Choosing Encouragement in an Age of Criticism
From Pastor Robert
Mark Cambranis reminded us during Sunday’s Sermon that we do not need to hide our weakness because God displays His power through it. John Thompson began by showing us that living under Jesus’ rule and reign is the truly blessed life, even though His kingdom often overturns the values our world celebrates. If we at High Pointe are going to live as citizens of that kingdom in our current cultural climate, we will need to embrace and practice counter habits that push against our natural instincts. Last week, I encouraged us to be willing to talk about subjects that feel awkward.
Today, I want us to consider another counter habit: learning to encourage others and speak words of blessing, even when it feels uncomfortable. It often seems easier to point out what is wrong than to name and celebrate what is good. Even offering sincere, face-to-face encouragement can feel awkward. We may worry our words will sound forced or insincere. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to build one another up and to speak grace-filled words that strengthen weary hearts.
This kind of encouragement requires intentionality. It means looking for evidence of God’s work in someone’s life and naming it. It means thanking others for quiet faithfulness and reminding one another of God’s promises. These simple acts can make us feel vulnerable. To say, “I see God’s grace in you,” or “Your faithfulness has encouraged me,” risks being misunderstood. But these words honor our Creator and can become turning points. Our encouraging words can be moments when someone hears, perhaps for the first time in a long time, that their life matters and that God is at work in them.
Here are a few ways to begin to practice this counter habit:
For all of us: Ask the Lord to bring one person to mind, then send a short note or message naming one way you see God’s kindness in their life and how it has encouraged you.
For families: Take a few minutes during a meal to let each person share one affirmation or blessing for another family member. Keep it simple, genuine and specific.
For our youth: Choose one friend this week and tell them something true and kind you appreciate about them. Connect the affirmation to how you see Jesus growing and changing them.
As we take small steps like these, choosing to speak encouragement instead of remaining silent, we will discover that speaking kind words can be habit forming. Encouragement can bring glory to God and strengthen others. Over time, what once felt awkward will become more natural, forming a counter habit that honors the Lord and builds up His people.
In the coming weeks, we will continue exploring practices like this. For now, begin with encouragement. Let’s practice it this week and watch how God uses our words.
Resources
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org
Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings
*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two opening in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.
*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two opening for small group helpers.
Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.
Life at High Pointe
Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Precious Promises | Austin Burns
August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton
August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline
August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline
August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline
August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world. You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children.
On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
