Need Some Encouragement?

Last I was invited to dinner at the home of some new and very incredible friends. Since Connie was out of town, I felt I was being cared for, and believe me the homemade chicken pot pie and the homemade blackberry pie (picked by one of my hosts) confirmed what I felt! I love hanging out with people like George and Mary Kay. We sat and talked Jesus for hours. I really have to be careful when I am given the opportunity to talk about Jesus, his calling on my life, and what I feel He is up to at the moment! But so do my new friends too. So when we get together for a great home-cooked meal, the best part is the godly conversation. How encouraging is that! Isn't that what encouragement is? The Book says, "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." The greatest form of encouragement comes through the medium of fellowship; just hanging out together. That's why the book of Hebrews also says we should not neglect to get together. God inspired the writer to stress the importance of encouragement through hanging out together. Godly conversations result in believers being protected from deception. We also call it encouragement.

If there is a lost art in the church today, it is the lost art of hospitality. Most people I know have nice, comfortable homes. But very few see their home as a tool to encourage other believers and non-believers alike. Perhaps we are too busy or we just don't see the connection between hospitality (using our homes) and encouragement. But man, let me say that it is extremely wonderful to meet people like George and Mary Kay who through their home, great cooking, and love for Jesus understand the power of encouraging folks. I'm encouraged!!