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James 3:13-18, John15:9-12, 17,Mat 26:40-41

I. Last week we saw how geese are smarter than we think.

A. They work together to allow everyone to achieve their best.

B. They use the help given to them in the best way possible.

C. And they share the burdens so no one gets worn out.

D. Now let’s look at some other things that Christians can learn from a goose.

II. When geese are flying south in formations we usually hear them coming because they are honking. But they are not honking so we can hear them coming. The Geese in the back honk at the ones in the front to encourage them to keep up their speed.

A. Now I don’t know who has had the time to study this and find out why geese honk but someone has.

(James 3:13-18 NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

B. The important thing to remember is the geese are not honking just to be honking, and the honking is to encourage not to drag down.

C. There are a lot of people who could learn from geese, but Christians surely can. We all need encouragement.

D. There was once a legend that said the devil once put his tools up for auction. There was one oddly shaped tool that was labeled "not for sale" Someone asked for a explanation, and the devil said " I can spare my other tools but I can’t spare this one, it is the most useful implement that I have. It is called discouragement, and with it I can work my way into hearts that are otherwise inaccessible. When I get this tool into a heart the way is open to plant anything there I want.

E. If you are not to be a leader, you are to be a helper and an encourager. Encouragement can make the difference that nothing else can.

F. There was a young man that rode the elevated train in a city to and from work. In a place that the train moved slowly he had noticed through a window, that an elderly lady lay in a bed . She was apparently sick and bed ridden. For several weeks he noticed her there, so he found out her name and sent her a get well card, signing a young man that rides the train. It was week later before he rode the train home again and he noticed that the bed was empty, but in the window lighted by lamp was a large note that said "God Bless You"

G. I am sure that more encouragement and less discouragement is needed in more churches today.

H. When you are here on Sunday morning it is an encouragement to me and others. those of you that are here on Sunday nights are an encouragement. Those of you who are here on Wednesday nights are an encouragement.

I. Those of you who get into worship and participate with enthusiasm, I know are an encouragement to Jose.

J. There are some you that I look for every week when I am standing at the door because I know that you are going to be positive and encouraging.

K. Your encouragement keeps me going when discouragement tries to creep in.

L. I never want anyone to say something that they don’t mean, but your actions and your words of encouragement mean more than you will ever know.

M. And those who are leading will lead better, and be more excited about leading the more you encourage.

N. Another important thing is you can disagree and not be a discouragement.

O. We need a balance.

P. We need people who can see the other side of an issue, who are able to help the rest of us see it in a positive way.

Q. One thing is for certain every leader needs the backing of those who are following.

R. Just in case anyone would think that I am talking about just me and Jose

1. Your Sunday School teacher is your leader and needs your encouragement.

2. The worship team are leaders and they need your encouragement.

3. Sunday school directors, and department leaders, committee chairman, need you encouragement.