"Iron Sharpens Iron"

Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" (NLT).

I was privileged to participate in a meeting with the foundational leaders of a church plant in Radcliff, KY last night.  As the meeting concluded this passage of scripture began to resonate in my heart.  When I awoke this morning this passage of scripture began to resonate in my heart.   I began to sense in my spirit that the Holy Spirit was reminding me of the need to speak encouraging words, challenging words based on the power and authority of the scriptures, life changing words, corrective words, visionary words, and hopeful words to each other.  We need to edify (build up) one another as we travel the road of life.

I listened to the leaders as they sat around the table and spoke to each other from the depths of their heart.  They spoke with passion, they spoke with tears, they spoke from the depths of a heart that has been touched by the presence and direction of the Spirit, they shared their dreams and hopes after a prayer session; and they even shared the comical side of life.  I mention these moments of interaction because I desire for you to sense the importance of this post today.  We live in a world of destruction, discouragement, despair, and even disdain for our fellow human beings.  These attitudes of the "world" must not become a part of the spiritual culture of the church.  No, we must take the path which leads away from destruction and despair.  We must choose the path of edification and encouragement.  We must remind each other that we are not alone in our journey and that we are committed to assisting each other down the path of success and not the path of failure.  Our words can be used to help mold, shape, and develop each other on this Christian journey.  Reflect on these passages of scripture as you prepare to interact with people throughout the upcoming days.  You and I never know the circumstances that our friends may be facing but God is able to provide each of us the encouraging words that individual may need to hear.

Proverbs 15:23b, "...a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (KJV).  Proverbs 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (KJV).  Be alert to the opportunity to speak a kind and thoughtful word to someone today.

Reminder:  The team of church planters with which I am associated would be honored to be able to contact your friends or family who are presently living in the Radcliff, KY area or your friends or family who are presently stationed at Fort Knox, KY.  This group of leaders have a heart to share the good news of the Gospel with the community of Radcliff and Fort Knox!  Feel free to send their names and contact information to my email address listed in the About Me portion of the blog.