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From
the December, 2004 edition of The Chapel newsletter
by
Mike Hepler
Christ is Better!
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
~ Hebrews 10:24-25
It is often so much easier to live our lives based upon sight -- to make decisions on current circumstances and rely on our own abilities to fix the problems of life.
As much as I hope no one here at The Chapel, or anywhere, buys into that statement and philosophy, we all too often fall into the trap of depending on ourselves instead of God.
I am amazed sometimes how God resolves the issues in my own life. At times it is through what I read directly in His Word, and other times, answers often come from fellow believers He has placed in my life. The times when circumstances look bleak, relationships become strained, stress becomes a monster, and I look around me at the waves and the storm, the temptation to rely upon myself instead of God is right there before me. I am grateful for the Godly men and women in my life who are such a rich source of encouragement.
This encouragement to rely upon Christ and not upon themselves is what the writer of Hebrews was trying to convey to a group of discouraged believers who were going through tough circumstances and ready to give up. He had already told them earlier in his letter that life in Christ was better than the life they were tempted to return to; that only He can change a heart, a life, an attitude -- only He can save, protect, and sustain us in life.
With the encouragement I have received from others, I know I would please Him by being, in turn, an encouragement to others in my life.
Folks, as we strive to make Christ the absolute center of our lives, let us also encourage those around us to keep turning to Him for strength, guidance, hope and peace in the midst of life’s trials.
We are about to celebrate His birth into a world He created -- born to save a people He loves, with the express purpose of living a perfect life so He would be the perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Let us lift Him up in worship and exalt Him with all our hearts. Let us spread this Good News to all who will listen, so they will no longer think they must rely upon their own abilities to solve life’s struggles; they can also have the peace that only Christ can provide in this life.
Have a Blessed Christmas!
Yours in Christ,
Mike Hepler
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