Daily Encouragement Net (Print Version)

“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Monday, May 16, 2005

"The Encouragement Of Presence"

"At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged" (Acts 28:15).

This last Saturday afternoon we had a wedding at our church. It is such a joy to witness a young couple making vows of commitment to each other and pledging to live according to the Bible. I suppose given current attacks on marriage I find the service all the more meaningful. But as I looked at all the people who filled the church I was blessed in another way.

Dave and Millie, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, sat across the aisle from us. We had seen them Friday night as well as Saturday morning, at a fund-raising auction for a local Christian school right down the road from us. Dave has been experiencing a lot of pain but you can always count on seeing him and Millie at virtually any activity. (I saw then twice again yesterday!)

For many years I have taught that God wants to use us until we are called home. When I teach older folks I remind them of this although I realize they may be unable to do what we typically call "ministry" such as preaching, teaching or music. I doubt if Dave is any longer able to help out around the church in regard to grounds keeping and maintenance.

But there's a powerful, very valid ministry that Dave and Millie and so many like them demonstrate; the encouragement of their very presence. I believe each reader regardless of where you live can identify folks like this that you know. Their blessing to you may be easily overlooked or even taken for granted.

I have often referred to the daily text through the years. It's a little noticed gem that demonstrates this encouragement by presence. This Scripture portion records Paul's joy-filled reaction when a group of brothers had made the effort to travel from Rome to greet him and his fellow workers following their difficult journey.

Now Paul had never been to Rome prior to this and these brothers are not identified. However a reading of Romans 16 will indicate Paul's rich reservoir of human support and friendship among his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome alone. Before a single word was spoken ("at the sight of these men") encouragement was extended.

What about you today? Do you recognize people who are blessings by the encouragement of their presence? Do you thank God for them and thank them personally?

And finally a word to any of you who may feel that you have nothing to offer as you are unable to do what is normally considered "ministry". You, like Dave and Millie, are a blessing as you demonstrate a steadfast faith in the Lord to others.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's note: Those of you who attend church regularly probably fall into the same trap as Stephen and I. Since we've been out of a pastoral role for the past four years we've located our "home pew." We didn't expect that we'd be one of those folks that always sits in the same place, but we do. And our pew neighbors are Millie and Dave. When we're asked to greet our brothers and sisters we always turn around and there's Millie and Dave right behind us. If, for some unusual reason, they're not in attendance it's not quite the same. Yes, someone's faithful presence makes a difference because he or she makes a difference in our lives. I'm glad for the folks that we see regularly and I'm glad for folks like you that we hear from regularly. You make a positive difference in our lives!

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: “I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God’s Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life’s goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity.”

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