Category Archives: Encouragement

Bible, Comfort, Encouragement, Fellowship, Listening, Scripture

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

ROMANS 1:12

“that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

We all need encouragement. I get that from my friends and family. I get that from my wife. But most of all, I get that from the Lord. He is always seeking to build me up and make me more like Jesus. If I would only listen more closely, that could happen more easily. But I allow my own self-interest and self-indulgences to get in the way. Those can also block the encouragement from others. Listen to Paul’s words in today’s verse.

He uses a Greek word for “may be encouraged” that is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It comes from three Greek words. The word is sumparakaleó (sum+para+kaleo). The Topical Lexicon says this about this word. “The term emphasizes reciprocity: encouragement is not delivered from a superior to an inferior but shared among believers who stand shoulder to shoulder. The prefixed prepositions συν- (with) and παρά- (alongside) intensify the core verb καλέω (to call), yielding a picture of believers summoning one another to persevere in faith, hope, and love.” That is a great breakdown of this once-used word.

APPLICATION

The writer of Hebrews expresses a similar idea in Hebrews 10:24-25. “24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Just going to church and seeing other believers can encourage you and encourage them. We are on this journey together.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes a similar thought.  “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” Paul also shows this idea in 2 Corinthians 1:4 when he tells us to comfort each other. “who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

We have an obligation to encourage each other, to bring comfort to one another. How can you do that? By listening to a hurting friend? By praying for someone who is in need? By just fellowshipping with other believers? Find a way this weekend to live out Romans 1:12. I promise you will be encouraged, as well.

Lord, thank You for sending others into my life to encourage me. Help me do the same for others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Comfort, Commitment, Encouragement, Messenger, Scripture

MESSENGER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

PHILIPPIANS 2:19

“But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.”

Some people have the gift of encouragement. Anytime you’re around them you just feel better. Wouldn’t it be great if we all acted that way? The world would be a much better place. Hey, the church would be a better place. Too much complaining and arguing happens there, don’t you think? We need more encouragers.

Paul sent Timothy, whom they knew when he had accompanied Paul there, to bring back news on how the Philippians were doing. Timothy had a two-fold task – take news of Paul to the church in Philippi and to bring news back to Paul in Rome. You need to understand something. Travel back then took a lot longer than it does now. This was a 1286 km (@800 miles) trip one way. It would have taken 3-6 months, depending on the time of the year. This was a huge commitment Timothy was making for Paul. Timothy would have been gone 6-12 months. A lot can happen in a year.

APPLICATION

But Timothy makes the journey and returns to Rome with news about the church. Of course, that is not talked about in this letter. What do you think Timothy said to the Philippian believers when he arrived there? “Paul is doing great. He has been chained to these Roman soldiers, but that means he has had a captive audience with these guys.” To that I bet all the Philippians would roar with laughter and say, “That’s just like Paul.” That news would have encouraged them.

Then Timothy would return to Paul in Rome. What do you think he told him? “The church is doing great! They are embracing their suffering as you asked. They are being witnesses throughout the city, following your example here in Rome. They send their love and gratitude.” Wow! What encouragement! This was Timothy’s task.

Are you like Timothy? Do you try to encourage others, or do you ignore others? We are all called to encourage. The word used for “may be encouraged” is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It can mean to be of good comfort. Are you a comforter? Seek out what the Lord would have you do about this today.

Father, I know I could be a better encourager. Give me the words and ability to comfort others.

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Affection, Bible, Encouragement, Godliness, Scripture

THEREFORE…

PHILIPPIANS 2:1

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”

I’ve said it and you have heard it said, “Whenever you see a “therefore” look to see what it is there for.” Paul begins chapter two (there were really no chapters in his original letter) by connecting it back to chapter one. He had been instructing the Philippians on how to live in difficult situations (conflicts, suffering, etc.) and now he totally turns the subject to godly living, even in the midst of the hard times.

Look what Paul lists in this first verse – encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion. We could spend the next week on these words, but I will encourage you to do your own deep dive into them. I will look at a couple of them today to spur your interest. Okay? Let’s go!

APPLICATION

First, let’s look at the word “encouragement.” This is the Greek word paraklésis, which is “a calling to one’s aid, i.e. encouragement, comfort.” (NAS Exhaustive Concordance). In 2 Corinthians 7:4, we see Paul use this word to describe how he felt “comfort” towards these believers. “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” It’s the idea of coming up beside someone, putting your arm around them and just encouraging them.

Secondly, let’s see the word “affection.” This word in the Greek is splagchnon, which comes from “the Greek root splagchna, which refers to the inward parts or entrails.” (Strong’s Lexicon). It was used to describe someone’s deep emotions, especially compassion and affection. It’s that deep gut feeling you have for others. I love my family that way. You probably do also. Paul says these Philippians he is writing to should have this kind of affection towards each other in Christ.

Encouragement and affection – two things we all need more of in the church today. Amen? May we all strive to encourage someone today. Tell someone they are loved today. Just go out and make someone’s day. I promise if you show these two things, they and you will be blessed.

Lord, give me the encouragement and affection of Christ to share with others today.

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Bible, Encouragement, Prison, Scripture, Suffering, Testimony

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH SUFFERING

PHILIPPIANS 1:14

“and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

have mentioned several times about my two stem cell transplants I underwent for my Amyloidosis treatment. Both involved a considerable amount of suffering that I had rather not endure again. But both of these experiences served to encourage others in their own walk of faith. I can’t begin to tell you the number of people who were praying for me worldwide and the cards and letters I received from friends and family. Many even sent money to help with our expenses. These people experienced my suffering by praying and supporting us.

Paul is in prison, but he is still encouraging these believers. How can that be? How can one man’s suffering encourage others? Paul uses a Greek word here to describe what these Philippian Christians were doing. The verb “have…courage” is tolmaó, and it means “to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (putting it all on the line); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word Studies)

APPLICATION

So, how do we do that? By doing exactly what the Philippians believers did. Here is what Albert Barnes said about their courage to speak forth about Jesus without fear. “This might have been either: (1) that from the very fact that so distinguished a champion of the truth had been imprisoned, they were excited to do all they could in the cause of the gospel. Or, (2) they were aroused by the fact that the cause of his imprisonment had become generally understood, and that there was a strong current of popular favor setting toward Christianity in consequence of it. Or, (3) they had had contact with Paul in his own ‘hired house,’ and had been incited and encouraged by him to put forth great efforts in the cause. Or, (4) it would seem that some had been emboldened to promulgate their views, and set themselves up as preachers, who would have been restrained if Paul had been at liberty.”

Any of those speculations could have been the truth. The bottom line – they were encouraged by Paul’s suffering. When you see others suffering, what is your response? I pray it is not just to have pity on them. No! We should immediately begin to pray for them. By doing so, God builds our own faith. We can see Him work through difficult situations. We can experience a deeper faith by trusting in His divine will.

In Mark 15:43 when Jospeh of Arimathea went up to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body, this same word is used. It says, “…he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate…” That took courage. That was daring. Pilate had just crucified Jesus. But Joseph’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah had been strengthened by Jesus’ suffering and death. Thus, we have the empty tomb which was provided by Joseph.

How can you encourage others in your suffering? How can you be encouraged by someone else’s suffering? Think about that.

O God, no one likes to suffer or see suffering but use it to strengthen our faith or the faith of others.

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Bible, Encouragement, Ministry, Scripture, Trust

ENCOURAGEMENT

COLOSSIANS 4:8

“For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;”

I have known some real encouragers in my lifetime. One of those was my late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber. He just had the gift of encouragement. If I ever needed spiritual advice, he was the one I would call or go see. To Wayne, the glass was always half full, not half empty. Did Wayne always have the answer I was looking for? No, but his advice and encouragement always lifted my spirit and sent me on my way ready to face whatever I was dealing with. I sure miss that goof ball.

In today’s verse, Paul basically calls Tychicus (mentioned in the last verse) an encourager. Paul had sent him to Colossae to bring news about his situation and probably his health. He was to encourage them and instruct them to not lose heart just because he was in prison. Can’t you just hear the words Paul gave Tychicus to share? Remember, Paul was brought along into ministry by Barnabas, whose name means “Encourager.”

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon says, “The verb parakaleó is used in the New Testament to convey a range of meanings centered around the idea of calling someone to one’s side for the purpose of exhortation, encouragement, comfort, or urging. It is often used in contexts where believers are encouraged to live out their faith, comfort one another in times of distress, or be urged to adhere to the teachings of Christ. The term reflects both a personal and communal aspect of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the body of Christ.”

Paul uses this same word in a most recognized verse in Romans 12:1. “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Paul was an encourager who was taught by an encourager. Therefore, he was encouraging another encourager to encourage others. Did you get that? Read it again.

In fact, did you know that Paul uses the word parakaleó in 12 of his 13 epistles? Encouragement was important to Paul. He knew how rules and laws could weigh you down. He knew the perils of persecution for your faith. He wanted to encourage everyone to remain strong and trust in the One who saves. Can you do the same?

Father, I want to be known as an encourager. Give me the words to say when it is time to do that.

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Accountability, Bible, Encouragement, Faith, Gossip, Scripture

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT…?

COLOSSIANS 1:4

“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;” 

The old kudzu vine spreads rumors and gossip faster than a bird after a June bug. How’s that for a Southern expression, lol. Do you know what kudzu is? It is a plant that was originally brought into the U.S. to help control erosion. It quickly took off and now covers a lot of the landscape in the South. It can completely bury a structure and climb and eventually kill a tree. It reportedly can grow up to four inches a day in the right conditions. But it bears no fruit. It only destroys. Gossip can spread just as fast.

Paul wasn’t talking about the kudzu vine (or the grape vine, if you prefer that expression). He had sent Epaphras there to bring back news of how they were progressing in their faith. In verses 7-8 (which we will look at in a few days), we see this. “7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.” What a great report!

APPLICATION

How do you talk about fellow believers? Do you share how well they are doing in their walk with Jesus, or do you share rumors of how they have messed up? Scripture is pretty clear about not spreading rumors. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church against this. “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”

Not only there but look at Proverbs 11:13 (NIV). “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Also in Proverbs 18:8, we read, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” So, it is clear that when we talk about others, it should not be hurtful or harmful words. We are to build each other up, like Epaphras did the Colossae believers.

Hold your tongue and do not sin, just like Job did in Job 2:10. Even though he was going through severe persecution, it says he did not sin with his lips. Can you do the same? If you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything at all. We’ve all been told that a time or two, haven’t we? Give good reports!

Father, guard my mouth and help me to speak only good of my fellow believers.

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Bible, Boldness, Confidence, Disciples, Encouragement, Freedom, Heaven, Persuasion, Scripture

BOLD AND CONFIDENT

EPHESIANS 3:12

“in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”

Often our boldness and confidence can be seen as arrogance or rudeness. There is no doubt that can be the perception IF we are not careful. I have prayed for boldness to witness more. I have prayed for confidence to face life’s challenges. There is nothing wrong with boldness and confidence if it is done through the Lord. We are going to see that in today’s verse.

Paul is continuing a thought from the previous verse in verse 12. “In whom” is referring back to “Christ Jesus our Lord” in verse 11. Look what Christ gives us. He gives us boldness to approach the very throne of grace. The Greek word translated as “boldness” is parrésia. It is defined as “confidence (bold resolve), leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies) Then Paul tells us we also have “confident access.” In the Greek text it is literally “access in confidence.” Pepoithésis is the word translated for “confidence. It means “interactive-access in persuasion.”  (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking Okay, Carl, I already knew that. I didn’t need a Greek lesson. I get it. But you can’t just read this verse and take it for granted. This boldness and confidence can only be exhibited correctly through Jesus. We have the privilege and honor to be given these in order to talk to our heavenly Father without any fear or trepidation.

In 1 Timothy 3:13, Paul tells Timothy as he talks about deacons, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” As we develop as believers and learn to listen for His voice, our boldness and confidence increases. Leaders in our churches should have this boldness and confidence to lead others towards a deeper relationship with Christ.

The writer of Hebrews says this in Hebrews 10:19-22. “19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Don’t shrink back, beloved. Go before the Lord with boldness and confidence. God won’t embarrass you and send you to the back of the line. There is room for everyone at the foot of the cross. Approach Him today and thank Him for giving you this access through His Son, Jesus Christ. You’ll find Him open and receptive every time.

Lord, I praise You for all you have given me, including my access to Your throne.

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Bible, Compassion, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Goodness, Kingdom, Love, Scripture

HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH 

GALATIANS 6:10 

“So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” 

As a man, I am supposed to take care of my household. The Bible tells us that to not do that makes us worse than an unbeliever. But so many men neglect their families in so many ways. Oh, they may provide for them financially and physically, but they neglect the spiritual health of the wife and children.  

I believe Paul includes that in his encouragement to the Galatians in today’s verse. He says to do good to all people, “and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” You see, Paul goes beyond just the man’s household. He includes the household of the faith. We should especially do good to our fellow believers. We are in the same family – God’s family.  

APPLICATION 

Let me speak to the men right now. Men, you have a responsibility to care for your family. You also have a responsibility to aid those in your church or fellowship who have a need. Is there a widow who needs her yard mowed? Is there a single mom who needs some men to do some home repairs? I can’t help but think about James 1:27. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” 

In Ephesians 2:19, Paul says we believers are all part of God’s household. That word has the idea of an intimate relationship. If that is true, why wouldn’t we watch out for each other? Why wouldn’t we come to the aid of a brother or sister? Why wouldn’t we give to them freely and without expectation of repayment? 

Now, wait a minute, Carl. You’re getting a little carried away. Really. Let me challenge you to look around and do as the Lord leads you. Ask your pastor if there is a family in the church who has a need. Volunteer to help. He will be so excited to put you to work serving those who have needs. We can do this now. Don’t wait! 

Father, show me who You want me to invest in. I know there are many. 

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Abiding, Answers, Asking, Belief, Bible, Boldness, Decisions, Encouragement, God's Will, Promises, Scripture, Seeking

TIRED OF WAITING

GALATIANS 4:28

“And you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.”

My wife and I have been waiting on something for well over a year. Every day we pray about this, asking God to do whatever He needs to do to resolve the situation. Waiting is hard. Asking for the same thing over and over is challenging. But I am reminded of the story told in Luke 18 where Jesus taught the disciples about prayer. Verse 1 says, “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged,” I’ll let you read the next several verses later to see the parable He told them.

Why mention waiting? Because Paul mentions Isaac today in verse 28 of chapter 4. He was the child promised to Abraham and Sarah. Sarah didn’t get pregnant right away. God waited 25 years. Abraham was 75 when God gave him that promise, and Isaac was born when he was 100 (Sarah was 90). Why would God do that? Don’t you know Abraham asked Sarah a hundred times if she was pregnant, and every time she would tell him “Not this time.” Annoying, right?

APPLICATION

Sometimes God moves swiftly. We just moved and the process happened so quickly. We prayed for the right buyer and the right house for us on the other end. From listing our house to a contract signed took seven days. Then we found a house and had a contract in two days. So, we know He can move fast when it is His plan. The danger we face is getting ahead of God. I am sure you have never done that.

In 1 Samuel 13:8-9 we see a story about Saul when he did not wait as instructed. “8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, ‘Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.” And we know what happened as a result. The kingdom which had been promised to him was torn away and given to David. Waiting is important.

I want to encourage you today (as I encourage myself) to wait on God. He has a plan for your life. Listen to Him. Wait on Him. His timing is always perfect even though we don’t think so sometime. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it (I keep reminding myself of that).

Lord, Your promises are always true and will be fulfilled. Help me wait on You instead of kicking in doors myself.

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Allegory, Bible, Chains, Devil, Encouragement, Freedom, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Law, Scripture, Slaves

ALLEGORY PART 1 – HAGAR

GALATIANS 4:24

“This is speaking allegorically, for these women are two covenants: one coming from Mount Sinai giving birth to children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.”

I have to admit that I am not a grammatical genius. If you have read many of my blogs, you have probably already figured that out. Right? So, I looked up the definition of allegory. “It is a figurative sentence or discourse, in which the principal object is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances.” – Webster. Thank you, Mr. Webster! I am sure we all understand it now.

Paul tells us plainly that he is going to be speaking “allegorically.” This Greek word is only used one time in the New Testament. It literally means to speak publicly something other than. Paul is going to be comparing the story of Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac to our slavery to sin and our freedom in Christ. This allegory is not to imply in any way that the Old Testament story is not true. You can use an historical truth allegorically to make a point, which is what Paul has done here.

APPLICATION

Now that I have bored you to tears with the English lesson on allegories, how do we use today’s verse in our lives? Well, let’s focus on the topic of this first part of the allegory – Hagar. Who was she? She was a servant girl of Sarah’s. But she was more than a servant. She had been given to Abraham by Sarah to try to conceive a child which would satisfy God’s promise to give then a child. God never instructed them to do this. They just decided to “help God along.”

This first part of the allegory isn’t very encouraging. Hagar and Ishmael represent slavery to sin. Even after Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, she was still a servant. Nothing had changed. You and I are slaves to sin until we come to Jesus. We have no power to resist. We have no way to escape the devil’s schemes. There is no hope. We can’t “perform” our way out of sin. We have to have the chains broken.

Praise be to God we have a “chain-breaker.” He is Jesus, the Righteous One. He is the One to whom we run for freedom. Paul is so aware of this. He now sees how bound to sin he was while he was under the law, which is also represented by Hagar. Paul wants these Galatians to be free in Christ, not bound to the law. In the same way, God wants us to be free in Jesus. Are you free today?

Lord, I am thankful You gifted men like Paul to write under the inspiration of the Spirit to give us these truths.

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