Jesus “died for us so that, whether we’re awake or ‘asleep,’ we may live together with him. Therefore encourage each other and build each other up.” (1Thess.5:11)
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gifts of an eternal perspective, a grateful heart, and a call to encourage. There’s a lot we don’t have control over—plenty going on that can be fear-fueling, hackle-raising, and hope-sapping. BUT in our most Gospel-sane moments we remember you are with us and for us, and our lives are fully hidden in yours.
You died for us that we may be with you right now and forever. You have us, desire us, delight in us. You determine the number of our days and follicles, work in all things for our good and are making all things new. Hallelujah, and thank you, Jesus. Honestly, what more do we really need? “All” we have on this Wednesday in July is …
- New mercies, sufficient grace, and transcendent peace.
- The gift of your righteousness and a 24/7 invitation into rest
- A loving Father, the indwelling Spirit, and a returning Bridegroom
- A forgiven past, Gospel-claimed present, and a glorious future.So, for the rest of July give us joy in encouraging those around us. Free us to obsess less and bless more. May we catch each other “doing it right,” speak words of thankfulness and kindness to one another, and see each other through the lens of Abba’s mercy and your gentleness.
Jesus, fill our hearts with your Spirit and fresh enjoyment of you. Keep us grateful for “little” things too—fish caught, conversations had, fresh gelato, sourdough bread, sunrises/sunsets, moments of hilarity, live music, rainbows, etc. Should this be the month we “fall asleep” in you, we are grateful to know we’ll wake up in your presence. So Very Amen.
