Encouragement

I did a small personal study on encouragement about a month ago. I just thought I'd share it in case it is uplifting to someone. :) 

 

1 Thess. 5:11 – “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

 

Encouragement is used to build each other up as believers. It is used to comfort the grieving. Used to lead others to Christ and to remind believers of His promises.

 

Deut. 3:28 – “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

 

Encouragement is needed for those like Joshua who are commissioned and chosen by God to lead people to inherit their promised land.

 

Judges 7:11 – “and listen to what they are saying. Afterwards you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”

 

This scripture is referring to Gideon. Here we see that God will strategically instruct us and lead us to places just in time to hear an encouraging word that will help us to regain confidence in God’s promise and experience victory. Encouragement can cause us to worship God.

 

Judges 20:22 – “But the Israelites encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.”

 

Encouragement gives us the strength to keep going and to get back up even after we fail or when things don’t go as planned.

 

2 Chronicles 32:6-7 – “He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: ‘Bestrong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is greater power with us than with him.’”

 

Encouragement is used to remind others of their strength. It is used to help others find courage. It is used to remind us how great and powerful our God is.

 

2 Chronicles 35:2, “He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple.”

 

Encouragement is given to those who serve in the house of the Lord.

 

Psalm 10:17, “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”

 

Encouragement is given by God to let us know that He listens and is near.

 

Acts 9:31 shows us that - Encouragement comes from the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 15:32 shows us that - Encouragement is spoken by prophets.

 

Acts 16:40 shows us that - Encouragement comes simply by being in the presence of believers.

 

Acts 28:15 shows us that - Encouragement causes people to give thanks to God. It refreshes others.

 

1 Samuel 23:16 – “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.”

 

Encouragement is given by best friends and brings a friendship closer. Encouragement believes the best in others and drives people to their God given purpose.

 

As an overall summary we see that - Encouragement is across the old and new testament. It lifts peoples spirits, wins battles, changes lives, gives hope, saves lives, given by God, influenced by the Holy Spirit, boosts confidence, prepares the hearts of men before battle, motivates, counteracts fear, builds us up inside, brings courage, helps us find our strength, is a gift, is powerful, is free.

Give Honor Where Honor is Due

Give honor where honor is due. Do not take the credit for something that you didn't do, just to make yourself look good. It is best to give credit to the person who deserves it. Honor their efforts. This will keep you humble. Humility is a way of saying yes to the spirit and no to the flesh that selfishly seeks attention. 

Love others with humility and honor.

“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life.”

Proverbs 22:4 NASB 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:35 NIV

I have learned that just because I want something does not mean that I am ready for it. I might not be mature enough to handle what I am praying for. I also might be asking for something that I don't really want after all. 

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 NASB)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB)

God is not limited by money

I heard this the other day and I hoped that it would bless someone. As humans when we need something, we go to a specific store and we buy whatever it is that we need because we operate by using money. However God is not limited to money. He can meet our need no matter how much money we have or don't have.  He is also rich in areas that money can't buy. He is rich in love, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. He "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB)

Excited for the future

My friend and I were talking yesterday about what we wanted in life and what we are excited about for the future. :) 

We talked about making vision boards that capture our goals and dreams. It's important to put a vision board where it's always in my vision. Somewhere that I'm always going to see it and be reminded of my dreams and be encouraged to achieve them. 

My friend went on to encourage me that instead of waiting for something to happen that I should start preparing like it's going to happen. Amen! What a great idea! 

I'm going to start preparing in faith for something specific and I know God will work things out beautifully as He always does.