UNDISCOURAGE 2017

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Discouragement.

·        Need a job, found a job, have no transportation to get to job…job lost.

·        Seeking a “real” relationship, praying for a “real” relationship, phone doesn’t         ring, plea goes “unanswered”.

·        Doing your best, but no one seems to notice, care, or want to give you a shot.

·        Thought you were getting a second chance, judge thought otherwise.

·        Believe in what you are doing only to be de-affirmed, questioned, and deflated         again by the bureaucracy and nay-sayers.

Oh, discouragement.

Its timing is usually impeccable.

But don’t allow discouragement to deflate you.

“Dismiss any thought that leads to discouragement.”  - Akita

You have promises and truth to beat it back!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God…

John 14:1 (ESV)

WE DO!

And He has many antidotes to discouragements.

You see all those quotes and all those scenarios I just shared aren’t merely examples, they were derived from real interactions, real conversations, from folks experiencing REAL discouragement. 

And let’s be real, I know that those aren’t the only ones feeling the effects of discouragement.

But JESUS makes it clear; don’t be discouraged, instead lean on ME!

In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome…

John 16:33 (ESV)

Jesus knows about missed expectations and failed relationships. Never forget He experienced everything we experience but more importantly He is the help we need to get through those downturns, de-affirmations, and discouragements!

We don't have a priest (JESUS) who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—

So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. 

Take the mercy, accept the help. - Hebrews 4:15-16 (MSG)

So, I want to “un-discourage” this morning.

Jesus does know and care about how you are feeling and what you are going through.  Don’t ever forget that!

And He is right here to see you through this tough time just as He has always been!

I will never fail you.

I will never abandon you – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

And…

“In order to resist fear and discouragement, it is necessary that through prayer - through a personal experience of God re-encountered, recognized and loved in prayer - we taste and see how good the Lord is (Psalm 34).” – Phillippe

So, let’s detonate any DISCOURAGEMENT this morning with a little prayer and RE-AFFIRMATION.

You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them... 

Psalm 10:17 (ESV)

Yes, you DO!

A little postscript to this entry this morning.  Just as I am getting ready to hit send, two lovely ladies from Al Anon Ohio walk up to my booth here at the ADDICTION STUDIES Conference and gently encouraged me, thanking me for all that I do and to link arms to our ever expanding network.

The timing was perfect! 

The LORD truly does hear and does encourage. 

Believe it!

Have a blessed WEEKEND!

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE