PASTOR SUE’S PEARLS FROM ABOVE
St. John 14:16, Jesus is telling his disciples that the Father will give them another comforter, that will abide with them forever, the Spirit of Truth.
This word Comforter means One called along side to help, an advocate, intercessor, the one who will lead them into all truth.
The word comfort has this same root, but also several different meanings, as in console, consolation, entreat, admonish.
In Acts 11; after the death of Stephen, the persecution sent the saints in Jerusalem scattered to other areas, but they continued preaching the gospel. One of the places was Antioch of Syria, and the elders sent Barnabas there to help and strengthen the saints.
Luke says in Acts 11:23; Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Barnabas (whose name means consolation), encouraged them to hold on to the Lord.
When Apostle Paul said to “Comfort one another,” he was exhorting to saints to encourage and strengthen one another.
Yes, there’s trouble on every side, yes, there is heartache and pain, yes, evil is everywhere, sickness, chaos, turmoil and torment, but God is still moving, he is still working all things for our good, he is still in control, and knows all things, and as Jesus encouraged his disciples, to “Be of good cheer,” we should be lifting one another up. Helping our fellow saints to stand, praying one for another, reminding them that God is with them, he hasn’t left them. Encourage one another to stand strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might! Hold onto Jesus! Don’t let go, don’t turn away from him, don’t ever stop trusting him! He is for you! He is our help and strength, keep going forward, cleave to him! Be encouraged and strengthened in Jesus. He will not fail you!
Isa. 40:29; He gives power to the faint, and to them that have no might, he increases strength.
Psalm 18:2; The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 27:1; The LORD is my light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear, The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
There is too much criticism and hurt in the Body of Christ, God has not called us to devour one another, but to stand strong and lift one another up in Christ Jesus.
Lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees.
When Israel was in battle against the Amalekites, Moses lifted up the Rod of God, and Israel prevailed, when he got tired and his hand started falling, the Amalekites prevailed, so Aaron and Hur lifted up the hands of Moses, and the battle was won! Do you see what encouragement and strength in the Body of Christ can do one for another?
We will fight together instead of against each other, we will win this battle, we will be a help to the hurting and bruised, we will lead the young converts in the Truth, we will pray together, sing together, worship and praise together, help one another, encourage and strengthen, console and comfort each other. We will make it to Heaven together.
God bless.