AMFBeM
NEWSLETTER
June 24, 2020
Encouraged through faith
Romans 1:12
The manner in which we are to encourage ourselves and others is to give or increase the confidence of success, to inspire with courage the spirit and the strength of mind.
For some to encourage not only themselves but others is almost foreign. Because they were not encouraged during their formative years in life and now that they are members of the faith in CHRIST JESUS, how they were molded often comes over into the body of CHRIST. Many of us are going through some tough times and it is difficult for us to share our hearts with someone who will hold us accountable or be a listening year because of judgment or gossip. No person and I mean no person can either become healthy or increase in health without the encouragement of others especially when their eyes are off JESUS or they do not know JESUS.
Encouragement begins during those years when we still rest in our cribs. Our parents encourage us to laugh, to hold the bottle, to crawl, to walk, and to speak. We encourage our children in the extra curriculum activities that they become apart of such as sports, music, art, writing, public speaking, and such. But for some somewhere after those moments when the child becomes more willful by going to where he/she will like to go to place their little hands on whatever it is that they desire, we begin to discourage [through screaming/yelling, calling them horrible names and such] rather than encourage in those things which are healthy and safe. Some people will reach adulthood never being encouraged past those crib years while others will flourish with encouragement. The toughest time in young people’s lives is those years when they begin to feel the pangs of maturity, part of them want to continue to be a child and another wants to do more adult-like things of independence.
Without encouragement, people grow bitter rather than sweeter. Let us take a look at some of our ancestors who either were encouraged or knew how to encourage themselves and begin to understand the outcome.
Moses explained to the new generation of Israelites and Joshua that he will not enter into the promised land along with them. And that they were to encourage Joshua because the land will be inherited through him, Deut. 1:38, 3:28.
King David sent a message to Joab so that he will become encouraged and strengthened, 2 Sam. 11:25.
Kings [ in the USA, governmental personnel those who have been given authority via the vote or promotion to lead] are in need of encouragement, why not you and others, 1 Ki. 22:13, 2 Chron. 18:12.
Trust, Delight, Commit, GOD will make, and Be Still, Ps. 37:3-7.
King David encourages himself through praising GOD, ever thought of doing this yourself, Ps. 18:49-50, 144:9-10.
Delight yourself in the LORD, Is. 58:14.
The ultimate encourager that has ushered all believers to JESUS, Rom. 10:9.
When you need to rejoice, 1 Cor. 6:14, 2 Cor. 4:14.
When we are facing temptations or just facing tough times, we may feel boxed in, not knowing which way to go or what to do, Phil. 4:3, Col. 3:1.
Encourage yourself by encouraging others, Phil. 2:3.
CHRISTianity is not about being a lone ranger but rather fellowshipping with others who are in the body of CHRIST, 1 Thess. 3:2.
If you have never been encouraged or you dole encouragement out little by little, begin to do this exercise daily in the mirror. Begin to encourage yourself until it flows from you effortlessly and each day everyone that you conversate with be an encourager to them as well. You will find that your day will be better than you have ever experienced before.
Warning the difference between encouragement and flattery. Encouragement offers courage and strength of purpose. It is a helper for the person who needs to bear up under pressure, it cheers one up, and it inspires.
Flattery is often false and over the top. We know it as buttering one up to get something from them. Much too often when people are accustomed to flattery they are placed high up on a peddle stool and made into a false god/icon/idol. The people being flattered are hero-worshipped and will develop the need to have their ego massaged, puffed up, and stroked.
AMFBeM ®