For the “Encouragement Conference”

Few would argue that America has been in moral decline and ethical decay for many years. Regardless, God still has a plan for this nation. He has a plan for your community. And he has a plan for you personally. There is no other issue in life more important than to discover this plan, especially at a time when discouragement, anxiety, and depression hang perilously over the lives of so many people.

            Discouragement is no small issue when Satan sets out to destroy. And when we don’t understand his tactics, lives, churches, and whole communities are often ravished by his influence.

            The Bible says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” How true this is when we find God’s people unaware of how to fight affectively against the flesh and the devil, especially as warfare manifests itself in emotional difficulties.

            Whether or not you are facing problems personally, you no doubt have friends and relatives whose lives have been touched by some form of debilitating discouragement. Many of them desperately need help.

            You are invited to join Ray Beeson and the biblically based “Encouragement Conference” for a time of discovering ways in which to deal with difficult times. Ray is a former public school educator and has traveled extensively for over thirty years helping pastors and congregations develop strategies for overcoming. He is an author whose interest is to stay in tune with the trends and moving of the Holy Spirit especially in America. His gentle style, transparency, and humor will touch your life as God uses him to help strengthen the Body of Christ.

Overview of the “Encouragement Conference:

(An Overcomers Ministries Local Church Training Series)

1.  We Can Be Encouraged Because of:

2.  The Imperative Need for Understanding:

a.   God and His Ways.

      b.   Our Current Condition (Gen 3:6-12).

      c.   The Goals of the Enemy of our Soul.

      d.   The Reclamation of the Planet.

      e.   God’s Plans for Humanity.

3.  When and How Discouragement Comes:

a.      During relational conflict

b.       After an emotional argument

c.       As a result of physical exhaustion

d.      During times of prolonged struggle

e.       After major successes and extreme highs

f.        Following intense ministry

g.      From emotional exhaustion

h.      From our personal background

i.        From the Influence of others

j.        From Lack of knowledge

k.      From Physical problems

l.        From feelings of rejection

m.    When things do not go as expected (Disappointment)

n.      When people fail you

4.  Discouragement from Loss:

a.  Child/Spouse/friend.  Confidence                   

b.  Job                               e.  Security

c.  Self-esteem                  f.  Marriage

5.  Other Things That Lead to and Enhance Discouragement:

a.  Unforgiveness:

b.  Strongholds:

c.  Failure:

d.  Fear:

6.  Processing Pain: How We Tend to React:

7.  Dealing with Discouragement:

a.      Stay in touch with God’s people

b.       Share your heart with others

c.       Look at the positive

d.      Don’t forget God’s promises

e.       Recognize a world in conflict

f.        Continue to seek God

g.      Continue to walk  in obedience

h.      Avoid isolation

i.        Avoid major decisions if possible

j.        Avoid knee jerk reactions

k.      Avoid shutdowns

l.        Strive for unity (Pro 6:16)

8.  What the Bible says About Suffering and Sorrow:

9.  What the Bible says About Courage: