Heroes by David Shibley. Samuel was a missionary to Islam and he did not have an easy lives. But God granted him powers equal to his tasks. I like this kind of prayer: “Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks” by Phillips Brooks.

What impressed me? Until I read a short story of Samuel, it made me realized that maybe I was looking for an easy way out from studying “too hard?” Oh, thank you Lord for Heb. 4:12 that your Word discern my thought and my heart and not to look for an easy lives.

Prayer: “Now may the God Who gives us the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” Romans 15:5-6, The Amplified Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!