Sincerely Yours!

We get letters (and e-mails) from family and friends that encourage and uplift us. They fill us in on news that is happening in their lives. Sometimes that news saddens us and other times is makes us SMILE! Someone has even said that "Letters are smiles across the miles." Those "SMILES" seem to draw us closer together in spite of the geography that might separate as the letters are cherished and read over and over again.

Think of how dear the correspondence was between Paul and the churches with which he had labored. Though he longed to be with them again, the letters were a source of encouragement. However, Paul did not hold back on what admonition or exhortation was needed. Though he regretted some grief caused by his earlier letter written to Corinth, he rejoiced in the repentance that had taken place. ( 2 Corinthians 7:8-9) His intent was not to frighten them ( 2 Corinthians 10:9), but whether present or away he would approach them as was necessary for their spiritual progress. ( 2 Corinthians 10:10-11) We benefit the same by taking his letters personally.

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he stated. . .
"(4) For WHATEVER WAS WRITTEN IN FORMER DAYS was WRITTEN FOR OUR INSTRUCTION, that through endurance and through the ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES we might HAVE HOPE." ( Romans 15:4 ESV)

Are we encouraged? Are we appreciating the instruction? Are we accepting God's Word as if it were a personal letter to us for our encouragement and progress? Are we eager to read the words over and over again? Does it make us SMILE because we know our best interests are behind all of God's instruction? Can we SMILE even when we read what needs to change in our life because we know the hope we have in Christ? All that God has revealed -- whether it be His promised blessings or warnings -- is a message of love because He desires for us to be with Him for eternity. May "the letters" continue to draw our hearts toward that home.

Have a great day CHERISHING THE MESSAGE FROM GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness