Some conversations change your life. You just don’t expect them to be with one of your kids. Several years ago, my daughter Leslie came home and said “…What’s the single most important thing you do as a leader?”
I looked at her and said, “That’s easy. The single most important thing I do is make sure I say encouraged. If I’m not encouraged, eventually nothing else matters. If I’m not encouraged, I’ll never be the person I believe God wants me to be. If I’m not encouraged, I’ll never be the person God wants me to be.” (Ray Johnston, “The Hope Quotient, p. 4).
The Bible is urgent about the importance of giving and getting encouragement, and when you think about it, isn’t all of the Bible, in the big picture, one big word of encouragement? Here’s just one, from the letter to the Hebrews.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God”. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
Today, I’m going to put this into practice. There are several things that I’d like to encourage you to consider for the month of October.
Pray 31 – Grab a Prayer Guide off the back table and commit to praying for our Nation for 5 minutes a day. I think we can all agree America needs it! Also, join our weekly prayer group at 6 am Wednesdays or our monthly meeting on October 12th at 7 pm in the Nygren room.
Retreat: I’m encouraging you to get away! The men’s & women’s retreats are coming up, so sign up.
Serve: We have a great opportunity to serve in many ways as we are putting on a play during Advent. We’re aiming for 100% participation as we unite to use our gifts to be a blessing to others. Sign up at the back table.
Study: If you aren’t in a Bible study, dive in! We have many different opportunities, day and night, evenings and weekdays. Women’s studies are Monday evening, Wednesday morning, and Friday afternoon. Men meet Saturday mornings.
Wednesday Evenings with the Pastor: On October 19th and 26th, I am leading a book study on Tim Keller’s book, The Prodigal God. This short and engaging book takes a closer look at Jesus’ most famous parable, the one commonly called “The Prodigal Son.” In my Christian journey, this is the best book I’ve ever read to help me understand “The Gospel.” I highly recommend this book to everyone! You can buy a copy of the book at the back table.
Sunday School: I grew up singing, everyone oughta go to Sunday School, Sunday School, Sunday School. The kids all have great teachers and our adult study of Ephesians is excellent! Get here at 9 am and be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Now, you have been encouraged! What will you do? Be encouraged! God is alive and well and at work.
Your Partner in the Gospel,
Pastor Ryan
God is Good, All the Time!
PILGRIM COVENANT CHURCH 