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"For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because
the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother."
(Philemon 7)
Last week I had a couple of encouraging and blessed events. You might think they are really quite simple, but they meant so much to me. Have you noticed that it is often the simple acts of kindness or brief words of encouragement that refresh and recharge you? The first was a text I received from a pastor friend of mine, Steve Gaines, the lead pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. Here is a picture of Steve and I in New York a few years back:
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Steve took a picture of my book, Jesus and the Church, and wrote to me that this book is a blessing to him, as he is preaching on the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3. His simple "thank you" really lifted me up and refreshed me.
The other thing that happened is what my sweet grandbaby did one night last week. I came home from work to see her, as Ashley was babysitting Claire while Hannah and Jeffrey went out for dinner. As soon as I saw her, I plopped down on the floor next to her.
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Claire, who turns one year old next week, crawled over to me, smiled, and pulled herself up while holding on to my arm.
You may ask, "Is that all?"
Yes, indeed it is! She recognized me, crawled over, smiled, and then allowed me to help her up.
By the way, it has been a couple of weeks since I have shown you a picture of Claire, so here you go:
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The Apostle Paul wrote to his good friend, Philemon, complimenting him on many things. Philemon was a source of joy and consolation for Paul and Timothy. He also was a man who refreshed the hearts of many. Philemon, like another New Testament figure, Barnabus, was a person who encouraged others. Paul commended Philemon and simply thanked him for being the man that he was. Don't we all need moments like this when someone we respect and love reaches out to us and says, "Good job!" Because Philemon was such a blessing and refreshment to others, Paul complimented him. The Greek word translated "refreshed" is anapauo, which connotes helping another so he or she can take a rest. The thoughtful encourager is the one who steps into your life with words of affirmation or deeds of compassion that allow you to take a breath and relax.
Proverbs 12:25 says that a good word makes people glad. Today, find someone and say something positive to them or give them a helping hand. You may ask, "But who will encourage or bless me?" I have a great answer for you: if you seek to be a blessing and a source of encouragement to others, God will send others to bless and encourage you!
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Grow your influence using Jesus’ own techniques
How can you influence the ones you love most and help them discover the joy and peace of life in Christ? Learn from the greatest influencer of all… Jesus Christ!
Pastor Danny’s brand-new book, For the One, clearly explains how you can use Jesus’ own techniques to influence the ones you love—and win their hearts for eternity.
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Podcast of the Week
Pastor Tim Hawks, Pt. 1
Pastor Danny welcomes to the show Pastor Tim Hawks, Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church in Austin, TX. In this first part of their discuss-ion, Pastor Tim shares about his background, how he came to Christ, how he came to Pastor HCBC, and some of his experiences there.
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