June 13 – Daily Devotional

31 May June 13 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

ENCOURAGE YOUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS IN THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

A person’s spiritual life is considered by many to be a personal matter.  Whether they attend worship services is for them to decide.  Wrestling with a sin is deeply personal and not the business of anyone else.

The author of today’s devotional verses does not agree that your spiritual journey is a personal matter nor is your fellow Christian’s faith life none of your business.  He writes you should deeply think about, give serious contemplation, make a concerted effort to determine how you can stir up, provoke, stimulate, spur them on in their spiritual journey.  Today’s verses have in mind each believer taking responsibility to actively, intentionally, thoughtfully encourage their fellow believers in their faith walk.

One of Satan’s entry points into your or your fellow Christian’s heart is through discouragement.  He will make every attempt to convince you that God has abandoned you, doesn’t care about what happens, has left you on your own to wrestle with the cares and concerns of your life.  He wants you to believe that your fellow Christians don’t care what is happening to you.  He tries to convince you that you are on your own, that there is no one in your congregation who will do anything to assist you.

Instead, Hebrews 10:24-25 says to you to do everything possible to be observant of your fellow Christians.  What is happening in their life should be of great importance to you, especially when they are facing difficult challenges in their life journey.  Intentionally make yourself aware of what is happening in their life, prayerfully consider how you can walk beside them.  Give heartfelt consideration as to how you can encourage, uplift, and support them.  Do all you can to strongly encourage them to attend worship services regularly, receive the Lord’s Supper frequently, attend Bible studies with their fellow believers and be on their knees daily.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to be my brothers’ keeper, caring for them and encouraging them in their daily walk with you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear,

And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, Our mutual burdens bear,

And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, We suffer bitter pain;

Yet, one in Christ and one in heart, We hope to meet again.

From sorrow, toil, and pain, And sin we shall be free

And perfect love and friendship reign Through all eternity.

(LSB 649)