Stay encouraged (the book)

The other day when I was in Findlay I saw a table with a bunch of free books. I picked up K.P. Yohannan's Stay Encouraged. You can purchase it here, or read it for free online here (http://www.gospelforasia.org.au/pdf/stayencouraged.pdf). It is a small book - 49 pages - and I read it in under an hour. Certainly I didn't hear anything new or earth-shattering, but it was nice to be reminded.

The chapters break down as:

• It's Not Unusual - Discouragement is one of Satan's most subtle but greatest tools, and we all go through it from time to time. The biblical writers acknowledged their need to God, and so should we (rather than pretending).
• Divine Instrument - Even though discouragement is a tool of the enemy it is also an instrument of God, used to shape us and bring us into all that he has for us. We should draw near to God daily, finding our hope in his presence and helping to give us a more positive attitude.
• Take Heart - We need to keep our mind and heart in gear, ready to stand against our adversary and receive the promises of God. We should: 1) Think about the Lord (Heb. 12:1-3); 2) Think about the good things in life (Philippians 4:8); 3) Pray (Matt. 7:7-8). 4) Remember the Lord has good plans for you; 5) Live by faith, not by sight or feelings (Hab. 3:17-19); 6) Know that no matter what, you are forgiven (Heb. 4:16); and 7) Have patience with yourself (Phil. 1:6).
• Be An Encourager - The best way to be encouraged is to encourage others.
• Concluding Remarks - A list of verses to remind us of God's goodness and love.

Once again, just a simple small book to remind us that when we get discouraged, we are far from alone, and it's not the end of the world. It could actually be the beginning of new and better things. A good thing for me to read right now.