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Sunday August 01, 2021
INTRODUCTION: We’ve been in this series for a few weeks talking about the FAITH-FULL life. Living a life full of faith in a negative world!
A negative, fearful outlook never leads to a faith full life!
You can’t be full of fear and faith at the same time!
Jesus shares a parable about persevering in prayer!
Luke 18:8- “….when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
JESUS IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR FAITH!
Hebrews 10:23-25- “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
You have no idea what God might do through a single word of encouragement!
Most everyone you see is fighting a battle you don’t know anything about!
Enough, negative, discouraging voices… Your fault, you deserve this! You shouldn’t have sinned!
Job 16:2-5- “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.”
If it were me, I’d use my words to give life!
If it were me, I’d fight to become a more encouraging voice this side of heaven.
If it were me, I’d use my words to build your faith and confidence.
If it were me I’d remind you that God is for you, He’ll never leave you. He chose you and called you!
If it were me…..I’d use my words to encourage!
Hebrews 3:13- “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
You might be saying, “Well encouraging others doesn’t come natural to me.” Neither did walking!
You have no idea what God can do through a single word of encouragement!
1 Thessalonians 5:11- “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
But sometimes the person who needs the most encouragement….YOU!
Everyone you see is facing a battle- INCLUDING YOU!
People see you smiling on the outside but you’re hurting on the inside.
You look confident but you’re horribly insecure.
You appear you have it all together but you feel like you’re falling apart.
No doubt David felt that way in 1 Samuel 30 of the Old Testament.
David and his army arrive home to Ziklag. Enemies burned the city to the ground. Took the wives and children captive.
David and his men broke down and cried!
Now David’s own men turned on him! Stone David it’s his fault. City burned down, family gone, now David’s friends are turning against him. BAD DAY!
1 Samuel 30:6- “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
(KJV)- “….but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
WHAT YOU SAY TO YOURSELF MATTERS!
Have you ever read the Book of Psalms? Sometimes it feels like you’re reading David’s private journal.
Psalm 56:1-4- “O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are
boldly attacking me. But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”
Positive words are difficult to remember.
Negative words are difficult to forget!
HOW DID DAVID ENCOURAGE HIMSELF!
He didn’t say, “You got this!” “You’re enough.”
David encouraged himself in the Lord!
CONCLUSION: There has to be a shift in our lives. What are you allowing to influence your life. Negative words of friend? How’s your self talk! How have you been talking to others?
Let’s remind others and ourselves what God says about us.
“I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” “I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb.” “I am a child of the living God, Joint heir with Jesus Christ, Ambassador for the Kingdom of God.”
“I have the mind of Christ and I am filled with the same Spirit as Jesus Christ!”
“I am God’s workmanship created to do good works.” “I am the light of the world and the salt of the earth.”
“I am more than a conqueror!” “I am the head not the tail, blessed coming in and going out because I am seated with Christ in Heavenly places.”
“God has not given me a spirit of fear!” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!”
“No weapon formed against me shall prosper!”
When I am encouragement-full I can encourage others!
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message!