Friday, February 11, 2011

Thinx 65: Encouragement

No one has an easy life. Pastors especially. Pastors need encouragement. For the most part they get everything but. Yet, it is often within our power to encourage them. For all that may be achieved through random acts of kindness, the fact is nothing beats deliberate, well thought out acts of kindness.
Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.
-- Proverbs 3:27 NET Bible
This parallels what Paul has to say in Galatians:
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
-- Galatians 6:10 NET
With our words we can destroy. With our words we can strengthen and empower. Use your words for the good of all who hear them. Encourage your pastor / minister / priest today (and anyone else you encounter on the way.)

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2011.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Thinx 64: Meekness

Last year our church was working through the Beatitudes. I keep finding material in the Old Testament that hearkens back to Jesus' sermon. In this case, meekness. 
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
-- Psalm 37:11 NIV
This is almost word for word quoted by Jesus 
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
-- Matthew 5:5 NIV
The rest of Psalm 37 reads like a commentary on the whole concept of godly meekness. Well worth reading and thinking about.

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2011