A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse April 14, 2018 Building Up Scripture Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - 13 (NLT) "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other."

Any one of us who have been involved in the planning and construction of anything know that good sense of accomplishment and team work that comes at the end of a job well done. We also know that it takes much longer to build something than it does to tear something down.

This principle is also true in the eternal kingdom of God, and He encourages each one of us to be known for, 'Building Up' and encouraging, rather than tearing down and destroying. Paul reminds us in this letter to the Thessalonians Christians that we are to keep on looking for ways to encourage one another as fellow believers, and even more as the day of Jesus draws near.

When it comes to those in spiritual leadership (just as those in any place of authority 'First of all' see 2 Timothy 2:1 - 2), he exhorts us to show them honor, by allowing the Holy Spirit to bind us together as the body of Christ and be most effective in doing His work for His greater glory. Remember today that these callings of pastor/teacher/ leaders are empowered by your prayers and participation. And Jesus is most glorified when we in His body are united together in strength and service.

When we are living like this in the Lord, the end result is the peace of God that comes not only to our hearts, but to the broader life of the church to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who loves us so.

 Prayer Heavenly Father today I remember my pastors in the church where I serve. Encourage and empower them to lead us, and help us to serve, follow and obey with the gifts you have graced to our lives. I also pray for churches, pastors, board members and leaders everywhere today - may Your kingdom come and Your will be done in Jesus name. Use me to be a builder I pray. 

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 11:25 NLT“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”