Since 2012, She Reads Truth has maintained a singular mission: to be women in the Word of God every day. Ten years later, our community includes “Shes” from across the globe, but our mission hasn’t changed.
Reading Scripture together is the centerpiece of what we do at She Reads Truth. As we spend time as a community reading This Is The Church, we encourage you to start by reading the daily Scripture on your own. Then join us here to engage and encourage one another as we respond to what we’ve read. Each day for this series, we’ll include a brief summary of the reading along with a prompt for conversation.
The Church exists in response to Jesus’s first coming and continues on in anticipation of His promised return. Through all circumstances we are called to live in such a way that our present faith and obedience reflect our future, glorious hope.
Discussion Question: Who can you encourage with what you’ve learned this week?
Take time to reflect on your Scripture reading and share with others in the community in the comments.
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116 thoughts on "Waiting and Preparing"
I hope our church life group can encourage each other in our seasons of waiting-knowing that God has a place and time for us.
I can encourage others that come across my way that are weary. I can encourage myself when circumstances do not seem to be moving as fast as I’d like
Patience does not come easy for me. I must remember that He will return at a time of His choosing, so I need to reach deep down to find that patience ,and in the meantime, remain steadfast in my Christian walk.
Ues
Ultimately, I hope what I learn here will encourage my enthusiastic participation in the life of my local church, and by this encourage the Body. We wait with patience, knowing that things are not yet as they should be. So we wait together.
Not only can I can encourage myself, I am going to share this scriptures to share with all those around me !
Lord we thank you Lord for you are good!
I can encourage my husband, my mother and my Bible study group.
I will encourage both myself and my husband with this! We both are in a waiting season and period of patience with location and finances and will continue to leave those worries and needs at the foot of the cross
To be a Christian I think means to actively believe and seek God. I think that is where the preparing aspect comes from. Dedication to living by the principles God sets out
Your oil has to be ready when the promises in your life appear
I can encourage my social media followers, a lot who are not Christian.
I will continue to encourage myself. I’ve found myself looking at the daily readings for a sense of comfort and a reminder to be patient with the our current situation at home. I desperately want to be the stay at home parent of our 2.5yr old twins, however I know that financially it makes sense for me to be the parent working and my husband at home with the twins
My brother is going through a bitter divorce after infidelity was committed against him. He just wants to give up and give in. He has steered away from God and focused on his journey towards “happiness”. I’m going to work to encourage him and show him Gods love
people i come in contact with. Even if it is just me sharing the gospel it can make an impact on someone’s life.
I can encourage those in periods of waiting because I know all too well what it feels like to wait on the Lord’s promises!! It’s not always easy to be patient, but when he brings you into what’s he’s promised for you, it’s always so rewarding!
Rebecca- Christianity became appealing to me when I encountered someone who was humble in their faith and open about their messiness. It was those who seemed to have it all together and were Christian that made me think Christianity maybe wasn’t for me. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Mark 2:17. God can use you as His vessel exactly where you are right now.
I can encourage friends who have left the Church for different reasons to reconsider the gospel
Amen…
I can tell friends of mine who are nonbelievers that God is not a mean, hateful God. He is waiting for others to be saved before Jesus comes!! There are people He loves and who He wants to follow Him. God is kind, loving, and graceful.
I’m so sorry!! Hopefully you can be there for others and show your comfort. Just like Jodina said, being there for people is a ministry.
That if we wait upon the lord, better than our thoughts of best is to come. It may be hard now, but trust and wait on the lord and he will show you the way.
Going through an unexpected 2nd divorce, right now I’m focusing on using God’s Word to get through each day. I can also encourage others in my DivorceCare group.
1. I am so sorry for your loss and your friends’ loss. Suicide is so hard for all involved. 2. To touch on how to comfort in this,as the above comment says, just being there and letting them see you quietly pray for them right then, right there is a ministry! If you want to start a conversation, I would use the lack of hope as my starting place. Don’t let the feeling of not being a “shining example” to your friends stop you. The first requirement for all Christians is to be and to know you are sinful and need saving. If anyone says anything against your actions just repent to them like you do to God. Show them how true Christianity works, we try, we fall short of God’s glory, we pray and invite God’s sanctification to work in us. The main difference being we know we aren’t enough to ever be perfect and there’s no amount of trying on our own that gets us there. Maybe one of your friends needs to know they weren’t created to be enough on their own either.
I can encourage a sick woman’s sister by sharing the gospel and showing love + kindness.
Hello She’s! I have shared this week’s reading with my Mom and Sister. I am looking forward to week 2!
Honestly the most encouragement would be to myself.. I’ve been struggling lately to see the fruit of my faith and wondering where I’m really putting my faith
I don’t think my words would be fruitful if my life demonstration is poor …
I honestly don’t know … I have very few Christian friends and a lot of non Christian friends , and I wouldn’t exactly say I’m a shining example to any of them in action .. so words may come across fruitlessly, – for me I believe – I recently attended a funeral post suicide , the first completely secular funeral I have been too , the lack of hope, the finality – was awful . How to comfort in this ??
I’m sorry for your loss. Suicide is so painful. Just being there for people is a ministry
I honestly don’t know … I have very few Christian friends and a lot of non Christian friends , and I wouldn’t exactly say I’m a shining example to any of the
As I was reading the scriptures I thought of the women who make the food for our feeding center here in South Sudan. Lord, give me opportunities to encourage them with the hope of Heaven, but to serve you in the waiting! ❤️
Over the past few weeks my husband and I had the opportunity to encourage and help a homeless gentleman, living in his car, who has been visiting our church. We met with him and our pastor numerous times, repaired his brakes, provided supplies, lined up several resources and contacts, and offered to assist him in transferring a housing voucher and checking out properties. On each occasion we also prayed with him and reminded him of his value in God’s eyes. He seemed anxious to move forward with some positive steps to change his situation.
Two days ago, he decided he was ready to move on. Sadly, we sent him off with supplies, a tank of gas and prayers. As we pondered the decision he had made, we realized surrender is part of faith. We are called to offer HOPE, tangible help when we can, and trust in our amazing God who is working in every situation in ways we can not see or may not understand. This is NOT about our humble efforts to serve, but about keeping eyes open and really seeing others and knowing that God is still in control. He will make a way when we do not see one. As we scatter seeds of the Gospel we may never know the impact a small kindness or heartfelt prayer will have. I hope our friend remembers he is not alone.
I usually share what I’ve read here with my children, my husband, and my friend Sarah. I also share tid bits with people when the Spirit puts them on my mind as I’m reading.
I’ve got a small group and a group I lead at church that I can encourage with this message. As well as my family!
Amen
Me. As someone who is always encouraging and sharing the scripture with others. Right now, I just need to focus on me.
I will encourage my coworkers and students with this lesson of patience and expectant waiting!
I will encourage my coworkers and students with this
Adrienne – there are so many times when the person I need to encourage is me.
The first person I need to encourage with what I’m being reminded of in this Bible study is myself. I have struggled for some time with assurance of my salvation, and what will happen to me at the end of life. I think some of that struggle comes from being present when many people have died, as a hospice chaplain. I saw people from many faiths, and no faith, face death. My faith remains that Jesus died to forgive my sins; that he rose from death to assure my eternal life; and that he will come again to take all believers to heaven with him. I think I just struggle with trying to live in a holy manner. There isn’t much that I can claim as holy. My holiness comes from Jesus, and his spirit in me. Thanks for listening.
Amen❤️
Reading these Bible passages has already encouraged me greatly. Often times we mention how broken this world we live in, denying the fact that we, too, are still so broken. Sin is still ever present in our thoughts, words, actions. Yet, we find in our very hands the source of victory that God provides — Faith, His Word, and His salvation. I cannot have the patience with myself unless I hold on tightly to Him.
The grace is prior to the shutting door. The women knew how to be prepared and chose not to, they may have believed that others would help them. But often help is out of abundance. And in this case help would have had them all turned away. There will come a time when our choice is our choice, we won’t stand before the throne and change our minds. We must decide that all the people, things, and circumstances in our life point to the need for a savior. Grace is that we are given multiple opportunities to decide that we need a savior, not just in the last hour when we are afraid of the consequences of not choosing him.
I look at it as a bid for salvation. To all mankind a choice is given and must be made in this life. It may be a call for the body of Christ to be ever diligent in sharing the Gospel to every one we encounter. To share it by our actions and not just words.
Unfortunately, I think this is a parable for nonbelievers. When Jesus comes back, those who do not believe in Him will be eternally separated from Him and perish. Once He comes, the time for acceptance and repentance will be gone. That is why He has not come back yet, because He wants to give every person every opportunity to confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that He died for us, to save us! Still, there will be those, who like the 5 foolish virgins, that the door will close to them forever. Which is why it is so important to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to show nonbelievers the grace, mercy, hope, peace, and comfort that is Jesus Christ! ❤️❤️
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus until His return! There is so much going on in this broken and fallen world, BUT there is so much to hope for and be excited about!! We can share and encourage anyone with this Good News and the promise that He IS coming back for us – from a stranger in a grocery store, to a coworker, a friend, or family members! It is so easy to be selfish and say come now, Jesus, but He is patient because He wants every single person to come to know Him – we should want that, too! If Jesus was to come now, who in your life would be eternally separated from Him, because they have not yet found the joy and peace that God has to offer? I know several people! I am no better than them, no more deserving than them, but I’m willing to join God in Heaven, and let them perish? No!! I eagerly await His return, but when I put it in perspective like that, I am more apt to patiently wait, and I find myself wanting to be more bold, so that they see God’s glory and make the choice to turn to Him! I want to live out Psalm 130:5 ‘I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I do hope.’ (NKJV)
My uncle, he came down with Covid and had to go to the emergency room after. Thankfully he came home the same day and I can encourage him by sharing that Gos has a plan for him and loves him!
Adrianne, I have felt the same way lately so thank you for sharing how you feel! This plan in particular was one where I read the topic and wasn’t as excited as some studies that seemed to speak to me more. And it is tempting to skip my daily devotions just because the topic didn’t grab my interest. Yikes! I know that all of God’s word is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training and that spending time in His word strengthens my relationship with Him and that is what I try to remember when I’m tempted to skip a days reading.
My mother has been very sick for several weeks. I was thankful for the suggestion of sharing what I can. It’s always a blessing to focus on others even when my own need is great.
Patient was a big one for me today too. I don’t feel good about how I have not been very patient at work lately, and feel I may have offended others. Was not my plan, and yet Holy Spirit is convicting me of it. Thanks be to God for His Grace and guidance to be better.
My take away today is mostly centered on 2 Peter and delay. I think this is a hard thing for most to walk with… we want what we want and hope for now, or at a minimum we want to have a solid assurance of how what we hope for will eventually play out. Understanding that one day is like a thousand years to God, vice versa, helps put it in to perspective. We live in different time thoughts and the best way to live out our days then is to stay in the present and not the future. Future focus can get us all twisted up and not only do we miss out on the joy of the moment, but we can make decisions that are not wise to make things happen on our own timeline. I try and keep this front and center and share with my kids, friends and coworkers when conversation warrants.
Heidi, the parable of the brides sticks out to me as well, for the reason you mention, but also I get stuck on the fact that they closed the door on them and would not let them in. I get the idea being presented, but when I contrast that with Titis 2:11 that Gods grace is for all people , I wonder where the grace is demonstrated in that parable?
Honestly, I want to encourage me. I feel like I have so many days where I don’t want to read scripture or where I feel discouraged about what I’ve read for the day or even to topic of the plan. So I want to encourage myself. The more comfortable I feel in being uncomfortable I think is my goal. To feel like it’s okay to not understand or be confused about my feelings regarding the message from then to now and applying that message in my everyday life. That’s what I want to encourage myself to do.
I can encourage others to be patient while waiting for the Lord and while waiting, to be living a Godly life.
My family and friends.
Encouragement is what everyone needs living in this weary world. I find that encouraging ourselves in the Lord is so important, kinda like being your own cheerleader, beaming with joy and hope from within. So many times I can’t even count how God has encouraged me when I was so worn out from many things. He picked me up from the hurts and bandaged me up and encouraged me through Scriptures. Even to the point your parents can forsake you but the Lord will not. It is so encouraging that the time spent with Him will not be wasted, just like the oil that the 5 wise virgins save all these times for that moment, learning when to say no. The one that can manage their oil well will be revealed. Our efforts waiting, watching for Him till that moment will be worth it. And it is altogether so beautiful and encouraging to me. May you feel the same way. Be blessed dear sisters, and I hope everyone will have a nice weekend.❤️
I can encourage my family with what I have learned this week
I think I will encourage myself with this message. The world is becoming more sinful as the years pass, and our culture is trying to change our minds about what sin is. I will hold on true to the word of the Lord which doesn’t change, and will be encouraged knowing that one day God will save us from this world. I shouldn’t be surprised that the world is so sinful, Jesus told us that is what would happen.
Hope. In this life, it is so incredibly easy to lose sight of our Hope. I know that far too often my eyes are focused on the world around me- it all seems so hopeless. When I am downtrodden, I tend to look at my feet sulkily (missing so much joy around me). Then, when I choose to dwell in the Lord’s presence, he fills my heart with hope. Hope to the future, and hope for present circumstances.
Thank you Jesus for reminding me to stop looking at my feet and to start looking up. He does not want us to lose sight of Him.
Have a great rest of your day, ladies!
I pray that I would be able to encourage those in my life who don’t believe or who are dead in their faith. I also pray that I’d encourage all of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I come across. Lord, enable me to shine brightly for you!
I can encourage my family to live a faithful, obedient life serving our true King!
I can definitely use this to encourage myself. God’s Word sustains me. I need to stay connected to His Word and stay nourished, and to use that knowledge to encourage others in the hope of His Word and the Truth of the Gospel. Whether or not they are believers, we all need encouragement. The world is a dark place, but if we keep the hope of His Word alive in our heart, we can push back the darkness. With His strength though, because in my own strength it is impossible. He must increase, and I must decrease.
Every small decision matters. Even those done in the dark. Everything will be brought to light someday. Lately, I’ve been imagining that Jesus is actually with me throughout the day, and when I remember, that guides my choices. (Do I want Jesus to see me doing this right now?) Keeping Him in my mind throughout the day and imagining Him there not only keeps me in line, but gives me great peace and encourages my spirit. Sorry, I know that’s a bit off topic but wanted to share in case it helps someone.
The chaos of this world can be overwhelming. There are times I need encouragement and there are times I need to be the encourager. We know God has a plan and his plan WILL will be fulfilled. II Peter 12:4 popped out for me. What does “…hurry it along…” mean. I believe the way we can do this it to give the gospel to unbelievers and encourage believers when we get fearful and weary in the direction our world is headed in.
I can encourage my family and my followers
I think the way that I can encourage others and wait on the Lord, I can be patient and live the way that the Lord would want me to live. I should be found doing what God would want me to be doing. I always think of Matthew 24:46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I posted this on day one but thought I would add it here. I’m off work today and got a wild hair and went through the 1300 posts from day one. Every state in the US is represented as well as the following 19 countries: Scotland, “a Greek island“, Germany, The Philippines, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, England, Singapore, Canada, Peru, The Netherlands, South Sudan, South Africa, Cambodia, Poland, Wales and Ireland! Praise be to God that is a lot of women in the word every day!
I have a dear sweet JW young friend whom I grown to love so much! We have a really good friendship! I often share with her little things here and there of what I’m reading. And of course in a subtle way as to not offend her. I pray for her daily that her eyes and her heart would be opened The veil lifted. She has such a sweet heart and I would love to see her an eternity. ONE more thing. Please PRAY. I’ve taken a bold step of faith and I’m going to and hiring event. I’m not leaving my job just yet, I just want to see what this is about.  The Lord gave me strength to do things I have not done in a long time even put a résumé together. Meanwhile my present workplace is a mission field. And I’m not saying this so to feel sorry for me, but it’s been very hard and heartbreaking. I’m just gonna say, people can be mean. But I keep in mind, they don’t know Jesus. And as much as I know they don’t like me, I hope I’m still an example to them.
I believe we should encourage everyone. I have some specifics whom are in my life daily but I need to be aware and looking for all those I encounter throughout my life. Up front would be my college age kids and my close friend (who claims she has a relationship with God, but it isn’t reflected in her daily life).
With everything going on in this world right now, patience is definitely lacking. Wanting God to be here now to rescue us is front and center. So I guess my answer is I need to encourage myself to be patient and trust the path!
Our church encourages us to choose 3 people to intentionally pray for daily. The prompt for today has me thinking about the 3 people I can intentionally pray for.
I was drawn to John 14:1-3 “Believe in God. Believe also in Me.” I’m currently camping and how easy it is to believe in God and not be troubled as I sit in the warmth of the sun, listen to the birds, feel the breeze and see it move the leaves in the trees. Creation helps me to see God, I need to add that to my daily routine.
God is faithful, we can count on Him & His Word. He loves us so much & is the perfect Father, He doesn’t change His mind about us when we have a bad day or make a mistake. Living mindful that Jesus is coming back & agree we want to be ready.
I can use what I’ve learned to be an encouragement for myself. I have to continue this race of life with perseverance as we wait for the blessed Hope. By encouraging myself in Truth, I will be able to encourage others in Truth as well.
I can encourage my husband; being my spouse, I am more keen to his relationship with Christ than anyone else’s (besides my own), I know his valleys and his mountains more than any other person. I know I can use Gods word to aid him in his walk with Christ as well.
I can encourage the women in my small group. Using Gods word and remembering what is to come at the finish line is encouragement as we battle through life.
I can encourage those around me (friends, family, coworkers) by being a light of love that is fueled solely by the Love the Father has for me.
Today I focused on Matthew 25:1-13 and did a bit of a deep dive into the story of the ten virgins and why having their lamps ready was so important. This is what I found on Got Questions (love this site!); thought I would share it with y’all:
“In describing a first-century Jewish wedding, D.A. Carson in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary describes the setting this way: “Normally the bridegroom with some close friends left his home to go to the bride’s home, where there were various ceremonies, followed by a procession through the streets – after nightfall – to his home. The ten virgins may be bridesmaids who have been assisting the bride; and they expect to meet the groom as he comes from the bride’s house…Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch. Those without a torch would be assumed to be party crashers or even brigands. The festivities, which might last several days, would formally get under way at the groom’s house.” The torch was either a lamp with a small oil tank and wick or a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it which would require occasional re-soaking to maintain the flame.”
I feel we need to encourage ourselves and others everyday. We need to Pray and we need to remember things come in God’s time not our time. Prayer is priority, God is Good always and He answers prayer in His time. Be patient
I feel like there are maybe two people in my life I can encourage with GOD’S HOPE, they are my sister, Carol, and my daughter-in-law, Daniale (Dani for short). Carol has never gotten over having COVID and she still grieves the loss of her husband in October or November 2019 and her daughter in April 2020. On top of this her son has severe mental disorders and won’t take his medicine. He has got in trouble with the law and is now going back and forth to jail.
Dani found out that her mother was in the hospital with a crack in one of her vertebrae. Dani lives about an hours drive away from her mother. Her mother also has cancer. Her brother still lives at home.
I believe if we can say “have a nice day”, “hello”, nod our head, or smile (even if you have a mask on because people can tell by your eyes and cheeks) you encourage someone.
Sisters be blessed and smile because God, Christ and the Holy Spirit love YOU.
To be honest myself, I feel that I cannot be an encouragement to others until I become an encouragement to myself.
Holy Spirit reveal to me and allow me to be a conduit to others showing the love that is in my heart for you. I’m so thankful for your mercy and grace. ❤️
Love what you said, Churchmouse. I know there are many times I am silent when I am called to be bold and share the Gospel. May God tear down my inhibitions so that more people can learn about His love for them.
Like Arina, I was drawn to the passages in Titus. Look at all the work that God’s grace is accomplishing. Bringing salvation, training us in godliness and self control. So much happening in us while we “wait”. Our waiting isn’t dead and inactive. It’s alive and productive through God’s grace. We can’t do anything on our own.
I love that Kristin I myself have longed for Jesus to return as I see the destruction and degradation of this world but you’re right His timing is rooted in patience to save the lost
I was having a conversation yesterday about so many leaving the church because of being hurt in some way. I pray that believers recognize that we are the church, we sinners who are far from perfect. That because one has fallen or hurt us it doesn’t mean the church is bad. I pray that believers reach for holiness and exemplify God and His word. That the church will grow and draw people in. God I pray that you strengthen me in Your word. That I keep my eyes up! That I strive to live a holy life and others may see that.
We can encourage those we meet out in the everydayness of life. Help me Jesus to bring your hope to the world. ❤️
I desire to live a life that reflects the Lord but at this moment I struggle. The be ‘patient’ thing is hard for me sometimes but I press on, trusting that He has a purpose- I try to be a light and and encourager- He will use me as He desires
God’s timing is rooted in his patience and desire for all to repent. When things are crumbling around us, and we just want to to make his return, we can also find peace in the knowledge that his return will be perfectly and patiently timed…and in the waiting, a loved one could be among the saved…due to his patience and mercy.
My daughter.
Home=1st mission
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Eph. 4:1
My daughter.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Eph. 4:1
I choose a word of the year and order a Mudd Love bracelet with that word on it every year. My word this year is “Hope”. HE is our living hope! I want to give others a reason to have this hope by telling them about MY HOPE!
My daughter.“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Eph. 4:1
After reading this week, today it struck me as I read, “Through all circumstances we are called to live in such a way that our present faith and obedience reflect our future, glorious hope.” I can get caught going through the motions of living a faith filled obedient life but when I stop and really think about my heart posture I’m convicted. I don’t want to be a “…white washed tomb…” but rather have a broken and contrite spirit, a heart that is filled with faith and obedience for the Lord.
*Fruit
My pastor. The Lord has placed it on my heart this past week to encourage our pastor & his wife. They too, needs words of encouragement, patience & hope for Christ’s return. In the meantime, I can share with them how the work they are doing in my life bears fruits.
Praying for everyone who is in pain, having surgery, or going through any trials. As Christians, we know we have a wonderful place with Jesus awaiting us someday. These verses always renew my hope!
John 14:1–3 (CSB): “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.
I am praying that I know who to encourage. I can name some people like my closest friend and my parents, but maybe God has someone else in store for me to encourage. As of now, I encourage myself to simply be in the word more. This week specifically has been a very fruitful week with what I have learned in church and I really would like to talk about it some more:)
-Katelyn
Jesus help me shine with my hope in you. I will share this hope with my mom and brother today. Last night we found out she has a mass that looks like it could be cancer. My mom believes in God and loves Jesus, yet sometimes the fruit I see looks like a lack of oil in her lamp. There is much anxiety and depression that seems to easily overtake her. She often needs me to share my oil. And my brother just lives in the world without much hope, fueled by his job and joy in his dog’s company. I will shine a little brighter today and remind them of what they know of me. I am a follower of Jesus, and they see my lamp’s light. I will remind them of the hope I have in my reflections of today’s reading, praying that the seed of Truth will come to reside and grow in their hearts as God sees fit. Preaching also to myself: Remember, Jesus said: “don’t let your heart be troubled, believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Don’t LET (allow, permit, give permission to, give leave to, authorize, sanction, grant, grant the right to, warrant, license, empower, enable, entitle, assent to, consent to, agree to, acquiesce in, accede to, approve of, tolerate). BELIEVE (accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of, be convinced by, trust, have confidence in, consider honest, consider truthful, regard as true, accept as true, accept, give credence to, credit, give credit to, put confidence in, count on, rely on, depend on). Jesus has a place prepared for us in His Father’s house. Our Father. While we wait and live in this present age, we have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13). Keep our hearts ready, filling our lamps with oil, expectant and actively preparing for our Bridegroom when He comes. Is my heart burning with the light and comfort of Jesus? Even the most beautiful lamps on the outside will not burn without the oil it needs to shine in darkness. Our blessed hope is in the promise of new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness resides. Where there is no more evil. Studying the Word of God helps us grow in righteousness. This is how we prepare and keep our lamps full of oil. When shadows fall and darkness comes, we will shine with peace. Let us be wise like the five virgins with extra oil. We cannot depend on someone else to have a little extra for us if we run out. We can wait with patience like the farmer who waits for a harvest. The early rains give hope and the late rains bring relief, and in the waiting there is patience, knowing the fruit is growing. Unseen, yet the promise is true. We are in the hands of God. This world will pass away, yet we have an everlasting Home with Him just over the horizon.
So many undeliverable in my workplace. I pray the boldness of the Holy Spirit to put the right Words in my mouth at the right time to encourage them with the Gospel.
My 15 year old daughter whom I want to encourage in her faith after a rocky few years in church programming that didn’t have our youth’s best interests at heart. She has pulled away from the church and I am gently coaxing her back. We must be patient and strengthen our hearts because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:8)
We can be encouraging by loving others. The one word that stood out to me in today’s readings was ‘be patient.’ Not something I am good at but important in these difficult days. I agree with others here that we need to not judge but to love.
Praying for the wisdom to know how to encourage those around me. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Guide.
Let us all hold steadfast to our faith without wavering (Hebrews 10:23), and let us not grow weary for we will reap in due time if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
For me, as I dug a little deeper into Matthew 25, I discovered this parable is about waiting on Chris’s return. And it’s a call to us to wait well and to steward the time we have here well. The 5 virgins without enough oil had the money to buy it they just waited until the last moment to buy it instead of thinking about the future and stewarding their time well so that they would be prepared when the groom showed up. So, selfishly, it’s myself I need to encourage and challenge as a result of today’s reading.
There is so much encouragement in the waiting not only for the end times but also on the appearances of God in our every day life. We can encourage others to focus on one day at a time, living in Gods word, because in this day we don’t know His plans or can’t predict the grace we will receive if we are living righteously. I think a major point of encouragement is repentance because we can always receive Gods love if we desire it.
@churchmouse~ oh how true! I am praying that I won’t be so shy about speaking truth to others about Jesus and the gospel.
Encouraging friends and family. Speaking the good news and the great promise that Jesus is coming back! After what this world and everyone has experienced these past couple years, it’s what I have been clinging too and reminding my family. Jesus is coming back, this isn’t our forever home!
Is it quite selfish to begin with encouraging myself and my family? When reading about the oil, I felt so convicted. Personally, I am a yes person and an extreme giver wether I have the means to give or not. When reading, I was so startled. Am I concerned with pleasing others or am I home pouring into my family? Am I so worried others will lack that I leave no “oil” for my own home?
There is comfort and a fervency to be ready for His return. I think it is a reason to encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ while also reminding us that God wants everyone to be included and we have a duty to sow the seeds of hope and pray for God to reconcile those around us to Him.
Myself, husband and coworkers waiting on unanswered prayers – lab results and medical tests – god, help is all wait with expectant hope! Help us not be distracted and off getting oil but instead prepared for the new heaven!
Let his light shine through me – be welcoming, kind, not judgmental and share His story.
I agree with many of the statements here this morning to encourage the weary. I also want to challenge the judgmental. We are called to be loving and the day unity reiterated that for me.
We can encourage through knowledge of our bright futures as Jesus is preparing a place for us in our Father’s home (John 14). This also reminded me of encouraging words I received from a coworker when promotions failed to occur (1 Samuel 29;4). When one door closes, another opens. God has something better in store. And He did! My life is so much more meaningful as my adult children need my help with the grands.
The two pieces that resonated with me today are found in John 14. Jesus is preparing a place for us in our Father’s house. They surely instills hope in our future. It also makes me think of other encouraging words I heard from a Christian coworker when I needed them. When one door closes, another opens. God has something better in store for your future, such as he did for David in 1 Samuel 29:4.
Believers know the end game to what God started with the garden of Eden. The end is glorious for those who believe. I have often prayed for unbelievers to be “open to hearing the Gospel.” How many unbelievers don’t hear because I’ve stayed silent? They can’t hear what isn’t spoken. Who can I encourage? Everyone. But will I? (a gut punch insight from the Lord to me this morning)
I can encourage other believers this week that we are set apart, yet United in God, waiting for His return.
REMEMBER by rehearsing what Jesus has done for me personally and how God has always kept His promises to His people are ways to bring encouragement to thise who gave grown weary in their faith.
No matter how bad life can seem, nothing is bigger than God.
Believe in God, believe also in me …. Prepared a place for you. How crucial it is to believe and remain in Christ to have oil to trim our lamps. God bless.
The grace of God teaches us to live godly lives and deny godliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:12). How can we still live in sin when we remember what Christ has done for us? Moreover, the earth and all its works will pass away (2 Peter 3:11). All the things we strive for here will be done in the blink of an eye. Instead, we should focus on the things that matter. Holy conduct and godliness, these will endure all times and give us an eternal reward.
I think we can encourage other Christians (particularly those who are going through a hard time, or experiencing suffering) to keep on going and know that Jesus is coming again, and that suffering in this life is temporary because they will be with Jesus one day. We can spur on those who are struggling with their faith to also ‘keep going’ – there is a coming hope!
We can challenge ourselves to be ready for Jesus’ return, by watching how we live…living godly lives.