Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - Day 255  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 10; Psalm 72; 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2)

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV) 

Encouragement, what a positive word. Encouragement is what an older person needs as they see their bodies showing signs of age. Encouragement is what younger people need as they try to find their way in this life. Encouragement to follow Christ is what all people need.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) 

1. Lord, help us walk Your servant way

    Wherever love may lead

    And, bending low, forgetting self,

    Each serve the other’s need.

2. You came to earth, O Christ, as Lord,

    But pow’r You laid aside.

    You lived Your years in servanthood;

    In lowliness You died.

3. No golden scepter but a towel

    You place within the hands

    Of those who seek to follow You

    And live by Your commands.

 

4. You bid us bend our human pride

    Nor count ourselves above

    The lowest place, the meanest task

    That waits the gift of love.

5. Lord, help us walk Your servant way

    Wherever love may lead

    And, bending low, forgetting self,

    Each serve the other’s need.

   (“Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way,” LSB 857)

Lord Jesus, help me to encourage others by reminding them of Your great love for them. May we never forget the eternally encouraging message of Your forgiveness and grace for all who repent and believe.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape