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be fuel for others to live strong

There is power in community.  I am talking about the kind of power and strength that allows us to live lives full of courage and conviction.  When we walk with people and learn from people who walk with and learn from God, we will do the same.  

One of our greatest examples in Scripture is the apostle Paul.  Here is what I read this morning as he wrote to one of the churches he deeply loved (when I churches, I mean the people of that particular area who accepted Christ):

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.

His words were sent to encourage them.  He said that his heart and his joy was with them.  Paul said you are my glory or maybe better you are a reason I do what I do because your faith encourages my socks off.

Why would we like with courage?  Why would we face fear head on?  We would do that because we have something that backs us up and presses us on.  Did you know that your faith helps us to live by faith?  Did you realize that you living with courage and hope helps others to live with hope?  That is the beauty of community.  Our lives become fuel for others to live strong.  Not only will people see God but their lives will take the shape god has for them and us living on purpose with real God given courage.

In a recent conversation a friend reminded me of the real meaning of Proverbs 25:21-22 where God says when we are good to those who don't like us we "heap coals of fire on his head".  That seems to say that we can by being good to someone hurt them, but that is not what God intends for us.  By doing right things we are reminded the right way to respond and also open a way for God to bring that person closer to Him.  "Coals of fire" may have been a reference to the refiner who purified metal.  God desires to purify His people and bring others to know Him. (for more notes you can go here)

Our actions can and will lead others to know God.  Our living by faith, with courage and hope leads people to see and know God in vivid color.  Are you living in such a way that your life is fuel for others to live strong?  We can and we should.  Be fuel for someone today!

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