Be an Encourager

Scripture:  Acts 11:23 - When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.


Have you ever been discouraged, but after reading the Word of God, your situation didn’t change, but your burdens were lifted?  Have you ever been discouraged, and someone encouraged you, and you felt so much better?  Sometimes, though,  we have to encourage ourselves in the Lord as it says in I Samuel 30:6.  To encourage others is so important.  We all need encouragement from time to time.  Several years ago, the Genesis leaders wives met at Sis. Paula’s home.  Our time of fellowship was so enjoyable/memorable! We each were given a piece of paper that had flowers at the top of it so that we could write a note/letter of encouragement to each person who was in attendance.  Nine of us were there that day.  The letters were compiled, and each person received all of the letters which were written to her.  This was unexpected yet extremely encouraging.  I will never forget it.  I took a picture of the nine letters and put them in my note section of my phone under the heading “encouraging notes”.  From time to time, I reread the letters.  That was/is a “joy bomb” for me for sure!!     * \\o// *

The Holy Spirit is our “Great Encourager”.  Anyone who wants to be an encourager of others  must be filled with the “Encourager” (the Holy Spirit ) as Barnabas was.  Barnabas was filled with the presence of God, who guided him to encourage and be of support to others.  Barnabas was given the nickname of “Son of Encouragement/Exhortation” (Acts 4:36).  Luke introduced Barnabas as a role model from among those who donated property proceeds.  Barnabas was a member of the priestly tribe of the Levites and a native of the island of Cyprus.  He became an associate of Paul.    

When we encourage others, we know that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through us.  The same Holy Spirit that indwelled Barnabas has been given to us as Christians when we invited Jesus Christ into our lives.  As we are now confessing our sins and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we are continually being filled.  There is one indwelling (I Corinthians 12:13) and many fillings (Ephesians 5:18).  

The Lord has given us a command to be encouraged  in our difficult circumstances.  Some of the occasions when Jesus encouraged those in the Bible are:
•To a paralytic, lying in his bed, Jesus said, “Take courage, My son, your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2);
•To a woman with the hemorrhage who touched the hem of Jesus garment, He said “Daughter, take courage, your faith has saved you (Matthew 9:22);
•To the disciples who thought that Jesus walking on water was a ghost, He said, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50);
•To the disciples on the night He was betrayed, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you may have tribulations, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  

Jesus is truly the Lord who encourages those who are discouraged or are without hope!!  Saints, no matter what you are going through, BE ENCOURAGED!!  Think on these scriptures:

•Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
•Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
•Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
•Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
•Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
•John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
•I Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
•Romans 8:34 - Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
•Romans 15:13 –  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
•Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
•Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.


Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for forgiving me of my sin, and promising to always be with me.  You have encouraged me so many times, and I am grateful.  You give me hope, peace and joy!!!  Please put on my heart those who You want me to encourage – for Your glory!.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)