Encouraging One Another
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear Friends,
I have read a book several times entitle “Let God, Let God”. It was written by a Lutheran pastor named John E. Keller. It is a book that applies “The Twelve Step Program” to the Christian Faith.
There is one story in the book which goes as follows:
We all need the awareness, understanding, and acceptance shown in a story told by an elderly pastor. In assessing his ministry he divided it into three phases. In the first phase he saw himself on the bank of the river. The people were in the river, and he was telling them how to get up on the bank where he was. In the second phase of his ministry he was on the bank reaching out to help the people get up on the bank where he was. In the third phase he had come to wisdom and understanding when he realized that he was in the river with the people. They were holding each other up, and underneath them all were the everlasting arms of God. In my journey I have learned that if there is to be any healing, hope, and meaning in life, there must come the awareness and acceptance that in our pain, brokenness, and human limitation, we are all in the river together. As we support each other and bear one another's other's pain, brokenness, and human limitation, underneath us all are the everlasting arms of God. - John E. Keller. Let Go, Let God: Surrendering Self-Centered Delusions in the Costly Journey of Faith (Kindle Locations 211-218). Kindle Edition.
I meet once every two weeks with a few pastors in Mill Valley where I live. Each one of us is from a different denomination. Our purpose is merely to talk with one another and encourage one another. It works. I feel refreshed after each of these meetings.
One a month I meet with pastors from my own denomination. We pastor in Marin and San Francisco. We call this meeting a “Winkel”. It comes from German and can mean “nook”. It is a pastor’s nook, so to speak.
Usually, there are three parts to this monthly meeting. The first part is studying a Bible passage. The second part is sharing personal and congregational issues and activities. The third part is lunch.
Over the several hours we meet, I come away with my spirits lifted and encouraged.
I believe God uses other people to hold us up. God uses other people to lift us up. That is part of being united with one another in Jesus.
Who are the people that God uses to uplift your spirits? Who is the person that gives you encouragement?
Peace,
Ricky Adams
Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church
Mill Valley, California