Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Have you noticed that westerns are not as popular in films and on television as they once were? Shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza and Maverick once filled the television. John Wayne, Gary Cooper and othersc starred in countless films. Oh, a few westerns are still made, but they have been displaced mainly by police and detective shows. Stop for a moment and picture the classic western hero. See his white hat and the gun slung low. Notice his blue jeans and the jangle of the spurs on his boots.

Spurs – they are not very nice, are they? I’ve ridden horses. I never wore spurs. A gentle kick in their ribs was all I needed to get them going. Spurs must really irritate a horse!

That’s why Hebrews 10:24 is so interesting. It says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” In the original language, it is sometime translated “provoke.” It can be used of stirring up anger. Now, spurring someone to anger, that I understand! Sibling can usually do this very well!

But we are not told to stir up anger. We are told to stir up, to provoke, to spur each other to love and good deeds. This doesn’t picture a gentle suggestion or a tentative approach. It pictures urging others enthusiastically to act with love for others. If you feel like provoking someone today, be sure you are spurring them on to love!

How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/

Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/

Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

As I look back on the year, one of the blessings God gave me was the opportunity to preach each Sunday. In May, I was asked to fill the pulpit for a small church a little over an hour away. Their minister retired and they needed someone to preach while they looked for a new minister. It has been my joy to drive down most Sundays to worship with some wonderful, friendly people! Hopefully, I have encouraged them as much as they’ve encouraged me!

For many people, gathering with other Christians has been difficult in the last two years. Sometime health concerns made it difficult. At other times, government has restricted churches. In some locations, government even banned worship services. Thankfully, many used video meeting services to create virtual church services.

Gathering with other Christians is a blessing Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about. It says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I encourage you to return to church services and small group meetings as soon as you are able. Gathering in person is so much better than watching an electronic screen! Don’t miss out on the encouragement! Gather to spur each other on toward love and good deeds!

Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/

Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.