Stay with Encouragement Live tonight for encouragement and opportunities for prayer
>> Don Hawkins: if the Labor Day weekend has left you exhausted and worn down, stay with us for encouragement and opportunities for prayer. We'll be sharing and taking your prayer requests and offering encouragement. Stay with us for Encouragement Live. Welcome to Encouragement Live, providing biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of practical life issues. Now, here's your host, Don Hawkins, author of, Master Discipleship Today. Thank you, Steve and friend. It's so good to have you with us. As live from studios located in First Christian Church of Wylie, Texas, Encouragement Communications presents Encouragement Live. Our mission mission is to provide biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of topics. And prayer is certainly an important topic. We're going to talk about prayer, but more than that, we're going to pray tonight on the program and invite you to call us with your prayer requests and concerns. Maybe life has really been difficult for you. It's been a tough summer. The summer is winding down and you feel frustrated, disgusted, busted, can't be trusted, as my English teacher in high school used to say. And yeah, that's what Evelyn Jones used to tell us. And she became a supporter of my radio ministry. By the way, tonight, Shelly Kami is back with us on the program along with Danny Webster. Shelly is a speaker and communicator with Sightline, the new name for Josh McDow Ministries, a ministry of crew. And she's an engaging communicator, Christ follower, pastor's wife, girl, mom, owner of a long haired wiener dog. You wrote all of this. What a creative job, Shelly. Let's see what else she loves people, coffee, laughter, garage sales, and really good conversation. And Shelly, I think we'll have that tonight. Really good conversation. And Danny Webster's here with us, another great communicator. Danny is the founder and president of WM Productions. They produce a lot of Christian radio programs. He's also the executive director for Encouragement Communications, chief operating officer and proud grandfather of, Henry. Talk about Henry.
>> Steve: Oh, he's great.
>> Don Hawkins: He's great.
>> Steve: I love Henry. My wife went, today, she had a bunch of things to do. She got a few things done. She said, I'm going to go see Henry.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, put those other things aside. If you're a grandma, you go see the grandbaby. And yeah, Henry actually came in. Danny's, daughter Elizabeth produces my podcast, Encouragement for you. Yesterday we did production over zoom. But, last time she was in, she brought Henry in with her and he was so well behaved. It's a great baby. Our number is 855586, 5, 4, 3 3. We would love to hear from you tonight.
Many, uh, of us are exhausted heading into Labor Day
Many, of us are exhausted as we head into Labor Day. And that sound paradoxical, shall we to think about, doesn't it a little bit.
>> Steve: Who had the idea for Labor Day anyway? What, how did that come about?
>> Don Hawkins: that we should have researched. Yeah, well, let's.
>> Steve: Maybe Google will help us.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, check it out. We'll come back after the break and talk about the history of Labor Day. By the way, I do know, one of, my colleagues and yours, Danny, at, KLJC in Kansas City was born on Labor Day. you remember Teresa.
>> Steve: Yes. Her mother labored on Labor Day.
>> Don Hawkins: Mother labored on Labor Day.
>> Steve: We think that Labor Day is the first Monday in September, but it actually is September 3rd.
>> Don Hawkins: It is on that specific date. And so Labor Day, very appropriate for a mother to have a baby on Labor Day. Going to Labor. maybe some of you are expecting a new baby. Danny is, we mentioned a brand new grandbaby. And Shelly, you have some, semi adult children, even though you look way too young to have adult children.
>> Toni King: I do. Girl mom.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. Yep. How many girls?
>> Toni King: So Katy is 23 and she is in Minnesota living halfway across. And my sweet Emily was 17 three years ago when Jesus took her home. And her 21st birthday will be Monday. So as we lean into encouragement, tonight, friends listening, I'm going to need a little from you and we'll be sure to share it with you as well.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And we would like to hear from you tonight. Our toll free number, 855-586-LIFE. That's 855-586-5433. Maybe you have been exhausted by a trauma in your life and you'd like some prayer, support and some encouragement. Danny and Shelly and I are here to be of encouragement to you on encouragement live.
>> Steve: We're over 100 years old.
>> Don Hawkins: Dallas Theological Seminary President, Dr. Mark Yarbrough on the seminary's motto, teach truth and love.
>> Steve: Well, that is what we do. That's our slogan that we use. Obviously it's preach the word for all of us. We are called to teach truth and live it out.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more about how Dallas Theological Seminary can equip you for biblically based Christian service, visit DTS Edu. That's dts. edu.
>> Steve: I was so high and I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage.
>> Don Hawkins: And then I awoke two days later in the hospital.
>> Steve: I heard about teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care.
>> Don Hawkins: That's when everything changed.
>> Toni King: At Adult and Teen Challenge, we provide hope and healing for a new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 8:55 and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.
Don Hawkins: Biblical scripture gives answer to exhaustion from hard labor
>> Don Hawkins: We are talking about being exhausted because of heavy labor and appropriate time topic for Labor Day. Shelly, Ky, Danny Webster with me on the program. I'm Don Hawkins, and Shelly has delved deeply into Google to find out.
>> Steve: Actually, Google is in conflict, but she's got one story and I've got another.
>> Don Hawkins: all right, well, yes, we have to hear. Okay, Google get you.
>> Steve: That's so smart.
>> Toni King: All right, so where did it start, Danny?
>> Steve: The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882. Is that what you're saying? Yes, we agree. Oh, good.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay. All right.
>> Steve: Because the date was apparently chosen because it was about halfway between July 4, Independence Day and Thanksgiving. So they just needed another halt. They needed to split something.
>> Don Hawkins: That makes good sense. What does your Google say?
>> Toni King: My Google says today Labor Day continues to honor American workers achievements and contributions to the nation's prosperity and well being. No wonder we're exhausted if we have to do all that.
>> Don Hawkins: We've all done all that work. But there's a scripture that gives us an answer to the exhaustion from hard labor. Shelley, I believe you have a copy of it in front of you, or, you're turning there. Anyway, it is found in. I, knew you had a copy of the scripture in your lap there. it is found in Matthew, chapter 11. It is the words of Jesus. Some people would say the red letter words of Jesus. And it is an encouraging passage of scripture which we are about to hear right now.
>> Steve: Yeah.
>> Toni King: come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon me and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
>> Don Hawkins: What encouraging words. You know, Danny, as you think about it, I suspect we have a lot of listeners this weekend, some of whom are traveling, some of whom are just staying home, but a lot of people who are just really exhausted.
>> Steve: And we're so glad that you're with us tonight and we hope that we can, encourage you, in your exhaustion and maybe some of you aren't exhausted, but we want to hear from you, actually, and we want to hear a prayer request Maybe that you would have.
Crossflix would love to hear from you tonight about our culture and prayer
And, I was hearing someone the other day was talking to, the class of a Bible college. The class had just come in. They're just getting started in the first chapel. One of the guys that was speaking in chapel, one of his advices to, to the student body was start early.
>> Don Hawkins: M. Yeah.
>> Steve: And he says, and you think, what am I talking about? Everything. He said, I'm talking about everything. Start early.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: So you can start early.
>> Don Hawkins: Start early. Calling us. Absolutely. Eight five, five.
>> Steve: And we'll start as early as you call us.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes, the number is 855-586-5433. That's 855-5-586. Life, we would love to pray with you and for you. No request too big. No request too little. we love to pray about things both big and small. you know, I think of Zechariah 4:10 says, who has despised the day of small things? Our God is interested in small things. And Jesus said, even the hairs on your head are numbered. And, sometimes the number shrinks, for some of us. But on the other hand, we won't talk about that. But we, would love to hear from you tonight. you know, we, we talk about being exhausted and sometimes the reason we're exhausted, Shelley, is unanswered prayer. We pray about things. And Luke 18:1 says, Always pray but never give up.
>> Toni King: That's a beautiful thing.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, that's our Lord talking. He says, keep on praying and don't stop praying. That's very important. The number again is 855-5-586-5433. We're gonna talk a little bit about our culture and prayer. When we come back, crossflix, a, complete multimedia platform at your fingertips, featuring faith based shows for the entire family, plus an amazing library of interactive online Bible courses such as revealing the secrets of the Hebrew Bible.
>> Toni King: You'll have access to a community and join others on their spiritual journey.
>> Don Hawkins: Crossflix partners with the Seal Future foundation and Blessil to support American and Israel veterans and families suffering from trauma.
>> Steve: Crossflix.
>> Toni King: Educate, entertain and inspire.
60% of Christians will die with no will, according to Toni King
>> Don Hawkins: 60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans, virtually guaranteeing that probate courts will sort out their affairs. What does being a wise steward of God's resources mean? The Bible.
>> Steve: Middle east and North Africa.
>> Don Hawkins: Are familiar with hardship and struggle. But Sat7 gives the hope of God's word to the hurting and broken. SAT7's new president, John Cernelia.
>> Steve: Our vision is to see a growing church in the Middle east and North Africa.
>> Don Hawkins: Confident in Christian faith and witness, serving the community and contributing to the good.
>> Toni King: Of society and culture.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more or support this ministry, visit sat7usa.org Toni King on her book the Maze of Medicare.
>> Toni King: I looked up on the Internet how many books have biblical in regards to Medicare, and there was zero. And then God brought you into my life and you helped me write the Maze of Medicare because we took Medicare and put scripture with it because people are stressed. They don't know what to do, where to turn.
>> Don Hawkins: You can order the Maze of [email protected] that's T O N I tonysays.com so good to have you with us this weekend. Maybe you're traveling, you're on the road, you're listening to encouragement live. You have a cell phone with you. Our number is 855-586-5433. Maybe your home and maybe even home alone. And we'd love to hear from you, Shelly. Sometimes the holidays really underscore the aloneness or loneliness that people feel.
>> Toni King: I think so. I think on lawn weekends, it's the end of summer. Some of us who are empty nesters remember the time when, you know, the house was full of people and it was the barbecue or maybe it was the pool or the last day at the beach. And some of us aren't in that season anymore and we look back and we wonder, wow, we feel isolated or alone. And so sometimes holidays just put a spotlight on that.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
Danny, talk about what scripture may tell us about aloneness
Danny, talk about what scripture may tell us in terms of aloneness. Any thoughts there?
>> Steve: Well, you know, so many times, the Bible is telling us that we aren't alone, actually, that, in fact, this verse that we used. Come unto me.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: Come unto me. God is inviting us to come to him. We won't be alone if we are having fellowship with him. And, then I think it also, you know, there's an instruction, as you look at the things, that are written to the church and how important it is for us to be in community with others. And, if we are alone, sometimes it's because we've decided to be.
>> Don Hawkins: It's a choice. Yeah. And Hebrews 10:25 tells us, don't abandon, the assembling, of yourselves together as the manner of some people is. And the rest of that verse, which often doesn't get quoted, basically says, but encourage each other and so much the more as we see the day approaching. Oh, yeah, you know that verse? Well, absolutely. That is a great verse.
>> Steve: This actually Happened to me. This. This for. For Labor Day this year. Don.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: My wife is working.
>> Don Hawkins: Oh.
>> Steve: And nothing was planned for the family.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: Because she's the one that planned.
>> Don Hawkins: She does all the planning, Right. Yeah. Yeah.
>> Steve: But I could have planned something with. With Elizabeth.
>> Steve: And.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: And, Henry, we talked about. And Mario. But. But, I found myself thinking about it. You know, what am I going to do? What am I going to do on Labor Day? And so, I'm going to have lunch.
>> Don Hawkins: Ah.
>> Steve: With. With one guy that I'm helping. I'm, a mentor to. And I'm going to. And he's kind of by himself, too.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, you reached out to somebody, Danny, and that's one of the things to do when we are alone, is to look for opportunities to reach out to people. That's a very important thing for us to do.
We're talking about loneliness tonight, and our program is designed to help counter the loneliness
Now, we're talking about loneliness tonight, and our program is designed to help counter the loneliness. And Jesus has invited us to come to him. We're inviting you to give us a call at 855-586-5433. Prayer requests, prayer concerns. Lisa is our first caller tonight. And, Lisa, good to hear from you. Go right ahead. You're on the air.
>> Caroline: Hello. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for taking my call.
>> Steve: Hi, Lisa.
>> Caroline: Hi.
Lisa Travel says those who abuse children need our prayers tonight
>> Don Hawkins: What would you like to share with us?
>> Caroline: I would like to ask anybody who is listening who has, Who has the heart for it. It might be something difficult for some people to actually pray for. as a child, I went through a lot of abuse and a lot of sexual abuse for many people. I lost count over it. And so at 10 years old, I. After being accosted by a stranger, I heard God's voice say, these people are going to hell. And I have always prayed for my abusers ever since then, because the thought of anyone going to hell is just. It's something I don't wish on anyone.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: And I know, it's the Father's will that we all be saved.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: And so, And that we. So if it's his will, that's something we should pray for. And I just feel in my heart that those who abuse children in that way need our prayers.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, you know, Lisa, in Matthew chapter five, I believe it is Jesus. in the Beatitudes, maybe it's Matthew 6, but I think it's Matthew 5 actually talks about, pray for those who've just spitefully used you and persecuted you. And I think, Danny, this fits right into what Lisa is sharing with us. Tonight.
>> Steve: And, you know, I think maybe it's not an easy thing to do. but I so appreciate Lisa's attitude. And, maybe it hasn't been easy for her either, but, she's done it. She's done it. And it's a matter of obedience. And, you know, there's nothing quite so deeply violating than sexual abuse. Nothing goes to the core of who you are so much in such a detrimental way. And I feel so sad. I feel so sad for you, Lisa, that this has happened to you over and over. Someone very close to me, this has happened to, too. And, it, really. It really is. You know, God can heal. God can heal. This is the good thing. but you never quite really get over it. But it can be turned around. It can be turned around like you have with an attitude that you'd like to see these people who were abusers and, you know, they did that because someone hurt them, probably.
>> Don Hawkins: Right.
>> Steve: emerge.
>> Caroline: So, yes, that's the reality is so many. So many who are abused do go on to abuse.
>> Steve: Yeah.
>> Caroline: and that's something that I. I feel in my heart that we need to pray for those who are abused, but also those who are abusing.
>> Don Hawkins: Absolutely. We're going to pray for you tonight, Lisa, but we're going to also pray, for those who have abused you, that God will bring them to repentance and faith and literally turn their lives around. And Shelly, would you lead us in prayer not only for Lisa, but also, for the, repentance and conversion of these abusers?
>> Caroline: Yeah.
>> Toni King: Ah, Father God, wow, we need you. We are so broken, and this world is so broken. And yet that's the heart of the gospel, that you left heaven and became man and endured what we did and died and rose again. And now you are really reigning and one day returning. And so, Father God, would you send your spirit to continue to encourage Lisa that she would be a light to others who have just gone through this darkness? And, Father, we join her in her prayer to pray for her abusers, to pray for those who have hurt her and persecuted. Would you send your spirit to open their eyes to, their sin and see Jesus clearly and put their faith and trust in him. And so, Father, we love that no life is too far from you if you choose to open their eyes. And so we pray this all in the mighty, matchless name of Jesus.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. And, Lord, we would also add to that that you would convict and bring to salvation others who have abused, even others, that we don't know about tonight. In Jesus name, Lisa, it is so encouraging to hear from you, and what a courageous request for prayer. God bless you. Travel safely. Okay, thank you. God bless.
Cornelius needs a medical miracle; he can't wait until October
>> Steve: Donna was thinking about when. When, Shelley was praying, Jesus was abused.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, he suffered abuse. He was the ultimate victim of abuse. Yeah. In many ways. Yeah.
>> Steve: Paul was an abuser, and God forgave him.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And. And he said he was the chiefest of sinners. And, so there's no question about it. he was persecuting the church. And then he had that incredible encounter on the Damascus road in Acts, chapter nine. And the man who had been, persecutor of the church, and one who sought to have people beaten and put to death and their goods confiscated, became a champion of the gospel. Really? the ministry that you've been involved in for these many years, Shelly. Josh McDowell Ministries, now known as Sight Line, is still committed, to the transforming power of the gospel.
>> Toni King: Absolutely. And so our purpose is to cut through cultural confusion so people see Jesus clearly. And every generation has their own obstacles and stumbling blocks to seeing Jesus clearly. And what a joy it is to be able to understand the times in order to know what to do.
>> Don Hawkins: No question about that. 855-586-5433. Cornelius is on the line from Louisiana Alexandria. Cornelius, go ahead.
>> Caroline: Hey there, Don, Dan and Shell Boy. I tell you, Lisa, I was sexually abused as a child, too, honey, so I understand what you've been through. But a preacher, teacher, or another child, it's just hard on you. Especially when they tell you they'll reverse it on you and say if you accuse them, they'll say, oh, no. And how are you going to tell somebody like that? Oh, yeah. he made me rape me and all like that. But anyway, what I wanted to pray about, and y' all been praying about me. I'm. I'm disabled. I'm a vet. I've been trying to get some home health care, and it looked like I was gonna get it, but now it's been denied. But some other people said by October 1st, but I can't wait that long. So I need a kind of a medical miracle prayer. I don't need money or anything. Just a medical miracle prayer just to get some help. For three years, my feet ain't been washed in a year and five months.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow. Well, let us do this, Cornelius. Let us, lift you up in prayer and ask God to produce that m. medical miracle. If I can get that right, Danny, would you lead us in prayer? You're very familiar with Cornelius. We've heard his story, and, we have prayed for him and with him. But let's ask God to bring about a September breakthrough.
>> Steve: Lord, I just thank you for Cornelius. He's refreshed us many times with his calls, and we just so thank you for him. And he desires to be your servant. And he's a great example, to us in that. And, what an example tonight, feeling empathy for someone else who has hurt like he has. And so we just pray, Lord, that, we put his hurts before you, too. And we ask for healing in every way. And especially we ask for this medical miracle that he's needing. sounds like maybe some foot health, issues and others. He needs some help. And he, can't wait till October 1st. And you look down and see that need. We just pray, Lord, that you would meet that need and encourage his heart. Lord, and I thank you for the way he encourages others. Ask for your blessing on his life and his ministry to others. In Jesus name, amen.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Cornelius, we are always glad to hear from you.
>> Caroline: I want to say one more thing. I just want to say one more thing.
>> Don Hawkins: Sure.
>> Caroline: Since my dad died, he would have been 97 this month. And y' all have been so touching and encouraging. He was a tough Korean War vet, and his best friend is going to be a hundred September 8th. Julius Myers, Navy veteran. So he'll be 100 years young.
>> Steve: Would you pass on to Julius our thanks for serving?
>> Don Hawkins: Yes, please do. And thank you for your service to our country and to each of us.
>> Caroline: God bless America.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen to that. Labor Day is an American holiday, and so we thank you. Thank God for America. country is not perfect, but we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Cornelius, great to hear from you tonight, friend. That opens up a line. If you'd like to call us with your prayer request. What is happening in your life that requires prayer? 855-586-5433. That is the toll free number. 855-586. Life. Don Hawkins, along with Shelly Komaszewski, Danny Webster, and we appreciate, Chris and Rodney, who are handling the phones tonight. And we'll be back with more on encouragement live. So you stay right with us.
Find out what you need to know to protect your heirs at a free webinar
>> Steve: There are only two ways that your affairs will be settled after you pass away. Your way or the government's way. For anyone without a will or trust in place, the government will settle it through probate. So we must all ask ourselves, do I want the government, to decide how my minor children get their inheritance and where my assets go and then charge my heirs probate and court fees to make that happen? Or do I want to protect my family from probate and steward the resources that God has entrusted to me by determining how the assets that I leave behind will be used? Find out what you need to know and do to protect your heirs at a free webinar with his faithful stewardship. This free webinar will discuss wills and trusts and help you understand it all. Go to hisfaithfulstewards.com and find the link for webinars. There's there under webinars where you can sign up. That's his faithful steward.
>> Toni King: Most Stringent Quality Care Net Restoration's innovative program addresses the medical, emotional and spiritual dimensions leading to an enhanced quality of life. You can learn [email protected] that's restorationsl.com.
>> Don Hawkins: Sagi Lukas grew up in South India without Christ. But when he trusted the Savior, his Hindu family disowned him. His witness brought him brought his entire family to Christ and led to the founding of Mission India, which trains hundreds of village missionaries each year. For a free copy of Saji's biography Transform for a Purpose and to learn more about Reaching Indians Ministries International, visit remi.org that's remi.org I was so high.
>> Steve: And I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage.
>> Don Hawkins: And then I awoke two days later in the hospital.
>> Steve: I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care.
>> Don Hawkins: That's when everything changed.
>> Toni King: At Adult and Teen Challenge we provide hope and healing for a new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 855-and-addition or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.
Don Hawkins: What this program is all about is encouragement
>> Don Hawkins: Welcome back to Encouragement Live. Our toll free number is 855-586-life. Here again is your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. And I'm told by our call team that many of you are trying to get in tonight. So if you want to keep calling, keep dialing. You get a busy signal or something like that. Shelly and Danny and I would love to hear from you. What this program is all about is encouragement. And Shelley, you pulled, this word apart.
>> Toni King: Well, I did. I heard the best definition encouragement the other day and it's, it is to instill courage.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Toni King: And I love that because when sometimes we think encouragement is like, oh, good job, but you actually instill courage for the task Ahead for the day ahead to be faithful, to keep our eyes on Jesus.
>> Don Hawkins: And you can tell if a person needs encouragement. Truitt, Cathy, the founder of Chick Fil a, said this. You've heard this before. You check to see if they're breathing, and if they're breathing, they need encouragement. Now, Now, I love pulling that word apart. and, I mentioned Evelyn Jones earlier. She was a wonderful lady. She was my English teacher in high school. Danny, I wonder if you can remember your high school English teacher.
>> Steve: I remember her, but I'm not sure about what her name was.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay. All right. Well, I remember Evelyn Jones because after I started in Christian radio, she actually sent support. I'm sure she's with the Lord by now. She was significantly older than me, but what a wonderful thing that somebody would do that. But anyway, she taught me about the parts of speech. You have a prefix, the letters E, N. That shows that it's something on the inside where it's infused. And then you have a suffix M, M, E, N, T. And that actually indicates a process. So you put that all together. And what do you have in the middle?
>> Steve: Courage.
>> Don Hawkins: Courage, yes, absolutely. And what is the dominant emotion, the first emotion in the Garden of Eden? when Adam said, I heard your voice, we were not clothed. We were naked, and I was hiding. Afraid. And I hid myself. Yeah, we hid. So that's the bottom line. so. So, Shelly, my definition of encouragement, very similar to yours, is the internal process of infusing courage to counter fear.
>> Toni King: Oh, wow.
>> Don Hawkins: Once again, just, you know, just throwing it out there.
>> Toni King: Throwing out beautiful truth.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, it's true. And. And, you know, your whole idea of infusing courage into the life of people, that's essentially what this program does.
>> Steve: Well, Dan, Kathy's thing about everybody needing it. Everybody struggles with fear at some point.
>> Don Hawkins: We all do. We are fearful of failure. We're fearful of the future. We're fearful of, all kinds of things. And, in fact, my friend Don, say, Paul, who's been on this program before, many times, Don says there are 365 verses in the Bible that talk about fear not.
>> Steve: I've heard that.
>> Don Hawkins: And he says he's working on a book on that, and he wants me to work with him on that. In all your spare time, Don and Woodrow Crow. And I just came out with Hope for Seniors, a brand new book. I have a copy laying over there. The, cameras will pan over to show you a copy. You can't see it, but it's there.
>> Steve: Beautiful.
>> Don Hawkins: Actually, the COVID is beautiful. The inside of the book's pretty good, too. 855-586-5433. Debbie is on the line from Houston, Texas, tonight. Debbie listening over American Family Radio. Hello, Debbie.
>> Caroline: I hope you say this, but I've been lonely. But I've been. It's been my own making because I have not been a good wife. And, I mean, I've been bringing up past things. My husband's been in this lawsuit for, like, 10 years. He goes to court on Tuesday. And I have not been. I felt alone through all this, but it's my own making. Anyway, I've said things I shouldn't. I'm 75. He's older, and we, run a farm.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: But anyway, I just need to be able to close my mouth and think godly thoughts, no matter what. My kids are grown.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: Our last year should be wonderful. We've always had good times together. Except these last five years. He spent a lot of time on this.
Debbie asks Shelly for advice on becoming an encourager for her husband
>> Don Hawkins: Well, Debbie, I want to just jump in here and encourage you that it is not too late for you to become an encourager. Life. you know, first, Peter, three talks about husbands and wives are heirs together of the grace of life. Shelly, I'd like your thoughts on how a wife can become an encourager for her husband.
>> Toni King: Part of it is just committing each day, maybe even write it down. Debbie, these are the things that I'm focusing on that I love so much, much about my husband. Here's the things I appreciate about him, and just be grateful and thankful for some of those. And keep your eyes focused on the positive.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. and one of the things, Danny, that we've talked about before on this, in terms of parenting with children, is catching people doing good, doing the right thing, not just catching them doing wrong.
>> Steve: Yeah. And I'm not sure exactly how to respond to that.
>> Don Hawkins: That.
>> Steve: That you. You. You volleyed something up there and how to. How to hit that volleyball. But, But, it really is. It really does. It really does encourage a person if you see something that they've done that's worthy and that is, godly to say something about it.
>> Don Hawkins: If you. If you've been criticizing. And criticism is not a spiritual gift. It is a. You know, it comes from the other side. It comes from the devil. But. But to learn to turn criticism into positive affirmation. And. And Debbie, maybe one of the things to do. And Shelly hinted at this. Go back and write down things that your husband has done in the past that are good, that are right, that have Affirmed and encouraged. You go back into your history and just work on remembering some of those things and then bring those up. Danny, you had a thought.
>> Steve: One of the things that she's asking for is that, gift of the spirit or that fruit, of the spirit. That's called self control.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: M. And boy, do I struggle with that one.
>> Don Hawkins: We all do.
>> Steve: We all do.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: But God is able to. And, you know, fruit doesn't come overnight, and sometimes it's a process to grow some fruit, but God wants to grow that fruit in your life and in my life. And, it was.
>> Caroline: Would.
>> Steve: It would be really nice if. If that would happen. And so, Lord, I. I yield myself to this process. I know you want to do this. You know, Help me.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Steve: Help me.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Toni King: And the very fact you're calling in Debbie is such a sweet gift because you're like, I don't want to stay here anymore.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. I want to move to a more positive place. So, Debbie, let us pray for you right now. Now, Lord, we bring Debbie to you. We thank you that she reached out to us tonight. She has a desire, Lord, to go back to being an, affirming, partnering wife. A, help meet just as Eve was to Adam, and, as godly wives have been for their husbands over the years. And, Lord, we just ask you, to intervene in her life now, Lord, just bring her to the place where she is able to say, by the grace of God, I'm going to allow the spirit of God to control my tongue and bear fruit of love and joy and peace and long suffering and gentleness and goodness and faithfulness and meekness along with self control, Lord, bring that about. I pray. And Lord, you can do that. And we ask you to. And, and thank you for that prospect. In Jesus name, Amen.
>> Caroline: And, Lord, if I could.
>> Toni King: And Lord, if I could just add one more thing. We pray for this court date coming up Tuesday, and we don't know what's behind it, but we know you know, all the details. So would you go before, despite the outcome, will you be so very real and faithful to Lisa and her husband in this journey? And may they see you and trust you deeper as a result. And we pray this in the mighty name of Jesus.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Steve: Hey, Don. Debbie's got me wanting some of this Holy spirit, so self control.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, There you go. Amen to that. That's. That's great. I think the Lord wants me, too. Pray for all of us, Lord. Help us all to have that. Amen.
>> Steve: Amen.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes, Debbie, thank you for calling us. God bless you. Bye Bye. Let's do remember that court date coming up.
Geraldine Patterson needs prayer for her troubled daughter and three children
Geraldine is our next caller in Mississippi. Hello, Geraldine, go ahead.
>> Caroline: Hey, hey, this Geraldine Patterson. I. I just need some prayer for my granddaughter. She's out in this world, drug taking, drugs, and we've got her kids, and she don't seem to care.
>> Don Hawkins: Oh, Geraldine, so sorry to hear that. How old is she, Geraldine, and how many children?
>> Caroline: She's 22 and she's got three.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. Boy, that's such a sad thing. you have daughters, Shelly and Danny. You have a daughter who's a godly woman. I know that. And. And yours are godly as well. Shelly, what words of encouragement do you have for Geraldine?
>> Toni King: I love that. Every day of my life, Geraldine, till the day my grandma died, she prayed for me. And there's times that I've walked closely with Jesus and there's times that I didn't. And she was so faithful to pray. And so I just want to encourage your heart. You keep praying because as long as you. Your sweet granddaughter and those three babies, as long as they have breath, it's never too late.
>> Don Hawkins: yeah, God is able to turn things around. And. And I have a grandson who's a part of our ministry here, Chris. And God has done amazing transformation in his life, and he has such a heart for the Lord now and, and loves, his daughters and. And just, you, know, having a great impact and sharing Christ with, many unsaved people. So, Geraldine it is. Would you lead us in prayer on behalf of this situation?
>> Steve: I caught my dad praying for me one night walking through the house, going to the bathroom, and he was kneeling down in the living room on the couch. I found out later he was praying for me.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow. Wonderful.
>> Steve: Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for Geraldine calling in tonight. Thank you for a mom's heart that never quits.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Steve: And, Lord, she loves her daughter. And it's so sad and burdened by the direction that this daughter has gone. And, there's pain in this daughter's life. Lord, I pray that you would reach this daughter somehow, some way, and use Geraldine as a faithful prayer and encourage her somehow. Somehow. That love that Geraldine has would be communicated somehow, Lord, you know how to do it. Pray for these three children that are kind of caught in the middle too, Lord. And, I just pray that you would just pour out your mercy on them and, help them to know you help them. And I have a feeling that through their grandmother, they're going to have that opportunity and, just pray, Lord, that you would just undertake. And this is, this is a heavy burden and it's one of those that needs to be taken to you. And, I pray that somehow in this heavy burden that Geraldine would be able to come to you as the verse we read earlier and find rest. Yes, find rest.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Steve: That you have her. We pray this in Jesus name.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Geraldine, thank you for sharing your burden with us tonight.
Let Encouragement Live take up valuable space in your driveway
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>> Don Hawkins: Swindoll, David Jeremiah and Erwin Lutzer have in common? They all train to preach God's Word at Dallas Theological Seminary. And you can train at DTS too. If you've been called to preach or teach God's word, find a degree or course that's right for you on one of our campuses or online at DTS Dallas Theological Seminary, where they teach truth and love.
The older people have savings that are at risk in the stock market
Well, visit dts Edu the older.
>> Caroline: People grow, the more important it is that they have savings that are not at risk in the stock market.
>> Don Hawkins: Here's an important warning from Roxanne Intermuel of his faithful stewards.com I've seen many.
>> Caroline: People in their 50s that have all their savings still in a 401k or some other market based account that is fully at risk of loss.
>> Don Hawkins: Roxanne and her team offer practical financial counsels. If people from all age groups, it.
>> Caroline: Could be that they need to start saving for the future in retirement. Or maybe they've already done those things and they just need to be good managers of what God's given them and get their money to where it can grow well but won't be at risk of loss in the stock market. Or maybe they need to get a will or a trust in place to protect their family from the cost and stresses of probate.
>> Don Hawkins: You can schedule a free and confidential time to talk with Roxanne at her website hisfaithful stewards.com just follow the links on the website to set a good time to talk. Or you may call the office to set a time.
Live From Matthew chapter 11 focuses on encouragement for disabled veterans
That's his faithful stewards.com this has been a great opportunity to offer encouragement to Those who are weary and loaded down with life. And that's been our focus tonight on encouragement. Live From Matthew chapter 11. Jesus. Jesus said, come to me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. And Danny Webster, Shelly Ki and I have had the privilege of talking with many of you and praying with you if you want to get through. 855-586-5433. Chris is listening in North Carolina over American Family Radio, I believe. Chris, good to hear from you. Go ahead.
>> Caroline: yes, sir. I, This is the first time I've ever done anything like this, and it's a bit awkward.
>> Don Hawkins: but you're doing fine, Doing great.
>> Caroline: I'm, a hundred percent disabled veteran, and as a result, I stay in most days, and, I find myself in a unique situation regarding housing and a lot of details, and God knows what those are, but, dealing with some. Some stressful things, and I'm just trying to, find that peace that Jesus talks about, because I'm just. I feel like I'm. The load I'm carrying, I feel like it's overwhelming.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, it sounds like, Chris, that you are in an overwhelming situation, which is where God loves to meet us and intervene in our situation and encourage us. A friend of mine once said, God will either strengthen your back or lighten your load. And either way, his grace is sufficient, he said, because his strength is made perfect in weakness. But we want to affirm you and thank you for your service. Danny, let's start with you and then go to Shelley.
>> Steve: Yes, we do thank you for your service. By the way, I have a hat that I got at a museum, and it's got, the midway on it and the picture of the ship. And people will come up to me and say, thank you for your service. And I said, well, I didn't serve. I went to the museum and I got this hat. I like this hat. And so. But a lot of times it gives me an opportunity, because the people that say that to me, a lot of times they are people that served. And I get the opportunity to come back to them and say, but did you serve? And many times they'll say, yes. So thank you, Chris, for your service to our country. We love Live Free because people like you, gave so much of their lives, and you're now suffering because of that. But we thank you for it. We thank you for that.
Chris says if dependency on the Lord is our goal, then weakness is a gift
>> Don Hawkins: Shelley.
>> Toni King: I heard the other day a quote that kind of stopped me in my tracks. And so if you'll bear with me just for A second. he said, if the quote goes this, if dependency on the Lord, if that is our goal, then we can. Is a gift. And it really reframed some of my. Some of my grief and some of this stuff I've walked through lately. Because I've always wanted to be closer to Jesus. I just haven't wanted to do it this way, but I've always wanted to be closer to you, Jesus. And so if that is our goal, then weakness is a gift. And so just. Just to. Just to speak to your heart, to encourage you that Jesus is holding you tightly, my friend. He will not let you go.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. What a wonderful thought. And, the Lord is with you, Chris.
Have you come to the place in your life where you have placed trust
if you have trusted him as your personal savior, and I do want to ask you that question. Have you come to the place in your life where you have placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior?
>> Caroline: yes, sir. Several years ago. But I. I, did a great job of, pushing him away. And, so now I'm, I'm. I'm back there. I've started going back to church and.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Caroline: Started a small group last week. And I. I know that, you know, a lot of things are my fault, and I've made a lot of mistakes, and I'm just trying to go through life and. And deal with things, and I just. I don't want any money. I don't want any. Any power, prestige, nothing. I just want that peace that he talks about. That's all.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, the peace that passes all understanding. The promise of Philippians 4 will undergird our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Shelley, lead us in prayer for Chris, please, Father
Shelley, lead us in prayer for Chris, please, Father.
>> Toni King: God, what an amazing gift to have Chris do his first call in and we get to talk to him and just get to put our arms around him over the airway and encourage him. And so, Father, you know his situation, you know his heart, you know his yearning for you, and you know this housing situation that he just needs help with. So, Father, would you. We asked for, an advocate, someone who can help him, someone who can take those next steps and help him solve some of these. We thank youk, Lord, that he's reached out to some of the small groups and we ask for favor with them, for his loneliness and that he would find true friendship there. But above all, Lord, we ask that you would guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Which is the app. The end of that verse, and that he would find peace, such beautiful peace and connection with you, Jesus. That just isn't Unexplainable anyway else. And so Father go before and make his way straight. And we pray this all in the mighty, mighty name, name of Jesus.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Amen. thank you, Chris. Great to hear from you. we will continue praying for you and ask our prayer team to uphold you. Thanks for calling.
>> Caroline: Thank you so much. You all have a blessed night.
>> Don Hawkins: You as well. 855-586-5433.
Linda is listening tonight in Iowa. Good evening, Linda
Linda is listening tonight in Iowa. Good evening, Linda. Good to hear from you.
>> Caroline: Thank you. Good to get it to talk to you.
>> Steve: What a great phone line.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes. What's on your heart? Yeah, you have a great phone.
>> Toni King: Wait, where are you in Iowa? I grew up in Iowa.
>> Steve: Oh.
>> Caroline: I was raised in Fairfield.
>> Toni King: Okay.
>> Caroline: But I'm in Mount Pleasant right now where we have old Thricers.
>> Don Hawkins: Oh, Thrashers there. Well, tell us what's on your heart tonight, Linda.
>> Caroline: Well, it was on my heart to call you. I'm. I just wanted to say a word of encouragement, if I may.
>> Don Hawkins: Sure.
>> Caroline: To these people that are struggling with anxiety you sent. They're not good enough to even put. Probably pray as the way I used to be. But, So that means I really believed in him, wasn't it? So anyway, I, looked up everything on grace. I went to just clear through. I wanted to know what grace was. I mean, it's kind of hard to describe it because it's everything. So anyway, I was just really, really hungry for it. So anyway, when I got to first Peter 5, I read the words, and it's a very small, chapter. But anyway, and he said. I. I said it out loud, and I was sitting out in the park, and I looked up, and there was three crosses. Three crosses. Three crosses. And it breathed on me just like that and took it all away and filled me with love and joy.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow.
>> Caroline: So the word come alive. I was. I think it's kind of hard for new people like. Like I was to understand all this, you know? But if you just look up the word grace and be really serious about it. You want to know? It's like your steak dinner, you know? Anyway, that's what I wanted to share.
God's riches at Christ's expense. Just wonderful to think about that
>> Don Hawkins: Well, you shared something really, encouraging, Danny. grace is such an important part of what we have in the Bible in terms of God reaching out to us.
>> Steve: It is. It is. And I like the acrostic. God's riches at Christ's expense.
>> Toni King: That's where I was gonna go.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Steve: Just. Just wonderful to think about that. and we can't. We. We're rich. But not because we've made ourselves rich. We're rich because God has made us rich. And I think of, his. His riches toward us in giving us the free gift of salvation, the free gift of eternal life. For by grace are you saved through faith that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. And then after we come to know him, we. We get into the phase of salvation that's called sanctification, growing in him. And we need his enablement every day.
>> Don Hawkins: It's interesting about it. Yeah. Paul in First Corinthians, chapter I, believe 15, talked about, I am what I am by the grace of God. And his grace was not in vain. But his grace empowered Paul and Shelley. Not only does his grace provide salvation, it provides us with daily energy to live for Christ.
>> Toni King: Christ, absolutely.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. Wonderful thought.
Danny: Thank you for this reminder about your grace, Lord
Lead, us in prayer, Danny, for Linda tonight and give thanks for her.
>> Steve: Oh, Lord. Thank you so much for Linda. She sort of just joined into the hosting side of this program and, added to some of the things that we've been saying tonight. Thank you for this reminder about your grace.
>> Don Hawkins: Oh, yes.
>> Steve: We're so rich with it. We'd be so poor without it. We need your grace, Lord. We need you. And, I thank you for Shelley's comment about depending on you. And, that's, And, you know, we need you, and so it's a privilege to need you, actually. So we just thank you for this reminder. We pray for Linda, continue to bless her. Her life. As she looks into your word. And she kind of said, I, consumed this, I ate this. I ate your word. I looked at grace. I looked it all over the Bible, and I looked at Lord, thank you for people like her who want to study your word and get close to you and learn about you. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen. We follow her example. Yes.
>> Don Hawkins: Thank you, Linda. Great to hear from you. God bless.
One more caller calls in with concerns about Alzheimer's and congestive heart failure
Couple of minutes, One more caller. Margaret in Mississippi, Go ahead. Okay. All right. Apparently we don't have Margaret right now.
>> Steve: Well, Donna has something here.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay.
>> Steve: I think this would be a great verse. We're getting close to the end of the Bible. This was, the end of the program, rather. Have you not known? This is in Isaiah. This is a familiar text. I know a lot of people know it, but it's good to be reminded of it. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor grows weary. His understanding is unsearchable he gives power to the weak, those who have no might. He increases strength.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen. That's great. Mark, Margaret, you're on with us now. Go ahead.
>> Caroline: Yes, sir. I'm 53 years old, and about three years ago, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. And then, about a month ago, the doctor told me he thinks I have early onset Alzheimer's. And it's just been a lot to, you know, to digest. And I am a Christian, and as I'm processing, I know that it's going to be for God's glory either way.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, let us pray for you in the minute we have left. Lord, we just want to pray for Margaret, Lord, if she has early onset Alzheimer's, Lord, they're working on medical devices now are medical developments that could reverse things or turn them around. But Lord, give her grace for this. And also if she has congestive heart, heart failure, we commit her health to you and thank you for her call tonight. In Jesus name, amen. Thank you, Margaret. We'll continue to pray for you. God bless.
>> Caroline: Thank. Thank you too.
>> Don Hawkins: And guys, been a great program tonight. Shelly, Danny, thank you, thank you, thank you. Been a real joy. And friends, thank you for joining us. For everyone who's been a part of us. By the way, our programs are [email protected] Good night from Encouragement Live.
