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Who Encourages the Encourager?
Hopefully, others encouraged!
The Bible speaks of encouragement; "Lead Me to the Rock that Is Higher than I" and the idea of spiritually minded ones mounting up (as it were). "On Eagles Wings" (nice view) Psa. 61:2 and Isa. 40:31 respectively.
Encouragement is essential. Paul the apostle encouraged the churches (Acts 15:41) and Timothy the young evangelist was encouraged by Paul's inspired writings (I and II Timothy). Jesus encourages us all “and I, if I be lifted up shall draw all men unto me." (John 12:32).
The ABC's of Encouragement
In all areas of life each of us can benefit from the tools of encouragement. Basically you'll need two wonderful tools, the Bible (God's revealed, written and divinely inspired word, and the Song Book. These two work synergistically together like two wheels on a bicycle. While the Bible primarily addresses the logical side of us, the Song Book considers the emotional part of us.
The format that I have chosen is pretty much a "laundry list" that each of us might want and/or need. "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only" (James 1:22) makes application doable.
Anxiety, being anxious, not a good feeling. See Phil. 4:6 & 7, Mt. 6:19-34, and Psa. 94:19. Cast all your care upon Jesus through prayer. Think peaceful thoughts, ”the lilies of the field". Sing, peace, perfect peace.
Belief, lack of, in Mark 9:24 a father brings his son to Jesus to be healed. He pleads, "Have compassion on
us and help us." and "Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief." Do you ever feel that way spiritually? Song, O For a Faith That Will not Shrink.
Christ - Likeness (need more of). Who doesn't? Romans 15:3 tells us that "even Christ did not please himself." Jesus came here to do his father's will. We are here to follow Jesus into Heaven itself. Song, More About Jesus.
Encourage the Deacons! Deacons are special servants to the church. The church at Philippi rejoiced in the Lord (chapters 1-4) as Deacons and Elders worked well together. Be appreciative of, pray for. Song, A Charge To Keep I Have.
Encourage the Evangelist! Evangelists dedicate their lifetime to preaching the word, to help each of us to be more Christ - like. Listen to, apply the truth presented, understand and appreciate, pray for. Song, Ring Out the Message.
Family, the need to grow, nurture, and (perpetuate). Eph. 6:1-4 speaks of husbands, wives, parents and children. Husbands are to lead. Consider Sarah and Abraham (Gen. 18:6). Gods way makes for peace in the home. Keep in mind that woman is not man's inferior and man is not woman's superior. It's a great blessing for husband and wife to be “heirs together of the grace of life" (I Peter 3:7). Husbands and wives need not to compete with each other but rather complete each other. Song, God Give Us Christian Homes.
God is our Heavenly Father. Need more trust in? We all do. Think about Abraham and his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). "God will provide" Abraham said. You must believe that always. Song, Looking to Thee.
Heaven, longing for. Allow this yearning to encourage you in thought word, and actions. Psalms 42: 1 and 2 says, "as the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul trusts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Song, The Last Mile of the Way.
Invitation Song. We sing together to encourage you to follow Jesus. See Mt. 11:28-30 Jesus says "Come unto me." We sing many invitation songs, respond! Have the attitude of the song, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.
Joyfulness! Read the book of Philippians. Highlight Joy, Rejoice and Joyfulness. Let your face know that you are joyful! Memorize the children’s song, Joy In My Heart!
Kindness, need always to have. Eph. 4:31 and 32 says, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ Jesus forgave you." Song, Love One Another.
Lacking, "What Lack I Yet?" (Matt. 19:16-22). II Cor.. 13:5 admonished, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." James encourages us to look into the mirror of God’s Word make an honest assessment, and make correction. James 1:22-24. Song, None of Self and all of Thee.
Members encourage each other! The local church exists for a purpose. We uphold the truth (acts. 15 and
Jude 3), admonish each other in songs. (Col 3: 16 & 17), and bear each other’s burdens gal. 6:1 & 2. Let us exalt his name together! Psa. 34:3
Now is the best time to not give up! Instead, double-up! Scripture, Psa. 85:6. Song, Revive Us Again.
Open your heart to Gods' word! Psalms 119. Read, study, apply. Song O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.
Pray, in faith and try writing your prayers. The book of Psalms has many written prayers. "Pray without ceasing" (I Th 5:17). Song Take Time To Be Holy.
Quit Quitting! Paul the apostle "finished the course". (II Tim. :7). Remember, we are here for you. Song, Be With Me Lord.
Rust out or wear out? Spiritually Slothful? "Labour therefore to enter into that rest" (Heb. 4:11). Song, Work for the Night is Coming.
Encourage the Shepherds! See I Th. 5:12 and 13. "Esteem them very highly in love for their work sake." Appreciate, pray for, get to know. Song, Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us.
Technology. Be aware of! Audio Bible on CD and DVD. Visit your Christian Book Store. Song, Take Time to Be Holy.
USA, pray for. See 1 Tim 2:1-3. See Psa. 11:3 and 4. Remain faithful. Song, Troublesome Times are Here.
Victory in Jesus! See I John 5:1-5. Don't lose your eternal soul! Song, Victory in Jesus.
Worship services and bible classes - be there! Psa. 122:1, "I was glad when they said unto me...." Song Blest be the Tie.
X-Ray (MRI) revealing life threatening illness. "Set your house in order", (Isa. 38:1). Song, There's a Great Day Coming.
Yes, you can persevere! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13). Song, Heaven Holds all to Me.
Zeal. Titus 2:11-14. Jesus died for you to be zealous! Song, Dare to Stand Like Joshua.
"So now brethren, I commend you to God and to word of his grace. Which is able to hold you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32).
Gerald Drawbaugh
