Exhortation Station

Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ²⁴ and let us consider how to stimulate [provoke/spur/stir up] one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Last weekend my family and I attended REVIVE, a conference put on by Hebraic Roots Network. It was an incredible time of connecting with like-minded believers. Though there were many highlights, the last night stood out to me the most, when a bunch of us stayed up and worshipped from about 2:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. What a special time it was! It wasn’t fancy. No flashing lights; no smoky room. Just a few guitars, skilled worship leaders, and people who were eager to seek Yah’s face. People were praying, getting down on their knees, closing their eyes, lifting their hands, and pouring out their hearts to the Father. I came away feeling unforgettably touched. Felt a little queasy the next morning, admittedly, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Oh, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

Also at REVIVE, I got to speak briefly with a woman who heads up a ministry in Uganda called The Binji Cooperative (link here: The Binji Cooperative). Through the doors Yah has opened, over 150 Ugandan Muslims have come to faith in Messiah just this year. Widows, orphans, and abandoned families have had their needs met. Many downtrodden are being equipped with a Biblical foundation on which to rebuild their lives.

It is in times like these when I feel an overwhelming appreciation for my fellow believers. I could mention countless other ways in which brothers and sisters have encouraged me, inspired me, prayed for me, sharpened me, and showed up for me throughout the years. We need each other. I feel that.

Last month I had the opportunity to see The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot in theaters. The movie tells the true story of a small community of believers in Possum Trot, TX who came together to make a difference. It started with the pastor and his wife, who learned of a huge need for adoption in the area. After sharing the need with their congregation, nearly the entire church decided to adopt local children from the foster care system. It wasn’t easy. Many of the children had traumatic pasts. But these families were determined. Eventually, 22 families had together adopted 77 children, until there was not a single child in need of adoption within a 100-mile radius. It was inspiring to see how these believers pulled each other up. When one was struggling, others would come and rally around in prayer. When one had a broken washing machine, another would come to fix it. They were in the trenches together. I remember thinking to myself, “This is what the people of God are supposed to be like.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. ¹⁰ For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. ¹¹ Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? ¹² And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Let us be active participants — not standing around idle, but setting our minds to seek Yahweh and accomplish His work together. Let us lean on one another and bear each other’s burdens. We are the body of Messiah, and we all have something to bring to the table. If one member suffers, we all suffer. I desire to pursue the heart of Yahweh alongside all of you, my brothers and sisters. What if we all leaned in a little more? What if we all encouraged one another a little more? What if we locked shields and held hands as we pressed on toward the finish line?

Acts 11:23,24
Then when he [Barnabas] arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; ²⁴ for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Let us encourage one another with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord. May we stir up one another to love and good deeds; not forsaking our assembling together, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the day drawing near.

(Bible passages NASB 1995)