I've got my spurs out!!! Can I count on you?

Hebrews 10:24-25

The Message (MSG)

 ^22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

I can not tell you how many times people will leave the church because no one called them to say they are missed. I can completely understand where the people are coming from, BUT....... when they were here who were they calling to say they missed them? It goes both ways. I do good to make sure I have 6 heads in the car, mine included, going to church and then getting back home. I can hardly think who was not there. But the one way to make sure we are constantly encouraged is to be an encourager. Kind of like to have a friend, you have to be a friend. The Christian life is nothing more than a constant giving of ourselves. If we receive anything back, then praise Him, but do not expect it.

With that giving mind in perspective the verse above says "let us consider". That consider there means to contemplate. "How we may spur one another on" That spur means to move someone in a direction for results and it actually means doing something for them. So giving... it might take some work. Many times it will not be a rash or rushed decision. Now just because you get a quick idea doesn't mean it is not a valid one or one to not take seriously in doing for someone.  Do this or that................now! Sometimes i react, sometimes not. But the main point is that we are to consider - contemplate, look for ways, be creative (ugh) - how we can spur one another one - move each other in the direction to be encouraged.

The last verse says that we are to "encourage one another". That is not needed to be explained, but I did look up encourage. We are to be like Christ and He is our encourager. Advocate is the most common word used for Jesus as it pertains to encourage. He speaks to the Father on our behalf - praying for us. How cool is that??? In the Greek it is parakletos!! I love that word.

So friends - it is going to take a movement, effort on our part to encourage one another to achieve what He has called us to. We have to encourage one another - spur one another on towards love and good deeds - and good eating. When we feel a moment of weakness coming on - to overeat, to eat cruddy food, to not go to church, not attend Bible study, to skip out of aerobics, to not meet with a friend.................... pick up the phone and call someone. Because here is the deal, if things work the way the Lord intends them to - someone calls you for a "spur on" and you do just that. Encourage them off the ledge and back to right thinking - rational thinking - you do not need another Little Debbie Swiss Cake roll. Then when it is your turn for a 'spur on' you have someone to call for encouragement. That is what God means when He says to not give up meeting together. Come together as often as possible, but when you are down do not give up on one another - spur on!!!

Who is the one you can call for a "spur on"??