Practice: Encourage 6.4 - February 28, 2010

Practice #6 – Encourage
2.4 – A Community of Encouragement

Acts 4:36-37 (New International Version)
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 11:19-23 (New International Version)
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Acts 11:24-30 (New International Version)
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 13:1-3 (New International Version)
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 15:36-41 (New International Version)
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

What Can We Learn From the “Son of” Encouragement?
Encouragers Call out of People What God has Already Put in Them.

What keeps us from encouraging others?

1.    Lies from Satan.
Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2.    Pride.
 Proverbs 11:2 (New International Version)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 (New International Version)
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18 (New International Version)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 (New International Version)
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Proverbs 16:5 (New International Version)
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

James 4:6 (New International Version)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

3.    Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Hebrews 10:39 (New International Version)
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Practice: Encourage 6.3 - February 21, 2010

The Blessing
Practice #6.3 - Encourage

Introduction: No matter what our age, our parents’ approval or lack o f approval affects the way we view ourselves and how we act with those we love most.

Genesis 27:18-29 (New International Version)
He went to his father and said, "My father." "Yes, my son," he answered. "Who is it?" Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game so that you may give me your blessing." Isaac asked his son, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" "The LORD your God gave me success," he replied. Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not." Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, "The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau." He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. "Are you really my son Esau?" he asked. "I am," he replied. Then he said, "My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing." Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, "Come here, my son, and kiss me." So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said,
"Ah, the smell of my son
is like the smell of a field
that the LORD has blessed.
May God give you of heaven's dew
and of earth's richness—
an abundance of grain and new wine.
May nations serve you
and peoples bow down to you.
Be lord over your brothers,
and may the sons of your mother
bow down to you.
May those who curse you be cursed
and those who bless you be blessed."

The Blessing is a critical part of healthy emotional and spiritual development.

Jewish belief about blessings . . .

Luke 10:5-6 (New International Version)
When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.” If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.
Even Jesus believed that blessings have the power to change a culture.

5 Parts to the Blessing:
1. Meaningful touch!
Isaac kissed Jacob and touched him.
Luke 4:40 (New International Version)
When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

2. Tell them how special they are!
John 1:14 (New International Version)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Proverbs 3:27-28 (New International Version)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.

See also: James 1, Ephesians 5:25-26, II Timothy 3:3

3. Tell them how much you love them!
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (New International Version)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

4. Tell them how God will use them!
When Jacob is ready to die, he calls his sons together and blesses all 12. Some got really amazing blessings, and some got pretty insignificant blessings. All of the blessings spoken came true. (See Genesis 49)

5. Commit to them to always be there!
Commit to their individual needs.
Genesis 49:28 (New International Version)
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.

Conclusion: The Blessing

Practice: Encourage 6.2 - February 14, 2010

Ephesians 5:15-33 (New International Version)
    Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
    Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
    Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

 

“Learning to encourage your spouse”

Chapman says – every couple gets together to make each other happy; something happens between “I do” and “I won’t.”

Emerson Eggrich says that the battle cry for marriage is in
Verse 33:
Husbands must love your wives as your own body; the wife must respect her husband.

Long dissertation on this, but when wives are not loved, husbands are not respected, we go in the crazy cycle.

I.    Be determined to work at communication
    Verses 15-19
   Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every                   opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord
   A.    We have forgotten how to laugh together, share our joy with each other.
   B.    Learn to communicate feelings
       a.    I watched a video on Alaska Logging
          i.    All problems are shared collectively
          ii.    When it is out in the open you deal with it
          iii.    Crocodile Dundee
   C.    Norman Wright – 3 changes are taking place in the institution of marriage
      a.    The decline in understanding
       b.    The loss of determination to stay married
       c.    The development of unrealistic expectations
    *When I got married I was looking for an ideal – turned into an ordeal; now I’m                                         looking for a new deal.
   D.    Women are attracted to the strong, silent type
   E.    Dr. Dobson says – years ago families who worked together generationally
   F.    10 Guidelines for marriage connection:
       1.    Be a good listener – do not speak until the person speaking is finished
       2.    Slow to speak, think first, then speak
       3.    Speak the truth always in love
       4.    Do not use the silent treatment to frustrate the other person
       5.    Stay away from quarrels
       6.    Do not respond in anger
       7.    When you are wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness
       8.    Avoid nagging
       9.    Do not blame the other person
       10.    Try to understand the other person’s opinion
   G.    Speak words that build up your spouse
Verses 25-26
  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her          holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
II.    Work at developing the right attitude
  Verses 20-21
  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit       to one another out of reverence for Christ.
   A.    Stay away from “if only’s”
   B.    No one has all that they want out of a relationship
       a.    Too many think the answer is changing the relationship
       b.    Article in Cincinnati  Inquirerer
          i.    A man and wife fought for 9 months – been married for 21 years
          ii.    Decided to call it quits
          iii.    Each took a test to see what kind of partner they were looking for – each other
   C.    Lady in Kentucky – preacher having a revival said she has a lot on the ball
     a.    She has an 80 year old dad who is dying
     b.    A husband who is disabled
     c.    A child who is mentally handicapped
III.    Realize that good relationships are built
   A.    Change is inevitable – I’m not the same as I was 25 years ago
   B.    My likes and dislikes are not the same “Will you love me when I’m old and gray . . . “
   C.    Be creative
      a.    Go places together – “no time, no money.”
      b.    Spend time away from each other
      c.    Don’t push to always be right
      d.    Set goals together

   D.    Remember: it’s in the giving we receive
      a.    Blessings are ours when we give unselfishly

E.    Find ways to encourage

* I went to the house of a dear old lady sitting at her table having breakfast

Practice: Encourage - February 7, 2010

Practice #6 – Encourage
6.1 – The Call to Encourage
What is Encouragement? 

The Greek word – parakaleo, “To Call Alongside.”

Romans 12:6-8 (New International Version)
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
 
Exodus 17:8-13 (New International Version)
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.  So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Some lessons about the call to Encourage:1.    Even Leaders need encouragementPhilemon 1:7 (New International Version)
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

2.    Godly Leaders can’t do it alone
Hebrews 3:12-14 (New International Version)
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

3.    Everyone can and should encourage others
Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Practice: Giving 5.5 - January 31, 2010

Practice #5 – Give
5.5 – Protection

1 Chronicles 21:1-7 (NIV)
Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.” But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” The king’s word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem.  Joab reported the number of the fighting men to David: In all Israel there were one million one hundred thousand men who could handle a sword, including four hundred and seventy thousand in Judah. But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king’s command was repulsive to him. This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel.

Here is what David had to learn:
Psalm 20:6-8 (NIV)
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 (New International Version)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.
 
Isaiah 1:17 (New International Version)
learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
 Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
 
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Why? Because they cannot help themselves.  God is their protection too, but He uses His church to provide for those in need.
 
Hebrews 13:1-3 (New International Version)
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
 
Matthew 25:31-40 (New International Version)
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

How do we do this?
Go back and look at James 1:27…
 
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Practice: Give 5.4 - January 24, 2010

Practice # 5 – Give
5.4 – What could be done?

Acts 4:32-35 (New International Version)
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
 
Some things that we can know about the early church:
•    They were unified
•    They owned their obligation to help one another
•    They were willing to sacrifice to make sure that everyone had enough
•    As a result, the message was preached with great power
•    As a result, much grace was upon them all

If we adopted this mindset, what could be done?

1.    People in our church would be blessed
We have an obligation to care for our church family first… this is biblical.
 1 John 3:17 (New International Version)
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

2.    People in the community would be blessed
Hebrews 10:24 (New International Version)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Peter 2:12 (New International Version)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
•    This is so much more than moral correctness.
•    The question that we have to wrestle with is: Are we good to the people around us?
•    You don’t love people unless they know you love them.
 
Some real things that could happen:
•    Feeding the hungry
•    Giving a hand
•    Local Improvement
•    A building that is a launching pad into the community

Where does it start?

Proverbs 18:16 (New International Version)
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

Do we want to be a good church that people can feel comfortable coming to?  Or do we want to be a part of something great?

Practice: Give 5.3 - January 17, 2010

The Blessing of Giving

Introduction
Warren Hiersche tells of “America’s Greatest Miser, Hetty Green”

Acts 20:34-35
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:34-35 (Da Jesus Book, Hawaii Pidgin)
You guys know dat I wen work fo all da stuff me an my friends need. I do all dat fo show you guys dat by dis kine hard work we gotta help da guys dat no stay strong inside. I rememba wat da Boss Jesus wen say, “Da guy who give, he stay mo good inside den da guy who get.”

“Givers sleep well
takers eat well”

I.    Giving is a blessing to the recipient

  a.    Provides a sense of nurture emotionally – literally make them happier

    i.    Pidgin translation: “. . . feel mo good inside . . .”

    ii.    The Elder worth honor –

I Timothy 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

     iii.    The gift of a quilt

  b.    Provides nurture physically

    i.    Needs are met

    ii.    Careful not to enable

    iii.    Rich are to share

I Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

  c.    Blessing to Jesus

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

II.    Giving is a blessing to the giver when motives are right

  a.    Opposite (hoarding)

  b.    Philanthropists

  c.    Re-affirms our worthfulness

    i.    Dissipates selfishness

    ii.    Bolsters self esteem (“mo good inside”)

III.    Givers are blessed when nothing is expected in return

  a.    We are tempted to give in order to get back

    i.    Jesus: “Don’t let your left hand know . . .”

Matthew 6:3
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

    ii.    Mature leaders stop expecting to be rewarded for their giving

  b.    Generosity of God’s people are how the less-fortunate are taken care of

    i.    Haiti . . . Hospitals – food banks – care centers

   ii.    James 1:27
        Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

    iii.    Ephesians 1:22-23
        And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
 
Why God is counting on us to be givers:
1.    Caring for the less-fortunate
2.    His church is cared for and is empowered to reach the world
3.    He knows we will experience joy that comes from giving
4.    We allow the world to see Jesus’ compassion