Everybody needs encouragement. I know I do. That's why Paul says in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." That verse lifts my joy level.
People need to a daily dose of good news. People get enough bad news in the world. When they come to church, they should hear the good news! One of the main roles of the preacher is to remind people that God is a God of hope, not a God of mope. Yes, we need the hutzpah to call a spade a spade in the pulpit. I have no problem talking about sin, the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, the precious blood of Jesus and so on.
But at the end of the day, preachers must be hope dispensers. We need to encourage people that God can and will fill your life with joy and peace as you put your trust in him.
Pastors need encouragement too. One of the biggest reasons that pastors leave the ministry today (BTW, over 1,000 bail on God's call each week) is discouragement. Pastors get discouraged. The deal with depression and fear and all sorts of spiritual battles.
I just spent the day with a group of pastors in my area and I was reminded of how much we can all use a positive word of encouragement. Hebrews 3:13 says "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today."
So, to all my blog readers, be encouraged. Today is a brand new day. God is still in control. He hasn't left you or forgotten where you live or what you are going through. Call on him in your time of need. He has a fresh supply of hope for you each day. For his grace and mercy is new every morning.
