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"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver."
(Proverbs 25:11)
How do you know that a Christian leader needs encouragement? I can tell you a sure way you can know: if he or she is a Christian leader and they are breathing, then they need encouragement! I love fellow pastors and ministers of the Gospel. God has given me a desire to encourage them and help build them up in their walk with God. Many of you reading this devotion today are those who serve the Lord in ministry. You are faithfully doing what God has called you to do. I am grateful for you. Thank you for being faithful, for serving well when no one sees but our Lord. He indeed sees you and will reward you openly as He said in Matthew's Gospel on three occasions: Matthew 6:4, 6, and 18: "And your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."
While in South Asia last week, the Lord spoke to my heart a word of encouragement. It blessed me, and I decided to send it to a few of my pastor friends in hopes that it would encourage them as well. Here is what I wrote:
"It is Tuesday morning in Asia, and I just had the privilege of baptizing two people from our people group, a husband and wife; it was amazing. We were in a canal, the water was cold, there was a mosque in the background, and trash along the banks, and yet Jesus Christ is Lord. As I was standing in that water, I felt the Holy Spirit press upon me these words: 'You are doing what I want you to do.' I thought about all pastors who are serving. Yes, it is hard. There are things beyond our control. But you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, praise God."
Both of the pastors who received this text from me responded with appreciation. One of those men serves as a pastor in Longview, TX. God is blessing and using him, and what a joy he is to many. Here is what he texted me: "Praise Jesus! And a much-needed word for my heart!"
Solomon has much to say about the power of words in the Book of Proverbs. Today's focal text is one example. He paints a beautiful picture with his reference to apples of gold in settings of silver. And when we encourage one another, that too is a beautiful, helpful, and blessed thing.
Who do you know that is serving the Lord in full time vocational ministry? Do they need encouragement? If they are breathing, then the answer is yes! Take a minute and send them a text to simply say you are thinking about them, you appreciate them, and you are praying for them. Trust me, they will be so blessed and encouraged. In fact, I just thought of another pastor friend, and I will practice what I am teaching to you today and reach out and encourage him now as he faithfully serves the Lord in Ashville, NC. Will you join me and do the same for someone you know?
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