Tues.2.10.15 Being a Godly MENTOR...Encourage part 7

Being a godly example (model) and a good encourager are the two greatest traits of a godly mentor. Yesterday, we began looking at how the Scriptures use the Greek word “parakaleo” (often translated “encourage”). We saw that this word is variously translated “to admonish, beg, beseech, call, console, comfort, exhort, encourage, urge.” Picturesquely, it means to pat someone on the back at the appropriate level. Let’s discover more ways this word is used to enable us to be more effective encouragers. (As we did yesterday, we'll bold the English word representing our Greek word "parakaleo.")

Paul loved the new believers at Thessolonica. He longed to see them again and encourage them. But because Satan had stopped* his return visit, he had to switch to plan B. “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,” 1 Th.3:2. This is a prime M3 focus. We are seeking to strengthen and encourage men in their faith- in their MANLY life. (This is only a test: Quote what MANLY stands for.) Satan seeks to discourage men to give up. So encourage people- Never give up!

(*It's surprising to read that Paul said, "we wanted to come to you- certainly I, Paul, did again and again- but Satan stopped us." 1 Th.2:18. How could Satan stop Paul, who cast out demons and had huge answers to prayer from the almighty God of the universe? It's surprising isn't it? But God has so orchestrated things that the battle against the enemy is very real. Casualties occur. Delays and defeats of your prayerful efforts happen at times. Men you recruit may go AWOL. War is like that. But to quote Sir Winston Churchill, "Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never!)

How can we encourage ourselves and Pros? Pray that they might be encouraged by the Lord. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Th.2:16-17. That might be a mouth-full of a prayer to remember, but we could simply pray for others, “May our Lord, who loves you, encourage and strengthen you.”

God answers prayers for encouragement or comfort. After going through a very tough time, Paul wrote, “For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.” 2 Cor.7:5-7. Our God is a comforting God. And notice in the above verse that he often uses people to comfort us. In Paul’s case, it was our hero from the island of Crete, Titus, who brought him God's comfort. May we also be his vessels of comfort when a brother is going through tough times. May we not avoid a brother in trouble, but quickly contact him. By the way, if you are going through a tough time, post it or call a teammate. Since we can’t mind read, we need to know when you’re downcast or overwhelmed. Even Paul felt that way. You’re part of a band of brothers. We are devoted to one another in brotherly love. "No man left behind."

How should we encourage others? Paul wrote, “…correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Tim.4:2. Encouraging others when they are doing well is enjoyable. But there will be times where we may need to correct and even rebuke a person. (“Rebuke” means “Stop it!” Jesus rebuked the storm at sea- Luke 8:24.) But may we do so with great patience and careful instruction, seasoned with encouragement. If you’re raising children, you know how vital this is.

But what if the person who is out of line is not my child, but a man old enough to be my father? Paul tells Timothy what to do- “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father.” 1 Tim.5:1 NLT. Perhaps you might use any of the following- “I appeal to you with respect as I would my own father. As one to whom people look up to, please consider the impact you’re having on others. What a far greater impact for good you could have. You are a better man than this.”

But what if you are the older man and you need to motivate a younger man to action? Paul was an elder apostle (For the moment, perhaps think of him as a commanding General). He could have easily commanded others what to do. But notice what he said to younger Philemon, “although in Christ I could be bold and order you what to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.” Philemon v.8-9a. Wow! How loving and wise. No one likes to be told what to do, so Paul appeals to him on the basis of love. You’ll notice in Paul’s letters how often he appeals to us to obey out of love for the Lord, who has already done so very much for us. The wise coach and father will do the same. “Would you please…?” Notice how even “the commander of Crete,” Titus, was to encourage, not order the young men. “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:6-7. Yes, there is a place for commands. We see them in Scripture. But it’s the wise leader, who chooses to first and foremost influence people through requests and suggestions rather than through orders. Be light with commands, lavish with encouragement. 

1.-What's something that interested you from what we covered today?

2.-Write this abbreviated prayer from 2 Th.2:16-17 on your MP3 card-  “May our Lord, who loves you, encourage and strengthen you.” Then pray it for one of the men on your contact list for this week and let him know it via a call, email or text. 

3.-R? (Ah, that would include me and the Mrs. I'm glad our tiffs are like a summer storm. Soon the sun is back out shining:) And soon we'll have to blog about how to fight fairly. If you don't ever have conflict in your marriage, that's either wonderful or awful. 

4.-E? (Simply put the number of M3 men or prospective proteges that you contacted to encourage via phone call, email or text since you commented on the blog yesterday. Thanks for making the extra effort to do so.) 

5.-A?

Words Worth Repeating
Israel wrote- Hebrews 3:13 states, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." -- It never ceases to amaze me that in ONE day, our hearts can be hardened by sin's deceitfulness! Just one day! This verse is a great reminder that we need to DAILY - be in the word of God, fellowshipping with other believers, praying together, and flowing in our spiritual gifts :)

Announcements
Tomorrow we will start our friendly team competition. May it spur us only on to love and good deeds. If you miss a day brother, expect some friendly phone calls:) Actually, this is exactly what I want to happen with our new proteges. I don't want any of them to fall between the cracks. There's certainly no way I could keep up with so many people. But if we all are looking out for the flock, that's a powerful thing. God bless you my fellow shepherds! 

	1 Tim.4:15	G=God's Word	Right Wrongs	Encouragement	A= Attack Prayers	T	(Men Recruited)
		For Fri.2.6.15
	Alpha Force
	Fire Team 1
1	Jack Rogers U.2	Y	R (Our Respect)		A		Daniel & Roger
2	Roger Vinlasaca U.2	Y			A
	Fire Team 2
	Mike Pagan U.2	Y			A		George
	George Rabiela	Y			A
	Fire Team 3
	Sam Vargas U.2	Y			A		Robert
	Gary Remson U.2	Y	R (Our Respect)		A
	Fire Team 4
	Robert Roman U.1	Y			A
	Vince Diaz U.1	Y			A
	Delta Force
	Fire Team 1
	Alvin James U.2	Y			A
	Kentrayle Adams U.1
	Fire Team 2
	Dave Heidekruger U.2	Y			A
	Israel Fuentes U.2	Y			A
	Fire Team 3
	Daniel Contreras U.1	Y	R (Our Respect)		A		Vince & Antonio
	Antonio Palomar	Y			A
	Fire Team 4
	Eddie Morales U.2	Y			A		Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle
	Ismael Andrade U.2	Y			A