Encouragement for Brother's and Sister's in Christ

I was asked by Andrew Howard to write a post on his blog: http://sotkbroadcast.blogspot.com/
The topic he wanted me to write about was...
How older sister's are to encourage their physical and spiritual brothers as
 they are striving to be men for God. So, I thought I'd share it. :) I feel very unworthy to write this, but as a 22 year old young woman striving to serve and encourage my
fellow brothers in Christ, I feel honored to complete such a task.

First of all, I asked a couple of  my brothers, what their thoughts were, on how sister’s in Christ can encourage them, and these were their answers...

Corey (23)

By Increasing in knowledge and understanding of God’s word. Decreasing in the frequency of sin. increasing Christ like qualities. Increase in faith and trust in God. (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” ~ 1st Corinthians 11:1)

Ethan (19)

Talk with them, and interact with them

Austin (16)

Dressing modestly, because the way someone dresses or even how someone acts, reflects off of them. When brothers see how someone dresses/acts, it can very possibly be a stumbling block for the brothers in Christ. We need to remember to act as Christ, because people see those attributes that we have; and if it doesn’t reflect Christ but reflect the flesh that is in us, it can become a stumbling block.

As I have talked to many brothers in Christ, I have come to realize that not only do we serve the same God, but we all need encouragement on various issues. With talking to men, they've told me that the one thing they wish women would talk to them about is, Theology, the Bible, and various History characters. In today’s culture, studying about these kinds of things, to some, is considered a, “man’s job”. I however, don’t agree. In 1st Peter 3:15, it says, “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

In today’s culture, many men and women, don’t know answers. I didn't start studying about Theology and Historical Characters until 1 ½ years ago. I've been enjoying it so much,
that I can now ask young men and older men, any questions I have, or get their
thoughts on a certain subject. 

Studying Theology isn’t just for guys; And the men that I talk to, love to talk about Theology!

So, to all those young men out there, don’t give up the fight! Study about the Bible, study about Theology, study about the laws of God, and most of all, memorize scripture!.. so that you can be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you!

To all the young women out there, this is how we encourage our brothers in Christ! Learn to study these things. Discuss them with other young men! Don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

May God bless His Kingdom, as we help those in Christ seek to Glorify Him!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

~Matthew 6:33~

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

~1st Corinthians 3:10~

“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

~1st Thessalonians 3:13~

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”

~2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17~

Blessings in Christ!

Caitlin Baughman

http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/

Love

Wednesday, I had the privilege of going to our friends, the “Davidson’s” to help out. When Mrs. Davidson left to go have coffee with some friends, she left me in charge of the “kiddo’s”. They range from 9 months-14 yrs.  While the older ones did their chores, math, and such, I took care of the “Little’s”. I held, and fed, the 9 month old, “Owen”, while I watched the other little kids play at their playground. When I went to put Owen to sleep, Talitha (14 yrs.) told me, “Caitlin, when you put Owen to sleep, tell him that you love him, and he’ll go to sleep just fine.” So, I smiled, set Owen down in his crib and said, “Owen, I love you!!!” As I stroked his cheek
and head. He smiled at me, and giggled. I was so amazed that even a simple, “I love you!” made him
 feel safe and secure!

     I’m sure everyone appreciates it when someone says, “I love you!” whether it’s a parent, sibling, spouse, or a family member. We all love that small taste of appreciation. I know I do! 

     I can’t tell you how many times I tell my sibling or parent I love you and they respond back with not only even more love, but sometimes a hug or a simple smile! 

     

    Christ also loves us. He loves us through the smiles, tears, trials, and triumphs. I posted a couple verses below that talk about Christ love for us. Enjoy! :)

John 3:16"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1 John 4:9-12 
"By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us."John 13:34-35"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another."

Romans 5:8 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 8:37-39 

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Galatians 2:20 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.

Psalm 37:28 

For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever; But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.

Proverbs 8:17 

"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.

Deuteronomy 7:9 

"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving-kindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

1 John 3:1 

See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.