Not A Writer, An Encourager

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 I'm going to come right out and say it: "I am not a writer, I am an encourager." 

You may have noticed a lot of errors in my writing. I am not a professional writer, but I have been a pastor for 47 years. During that time, I have tried to present sermons on Sunday, that were encouraging. I have tried, in my pastoral visitation, and counseling, to be an encouragement.

The whole purpose of The Christian Journeyman is to "encourage" my fellow Christians, to maintain a strong relationship, with the Lord Jesus Christ, and to encourage them in their continued labor as "workers" in His kingdom.

I try to address issues, and challenges, that we as Christians all face.
And I apply the Word of God to those issues and challenges.

I do charge a $25.00 membership to support the work of The Christian Journeyman. We want our members to be strongly encouraged, for their Christian walk, and service.

So if you are looking for excellence in my writing, I am sorry to disappoint you. But if you are looking for "encouragement" in living, and serving our Lord Jesus Christ, you've come to the right place! GP

Photo: Gary Patterson

Keeping Everyone In Line

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." 
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15) 

In having the mind of Christ, we are responsible to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, to pursue this mind also. What am I saying? I am saying that we all are to act like Jesus Christ, and when we don't, there should be some admonishment.

As Jesus is the cornerstone of the spiritual building, we as stones, are to line up to Him. But we may need some help in doing so, if we are acting selfishly, and worldly. To say that this is just a job for the leadership, is being irresponsible, and insensitive. It is true that Leadership must set the bar, and set the example, but it is up to all of us, as members of God's family, to encourage each other to think and act, as God would have us to.

As Paul says in the closing of our text: "But always pursue what is good, for both yourselves and for all"(1 Thess.5:15b)  Holding each other accountable will help us as a body of believers, to be solid in our unity, and our witness to the world. GP

 Photo by Feelart. Published on 18 July 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 10092655
www.freedigitalphotos.net