Kathy Rembold

God saved us for more than to manage our sin, but to serve Jesus and to change us. Are we praying, really praying, or do we just look like we're praying? Prayer should be who we are; it's the primary work of God's people and we should have a passion for it. Does prayer define you?

There comes a time when we can't beat around the bush; straight talk and harder words are needed to spur one another on to good works...when the issue is so serious, we have to speak the truth in love. It's a rescue mission and it's all about restoration!

We need to admonish, encourage, exhort, and more, using more than our words, but, instead, use God's Word. This requires knowing God's Word; get back to 1 Thes. 5:14-17.

Sometimes we need to go beyond encouraging to admonishing and warning, but speaking, to others, out of and in love. Be patient, with ALL, and put your trust in the Holy Spirit, when speaking with someone.

We need to go beyond encouraging and admonish one another; it's a commandment; it's hard! It's about a love for God and a love for people. How do you admonish someone?

Barnabus was a son of encouragement; we are to be sons and daughters of encouragement. Believe the best in others; bring out the best in others; be your best with others.

Serve one another, stirring each other up to good works, encouraging each other. It's not about volunteering, because we're saved to serve our King! We should recognize the servants, of our God, in ways that are fitting and proper; in ways, He's shown us, in His Word.

God says, "Apart from Me, you can't do anything." Prayer MUST be our first reaction and response to EVERYTHING! It makes the lasting difference. First of all...pray!

Bottom line...to encourage each other. Come along side someone and don't just make them feel better, but be better.

Check your foundation, because you can live in the Kingdom! Things and traditions are engrained in us; programmed in us and we need to renew our minds. Let the peace of Christ rule your heart and don't let your baggage rule. Ask the Lord: "How am I doing?" and ask it often.