Where do we find Encouragement and Strength in our lives?

This week Ps Phyllis shared with us on "Where do we find Encouragement and Strength in our lives?"

Ps Phyllis shared with us some of the story of Captain Charles Sturt who discovered the Murray River (ref:page 51 Australia's Christian Heritage)

Winston Churchill said: "Never, never, never, never give up."

What encourages you?

Checklist of an encourager:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23  Build each other up - point out a good quality in them
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12  Respect leaders - look for ways to cooperate
• 1Thessalonians 5:13  Live in peace - search for ways to get along with others.  Don't get offended by their behaviour.  Give it to the Lord.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14  Warn the idle - challenge someone to join you in a project or ministry
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Help the weak - support those who are weak by loving and praying for them
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14  Be patient - plan ahead by praying and listening to the Lord when you know of a situation coming up so through the leading of the Holy Spirit you will remain calm.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15  Resist revenge - instead of planning to even - do good
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16  Be joyful - remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray continually - God is always there for you.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks - make a list of the gifts God has given you, giving thanks for each one.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19  Do not put our the Spirit's fire - co-operate with the Holy Spirit the next time He prompts you to participate in His things.
• Thessalonians 5:20  Do not treat prophecies with contempt - receive God's Word from those who speak for Him.  Become like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-12)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.  Avoid situtations where you will be drawn into temptation.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Count on God's constant help.  Realise that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power, the Holy Spirit.

Words of encouragement for a troubled heart:

• 1 Peter 4:12-13
• Luke 12:32
• Isaiah 41:13
• Isaiah 43:2
• Jeremiah 29:11-13
• Psalms 6:8-10
• Proverbs 3:5-7
• Psalms 27:14
• Isaiah 40:28-31
• Matthew 7:12-13 (The Message)
• John 14:6
• Ezekiel 48:35

(posted by Sally on behalf of TCC's Ps Phyllis) for Sunday 6th February 2011 (Message)