A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse July 12, 2018 Build or Tear? Scripture Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:10 - 11 (NLT)"Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive, when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 

When Jesus Christ our Lord accomplished His mission by shedding His precious blood on the cross for our eternal salvation, you will remember that the veil was torn from top to bottom in the Temple, declaring that the presence of God was now available to all who would come to Jesus in faith believing.

As one among millions who has come to Jesus Christ, I share the same testimony that when I came to Him, He lifted my sins, my life, my outlook, and even today, He lifts me up and gives me songs of joy, even in the midnight hours of my life.

I am sure that you have discovered that it takes much longer to build and create something than it does to destroy or tear apart that same thing. Pressing delete takes place in a second and erases what may have taken weeks or even months to create, if it was not saved!

In our lives, actions and words we need to make a daily decision whether we will be those who, 'Build or Tear'. Today's text reminds us that the will of God for each one of us is that we would be people who choose to build up people, pouring encouragement into their lives all along the way.

Sometimes in our humanity, we may be tired and ask the question to God.... 'Why me Lord, how come someone else cannot do it for them?'. The answer to such a question is for us to realize and continually remember how the Lord deals with each one of us, not as our sins deserve, but with a continual outpouring of His grace to accomplish what He alone can do through our surrendered lives for His greater glory.

For yes, Christ Jesus will return, or we will go and meet him when we leave this mortal body. And then all of our building, praying, giving, encouraging and yes even going will be magnified and materialized with the compound interest of heaven. 

Prayer Heavenly Father how I thank-You for the Holy Spirit Who always is leading, guiding, lifting and encouraging me along Your way. Fill me today I pray, and may I be one who lifts others too, I pray in Jesus precious name. 

Memory Verse:  John 14:6 NLT "Jesus told him, ‘__ am the way, the ______, and the life. No ____ can _______ to the Father except through me.”