From Bishop Jemmott’s book Words of Encouragement: Book One

      “The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure.” – John Locke

      As we continue our study as to why we need the Bible, the Apostle Paul gives us four reasons why we need the Bible. Romans 15:4 says,“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (NASB)

      The third reason why we need the Word of God is for our encouragement. The Greek word translated encouragement means a lifting up of your spirits. God gave us His word so that we could be encouraged. Sometimes life can beat us down to the point where we become discouraged and people who are discouraged don’t praise God. However, when discouragement is replaced with encouragement,
then we have the ability to praise. “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (NASB)

      Over the years, I have learned that if I praise God when I am discouraged, by the time I finish praising Him I am encouraged!

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott