And let us consider how we may spur one anotheron toward love and good deeds. 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. Heb 10:24-25 NIV

Paraphrased it reads: “Let us be concerned for one another, keeping our minds busy thinking up ways to encourage one another to love and be faithful. But we cannot do this if we stay away from the meetings as some have a habit of doing. This is more important now that we see the day of the Lord drawing near.” The word “encourage” in this verse does not mean “comfort.” It is the word “paraxumas” which means: To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; It means: To impart courage, inspiration, backbone, and plain old guts. It means to build morale. It promotes the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger and fear, in every situation. I realize I am giving a long definition but feel it gives a clearer understanding of the word “encourage.”

Many prophesies are being circulated that warn us of troubling times ahead for this nation. Even if they prove to be soon, we should face them with courage rather than with fear or intimidation. Paul said to the Church at Thessalonica:

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2 Thessalonians 2:2

Terry Somerville states: “The tense used in the Greek in this verse points to events so dramatic that they could result in shock or alarm. In fact, the Greek tense strongly suggests a devastating occurrence or a sequence of devastating occurrences so dramatic that they will throw the world into a state of shock or distress.Thus, if a person allows his mind to be doused with panic or fear, he is putting fear in charge of his life. Because Paul wanted his readers to remain in peace regardless of the tumultuous events that transpired around them, he urged them not to allow fear from these shocking and distressful events to penetrate their minds, will, and emotions.”

It is very important that we not only receive encouragement individually but also that we be closely connected with other brothers and sisters who are believers. Men and women were not intended to face life alone.

Two are better than one…for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.... And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12)

One major purpose for the local church is mutual encouragement. Every person needs to know there are those who will stand with him or her when the chips are down. God is with (for) you and will never forsake you. If you have been chosen for a ministry, stand boldly and remember what God said to Joshua:

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Josh 1:5-9 NIV

THE POLITICAL CLIMATE

As you well know, the battle is raging across this nation as to who is elected to be our next President. May the Lord be merciful to us and not allow us to elect the one we deserve. Just remember we are a part of the election process, so please get out and vote. Romans 13 tells us that the elected officials are to be submitted to God and then we are to submit to their decisions. So be sure to get involved in the election process to vote God’s men in office.

FORGIVE AND MOVE ON

Quote from the book: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn submitted the following sad report: “When I was first ordained a priest, I believed that over 50 percent of all problems were at least in part due to unforgiveness. After ten years in ministry, I revised my estimate and maintained 75 to 80 percent of all health, marital, family, and financial problems came from unforgiveness. Now, after more than twenty years in ministry, I have concluded that over 90 percent of all problems are rooted in unforgiveness.”

R.T. Kendall, pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, wrote: “I sometimes think it would be good if I preached this message [on forgiveness] every week.”

Some of you are asking about when my newest book will be ready for ordering. This week I received the following information from the book designer:

“I spoke with Marlene this morning and she will be submitting changes to me shortly. Upon receipt of these changes I will be submitting the final proof within five business days. Upon approval of the final files we will upload to your BookSurge account, this will move your title into position to have print files created. This takes about ten business days. So we are probably looking at about another month (Feb.20) until your title is print ready. Sincerely, Angela Johnson,Design Coordinator, BookSurge (A branch of Amazon)”

It is important to me to have your help in getting this book into the hands of everyone of your friends and acquaintances. Please send a gift of $11.95 per book plus postage to KSM or you may order the book from the publisher at: Amazon.com for $14.95 each.

All changes have been sent and I have ordered several boxes of the book.