Encourage Yourself in the Lord

Pastor Chris Parker

Bro. Sean Graves

“And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked.” (2 Peter 2:7). In this passage, Peter highlights the tension between living righteously in a sinful world and the dangers of falling into temptation. Just as God spared Lot from the wickedness of Sodom, He delivers His people from the corrupt influences around them. Yet, the warning is clear: Christians must remain vigilant, living holy lives amidst a world full of sin and temptation.

Moses’ sin of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as commanded by God, is recorded in Numbers 20:7-12. The Israelites were in the wilderness, facing severe thirst, and they complained bitterly. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock at Meribah, promising it would yield water. However, in frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, saying, “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10, KJV). Though water did flow, God rebuked Moses and Aaron for their lack of faith and failure to sanctify Him before the people.

By Pastor Chris Parker

This story highlights the virtues of hospitality, generosity, and faith. The woman’s kindness to Elisha opened the door to blessings, as Elisha later prophesied that she would have a son, fulfilling a deep longing she had not even expressed openly. The narrative is a beautiful reminder of how acts of kindness and hospitality, especially to servants of God, can lead to unexpected blessings.