be encouraged!

week after week i have the privilege of trying to encourage people who are down, defeated, depressed, and dismayed.  really, that is what being a minister is all about - lifting up those who are burned out, worn down, ready to quit, and totally discouraged.  i never get tired of trying to bring encouragement to those who are in need.  i always want to have people walk away from a conversation with me…. feeling listened to, feeling loved and hopefully lifted up (way up)!  this is what Jesus was all about - He listened, He loved, and He lifted people up.

we have an enemy that is relentless in his attacks and constantly tries to overwhelm us and bring us down.  we get discouraged when we start to listen to his lies and look at the things that are not going right.  the enemy comes immediately to steal God’s Word from us and stop God’s power from touching our lives.  so i wanted to provide you with some ammo to combat the evil one and breakthrough the demonic static that is in the atmosphere surrounding us.  so here are some of the most encouraging scriptures that i know, i hope the Holy Spirit releases a spirit of encouragement over you as you meditate on these…

• “if your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, He’ll help you catch your breath.”  psalm 34:18 (msg)

• “God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.  God fights for us, God protects us.”  psalm 46:1,7 (cev/msg)

• “those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.  they will fly high on wings like eagles.  they will run and not grow weary.  they will walk and not faint.”  isaiah 40:31 (nlt)

• “you (God) revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.”  psalm 23:5b (msg)

• “there is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”  1 peter 1:6 (lb)

• “when you go through the deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  when you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  when you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up - the flames will not consume you.”  isaiah 42:2 (lb)