02/04/2018 - When God Sends Encouragement

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When God Sends Encouragement

Luke 2:22-40

• One last look at the first Christmas...
  • Mary & Joseph
    • The "scandal" of Mary's pregnancy
    • Herod's attempt on the life of Jesus
  • In the midst of the trials, God gave them gifts:
    • The baby Jesus!
    • Messages of encouragement!
      
  • Treasured Words and Experiences
    • What do you do when you are "running on empty?"
      • Seek comfort
      • Remember moments of encouragement the Lord has sent
    • Mary's approach
      • Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."
    • As God's children, we know they come from Him
      • How often have words of encouragement come right when we needed more courage! And how often do they come from Him, but come through His children?
        
    • A community of encouragement
      • Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
      • How grateful we are for even a drop of encouragement; how amazed we are when others encourage by word and by deed!

• A call to reciprocity
  • Luke 6:36-37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
  • Pay it forward!  Listen when God directs you...