Encouragement Urging others to persist and persevere in their efforts to attain their goals; stimulating others toward love and good deeds. 1 Thessalonians 5:11,Hebrews 10:24
A Worthy Goal: (a little “Truth in Love” from TBI)
Don’t stop investing wisely into your marriage and family until your children and friends envy your relationship and want what you have…. “faith expressing itself in love” – Galatians 5:6.
When you think of Encouragement, what comes to mind? Do you picture a coach motivating his team to win, maybe a parent urging a child to do his/her best in school, or a friend begging a guy not to give up on his marriage? Are you an Encourager? Do you need one? This week, let’s take some time to discuss what it might look like for you to meet your spouse’s need for Encouragement. Perhaps the gold in this mine is the discovery of an unexpected Encourager.
Have a great week!
Sincerely, Dave Lewis The Basic Idea Helping Leaders Live Loved and Give Love Freely….Starting at Home!
Set aside a few minutes this week or plan a date night to discuss ENCOURAGEMENT. Husband, would you lead this time? Please be prepared to lead by reviewing the questions below. When ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time.
LOVE (SPEAK) Light Source #1: Fresh Encounter with Jesus Christ
1. What persons (living or dead) do you most admire or wish you could be and why? (2 or 3 will do) I am guessing Jesus Christ may be on that list somewhere near the top. Right??
2. Jesus encouraged and equipped people. Read how Peter describes the equipping, encouraging Jesus. (II Peter 1:3-8) Now, would you picture your Savior Jesus giving to you everything you need for life and godliness? Tell Him “thank you”. Praise Him for this provision. Ask Him to help you use these gifts, weapons, and love to accomplish His vision through you. Jesus has never been against you or me. He is for you! Praise Him!
Light Source #2: Frequent Experiences in the Word (Do The Book)
Let’s Do: Ephesians 3:20-21
Would you read Ephesians 3:20-21 several times and ask God whether or not you have dreamed big enough or if it is time for you to be still and listen to God’s call to dream again? Listen to God’s encouragement.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who by his power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine-to him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever, amen!
3. Please write a brief description of something you pray / hope will happen or something you hope to do in the future. (Goal, wish, vision, calling, hope) Is there something you really want to see God do in you, through you or your church or family? Would you ask God in prayer to help you see Ephesians 3:20-21 happen in your life?
Light Source #3: Other Jesus Followers Have Real Fellowship with Your Spouse
4. Describe a goal or wish or vision your spouse has about his/her life and future. Asking him/her to describe it may provide insight into your spouse’s world. Is there anything you can do to help your spouse achieve that goal or see that dream come true?
5. What could your spouse do to help you fulfill your dream or help you determine what some of your dreams are? Dream again – if you dare. God is still for you! Are you as a couple demonstrating that you are enthusiastically “for” each other?
Pure Gold: Perhaps your best encourager is the one you married. By asking good questions and listening, you may find that his/her best encourager is you!
Now — What About the Kids? “Ask – Listen – Respond”
1. Where do you think your Child of Focus (your child or another child in your life) needs some encouragement? Who besides you serves as an encourager to your Child of Focus?
2. Discuss with another adult or a child, who has the understanding, the differences between “encouraging a child in healthy ways” and “pushing a child too hard”. Discuss examples of each.
Encouragement—It’s in the Book!!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.