I get by with a little help from my friends.
Great lyrics – great truth.
You know, God is doing an amazing work out in Blog Land. He is using the tool of blogging to connect His Body with each other – across time, across the miles – sometimes across the ocean – all around the world.
It is a tremendous support network.
I know – because all of you have been wonderful.
Supportive, encouraging, inspiring. I don’t know what I'd do without you!
Today's "Bible Pick ‘Ems" reminded me of how grateful I am for fellow believers who stand alongside me, who fight with me, and who uphold me:
"We sent [Timothy] to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that you are destined for such trouble…That is why…I sent Timothy to find out if your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you…" (1 Thessalonians 3:2-5)
First-century Christians came face to face with persecution. Whether in the hands of zealous Jews, angry Greeks, or ruthless Roman authorities, they faced stonings, beatings, crucifixions, torture, and death.
To be a follower of Christ meant to give up everything…
The church at Thessalonica was very young – it had been established only two or three years before Paul wrote this letter to them. They were being persecuted – and Paul, like their spiritual father in the faith, was concerned about them.
Paul was unable to return to Thessalonica. So he sent Timothy to encourage them – to exhort them to be strong in their faith.
And Timothy came home with a wonderful message:
"But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love…So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord."
(1 Thessalonians 3:6-8)
This is how I feel about all of you.
I am greatly encouraged by your love. I am emboldened by your truthful witness. I am upheld by your words and prayers.
Your strong faith strengthens mine!
And isn’t that what it’s all about?
God using each of us to help each other. The Body working together to accomplish God’s purposes.
Helping our fellow warriors to stand firm, to hold on tightly to our swords, and to fight against the tempter – boldly, firmly, and with resolute determination.
So, thank you – for all you've done to help me on my journey. For laughing with me, and crying with me – for standing alongside me through the ups and downs.
To paraphrase 1 Thessalonians 3:9 –
"How I thank God for you! Because of you I have great joy as I enter God’s presence."
"When in doubt, search God out!"
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYour heartfelt words speak so effortlessly of the sentiments I also share. My journey began a year ago, and I was blessed to find your blog. There have been so many instances when I have found strength, encouragement, inspiration, and even moments to smile and laugh.
Though we've never met, I count you and the Hubs as friends. I think it's cool the way God is using the Internet to connect-the-dots of fellow believers globally.
To God be the glorly in all our words.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Sharon:
ReplyDeleteI echo MTJ's thoughts. I am blessed to have found you and to count you as a friend.
I believe that blogging is a wonderful way to share the gospel - we never know who out there is reading. It is also a way to strengthen and to encourage the body of Christ. You, my friend, are a great encouagement to many.
Blessings,
Joan
Sharon, you are so right. The internet and bloggy world can and is being used to the Glory of God. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon...me too...am really thankful for the bloggy world and the connection to so many neat people. Your post is great. Hope you have a good Sonday.
ReplyDelete"Blog land" has been such an encouragement to me as I have met new friends and had the opportunity to pray for people I would have never come in contact with had I not started blogging. You are so right! God IS using blogs to connect His people and share His word. Through that connection our faith is growing. I am so grateful.
ReplyDeleteLiving for Him, Joan
(((Sharon))) What a beautiful tribute!! I am so thankful that God does use anything and everything and anyone and everyone to do his work and that he has enabled technology to advance like this with blogs, etc. I also think in addition to having a body of believers united through blogging, his word is getting out to others that need to hear the message as they may "stumble" onto people's blogs and read of him :)
ReplyDeletehope you have a wonderful Sunday!
betty
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI thank god for and I am inspired by my blog friends too, thank you for all the inspiration and encouragement you have given me.
God Bless - Nita
I agree! Although I'm still a relatively new blogger, I find it so encouraging and a great way to grow and share!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I can't imagine what my life would be like if it had not been for all the wonderful Christians who have been there for me all along the way. I'm so grateful now for all the blogging friends I have found and the blessings they inspire.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
Me, too! May the Lord bless you, Sharon, as you encourage each of us in the faith, and speak the Truth! Bless you, dear sister in Christ, and blogging friend! I'm grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteWendy
Amen! I agree and couldn't have worded it better myself!
ReplyDeleteI am standing here with a resounding AMEN. Your blog was the topic of discussion this afternoon, in fact. We spoke about some of our favorite posts and which days of the week were our favorites here.
ReplyDeleteI'll just copy the Apostle Paul and say that I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. It's true, you know. I do.
And like you, I have been so strengthened by the Christian sisterhood (and a few brothers, too!) in blogland.
Oh Sharon you know I second those words. I feel my blog friends are my support group and my coffee klatch (?), and I love them - you too!
ReplyDeleteSandie
Oh my dear friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blessing you all are to me! And how much I know that God blesses your work and your words in Blog Land!
He is doing a tremendous work in the hearts of His followers, and we are marching out to speak on His behalf. I consider myself privileged to be fighting the battle with all of you - strong warriors, whose love for the Lord is so very apparent.
I couldn't do it without your support and prayers - without the encouragement you bring to my life.
Thank you - for who you are, and for what you do - for the Lord, and for me.
WELCOME to "Just Be Real" and Esther Joy!! It's such a pleasure to have you stop by today! Do feel free to visit again sometime...
GOD BLESS!