Tag: Encouragement

“Identify Your Support Team”

Date: 12-10-14

Text: — Luke 1:39-45 — 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I know you have at least one member of your support team.

My Thoughts: 

When Mary’s life entered a rather strange winter, she sought out a strong support team. The winter she entered was strange because it started with a ‘joyous’ promise through a heavenly messenger. She humbly and graciously accepted the news, but it would plunge her into a 9 month winter. She needed a support team. …

Lifestyle worshipers, have you identified your support team in your winter? A close friend or relative, like Mary had in Elizabeth? I know you have at least one member of your support team: Our faithful Lord, who sends His messengers to convict others that you need support during your winter. Yes, the Lord sent Joseph an angelic dream to convince Him that Mary was truly a godly young girl and that she was being used as a vessel for His Holy Son (see Matt. 1:20-21 below).

Oh, one final thought: Are you part of someone’s support team? They really do need you in their winter. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 But after [Joseph] had considered [putting Mary away quietly], an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

— Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV84)

   Who is the one to condemn? It is the Messiah Jesus who is interceding on our behalf. He died, and more importantly, has been raised and is seated at the right hand of God.

— Romans 8:34 (ISV)

 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You for being part of my support team during my winter. May I be as faithful as You in supporting those You have placed in my life whose winters are long and cold. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike