Read Hebrews 10:24: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works…” (CSB)
Our walk with Christ during our lives has many valleys and mountain top experiences. During my travels with Jesus, I have been encouraged to spend some time charting my journey. While doing this, I remembered numerous touches from individuals that cared and were concerned over me spiritually. One of those touches was during a difficult disaster response where I had allowed fear to control me. It was a time that I was tasked to lead a response for our convention. As I stood before the volunteers, a sense of fear began to control and settle on my spirit. I knew I needed to make everyone aware of the requirements that the local and state government officials required from our volunteers and leaders if we were going to be allowed to minister to victims. Just as this fear was wanting to control me, a person I trusted came and put his hand on my shoulder while I was beginning to speak to the volunteers. The moment he touched me I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit completely remove the fear. This person probably did not realize how his touch of love allowed me to move forward in this disaster response and with my spiritual journey with Christ.
This verse is such a strong word of encouragement showing each of us how God places others in our path at just right moment we need Him. But this verse is addressed not only to the one receiving encouragement but also to the one who ought to give the encouragement. This verse shows us the importance of taking our eyes off ourselves, being concerned of the needs of others, and to be watching for those around us just in need of a touch from Jesus.
Prayer: Lord open our eyes to see who needs Your love around us. Help us to be Your eyes watching for those we can reach out and touch for Your kingdom. Lord help us to remember and thank You for those in our past who reached out and touched us with Your love.