The Snare

In Luke 7 John the Baptist was imprisoned and sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the One or should they expect someone else. Jesus sent back the message of observable evidence - that he had healed the sick and lame, raised the dead, and preached the good news to the poor. The NIV Study Bible says that "Jesus did not want discouragement and doubt to ensnare John." I had never thought of doubt and discouragement as snares, but if you think about it, they are deadly ones. Doubt questions the goodness and power of God. Discouragement takes our courage away and keeps us from doing those bold things that bring glory to God and help to men. Don't let yourself be ensnared. God is who He says He is and God can do what He says He can do. Read the Scriptures and find words of faith.

Encouraging words

Acts 15:31-2: The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas...said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

We are all in need of encouragement. Most of our encouragement comes through words. Ask the Lord to give you words of encouragement for others.

The ill-timed truth we might have kept --
Who knows how sharp it pierced and stung?
The word we had not sense to say--
Who knows how grandly it had rung?
--Edward Sill (The Fool's Prayer)