Making Disciples:The Forgotten Secret

Making Disciples:

The Forgotten Secret for accomplishing 'what Jesus began to do and teach.'
Ac 1:1-2: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. NIV

What were those instructions that Jesus gave through the Holy Spirit?
Mt 28:18-2018: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

The Apostle Paul expands on this command and the responsibility of leadership in Ephesians. Eph 4:10-13 11: And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. NASU

In these verses we see greater insight into 'the making Disciples and the teaching of all that Jesus commanded', and what it means to continue what Jesus began to do and teach. There are three leadership responsibilities spelled out in these verses that tell us what the church should be doing once people have believed in and recieved Jesus as the Messiah or Christ.

Equipping the saints (people who have believed in and received Jesus as savior);
1. To do the work of the ministry or work of service (serving God by doing what He commands in His Word).
2. To the building up (mending, encouraging, instructing and giving hope according to the Word of God) of the body of Christ(those who have received and believed in Jesus).
3. To help believers in Jesus the Christ to come into maturity as measured by Jesus Himself.

Where do we start?
We must be saints, people made clean or holy by the Messiah.
Many churches have stopped procaliming Jesus as the only way to God as we see in John 14:6, calling themselves Christians without believing in and receiving Jesus as the promised Messiah and only way to God the father.
Jn 14:6-7: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." NIV

Without believing in and receiving of Jesus as the Messiah there is no Christianity! Until this happens we can not continue to do all that Jesus began to do and teach, nor can we call ourselves Christians.

Where do we go from here? Check back soon or sign up to get automatic updates on the right above my profile.

Check @ http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com for a list of suggested reading.

The Blog Make Over is Complete

Over the last week and one half I have been adapting my Blogs to the New Blogger-beta Software. I thought it was also a great opportunity to remake several elements in my blog. So here is a list of what has been reworked. Please take some time and check out the new features.

1. New fonts available throughout the Blog.
2. Expanded hot-linked Table of Contents.
(Click any part of the Table of Contents and it will take you to that part of the Blog.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS The hot linking may not work from this article but will work on the site.
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3. Additional Subheadings and rearraged categories.
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GOOD JOB BLOGGER! THE TOOLS AND FEATURES MAKE WORKING MY BLOG SIMPLER AND MAKE IT LOOK BETTER!

The Kingdom of Heaven Today

Today people are turning away from many local churches and seeking new gatherings of believers where the presence, power and work of the Kingdom of Heaven is evident from the fresh presence and work of the Holy Spirit among them. People always prefer the new wine, the fresh oil and manna from God because there is life in it that begins life in everything it touches. They are also hungering for the restoration of relationships with God and other believers.

The people of this generation want more than nice people with a form of religion just as those in the New Testament did. 2 Tim 3:4-5 ...Rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! NKJV
In the book of Acts there are repeated reference of the believers being filled with the Holy Spirit. These references are in two basic categories:
1. The baptism of the Holy Spirit or initial experience
2. Fresh fillings of the Spirit as the believers gathered and God worked in and through them by His Spirit. These fresh fillings were the proof that the Spirit and life of God were present and at work.

The "Kingdom of Heaven" or "Kingdom of God" is at the very heart of all Jesus did and said. In fact, you could say that His teaching was the proclamation and His actions or works were the doing or demonstration of the Kingdom of God. Jesus did His signs and wonders by the Spirits Power and the fathers authority. Phil 2:5-11 speak about him humbling himself. His water baptism with the Spirit coming on Him shows us that He did these mighty signs by the Spirit's power. In John 17 He proclaims that He has done all that the father commanded.

When we read the Gospels and the New Testament, we repeatedly see the terms "Kingdom of Heaven" used 32 times in Matthew and "Kingdom of God" used 70 times from Matthew to II Thessalonians. This concept, more than any other, depicts the impact and purpose of Jesus coming. The Jewish people longed for Messiah to come and to restore Israel as an independent state with God ruling over His people.

Throughout the period between the Old and New Testaments leaders rose up who had as their primary purpose to see Israel a free nation again. God, however, had another plan. This plan was revealed in the Old Testament, but its true meaning was hidden from most. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them. In Acts 28:23-30 Paul teaches about the Kingdom of God and Jesus from the five books of Moses and the prophets. We know that the Old Testament law, sacrifices, and prophecies are but a shadow of what Jesus the Messiah (or the Christ) came to do and teach.

This Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus came to proclaim was not what many expected, an earthly Kingdom; it was instead the completion or fulfillment of what they expected, and because of this, it was even greater than their expectations. Let’s look at few key verses in order to understand more about this Kingdom of God.
1. In Mk 1:15 we see Jesus telling us the time is fulfilled (there is no more waiting needed); the kingdom of God is near; turn from your sins and believe the good news (Gospel).
2. In I Cor. 15:50 Paul tells those to whom he is writing that flesh and blood cannot inherit this kingdom because the flesh does not last forever.
3. In Acts 28:23-30 it says that if the people hear and obey the good news, they would be cured or mended by God. He would cause them to be well again. This would be healing for the whole person; this would include the body, the soul, and the spirit. "The Gospel is more than asbestos underwear for the soul." It is about the restoration and freedom of people under the rule or reign of God as their savior and king or lord. The Kingdom of God as made evident in the New Testament is a Kingdom of people being moved by Holy Spirit of God. If we are to have truly New Testament Church that can once again turn the world upside down and reach this generation with Gospel message of life, it must be one in the power of the Spirit.

Let me repeat what I said earlier. The people of this generation want more than nice people with a form of religion just as those in the New Testament did. 2 Tim 3:4-5 ...Rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! NKJV They hunger for the life giving Spirit of the one true God to be present and at work in and around their lives, just like God planned when He created them! They desire relationship with God that is alive and vibrant not stale.

Will you join me in asking God to give us Spirit filled Churches and leaders who will never be the same because of their own encounters with God so that this generation can taste and see that Lord is good and they can discover Him in all His splendor, majesty and be in awe that He chooses to work through and with those who submit to Him today?

Read this article by George Barna about new forms of Believers gatherings.
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=202

Artwork: Keys to the Kingdom by William Hallmark
http://www.majesticartworks.com/ID17keystokingdom.htm

Great Material for You

Are you missing the great material at the Equippers Network other sites?

Leadership: The Power of a Creative Life by Rick Joyner.
A good look at this new book is given at Equippers Tool Box @

http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com




Rising to The Call by Os Guinness
What does it mean to be called of God? How does it happen? Does every believer have a calling? Can You discover your calling?How can you Fulfill God's calling?

More valuable insight can be found at the Equippers Edge

http://equippersedge.blogspot.com

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God P3

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit Today
Part Three

Let’s look at another Biblical example of God’s supernatural interaction with people.

Isaiah in the Temple
(Fresh fire, Fresh revelation, Fresh humility and holiness, Fresh call, Fresh Vision and Calling)

Isa 6:1-8
6:1 IN THE year that King Uzziah died, [in a vision] I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and the skirts of His train filled the [most holy part of the] temple. [John 12:41.]
2 Above Him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two [each] covered his [own] face, and with two [each] covered his feet, and with two [each] flew.
3 And one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!
6 Then flew one of the seraphim [heavenly beings] to me, having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with tongs from off the altar;
7 And with it he touched my mouth and said, Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven.
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. AMP

Other Places where the Glory of God is revealed in some way.

Ex 33:21-34:1;
Job 38-41;
Rev 1-4.

Isaiah’s Encounter
Please note the following points.

The Circumstances

The Setting

The Reaction of man

The Response of God

The Call or Opportunity of God

The Opportunity and Response of man

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God P2

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God
Part 2

The Pillar of Fire
God's Provision, Protection and Leading
(preparation and readiness) ready to wait and ready to go.
Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10

When we look into this example of God's Supernatural intervention into the events of human history we are tempted to only see these obvious or stated truths.
1. The people were to make themselves clean before they left Egypt.
2. They had to be ready to go at all times.
3. The people were protected and comforted by the power of God made real by the Pillar’s majesty and by the visible demonstration of God presence of with them.
4. The people were organized by tribes but it was the priest-levities who watched for any changes in the status of the pillar and blew the Shofar to announce that God was on the move or that He was stopping.

There are facts that might escape us.
1. Moving approximately 3.5 million people took time and patience. Once the first tribe arrived at the new destination it would be a while before the last of the last tribe arrived. This is true of any new work that God does among His people. There are those who are aware and move quickly and those who get there at a latter time.
The Leaders of God's people must lead as good shepherds, realizing that God may be leading but that we as leaders must allow the people to go through the same processes that have given us awareness that God is on the move. We must also be aware that people no matter how dedicated and committed move at different speeds in following the Lord. There are also some who will refuse to move at all and while we may be concerned for them and make every effort to encourage them to participate in what God is doing we cannot disobey God and refuse to follow Him if they will not.

2. Waiting at the appointed place may take more effort and strength than moving ahead to the next big or little thing God is doing for many people. It is the responsibility of leadership to minister to and train God's people when they have reached that next stopping place or plateau and help them to grow in God and be ready to go or stay as called on by God.

3. Miracles, Signs and Wonders are given as God directs and not as we might desire in the flesh. They are also not to be denied as a part of God's provision and direction either. Since he is a supernatural being we should expect Him to be and act supernaturally.

4. There is a purpose to the Supernatural manifestations of God and while they are not for entertainment or fleshly fulfillment of His people we must seek God who is supernatural and expect Him to work supernaturally. If we fail to seek the whole counsel of God for His people we will never attain the full level of maturity He desires. Eph 4:12-14.

5. Teaching that He is and works supernaturally must be ongoing. We must not shrink back from teaching the wondrous and glorious ways in which God has and does work when we are waiting for a long season for the pillar of Glory to move again, or for a fresh outpouring to be given. As we shall see in the book of Acts, there were many fresh outpourings or moves of God's Spirit among His people then and throughout Church History. We may not hear about them because their impact may have been limited geographically. We also may not have heard about them because those who wrote the history may have not understood or have been threatened by them.
There are many times when God has poured out His Spirit on people only to have that outpouring of fresh fire hindered by the church, the ineffectiveness or corruption of the people involved or the lack of favor a particular movement had during a certain historic period. History after all is written by the victors.

6. There is a danger in wanting to camp out or constantly be in the glory or experiencing a fresh outpouring of God's presence. There is work to be done. These times of God's manifest presence are meant to change and motivate us as we shall see when we examine Isaiah 6:1 and the verses that follow and the mount of transfigured experience recorded in (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36)

Questions we need to answer.
1. Are you seeking the majesty and wonder of God?
2. Is your walk with God blessed with fresh manna or stale bread?
3. Have you tried to store up manna or hoard it so that you do not have to seek it daily only to find it rotten?
4. Do you proclaim or say you believe in a supernatural God without having a fresh and supernatural relationship with Him?
5. Are you seeking the signs and wonders or the giver of the wonder?
6. Has the pillar been stationary at you church or in your life for a while?
7. When the Pillar is in one location for a longer period of time are you getting mended (made whole) and helping others to get mended as well? Are you growing in your relationship and knowledge of Him so that when the pillar moves, His work among you will be accomplished?
8. Are you seeking the fresh and living water that flows from His presence?

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God Today P1

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God Today
Part One

What do we need to understand to have Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit today?'

When we examine the history of revival movements and the outpourings of the Holy Spirit in Church History we see that God has poured out His Spirit and moved among His people continually in every generation since He began to pour out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. We can also see in scripture that God has supernaturally interacted with His people throughout history and that we have many examples in the scriptures both in the Old and New Testaments. The interactions of God with His people throughout scripture serve as both examples and wisdom for us as we seek to be apart of what God is doing in the earth today.

Recommended Research:
History of Charismatic Movements and History of Revival Movements:
How has God interacted with His people in history since the New Testament times and what were the results?
1. 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity by Eddie L Hyatt Strang Communications Company
2. Dynamics of Spiritual Life, An Evangelical Theology of Revival by Richard Lovelace, published by IVP
3. Revival by Winkie Pratney published by Whitaker House
4. Rivers of Revival by Neil T. Anderson and Elmer L. Towns published by Regal

Personal Experience:
I have had the privilege of experiencing the supernatural work of God among His people several times in my 36 years as a believer and know that every new supernatural outpouring of God's Spirit carries with it great blessings and challenges for those who are blessed to be a part of it.
Some of these moves of God had local, while others had national and international impact.
This study is designed to provide Biblical truths that will allow us to chart a course during these times when the river of life runs both deep and often fast. A course that will take us into greater growth and helps us to allow the deeper encounters with God to produce good fruit for His kingdom among the people we live around and minister His life to.

Church History:
There are has many examples of those who allowed the fresh outpouring of God's Spirit to grow His kingdom and them and those who were shipwrecked when an outpouring of His Spirit was mishandled and produced error and destruction. Since history tends to be written by the victors, those who were shipwrecked were often seen as heretics and the work God began in them is seen as error.

Biblical Examples of God’s supernatural interaction with people.

Pillar of Fire (preparation and readiness) ready to wait and ready to go. Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10
Isaiah in the Temple (Fresh fire, fresh revelation, fresh humility and holiness, Fresh call)
Note Isaiah’s state of mind. Isa 6:1-9
The Mount of transfiguration (Let’s build three tents and camp out here) Does the experience lead to deeper call and greater commitment as well as new power for ministry? Matt 17:1-9
The Baptism, Fillings and Outpourings of the Spirit; Starting in the Upper Room (pickling something or dyeing a garment takes more than a single dip)

The baptism in the Holy Spirit brings us to a new level. Fresh (fillings) make us more continually useful as vessels of His Spirit and Glory. Luke notes that people were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4; 9:17), that “they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17), that “the Holy Spirit fell upon (them)” (Acts 10:44), that “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on (them)” (Acts 10:45), and that “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 19:6). These quotes are from the Spirit Filled life Bible.

Finally, (every supernatural encounter of God with people has certain elements). Do you know what those elements are? I have listed some below. What else do you see in the book of Acts? Is there a formula and pattern to follow or are they not always in a set sequence?
Is there Pattern to Follow or Common Elements to note?

Preparation for Gods Spirit to Work or the results of His working can include: Cleansing, Repentance, Holiness, Revelation of Man’s imperfect state in light of God’s majestic nature and holiness, a Willingness to die to self and serve God, or making ourselves available for His call.
Please read the scriptural accounts listed and ask your self these questions during the coming week. What lessons or truths can you discern or observe from each passage?

How do these truths apply to outpourings of God that you have heard about or been a part of?

ARTWORK: Power of Prayer Art Print by Danny Hahlbohm
http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=1592821654&c=c&search=14071

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God Today

Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit Today
Prelude

What is it that happens during an encounter with the Most High God that causes such an impact in our lives? This is but one of the questions I was asking after attending three days of meetings held at Bridgeway Church. These meetings were led by Leslie Ann ___. During these meetings there was a significant work of God accomplished and a very intense anointing present throughout the meetings.

When I began to reflect on these meetings and the magnificent and powerful presence of God which worked in and among the people attending, I began to look in scripture and back both at church history and my own experiences. Lots of questions arise after such encounters with God. How can I experience more of the majestic and wonderful presence of God? Why don’t we experience more of these outpourings? What is of God and what is of man during these encounters? When God does work so powerfully what are or should be the results?

In the Bible the last four chapters of Job and the first four chapters of Revelation came to mind, as well as, Genesis chapter one and John chapter one. In these scriptures we see the majesty, splendor and wonder of God revealed to people.

When we look at Church history both in and out of scripture it is this breaking forth of God’s majesty and power that has continued to capture the minds and hearts of people and kept each new generation crying out to Him and standing in awe of Him!

We also see in scripture that both individual and collective moves of God start with a realization of the greatness of God and a humility that comes from that realization. This awareness of God's majesty and holiness is an opportunity to choose His ways instead of our own. The choice to submit to Him leads us to consecrate ourselves so that He has a clean vessel to live in and work through. Below are three keys to personal and collective preparation for a fresh work of God.

Keys to Experiencing a Fresh Move of God Every Day

1. Remember: We have been transferred out of the Kingdom of darkness
Col 1:13-14
A. When is the last time you remembered the joy of your salvation?
B. What are you doing with and about it?

2. Choose you this day whom you will serve
Josh 24:13-16
A. Death to self and our ways, plans, goals etc.
B. Lay down His gifts, calling and assignment and submit to the masters direction each day.
They are His gifts, calling and assignment. We must allow Him to manifest, direct and assign afresh each day.

3. Consecrate yourselves
Josh 3:1-6
A. Every day and in every situation.
B. A clean soul and spirit is His greatest goal, because it provides good soil for Him to work in.

Each day is 'the day that the Lord has made.' If we are to rejoice in each day that He has made (In Him and what He is doing) we must submit all to him anew.
___________________________________
Parting the Waters, Art by Chiu @http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=1592821654&c=c&search=14071
The study that follows is the result of this contemplation and research.

For addition articles you may go to my web sites.
http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com/ Equippers Network
http://equippersedge.blogspot.com/ Equippers Edge
http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com/ Equippers Tool Box

For more about me and my ministry and background go to http://equippersresume.blogspot.com/ Equippers Resume

The Fire of God's Presence (Revisited)

The natural inclination of people when we believe we have heard from God about a Vision or plan for ministry is to run out and find the best possible way to build it. There are lots of great sermons and books on developing your dream or vision for ministry.
It has been said,"God has Called, You have Answered, You Have been Preparing, Now Begin to Build it."

This sound like the beginning for a good teaching, but there is a missing element without which this will be us attempting to fulfill the Supernatural Vision God has given us with the plans and ideas of people. It might even be a good plan, but without the "Fire of God's Presence", it is a plan that will not produce the fruit God has desired!

Throughout the Bible Fire is seen as bringing Purity, representing the Glory of God, or the results of God's Presence. Today we are often so busy 'doing the work of the ministry', that we fail to spend time in God's presence where the Fire of His presence can accomplish its work in making us like Him.

What do I mean by this? The following points will help us in our understanding.
1. When Moses came down from the mountain after spending 40 days in God's presence or Glory his face was aglow 'literally' with the Glow or Glory of God's presence.
2. In the New Testament, the word that is added when speaking about the baptism in the Holy Spirit, has within it the the imagery of the dying of a garment or the pickling of a cucumber.
3. There are certain text that speak clearly to the baptism in the Holy Spirit and Fire, but there are additional text which speak about additional or fresh fillings with the Holy Spirit.
More Holy Spirit More Fire.
From these verses we can say that the more you are filled with His Spirit the More like Him you will become. The more we are in His presence the more we not only become like Him but the more we know His heart and His Mind and ways. This knowing the Heart of the father, the Mind of Christ and The Power of the Spirit. Comes as we learn of Him and obey what we see and know Him to do and be.
His Word plays a key role in this but we must be wise in using His Word as it can be a weapon of both life and death.
Prayer plays a important role as well. When we communicate both in communication with him and meditation of His Word and His Ways as evidenced there we build a relationship from which we can know His heart.
Worship, praise and adoration in word, in song and with instruments lift Him up and help us come into proper alignment with Him. We could on on to speak of all of the Spiritual disciplines, but the point is we must have a relationship of our who being, Spirit, Soul (mind, will + emotion) and Body with Him. This relation must be on His terms as declared in His Word (the Bible).

Our relationship with Him must be one in which we begin to realize these two truth:
1. We are in the world but not of it.
2. In Him we live and move and have our being.

It seems that we want a relationship with God that is based on our preferences, but a review of the interactions of God with people in the Bible are varied in many ways.

What is never varied is that He is a Supernatural being interacting with His creation.
So, let us seek Him, 'the author and finisher of our faith.'
So, let us make Him and not our labor for Him our number priority.
So, let us spend time in His presence as outlined above.
So, let it be known far and wide that we continue this relationship through out the day and not just in a devotional time or place.

In closing we can have an exciting relationship with Him every day all day without being so 'Heavenly Minded that we are no Earthly Good." The more we are in His presence the easier it is to hear His voice, know His ways and see His power displayed in the lives of people.

Then His plans and Visions for ministry that He gives us will have the Owners authority and Imprint!

Artwork at: Given for You by Graham Braddock
http://www.christian-artprints.com/Christian%20art%20-%20Given%20for%20you%20-%20Braddock.htm

Encourage, Be Silent or Complain?

When we examine the letter to the Ephesian Christians we notice Paul's continued attention to the nature and results of the power of God in the life of the believer compared to the life of those who are under the control or influence of the powers of darkness.

Throughout Ephesians we also notice all the references to our relationship with God. We see these in the in Him, In Christ, with Him, by Him statements. We also see that Paul lays out the purpose of the gifts (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor-Teacher) Jesus has given to these to the Church for three specific purposes. Can you find them in the passage that follows?

Eph 4:11-1311 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. NIV Let me point out the answers.

1. To prepare God's people for works of service or the work of the ministry.
2. Building up the body of Christ.
3. So that we all become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

When we read the letter to the Ephesian believers we are Encouraged in Christ, in what God has done for us in, by, with and through Him. After having read through Ephesians several times I saw that Paul was not only teaching but Encouraging these believers.

In our daily life there are many times a when Encouragement would be welcome in our day. We also should seek to Encourage others. Maybe it is through a smile, an Encouraging card or note or word. Perhaps a kind act or gift. These are many ways we can Encourage others. Perhaps, my favorite form of Encouragement is to have people praying for me and for them to communicate that to me. It is easy to be critical of others, to see there faults and forget that we all have our share of faults. Sometimes we see others who may be in need of Encouragement and we simply do nothing and we are silent.

WWJD was a popular phrase a few years ago and I see Jesus Encouraging people to fulfill God's plan, purpose and missiion in their lives. When the shepard spent individual time with his sheep they were encouraged, felt cared for and loved. Jesus desires to do that for us daily.

There are also times when we like King David in the midst of life's events must encourage ourselves in the Lord.
1 Sa 30:6
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. KJV

We can accomplish this through remembering the awesome things God has done for us in the past, by reminding our selves of who we are and what we have in, with, by and through Christ. We can also do this by worshiping, praising and singing unto the Lord as well as through fellowship with other believers. Reading God's Word and meditation on His promises are also Encouraging as well. Perhaps my favorite form of Encouragement is to have people praying for me and for them to communicate that to me.

Today, I would like to Encourage you to make a list of people you might Encourage and pray about how you will accomplish this. Then ask God for a mindset of Encouragement as you go about your week.

You may brighten alot of peoples lives as you let the His light and Encouragement shine through you!

The Artwork is from the ministry of James Goll website, The Encounters Network .http://www.ministrytothenations.org/