Jonathan's Perspective on Encouragement

Have you ever been having a bad day when someone cheers you up with some encouraging words?  It could be as simple as a compliment or as profound as a call to persevere.  Whatever it is, a comment as short as a couple of sentences can completely change how you progress through your day.

Since our words have such power, we should all take advantage of opportunities to encourage those around us.  It takes no weighty theology to understand the wisdom of the idea that we should treat others how we want to be treated.  We certainly like to be encouraged so we should do the same for others.  Going deeper, the Bible says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."
(1 Thessalonians 5:11a)  Earlier in the Bible Solomon described just how beneficial a kind word can be. "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
(Proverbs 16:24)

However, I think we all know how easy it is to remain too focused on ourselves to remember to encourage others.  But instead of trying to fix that that in our power I think it is far better to seek help from God to become more attentive towards those around us.  The Apostle Paul, led by the Spirit of God, wrote in Romans 15:5:   "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."  So if we find in ourselves a tendency to neglect the all too important act of encouraging others, we should ask God to cultivate this attitude in us.  I certainly believe God will answer this prayer with a definitive "Yes!"  Then, it is our job to remember that prayer everyday and move out in faith believing that God will bring to our attention opportunities to encourage.

Knowing the wisdom and truth packed into the Scriptures will be a big help in this area.  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)  Daily reading of the many uplifting passages in the Bible will allow encouragement flow more easily out of us.

Why don't you read some of those now!  Here is one of my favorites.

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
(Isaiah 40:31)

Don't you feel more encouraged now?  I do.  So, like I've mentioned in previous posts, this is a great reason to make sure to do daily Bible readings, hopefully more than one per day.  In my case, I like to read a topical devotional and Bible reading in the morning and a chronological reading in the evening.

Additionally, another important thing regarding Godly encouragement was written in the book of Hebrews. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)  God never wanted for there to be loner Christians separate from the larger body of Christ.  Without consistent fellowship with believers, it is impossible to receive biblical encouragement or give it out.  In other words, find a church that fits you, regardless of any bad experiences in the past.  Neglecting this can produce Christians with skewed theology who do little to advance God's Kingdom on Earth.  Trust me, I know a few.

In conclusion, I highly recommend you read a encouraging Bible passage every morning and pray that God would help you be aware of opportunities to encourage those around you. Step out in faith and the right words will come.

I will end with a prayer.

Dear Lord, please help me and all those who will read this post to start or continue the meaningful habit of receiving encouragement from Your Word every morning.  Give us awareness to see when others need an encouraging word spoken to them and provide us with the right words to say.  In Jesus' name, Amen.


(All passages are from the New International Version of the Bible)

Jonathan's Perspective on Idolatry

The topic for this post is idolatry.  At the root of this word is the word idols.  Upon hearing this word, the first thought some of you might have had was of a carving of a man or an animal.  It seems to be something out of a bygone era, when worship of carved images was prevalent across the world.  Idols are mentioned many times in the Old Testament, like this in Psalm 135:15-17.

"The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands.  They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.  They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths."

It doesn't seem relevant to us in modern society, does it?  But in reality, an idol is anything that has the top priority in our lives, other than love for God.

In 2 Corinthians 12:2 of the Message Bible it says
"Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it?"

In today's world there are plenty of phony gods: the pursuit of money, popularity, or anything that feels good.  If a person pursues these things, it is obvious they consider them to be the most important thing in life.  And the sad part is, gaining those things will no more satisfy them than the pointless worship of lifeless idols.

Instead we must heed the words of Samuel in 1 Samuel 12:21. "Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless."

Chasing after empty passions and pursuits only keep us from experiencing the depth of kindness and care God offers to all of humanity.

In the belly of a whale, Jonah learned a very important reality.  “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them."
(Jonah 2:8)

God truly loves us and wants to give us salvation and endless blessings through Jesus.  The pursuit of something other than God will only leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled with nothing of lasting value to show for it.  So, instead surrender to the love of God in the center of which is peace, fulfillment, and rest.

For Christians, the biblical call to abandon idols is even stronger.  The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:16, asks: "What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"

The Creator of the Universe Himself has agreed to live with and be present with those who receive Him as their Lord and Savior.  This amazing opportunity should not be spoiled by letting our former priorities creep back into the picture.  It is all too easy to let this happen so to combat it will take vigilance on our part.  We must keep our focus on Jesus, who Paul referred to as the "Author and Perfecter of our faith." In practical terms this means starting each day by entering into His presence through prayer and Bible study.   Commit your day to Him, and then read God's Word.  The aid of a daily devotional or Bible reading plan can be a big help. 

Once this becomes an established part of your morning routine, you can more effectively turn away from any potential idols you may encounter during your day.  Keep your eyes on God and remember His love for you is of greater value than anything this world can offer.

I will leave you with this call to action found in 1 Corinthians 10:14. "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

Jonathan's Perspective on Thankfulness

Even though in my own life, there are plenty of reasons to get discouraged or irritated with my situation, maintaining an attitude of thankfulness prevents me from becoming bitter.

 The Bible wisely instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  Now why would someone have any reason to be thankful no matter what situation they're in?

Well, a believer can maintain this positive outlook because they know what God has already done for them.  God has shown true believers their original nature of sinfulness and graciously provided a way, through Jesus, to be cleansed from that sin.  Romans 3:25 says: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith."  That means that when someone chooses to have faith in Jesus, their sins are paid for by His death on the Cross.  The consequence of their sin of disobedience towards God has been paid for in full through Christ's sacrifice; their sins are now forgiven.

Through the toughest circumstances, Jesus' followers know that Heaven is now their eternal home and are filled with joyful anticipation of one day arriving there.  Even death itself is not to be feared, for it is simply the abandonment of a flawed body for a perfect one.

But for many of us, that day is a long way off.  We, in our limited, human view need something more immediate.  Fortunately, because of God's grace, there are many blessings we can be thankful for in both our past and present.

For me, I look at all the great things I've been able to do in my life.  I was able to walk until I was 12 and had the opportunity to do many cool things.  I played soccer, went on boat rides in Rockford, Ill. with my Uncle Bob, and even joined a jazz dance class when I was 7.  That was especially interesting because I was the only boy in a group of 15 girls! 😂

But the experience that was the most awesome was my trip, at age 9, to Wisconsin to see a Green Bay Packers game.  The wonderful organization Make-A-Wish gave me an amazing all-expense paid trip to Green Bay to see a game.  First came a limo ride to Tampa Int'l Airport, a nice hotel room in Green Bay, and another limo ride to the game.  We got to go onto the field to watch the players warm up before heading up to our seats at about the 50 yard line.  The game was certainly not an exciting high scoring affair, but the Packers did win 6-3.

After the game I got to meet a bunch of Packers players, most notably eventual Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre!  To say I was starstruck at 9 years old is an understatement.  But most memorable of all was an incredible opportunity to go to the home of cornerback Tyrone Williams to have dinner with him and his family.  I had received Tyrone's jersey at the beginning of my experience, so he was very much involved in Make-A-Wish.  After dinner we went outside to his front yard and played a game of touch football with some neighborhood kids.  That was the highlight of the trip for me.

More recently, I became a writer and have published 2 books.  Not everyone can say that!  I also love sports and wrote a college football blog for 4 years. But I am most thankful for my mom, my dad, and my best friend Erik.  Their love and friendship are the fuel for my daily struggle against Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy.  And I can't forget to mention all my other good friends from First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte.

So, what blessings can you be thankful for?  Are there fun experiences you can look back on with fondness?  Is there someone whose friendship is special to you?  And most important of all, do you know Jesus whose very presence can bring you joy and salvation?  I pray you will pursue Jesus and remember to be thankful today.