Sunday, March 10, 2019

Worth More

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.”(Anonymous)

12 I wrote this short letter with the help of Silas. I know that he is a faithful brother in Christ. I wrote to comfort and encourage you. I wanted to tell you that this is the true grace of God. Stand strong in that grace. 13 The church in Babylon sends you greetings. They were chosen the same as you. Mark, my son in Christ, also greets you. 14 Give each other a kiss of Christian love when you meet. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (1 Peter 5:12-14, ICB)

1.   God’s grace can be found in what you are experiencing.

10 Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He called you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. 11 All power is his forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11, ICB), see 1 Peter 5:12 above

2.   Stand firm in God’s grace.

But the Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.  (2 Corinthians 12:9, ICB), see 1 Peter 5:12 above


3.     Encouragement doesn’t just come from God. It also comes from people.


So comfort each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ICB), see 1 Peter 5:13-14 above


Who is God asking you to encourage today?


 “Sometimes when you are in a dark place you think you have been buried, but actually you have been planted.” (Christine Caine)[i]



[i] Inspired by the sermon “Conclusions: To Encourage You” (installment three) Sunday March 3, 2019, Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.

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