E.n.c.o.u.r.a.g.i.n.g

“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
I read the other day that it is a scientific fact that geese honk to encourage each other as they fly across the country...they honk to encourage birds in the front of the formation to keep up speed, constantly encouraging the rest of the flock. If one goose falls out of formation, several other geese fall out too. None fly alone. The leadership among the flock honks the loudest. They bring their friends along with encouragement. This is such a great principle to learn and to incorporate into your life. For me, I think about Kelvin who is my partner sent from God to "do" life together. Am I doing a good job "honking" him along? All through the bible we are directed to be an encouragement to the oppressed...to one another. Are those around you encouraging to you ...or better yet...are you encouraging to the ones around you? Learn how to be a "honker" and nothing will stop you from defeating the enemy.

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Isaiah 1:17 Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Romans 12:7-8 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is showing mercy, let him do cheerfully.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Genesis 34

Dinah and the Shechemites
While reading this passage several thoughts were running through my head...

1. Shechem (because he was not circumcised) was a non-believer and by raping Dinah he committed a sin and not only brought shame to Dinah and her family but he brought shame to God.
2. Now a days, it is not circumcision that determined whether or not a person is saved but rather a truely changed heart and a confession through baptism. Kelvin brought up an interesting point: Now in these days, it is the circumcision of the heart that makes us believers.
3. Reading through this I can honestly say that I didn't forsee that outcome. But if you look back to vs.13 it states that Jacob's sons deceitfully planned everything to their advantage. They deceived Shechem and his entire people into getting circumcised therefore weakening them for an attack. Isn't this just like the devil. 1Peter5:8 states, "your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." He is just waiting for the opportunity to weaken us through sin so that he can capture our soul.

Genesis 44-45

Genesis 44-45
This absolutely has to be my favorite story of forgiveness besides Jesus forgiving my sins of course. So many siblings hold on to grudges for years and allow a hedge to be built up in their heart towards their brother/sister. Nothing your sibling has ever done can compare to what Joseph's brothers did to him. They sold him into slavery! At a very young age Joseph became a slave to Pharaoh…this means he had no family and to top things off he was put to work. The good news is that Joseph found favor in the Lord's eyes. God was definitely his refuge in every circumstance. My favorite thing about this passage is not only did he forgive his brothers but he recognized that God was in control of EVERYTHING! In Jer. 29:11 it states that God knows the plans that he has for us. To prosper us, not to harm us but to give us a hope and a future. Joseph knew exactly what his purpose was. He told his brothers, "do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance." Whether it might be a brother/sister or someone else, forgive them today and take refuge in your Savior.

Welcome!

Finally, I have semi caught up with technology. I want to be able to share my experiences, thoughts, and little pieces of me with those who are interested. So welcome to my very first blog...I hope you enjoy!