Build Each Other Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

In today's world of conflict and disagreement, this seems a very fitting Scripture verse.

How often do I argue and disagree instead of encourage others.

And we often talk over each other instead of actively listenting.

Help us, Lord, to encourage one another.

Guide us to build each other up.

Just as the apostles did.

Just as Jesus did.

And as you command us to do.

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encourage one another.

Build up each other.

Yesterday Abby and I headed over to La Jolla shores for the afternoon.

The beach was beautiful and the day was sunny.

The water was chilly at first but then warmed up the more we swam.

We had a great time together enjoying the day.

God has blessed us.

 

By Doing Good

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. — I Peter 2:15

Yesterday I had the day off for Veteran's Day.

I met a friend and we hiked down to Mission Trails from our house.

By the end of the walk, we had both worked up a sweat.

While we were heading down Mission Trails toward the dam, we ran into Mari, another friend.

She was walking her neighbor's dog.

Mari is an example of someone who does good.

She stops to pray for anyone who looks like they are worried or in need.

She told us that in Mexico, even strangers are very receptive when she offers to pray with them.

Blessed Is the One Who Keeps the Sabbath

Blessed is the one who does this the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil. — Isaiah 56:2

Today our choir will return to sing for our church service for the first time in months.

The congregation will still be in the courtyard.

So the music will be piped out for them to hear.

And the service will be available online on Sunday.

On Thursday we'll record our Easter service.

We are trying to hold the Sabbath fast, whether we celebrate it on Saturday or Sunday.

Build Each Other Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

God asks us to encourage each other.

To build up each other.

To love our enemies as well as our friends.

To continue to be advocates for each other.

Our friends brought this wine for us in celebration of my birthday.

How thoughtful.

We are blessed. 

Doing Good for Others

It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
— 1 Peter 2:15

I have many friends who do good for others.

Some help out at our Ladle Fellowship, providing food, mentorship, and companionship to our homeless friends.

Others visit the elderly and give rides to those who can no longer drive.

Some volunteer at City Tree School, reading with children and helping them improve their skills.

Others give time to help out at local museums.

And some give their money to our church, to missionaries around the world, and to organizations such as Compassion International, World Vision, and International Justice Mission.

Others travel to other countries to tell people about Jesus.

All of them do wonderful things to further the kingdom of God.

What a blessing they are!