By the looks of the mail I am receiving the enemy is having a hey day in an attempt to destroy the lives of both believer and unbeliever.

Discouragement is the underlying attack of almost evrything that is going. In our cell last night I said that almost every call I get is somehow involved with money. And at this time of year it brings great discouragement.

So what do we do? Some advocate standing in their faces screaming Scripture, reminding them they have the victory and perhaps for some that will work. But for most it just heaps the guilt and the condemnation upon them and they walk away(maybe even momentarily smiling) AND thinking they don't understand. It won't work. Why? There is no love here. "brother Lee, tough times need tough answers". Yes, they do. I fully agree. But if you complete the devil's work, we have a problem. If that person walks away worse than when they got there(oh yeah-sometimes its got to get worse before it gets better!-I don't believe that is applicable to saints helping saints) we have a problem-God wasn't involved.

"Why so downcast oh my soul-put your trust in God!"

Trust is an ongoing process that grows; it isn't just there.(But they trusted to get saved) And when you are drowning you trust the habd that saves you, because its there, but you still have to walk on dry land. And your senses of mistrust kick in. How can I write this? I have fought discouragement all my life.

If you want to help someone, be a part of their life. Be a Godly influence. Help them to study the Word, teach them, help them to grow.

As the old adage says; "It is better to teach one to fish that they might fish for themselves, than it is to just give them fish, causing them to depend on you for a day." Let's do what Jesus did. Let's be like Him and teach these people to walk in the power of Him. I, one person, can not teach a nation. (I can't even teach a church without others. It takes others. Others is spelled Y-O-U!!!

And those who are battling discouragement, you are not off the hook. If you are not plugged in to a church, a cell and relying only on the tv, radio or(God forbid) this email, help yourselves. If you can't get out, let us know. We will pray that a church will take an interest in you.

Two by two, it says they went out (hey, they even came back-all of them!) and I believe that part of that is that they needed friendship and encouragement and exhortation. I don't see God outlining a church of one just for lone rangers. He outlines a body and it is time we got connected.

If you are encourager, find some one who can help you employ your gift. If you are discouraged, as the ad said,"reach out and touch someone"! Maybe you feel its only you. Well, the hem of an almighty God is at your fingertips. Call Him. Today. Jeremiah 33:3