Here are the extended notes from this past Sunday's Mother's Day message.
Hebrews 10:23-26 NLT), "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
Note: Most of us excel at criticism... It's not something we even have to "work at." It comes naturally... But according to Hebrews 10:23-26, it's crucial that we excel at the art of encouragement and affirmation... It's crucial that we learn to "cheer one another on" to "acts of love and good works."
A Few Bare Essentials We Need To Remember:
1. God Loves You!
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV), Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken...
Deuteronomy 4:31 (NAS), For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you…
Romans 8:38-39 (NLT), And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Example: Story of God's Love for a "Single" Mom named Hagar (Genesis 16).
2. You Are Valuable!
Proverbs 31:10-12 (NLT), Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. 11Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
Psalm 18:22 (NLT), The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD.
3. You Don’t Have To Be Perfect!
2 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT), “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
4. We Appreciate You!
Note: One of the greatest things the "Proverbs 31 woman" had going for her was that she was surrounded by the affirmation and encouragement of her husband and children...
Proverbs 31:28 (MSG), Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: 29 “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Question: Do you regularly communicate love, affirmation, encouragement and praise to the people around you?
5. You Are Making A Difference!
2 Timothy 1:4-5 (MSG), I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. 5 That precious memory triggers another: your honest (sincere – un-hypocritical) faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you!
6. God Is Faithful.
Isaiah 46:3-4, Listen to Me… You whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried you since your birth. 4 Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He who will sustain you and carry you…
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