Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

Exhortation is a complicated word because it can be used in more than one way. I chose this verse of scripture to make this point in particular. It can be a valuable tool in the Kingdom to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ.

When you see a brother or sister in Christ doing right, no matter what it is in song, or prayer, or service, or speech; do you give thought to take on the role of a cheerleader? It seems silly to think that way, after all they are doing good, they are on the right path. Why do they need encouragement?

I’ve been serving as best I can for a long time. No one knows the struggles I’ve had in wondering if I am taking the right direction or if perhaps I’ve made a mistake. I tend to hide my doubts, trying to be positive. You will never see that, you would not know if I did not share these thoughts. All who serve have these moments, it is human, we are human. Knowing that Christ deserves our best will always leave us short of His example, no matter how hard we try.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Esteeming is a mind set. It has nothing to do with one being better than another, it is having that “you first” attitude. You cannot be sincere in your exhortation without placing the needs of another before your own interests.

Thank you Mike Schlimgen for the inspiration for this devotional.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Do you know the sound of your own voice within you mind? When those thoughts are yours you know it. Then there are those thoughts which you are not so sure about. The fact that we hear them gives us pause to examine them. Not that we believe them, nor where they came from, but they are still an echo in your mind. So if those thoughts are not your thoughts, who do they belong to and what is the significance?

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Search the scriptures for significance. Be diligent to seek the word of the Lord. If it is of God you will find documented evidence. The scripture will reveal the author. If it is of God then find relevance. If it is not of God, then praise God, declare the name of Jesus and quiet the voice.

John 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.