https://youtu.be/3kRy46-30tk

1 Sam 23:14-18 I shall be next you - Discouraged

We all get discouraged. It

just happens. Hit after hit comes- and we just feel down

If you feel that way- how

many other people do you think feel that way?

I have had extended amounts

of times in my life- even in the past 5 where I’m discouraged

God wants you to be an encourager- you to be the means of how he strengthens others

Encouragement requires caring- I shall be next to youREAD V 14-15 Jonathan had to see that David was missing- they were friends- and because his friend was missing- he wanted to help him. – he had to actually CARE about his friend- Not selfishPro 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?Can you imagine how hard it would be to be David? Running for his life? VERY discouraged He knows that he is called of God- that God has big plans for him- but he is on the run! Trying to escape Saul and live out his kingship. – but day after day- someone trying to kill him Jonathan couldn’t be a friend to David if he was consumed with his own issues and problemsHe didn’t go out into the woods and say “hey bro my relationship w dad is destroyed let me tell you about it”. If Jonathan was going to encourage him- had to make it about DAVID not himProverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.This is what Jonathan is doing- being sweet friend- he’s putting him firstHe was in despair over his friends missing that he went to seek him out. He CARED about HIM

What does it mean to you?

Who is your life about? about

you, or about others? The Christian life

is about others, not you

Phil 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.You can look out for your interests- but not at the expense of others- you have to think of them also- constantly thinking about the needs of others- who can I encourage? Lift? Love? Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.Esteem others better than HIMSELF. This is very hard in a self-centered society. Its about USGalatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. This specifically needs to happen in the church- We have an obligation to bear with each others burdens- we are not merely attenders of the same church- we are family. Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,IF we’re going to be the church that God wants us to be- we have to care about each other- not just the pastors and deacons caring about people- you should be caring about people

Do you come to church looking

and loving? During the week? Reaching out? Who is your2?

Encouragement requires investment- I shall be next to youFirst  Jonathan had to actually be paying attention- to see that there was a need- but then Jonathan had to go to his friend- Seek him out- Go to him- 16 Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.Very easily Jonathan could have claimed that he was busy- that he wanted to please his dad- not have to get involved- because getting involved is costly- pouring out of selfPro 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.