Learning From The Israelites  "Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God; and you murmured in your tents, and said, 'Because the LORD hated us he has brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Whither are we going up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, "The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there."' Then I said to you, 'Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, (Deuteronomy 1:26-30 RSV)

Learning From Jesus  Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go yonder and pray." And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:36-39 RSV)

We Have A Decision To Make?  Encourage one another – in God (Heb 10:19- 25)  I Thess 5:14 – encourage the timid, help the weak  Great Encouragers in the Bible:  Joseph (Gen 49:19-21)  Aaron/Hur (Ex 17:8-16)  Peter – on day of Pentecost. Preaching (exhorting) Jesus’ resurrection as encouragement.  Jesus – Lk 22:31-34 – in predicting Peter’s denial also predicted he would come back & be a powerful leader.  Barnabas

Barnabas, Son of Encouragement  Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need. Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:32-37 RSV)

What Would Barnabas Say To Us?  Your brethren are more important than your possessions. (Acts 4:32-37  Don’t get upset when you don’t get picked. (Acts 6:1-7)  Go Where You Are Needed. (Acts 13)  Empower Others. (Acts 9:26-28)  Be Patient With Others.  Learn from my mistake, do what is right, even when apostles do what is wrong. (Gal. 2:11-13)

How can I encourage?  Know one another/Let people get to know you  So we can anticipate needs.  Grow closer together  Reach out to those you may not know as well  Be a positive person  There is enough negative in this world…  If we’re not careful…that’s all we’ll see…  Christians as a “home court advantage”  Avoid subtle criticisms  Don’t talk about the joys of juggling to a one armed man.  Combines measuring your words & knowing one another

Ways To Encourage Others  Call  Text  Card  Visit  Pray  Affirmative Nod  Smile  Share Bible  Love others patiently  Always be forgiving  Caring Hug  Act of Service

How can I encourage?  Encouraging words  Eph 4:29 – “only what is helpful for building up according to their needs”  Phil 4:8 – “think on these things”  Remind that our focus/treasure is in Heaven (Mt 6:19-23)  2 Cor 1:3-7 – God comforts us…so we can comfort others  Every trial you endure will help you comfort others suffering similar troubles.  Often seen when we go to encourage someone…and leave encouraged. (Example: Nell Turner)  Don’t be a discouragement!  Be there (Heb 10:23-25)

How can I encourage?  Personal Application  Plan to say encouraging words (or plan action)  List people you want to encourage or people who encourage you.  Write out what you would like to say.  Send (call, , visit) to that person.  Make a list of good deeds to do for others (one to two per week).  Follow through.  Write a person’s name every few days on the calendar (set a mobile reminder, etc).  MAKE time.  Pray for God to help you be an encourager to/for others.

Encouragement  Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 RSV)

Say It Now! If you have a tender message, Or a loving word to say, Don’t wait till you forget it, But whisper it today! The tender words unspoken, The letter never sent, The long-forgotten messages, The wealth of love unspent. For these some hearts are breaking, For these some loved ones wait, Then give them what they’re needing, Before it is too late!

Sources  Material by Shawn Bain  Outline by Gary Henry