God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
Spiritual encouragement, therefore, is applying biblical principles to every situation with a view toward bringing each person into right relationship with God. At times spiritual encouragement may “feel”’ harsh. It may not be what one “desires” to hear. That may be true regardless of how gentle the words are which are used. As people fallen from grace we often don’t want to hear the truth. We often just want to hear what will make us feel better. In the end, however, only true spiritual encouragement can be used by God to touch the soul of one.
How can I tell the difference between the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and the accusing attacks of Satan? Some thoughts: 1. The Holy Spirit puts His finger on a specific sin I have committed, something concrete I can own and confess, but the accusations of Satan are vague and simply demoralizing. 2. The Holy Spirit shows me Christ, the mighty Friend of sinners, but the devil wants me spiraling down into negative self-focus. 3. The Holy Spirit leads me to a threshold of new life, but the devil wants to paralyze me where I am. 4. The Holy Spirit brings peace of heart along with a new hatred of sin, so that I bow before Jesus in reconsecration, but the devil offers peace of mind with smug relief, so that I fold my arms and say, “There, that’s over with.” 5. The Holy Spirit helps me to be so open to God that I allow Him to control the conversation, but the devil tempts me to take off the table certain questions I just don’t want God to talk to me about. We are thankful for our dear Friend, the Holy Spirit.
Mix bacon, cheese and onion with sour cream until well blended. Serve with
Olive Bread Ring (See recipe). May also be served separately with crackers.
NANCY COUCH LEE
(MRS. JAMES M. JR.)
From <Traditions: A Taste of the Good Life>, by the Little Rock (AR) Junior
League. Downloaded from Glen's MM Recipe Archive,
http://www.erols.com/hosey.
A Message from our Provider:
“This is the day the Lord has made! Be glad!”
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