"The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should
know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. He awakens
me morning by morning, He awakens me to hear as the learned."
Isaiah 50:4
Today was my turn to teach this evening's Bible study class in the absence of a chaplain...
know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. He awakens
me morning by morning, He awakens me to hear as the learned."
Isaiah 50:4
Today was my turn to teach this evening's Bible study class in the absence of a chaplain...
We've been gifted with a number of mature men who are knowledgeable of the Scriptures, and in my opinion, are excellent teachers. So as one of our congregation's elders, I have stepped aside and allowed them to oversee our studies and to work out an agreeable schedule. And this has been helpful to me, as well.
So as it was last week and now today, I am filling in as something of a pinch hitter. Thus, after a time in prayer, the Lord led me to teach on the power of encouragement. I then began the study by introducing the men to a Scripture verse that I think many Christians are unfamiliar with: Isaiah 50:4.
I first came across this verse when I was still a relatively new Christian. It seemed to jump out at me and go right into my heart. And it has served me well ever since. This being the importance of knowing what to say whenever someone needs words of encouragement.
I told the men that being able to encourage someone who's going through a difficult time is a gift from God. It's one of the most needed gifts for the troubled times we're living in. And how a word of encouragement and hope can keep someone from giving up on life, and even from walking away from the Lord.
We spoke on how many people nowadays are weighed down with all kinds of problems. But we as Christians have the words of life. In our Bibles are words of hope and comfort, and these words are meant to be shared.
And it is the Holy Spirit, I said to them, who will direct us on what to say to someone who is weary, discouraged, depressed, or is hurting, or feels lonely and abandoned, or is troubled. "It is our job to give the words of life to those who are exhausted, and feel they cannot go on. Whom even now Satan is whispering to them to give up," I declared.
"Like fresh water to a thirsty soul are the words of healing and hope coming from the lips of a follower of Messiah Jesus, and that's us," I said.
D.B.
So as it was last week and now today, I am filling in as something of a pinch hitter. Thus, after a time in prayer, the Lord led me to teach on the power of encouragement. I then began the study by introducing the men to a Scripture verse that I think many Christians are unfamiliar with: Isaiah 50:4.
I first came across this verse when I was still a relatively new Christian. It seemed to jump out at me and go right into my heart. And it has served me well ever since. This being the importance of knowing what to say whenever someone needs words of encouragement.
I told the men that being able to encourage someone who's going through a difficult time is a gift from God. It's one of the most needed gifts for the troubled times we're living in. And how a word of encouragement and hope can keep someone from giving up on life, and even from walking away from the Lord.
We spoke on how many people nowadays are weighed down with all kinds of problems. But we as Christians have the words of life. In our Bibles are words of hope and comfort, and these words are meant to be shared.
And it is the Holy Spirit, I said to them, who will direct us on what to say to someone who is weary, discouraged, depressed, or is hurting, or feels lonely and abandoned, or is troubled. "It is our job to give the words of life to those who are exhausted, and feel they cannot go on. Whom even now Satan is whispering to them to give up," I declared.
"Like fresh water to a thirsty soul are the words of healing and hope coming from the lips of a follower of Messiah Jesus, and that's us," I said.
D.B.