1. David wrote words of encouragement: Psalm 27:1-14.

2. When Joshua replaced Moses as the leader of God’s people, the Lord thought he needed encouragement: Joshua 1:1-9.

3. In 57 A.D., writing from Corinth, Paul wrote words of encouragement to the Christians at Rome: Romans 1:7-8.

4. In 61 A.D., Paul, after a long sea trip and shipwreck, on his way as a prisoner from Palestine to Rome, received encouragement from those Roman Christians: they heard about his coming, walking many miles up the Appian Way into the city. The Christians walked 33 miles out to the Three Inns and on down to the Market of Appius 43 miles from Rome to meet him. "When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage" (Acts 28:15).

5. Paul himself was a man of courage: Philippians 3:7-14; 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

6. A runaway slave girl learned that God was watching: Genesis 16:13. But whatever, good or bad, we are doing, God is watching: Proverbs 15:3. He is never far away: Philippians 4:5.

7. Christians are to encourage one another: Romans 1:12. Robert Browning wrote:

8. Jesus left words of encouragement: John 14:1-3.