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Words Can Heal

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Though we saw yesterday that words can wound, the more powerful and overcoming truth is that they can heal! In fact, so important are affirmations and positive exhortations in God’s eyes that the Greek term for encouragement — parakleo — is used at least 100 times in the New Testament. Everyone needs to be reminded of who they are in Jesus, even those who don’t know Him yet, and giving verbal utterance to His heart is the best way to do it. Just as the aroma of something sweet has the potential to overpower the less pleasant smells around it, so uplifting speech can overcome the grievous stench of cutting words. That said, encouragement has a purpose far deeper than making a person feel good in the moment. Though compliments

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Actions Before Feelings

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” – James 2:14 January is a time we often spend setting goals, working toward resolutions, and trying to become the best version of ourselves. To that end, I want to give you an important tip today that I believe applies in many different areas of life, but especially where it concerns carrying out our calling as disciples of Christ: actions overcome feelings. As we resolve to walk out our identity as God’s temple, or the vessels in which He dwells, we will be required to step out of our comfort zone to minister to others. Whether this means putting aside our own schedule to help a friend, giving of our resources to assist someone who is going through a rough time, or simply taking a few moments

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Set Apart

“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” – Judges 13:5 When we look at those in the Bible who adhered to the ancient Nazarite vow, there’s perhaps none as famous as Samson. This Herculean man of enormous physical strength was consecrated for the work of God when he was born, and from the time he was young, it was “drilled” into his mind that he was not to touch any dead thing, to drink any wine, or to cut his hair. While he understood that he was a warrior set apart to save the Israelites from the Philistines, he was fascinated by the culture of his enemies and found himself constantly

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