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Remaining True

“…strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” Acts 14:22

Faith is not a one and done thing. We need encouragement. We need help to be strong. In Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas visiting with those they led to the faith. It is in mutual care, spending time together, praying together, working through life issues, that our faith gets strengthened.

Recently I was at a prayer meeting. Most of those invited were not able to attend. There were three of us. After we spoke to one another, dreaming together and encouraging each other, we prayed. Afterwards, one man said, this was one of the most meaningful prayer times we have had from my perspective because there was only a few. I am greatly encouraged.

As we experience the “Summer of One”, let’s continue to spur each other on, and strengthen each other, knowing that like me, each of us need to be strengthened and encouraged to remain true to the faith.

Prayer Focus: Lord, thank You for giving us each other. Help me to be an encourager to those I meet today to remain true to You no matter what.

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