Encouragement

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I've mentioned in previous web-site articles that two of God's favorite words in the Scriptures are 'Now' and 'New'.

II Corinthians 6:2 "Behold, NOW is the accepted time: behold NOW is the day of salvation."
II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore (because of all God has done for us), if any one be in Christ, that person is a new creation; old things are passed away and behold, all things are becoming new!"

My most favorite teacher, Vera Durham, died recently at the age of 95. I was so thankful that I went by to see her two years ago, to say "Thanks" for all that she taught me in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades. The Pleasant Point School was just 1/2 mile south of our farm. It was located on land that was donated by my Grandfather Wiginton.
My Granddad Savage (who was also the County Sheriff) was our Bible teacher when we met there on Sundays. So you see, I had a great heritage not only from my teachers, but also from my family.

If we are going to be what God wants us to be, be it NOW! If we are going to do what God impresses us to do, do it NOW! Vera Durham taught me the fundamentals (Readin', Ritin' and Rrithmetic) somewhat laboriously with cards, but she did it with much love! So, listen friends...if we are going to visit, write or call someone, we had better do it NOW!

Three things do not come back:
An arrow that is shot.....a spoken word......and an opportunity.

William Barclay said, "There is a law of life. There are some things that you can do or see any time. There are some other things you only get the chance to do and see once. And if you are ever going to see and do them, you must take that chance, as it does not come back!"

An unknown poet wrote:
"If with pleasure you are viewing
Any work a man is doing...
If you like him and you trust him,
Tell him NOW!
Don't withhold your appreciation
Until the person makes oration...
And belies with snowy lilies o'er his brow.
For no matter how you shout it,
He won't know a thing about it,
For he can not read his tombstone...when he's dead."

Too many serious impulses are allowed to die at birth, when they should have been acted on at once. There may be a word of WARNING that should be spoken...or gifts to be given....or decisions that should be made here and now.

Notice: Today is the day, but it is often crucified between two thieves...yesterday or tomorrow (and for some, that 'tomorrow' never comes!)

Joshua 24:15 "Choose this day whom you will serve" Live each day in such a way that you will not dread tomorrow, nor be ashamed of yesterday! This Valentine's Day (or any other day), would be a good day for the decision to DO IT NOW!

The apostle Paul is a good example of doing things NOW! Even while in prison, he wrote at least 4 Epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians) Each one expresses "Thanks" to the Christians and the Churches.
In Ephesians 1:6 he wrote, "I cease not to give thanks for you, mentioning you often in my prayers."

In what may be his last writing (II Timothy), he gives us a great pattern to practice, in relation to others as he encourages the young preacher, Timothy.
1) "I thank God for your heritage"
Do you thank God for your heritage? Most of mine have gone on to Glory, but their heritage lives on.

Chapter 1: 5: "I remember the sincere faith that is in you, which also was in your Grandmother Lois and your Mother Eunice"

Chapter 1: 12: He sums up the spiritual heritage by writing, "I am not ashamed or disappointed of the heritage we have, for I am convinced that God is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him!"

I thank God that my heritage lives on at age 76, I want to keep on leaving a good heritage for my wife and our precious children and grandchildren. My wife and I look back with Thanksgiving for the wonderful heritage we have received from the privilege of pastoring and singing in churches for over 50 years!

2) Paul closes II Timothy (and his 'thank-you's) with a challenge to us, to live out the heritage that we have received from God through others....and to pass on a good, Godly heritage to others! ....and DO IT NOW!

a) The heritage to CONTINUE in The Word of God (vs. 3:14-17)

b) The heritage of the CHARGE to know and do His Will...which is 'character' as well as 'work'. (vs. 4:1-2a)

c) The heritage of CONSISTENCY in living out our heritage. (vs. 2b:-4)

d) Be COMMITTED all the way (vs. 5-8)

e) Be a teller of the 'good news' and complete your full ministry. FINISH STRONG!

f) Be ready to die.
(We are not ready to live until we're ready to die....and we're not ready to die, until we're ready to live!)

g) Fight the good fight....finish your course..and keep the faith (or let faith keep you!)

So.....Faith in Christ....Faithful to Christ....and Future (Eternity) with Christ!!!

I'd like to close with one of my favorites:

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND
'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile:
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar

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