Redeeming Word

Romans 14: 19 NAS 

So then we pursue the things, which make for peace and the building up of one another.

As today is a virtual eWord repeat of several times in the past 11 years; yesterday, I was reminded of a past eWord dealing with encouragement, and our need for encouragement when things go wrong while in the midst of things going right, when reading a open letter in a recent church bulletin from it's Pastor. Often an "over-riding fear of failure" can led you to depart from what we know is possible through our Lord and cause us to be the Master of pointing out everything wrong with everything. Instead of what is right with your church, pointing all the things that are very very right. We must take on a mindset that is courageous; trying new things; things that we do not even know we are capable of...trusting God and His ability to empower you beyond you peers and colleagues. Our minds are often challenged when entering uncharted waters. We feel as if we are set adrift into a sea of failure, encouraging a need to hold others back so you will feel normal or safe. This attitude often leaves one to struggle, instead of capturing what they are actually capable of through their leadership and gifts, or in many cases things that many around them are already achieving for the glory of our Father's Kingdom.

Encouragement can go a lot further than “so-called” constructive criticism and judgment. So often we are so blinded, and even, setback by the good intentions of others; eager to tell you what is wrong without embracing and exposing what is being done right. It is like dwelling on the “FACT” that we are hopeless sinners without remembering and “rejoicing” in the words, “SAVED BY GRACE”.

As Christians, we sometimes struggle within this world, forgetting to truly accept, and live by the fact that Jesus was Crucified, Dead and Buried and “arose from the dead”- “to SAVE US”. Let this “fact” spill over into all aspects of your life as you face the things you think you can’t do for whatever debilitating reason. (Even Moses had a few “can’t” moments like this) Apply yourself as one of God’s own - “SAVED” and empowered; joyfully facing your challenges and hardships through Him; Being courageous in trusting Him to use all the gifts that God has given you…reaching out to others with your God-given gifts, blessings and provisions to help another to be empowered so they too might embrace God’s plan for their success and talents in serving God.

As Christians we must build up one another and dwell not on what is wrong, but recognize and express what is right; giving another the courage to overcome and to conquer the obstacles that lies before them. Stop telling God (and yourself) what you can’t do and trust Him. Make a difference in your life, as well as in the lives others, by taking a moment to intentionally catch somebody doing something right, reminding them that God will provide…and in fact, He already has... and will continue to. REJOICE!

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!

Brightstar Outreach
Ministry, Inc.*
Rev. Roderick Richardson, PhD
Sr. Pastor/Executive Director
18615 Montgomery Hwy Highland Home, Al 36041
334.537.4978 /334.537.9011