December 11
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes
Jude 1:20, 21 - “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
In today’s world, people are deprived of encouragement and edification. Nations are going against each other. There is a lot of hostility everywhere. People are afraid, looking for protection from unknown enemies.
God’s people are feeling the same. They are also searching for answers, a way out, and encouragement. To most, they seem so elusive. Are they?
1 Samuel 30:6 - “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
King David did not think so. When he found no one to lift his spirit, he encouraged himself. Where do you think he got the courage to dispel distress? It came from God, the Holy Spirit, who ministered to him when he needed it.
God knows when we are lost, confused, and need help. In His time, He will come to rescue us. David was reminded of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness to him, which gave him the strength to encourage himself.
Amid adversity, we have hope in Christ. Jude, in his writing, tells us to build ourselves in the most holy faith, pray to the Holy Ghost, stay in the love of God, and look forward to the coming of Christ. We have a blessed and glorious hope.
There is a reason why we must be encouraged and edified - to lift others who are in doubt and the rest to pull them out of trouble. Are you downhearted, discouraged, and feeling hopeless? Let us encourage ourselves in our most holy faith.
Our Prayer for today!
Lord, enemies are around us, and there is no one to encourage us but You alone. We are grateful that you remain faithful and true. Although sometimes we go down to utter hopelessness, You are in us to lift us. We have Your faith to remind us of Your grace and the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide us. For all these, we praise You! In Jesus Name, Amen!