Doing It Together

Doing It Together

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 NIV



Thank you for coming back to PD’s Mid-Week Encouragement. The past month has been a whirlwind for Pamela and me. It began with the physical decline of a number of cherished brothers and sisters in Christ here at the Mt. Laurel Church of God and the sudden death of my little brother David. But this one thing allowed us to survive physically and emotionally and to grow spiritually . . . being surrounded by the loving care of our family and the family of God.

Some have wondered how I coped with bad news, sudden loss, and heart-wrenching grief. I can only say that it was by the grace of our awesome God, the love of Christ’s Church, and the soul-fortifying power of the Holy Spirit that I didn’t “grieve like those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Because so many of you surrounded us with your loving cards, your fervent prayers, and your comforting arms and because you mourned with us, we can continue to do the Lord’s work in this part of His world. What more can I say than, “Thank you!”? Because you took God at His Word and rejoiced with us and mourned with us, we’re stronger now than before this past month of pain began.

Don’t stop now! Keep up the good work that you’ve already begun. Find someone today who might be hiding the pain of loss or brokenness and be with them. You don’t have to have all the “whys.” You aren’t required to have eloquent answers to their confusion-filled questions. Just be there for them. Surround them with your prayers. Give them your shoulder to cry on. But BE THERE! Trust me when I say that the Holy Spirit will fill in the blanks and the unconditional love of the Father will wipe their tears with His amazing grace. But they need YOU!

Keep one more element in mind . . . some of us do a fairly good job of hiding our grief behind a strong mask of “I’m fine.” As you look for hurting people today, remember that actions speak louder than words, and the simple touch of a hand on a shoulder or a hand in a hand might be enough for that mask of self-sufficiency to fall off. Be ready to offer your loving care for the long haul. But with the power of the Spirit, I know you can do it. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Be the arms of Jesus today!

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God or regularly watch our Facebook live feed, consider reading Matthew 22:1-14 to get ready to worship with us this coming Sunday, October 11 as Pastor Dale shares some good news from God’s Word for you.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

Pastor Dale

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife find joy in serving the Mt. Laurel Church of God [www.mtlaurelcog.org]. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else, too. Feel free to share this email with anyone you choose. And if for some reason, you'd like to stop receiving PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send me an email (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.