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The Joy of Encouragement: Unlock the Power of Building Others Up
The Greatest Healing Agent Known to Mankind
What is loneliness but the echo of an unanswered cry for love? What is the wounded soul but one aching for hope? Although most people have not received a minute’s training in medicine, everyone can offer anyone the greatest power of healing that of encouragement. In this readable, practical, and enjoyable book, popular pastor, author, and radio minister Dr. David Jeremiah examines the heart of encouragement—self-giving, genuine love—and shows how we can eagerly, easily lift up those around us. An encouragement itself, The Joy of Encouragement is scriptural and uplifting, enabling you to bask in God’s love while simultaneously giving it away. The world is about to be radically reshaped…one word at a time.
What is loneliness but an unanswered cry for love?
Lift Up the Defeated
What is a wounded soul but one aching for hope?
Redirect a Life
You wield the power to heal the hurting. You hold the words to affirm the doubting. In this readable, practical, and enjoyable book, Dr. David Jeremiah examines the heart of self-giving, genuine love—and shows how you can easily, readily, and simply offer healing and life to those around you…to your family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers.
Scriptural and uplifting, The Joy of Encouragement is an uplift in itself. You’ll find yourself basking in God’s love while giving it away.
Change the world…one word at a time.
Praise for The Joy of Encouragement
“If you need a fresh start, a new beginning, a renewed hope, then this is the book for you.”
—Joseph Aldrich, former president, Multnomah Bible College
“Do any two elements of life go together more naturally than hope and encouragement? David Jeremiah offers both in The Joy of Encouragement . Highly recommended.”
—Bruce Wilkinson, bestselling author
“A compelling call for us to infect our despairing and discouraged world with hope and encouragement. This is a strategic book for those of us who want to be used as helpers and healers on behalf of Christ.”
—Joseph Stowell, senior teaching pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel and seventh president, Moody Bible Institute
What is loneliness but the echo of an unanswered cry for love? What is the wounded soul but one aching for hope? Although most people have not received a minute’s training in medicine, everyone can offer anyone the greatest power of healing that of encouragement. In this readable, practical, and enjoyable book, popular pastor, author, and radio minister Dr. David Jeremiah examines the heart of encouragement—self-giving, genuine love—and shows how we can eagerly, easily lift up those around us. An encouragement itself, The Joy of Encouragement is scriptural and uplifting, enabling you to bask in God’s love while simultaneously giving it away. The world is about to be radically reshaped…one word at a time.
What is loneliness but an unanswered cry for love?
Lift Up the Defeated
What is a wounded soul but one aching for hope?
Redirect a Life
You wield the power to heal the hurting. You hold the words to affirm the doubting. In this readable, practical, and enjoyable book, Dr. David Jeremiah examines the heart of self-giving, genuine love—and shows how you can easily, readily, and simply offer healing and life to those around you…to your family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers.
Scriptural and uplifting, The Joy of Encouragement is an uplift in itself. You’ll find yourself basking in God’s love while giving it away.
Change the world…one word at a time.
Praise for The Joy of Encouragement
“If you need a fresh start, a new beginning, a renewed hope, then this is the book for you.”
—Joseph Aldrich, former president, Multnomah Bible College
“Do any two elements of life go together more naturally than hope and encouragement? David Jeremiah offers both in The Joy of Encouragement . Highly recommended.”
—Bruce Wilkinson, bestselling author
“A compelling call for us to infect our despairing and discouraged world with hope and encouragement. This is a strategic book for those of us who want to be used as helpers and healers on behalf of Christ.”
—Joseph Stowell, senior teaching pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel and seventh president, Moody Bible Institute
201 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2006
142 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
David Jeremiah
801 books875 followersDr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, felt God’s calling on his life at a very early age. Born February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Jeremiah was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At the age of eleven, Dr. Jeremiah and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where his father, Dr. James T. Jeremiah, was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and in 1953 became the President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio.
As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.
In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.
Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.
Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.
As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.
Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.
Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network and BET, the Black Entertainment Network.
Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.
Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God
As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.
In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.
Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.
Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.
As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.
Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.
Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network and BET, the Black Entertainment Network.
Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.
Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 12, 2017
I purchased this book because I am part of a bible study group that decided to use this as our lesson. Dr. Jeremiah teaches us how we can easily, readily, and simply offer healing and life to those around us…to our family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers. He gives practical applications that are not difficult, or mind shattering, but that we may have not considered. I was particularly interested in the section on encouraging children, because I am a grandma. To encourage, guide, and empower my grand kids is important to me. I would recommend this as a guide for anyone who wants to be an encourager to others.
October 7, 2017
Very good book on a much needed subject.
July 29, 2011
Similar to Jeremiah's other books, this one does not disappoint in its attempt to examine the heart of encouragement and how we can lift others up in our daily lives. I particularly enjoyed his chapters on how husbands and wives can encourage each other and how parents can encourage their children. Of course, the key is having the right relationship with God so you can fill up on His love and then share it with others.
April 26, 2018
Read and studied this with my church group. Great reminder of the power of our words and actions to build others up or tear them down. Content led to many great discussions, lots of laughter and an occasional tear. The stories the author uses to illustrate his point at times did not feel encouraging (which at times might have contributed to the laughter), but overall the group enjoyed the study. Lots of practical application.
July 16, 2020
Another great book by Dr. Jeremiah
COVID 19 has so fundamentally changed our world it’s difficult some days to find the enthusiasm to get out of bed. Dr. Jeremiah thoughtfully takes us through encouragement, the how’s, why’s, the need and yearning for it, the life saving aspect of it, and how being an encourager strengthens and equips us, and moves us ever closer to Christ. Always a pleasure Pastor, thank you for your words.
COVID 19 has so fundamentally changed our world it’s difficult some days to find the enthusiasm to get out of bed. Dr. Jeremiah thoughtfully takes us through encouragement, the how’s, why’s, the need and yearning for it, the life saving aspect of it, and how being an encourager strengthens and equips us, and moves us ever closer to Christ. Always a pleasure Pastor, thank you for your words.
October 11, 2021
I bought this book for two reasons. My mom liked to read David Jeremiah's works, and I like the theme of encouragement. It's as, well, encouraging, as a cup of tea. Much more uplifting than David Jeremiah's "I Never Thought I'd See the Day."
I had, unfortunately, heard some of the anecdotes in this book before. But they were well done if you haven't happened to hear them.
I hadn't realized that all three parts of the Trinity had been referred to as Encouragers in scripture.
I loved the retelling of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. I don't think I realized that it was odd for Him to take over the role of host in their home. Somehow, I never realized what it had been that brought their attention to the fact that Jesus was with them. I thought maybe it was His familiar mannerisms in breaking bread and passing it to them. I hadn't realized that in handing them the bread, He would have revealed His scars.
"It's surprising how much you can believe without believing enough." That's a sobering truth.
The passages about Barnabus were familiar to me, but I did like the synopsis about encouragers being "performers, not pretenders." Oddly enough, today's sermon was on the same passage, and when that happens I wonder if God's especially trying to get my attention with something. I think today's sermon used the phrase, "Don't flaunt virtues you don't have," in relation to Ananias and Sapphira.
I loved the chapter on writing encouraging notes, and thought the sections in it were good. I also do like that story from Chuck Colson in his "Loving God," a book I've read not too long ago. (Goodreads has it under Charles Colson rather than Chuck Colson.)
I loved F. W. Borham's domino analogy of "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15. I'd never thought about it like that before.
The Joseph Bayly story was interesting enough that, if I were grieving, I'd look up his books: "The View from the Hearse," "The Last Thing We Talk About," and "Heaven." So I'll mention them here in case I ever do want to go back and find them.
I also loved Ruth Bell Graham's poem about grief as quoted in Elizabeth Skoglund's "Wounded Heros"
Don't talk to me yet;
the would is fresh,
the nauseous pain
I can't forget
fades into numbness
like a wave,
then comes again.
Your tears I understand,
But grief is deaf;
It cannot hear the words
you gently planned
and tried to say.
But ...
pray
I had, unfortunately, heard some of the anecdotes in this book before. But they were well done if you haven't happened to hear them.
I hadn't realized that all three parts of the Trinity had been referred to as Encouragers in scripture.
I loved the retelling of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. I don't think I realized that it was odd for Him to take over the role of host in their home. Somehow, I never realized what it had been that brought their attention to the fact that Jesus was with them. I thought maybe it was His familiar mannerisms in breaking bread and passing it to them. I hadn't realized that in handing them the bread, He would have revealed His scars.
"It's surprising how much you can believe without believing enough." That's a sobering truth.
The passages about Barnabus were familiar to me, but I did like the synopsis about encouragers being "performers, not pretenders." Oddly enough, today's sermon was on the same passage, and when that happens I wonder if God's especially trying to get my attention with something. I think today's sermon used the phrase, "Don't flaunt virtues you don't have," in relation to Ananias and Sapphira.
I loved the chapter on writing encouraging notes, and thought the sections in it were good. I also do like that story from Chuck Colson in his "Loving God," a book I've read not too long ago. (Goodreads has it under Charles Colson rather than Chuck Colson.)
I loved F. W. Borham's domino analogy of "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15. I'd never thought about it like that before.
The Joseph Bayly story was interesting enough that, if I were grieving, I'd look up his books: "The View from the Hearse," "The Last Thing We Talk About," and "Heaven." So I'll mention them here in case I ever do want to go back and find them.
I also loved Ruth Bell Graham's poem about grief as quoted in Elizabeth Skoglund's "Wounded Heros"
Don't talk to me yet;
the would is fresh,
the nauseous pain
I can't forget
fades into numbness
like a wave,
then comes again.
Your tears I understand,
But grief is deaf;
It cannot hear the words
you gently planned
and tried to say.
But ...
pray
February 2, 2020
A much needed guide for a much needed ministry.
This book reminded me of the gift of encouragement in my life. It stirred me to examine once again how I am letting the Holy Spirit use that gift to minister to others.
I found it to be a provocative read & guide.
Dr Jeremiah has laid out a great case for the need of encouragement both in the church & in our everyday lives. It is not preachy but tender, exposing the heart of an encouager.
I would highly recommend it to every believer. Take it to heart & let God speak to you.
This book reminded me of the gift of encouragement in my life. It stirred me to examine once again how I am letting the Holy Spirit use that gift to minister to others.
I found it to be a provocative read & guide.
Dr Jeremiah has laid out a great case for the need of encouragement both in the church & in our everyday lives. It is not preachy but tender, exposing the heart of an encouager.
I would highly recommend it to every believer. Take it to heart & let God speak to you.
March 9, 2018
Easy quick inspirational read. It will motivate to reach out and encourage someone. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to build up another.
Easy quick inspirational read. It will motivate you to reach out and encourage someone. Just what the world needs !
Easy quick inspirational read. It will motivate you to reach out and encourage someone. Just what the world needs !
September 4, 2019
In a world filled with chaos and lies, David Jeremiah's book was a breath of fresh air. We need The Joy of Encouragement. We need to pass this message on to everyone we meet. Joy will fight the discouragement we face today. Purpose yourself to have joy in your life. Read this wonderful book and buy more to share with others.
July 10, 2018
This was a very good book on how to be encouraging to those around us. It shows, through the Word, how Jesus was an encourager to so many in His days on Earth. Something we should all strive for.
August 20, 2018
Great insight and helpful suggestions
March 27, 2019
Good read
June 12, 2019
A good, needful book on encouragement.
January 10, 2020
Joy of Encouragement
Love David Jeremiah. The Job section was great. May we all encourage and love others as Christ commands us to do.
Love David Jeremiah. The Job section was great. May we all encourage and love others as Christ commands us to do.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews