August 2006 Volume 9 Number 8
Dearest Friends, You know, one thing we hear often in the body of Christ is how we are supposed to "encourage" one another. Everybody says it like we are supposed to pat each other on the back constantly. But as one who sees the body living in complacency that "patting on the back thing" just doesn't sit well with me. Why should I pat my brother on the back and say "well done" when he is walking the wide path rather than the narrow righteous one? Should I really being saying, "way to go" to my sister who is offering excuses for not living the way Jesus expects? Should I congratulate my friend who sacrifices the Gospel to win approval of man?
What does "encourage" really mean? According to dictionary.com it means, "to inspire with courage". I like that. I suppose that wouldn’t always be a token pat on the back. But rather I picture a "cheering on" a "you can do it" a "go get em" like you would do for loved one climbing a mountain. Who needs encouraging to sit still and have a picnic? We need courage to move mountains, do the impossible, and change the unchangeable! We do not need courage to sit! We do not need courage to continue with what is comfortable but rather we need courage to "go against the flow".
Nearly everywhere in scripture the word "encourage" is used is to accomplish something that looks impossible. Joshua needing encouraging to take the promised land (Deuteronomy chapters 1-3). True encouragement produces fruit. In Acts 9:31 it says, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." Then when we see that fruit we gain more courage. Again from Acts, chapter 11, "When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."
That is the type of encouraging God is talking about. Not the token pat on the back. But encouraging that produces fruit and becomes contagious. From Romans 1:11-12, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
I encourage you to read these scriptures with the word "encourage" having it’s true meaning, to "inspire courage". Let the Lord speak to you.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Philippians 1:14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
1 Thessalonians 3:7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
So I encourage you, BE ENCOURAGED
TRUE WORSHIP- April Raine ...The Youth Invasion event in Lawrence County was a real blessing! The event was held at the Davey Crockett State Park Amphitheater on probably the hottest, stickiest day of the year but it didn’t hinder the Lord one bit.
For those of you who gave towards April’s graduation gift of a new digital piano keyboard, we thank you so much! We still have a ways to go, so for anyone else who wants to get in on this here is the info to give online. www.awesomeglory.com/give.
TheWellTN.com - is the site for our local church. The Well.
The church is located in downtown Mt Pleasant TN. Check the site for more details, or give us a call at 931-379-9244. If you are hungry for more of Jesus and within driving distance then this is the place to be! We meet Thursdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 3. We are seeing some really exciting things lately and have some testimonies from people who have attended the services. Jesus is moving in our small town and we are humbled to be part of what he is doing. If you want to read the testimonies go to the main page and then look for "happenings", I have new stuff on! One of these days hopefully I will finally get this site done! To the left are some pictures of recent services.
CALIFORNIA MISSION TRIP-
Most of y’all know that we are from California and that our close family is still there. The last time we were there God worked mightily, we saw lots of salvation and even baptized a few before heading back to TN. Well, Jim’s mom will soon be moving here to be with us in TN. She is buying a home within just a couple miles of us and Jim’s brother and niece will be moving here also. Jim will be taking 2 of our children to CA to help them move out here. While there they will see every other family member they can get to. We don’t consider this a vacation but rather a mission trip. We are asking the Lord to go before us and prepare the way for HIS moving. Please join us in praying that HIS will be done and that things here also go HIS way without any hindrances. MAURY COUNTY JAIL AND CLIFTON STATE PRISON- REVIVAL continues!!RADIO TUES NIGHTS 6PM- WMRB 910 AM- Every tues evening. If you are in our local area you can tune in, we have a new guest every week! One of our most recent guests has been Zachariah Richardson, he is one of Jim’s favorite guests, he has such an intense heart for the Lord, he has no idea how much he encourages us!
WWW.AWESOMEGLORY.COM - check often for new events and tracts, we appreciate it when you forward this to your friends, they can also subscribe at www.awesomeglory.com/subscribeBLOGGING TO GET THE WORD OUT-
now that I have been thoroughly encouraged by reading a "comment" at our blog, I suppose I will continue! You’ll know I have it figured out when you see the newsletter news posted there. Please give me feedback! I’ll reprint the announcement about blogging here from last month.Since e-mail isn’t what it used to be and some people would like to receive our newsletter and updates in other ways we are in the process of creating blogs, since it is easiest to get to a blog at the same place you already have yours give me some feedback here. I am already set to put our newsletter at http://awesomeglory.blogspot.com but I can also put it at xanga or wherever you would like to see it. So here is your opportunity, RSS anyone? Let me know where you blog at! I will also be posting more than just the newsletter, things like announcements and other news. I don’t like to send emails too often so this will let me communicate with y’all more and hopefully get the Gospel out to some new areas also.
WWW.AWESOMEGLORY.COM/GIVE- your page for giving to Glorybound Ministries we try to make it real easy, if the link doesn’t work for you just let me know. And bless you for giving!
IN CLOSING-
We seriously need things in order and bills paid before the CA trip so your prayers in that direction are greatly appreciated. The trip is all paid for but having the day to day stuff taken care of before the last minute would bring peace, so if you are wondering how to pray for us this month that would be one of the biggest needs. After that I just want to say, "THANK YOU !!!" Your continued encouragement gives us "courage" to keep going! You are truly a blessing to us!
