Encourager

Encourager – Summer 2018/19

Dancing with JESUS – the idea is simply wonderful – and to do it when life seems to be throwing plenty of curve-balls is even more appealing. In the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3:4 it says:  
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
In Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
And in Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

AB Facey has certainly inspired many with his book “A Fortunate Life”. As Lyn suggested: do we dance or sit it out? She also said that While Facey was not a religious man, he did have a strong faith. How richer are we who believe in GOD our heavenly Father, and call JESUS our friend; and can feel the strength of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.

Whether we have a good day or a bad day, we still need to give thanks to GOD for it. We need to continue to trust GOD that, everything that happens, happens for our good. As Christians we need to spend time with GOD and pray daily, read our bibles daily, listen to Him; and give thanks to Him for our faith and His love that we can share with others.

Lyn also spoke of the trust she has in GOD and how it has seen her through many difficult experiences – and will do so in the future. Like Lyn, we can all listen to GOD better, stick to the path GOD would have us take and accept that His guidance is 100% correct. Thankfully He loves us and when we look at the footprints in the sand and see only one set, acknowledge that He carries us through many more situations than we realise.

Martha and Mary provide us with a great example of how we should prioritise our lives. We need to keep things in balance as best as we can. There are times when we need to sit at the feet of JESUS and soak up all He has to offer; and, of course, there are times when things have to be done.
The 3 passages Lyn mentioned from Paul’s letter to the Romans are significant here today:
Chapter 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul divides people into 2 categories – those who are dominated by their sinful nature; and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if JESUS hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said YES to JESUS, we will want to continue to follow Him – because His way brings life and peace.
DOWNLOAD ENCOURAGER HERE: Encourager 101 Summer 2018

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