by wendy | Jun 3, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
I have a confession – I used to feel strong by putting people in their place. I had a habit of pointing out faults and weaknesses in people – especially when it came to customer service. The way I saw it, people needed to do their jobs well and it was my job to let them know when they were not. Thank God He changed that attitude in me – and he used the post-holiday return line at Walmart to do it.
I was standing in a group of people waiting to return a gift that didn’t work. It was the week after Christmas and the store manager had not yet figured out a good system for returns. There were no markers or ropes to define a line, and the poor girl at the register was so busy she hadn’t had time to look up. No one knew who was next – we only knew we were tired of waiting. The result was a crowd of irritated people and a frazzled clerk on the verge of tears.
A lady I recognized from church pushed her way to the front and begin to give the girl at the register a piece of her mind. She was loud and accusatory, and I remember thinking how ugly she appeared as she yelled at the already-defeated worker. Suddenly, it was as if God tapped me on the shoulder and held a mirror to my face. “That is the way you look when you try to put people in their place.”
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29
It was the most clarifying, convicting event of my life. And at that very moment an encourager was born.
Fast forward 15 years or so. I was in the bread aisle at Walmart (why does God use Walmart to speak to me so often?). The bread man was stocking the shelves and he realized he was blocking me from moving forward. “I’m sorry I am in your way.” he said as he moved. Then under his breath he began to mumble, “I’m always in the way. I feel like I am in the way when I am sleeping.”
“You are not in the way,” I retorted as I smiled at him. “I appreciate the work you are doing – otherwise I couldn’t buy bread.” It was a simple show of gratitude and it came easily after years of intentional encouraging.
He smiled back and continued stocking as I rolled on to the next aisle. Suddenly, he popped around the end and cheerily said, “Have a great day!” He had a pep in his step and he was no longer mumbling.
That’s when I figured it out – encouragement is a superpower!
I no longer find my strength in putting people in their place, instead I feel strong when I help people find their place, appreciate their place, and excel in their place. I am so grateful for God, for mirrors, and for a chance to change – and for superpowers. Life is really fun as an encourager!
“You were taught, with regard to your former self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24
by wendy | Jun 2, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Prayer
I met this lady on a playground in the projects where we were serving on our youth mission trip several years ago. She came over to thank us for ministering to the children and she shared how she has been praying for her community. When I asked her how I could pray for her, she poured her heart out for her neighbors. It was a precious time of sharing and though I was hoping to encourage her, she encouraged me!
In recent years, I have worked to establish a habit of encouraging others intentionally. As a part of that, I sometimes ask people that “happen” across my path, “How can I pray for you specifically?” It could be a server in a restaurant, a worker in the grocery store, or someone I notice that needs specific encouragement for a season in their life. I have been surprised that several of those people have responded by saying that no one has ever asked them that before. I have also noticed the pause and deep thought many people give to the question before responding. There seems no better way to get to the heart of a person – to uncover the struggle that weighs on most of their minds – to say to someone, “I truly care about the things you care about.” – than to ask, “How can I pray for you specifically?”
My friend, Becky, shared a post the other day about a small gesture of kindness she made towards a drive-thru employee. She simply said Hello and thanked him for serving her. The boy’s response was one of surprise and gratitude. Please, pause here to reflect on what made him grateful – she saw him and she spoke to him. It was that simple.
This is not so different from the reaction the Woman at the Well had when Jesus took the time to do the same (John 4). Jesus could have followed the social norms of the day to ignore the Samaritan woman – she was not considered worthy of being spoken to. Instead, He made it His mission to speak to her heart. The result of this conversation was encouragement of an entire village!
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony … And because of His words many more became believers.”
John 4: 39,41
I wonder – what was the result of Becky’s kindness? Could all of the employees have been encouraged that day? Could the worker have forwarded that courtesy to each of his customers? Could he have possibly gone home to encourage his family? We don’t know – but God does – and this is exactly the mission He has for us each and every day!
What is our mission?
Jesus lived His life here on mission, and that is what we are called to do as well. What is our mission? To declare His praises (1 Peter 2:9), to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), and to comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). In short – we are to be on a mission of encouragement!
Spend some time today reflecting on ways that you can live on a mission of encouragement. Resolve to be intentional in that effort each day as you see people, speak to people, pray for people, love people, serve people. Shift your perspective from all the worldly things you must be and do to one who truly knows who she is and what she is called to do!
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.”
1 John 4:16-17
by wendy | May 27, 2020 | Encouragement For Your Heart, Uncategorized
The Church (the body of believers as a whole) gives us a picture of how encouragement should look. Though it is never perfect – it is made up of people after all – the church demonstrates the Encouragement of Words, Prayer, Giving, Action, Experience, Presence, and Hospitality. It seeks to care for one another first, and then it reaches out to serve others. Even as we have not been able to meet together in the way we are used to, we are finding new ways to encourage one another and to be The Church. Let’s take a look at how the Church demonstrates the 7 types of encouragement.
The Church Encourages with Words
Jesus is the head of the church, and He is also The Word. Believers base their faith and doctrine on the Word of God and seek to grow in and teach His Word within the church. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds when we read, study, and meditate on God’s truth – His word. As we are filled with The Word, we are able to use God’s very words to encourage others. God’s word gives us hope, courage, and life!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Church Encourages with Prayer
The Bible encourages us to pray together and to pray for one another. As a church, we pray corporately as part of a service, but we also pray for each other as we share concerns and praises. We are encouraged when we know that others are praying for us and when we remember that God hears our prayers.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
The Church Encourages by Giving
Giving is a natural and accepted part of church. We give tithes and offerings to God and understand that they are used to serve the church, its members, and beyond. We also give by sharing with other believers and helping them through difficult times. What encouragement to know that God is using our resources to help others and that He will also use them to help us.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
Acts 4:32
The Church Encourages with Action
We serve God by serving others – and we are specifically commanded to serve other believers. Jesus demonstrated service for us and we continue that by serving in the church, in our homes, and in our neighborhoods and the world. As we serve others, we are encouraged by knowing that we are being used by God and again when He uses others to serve us.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
The Church Encourages with Presence
One of the things we miss most about church right now is being with our church family. Meeting by Zoom or listening to a sermon online is not the same as being present with one another. The early church set an example for us by meeting in small groups and sharing meals. Whenever possible, believers must figure out ways to be together. God uses the presence of one another to give us a feeling of peace and unity.
“(Do) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25
The Church Encourages with Experience
As believers live a life of following Christ, they are naturally setting an example of Christian living. The church is even more intentional as believers use their experience to lead and teach and as each member shares their testimonies with one another. When we tell others about how God has worked in our lives, we are encouraged and our faith grows.
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Titus 2:3-5
The Church Encourages with Hospitality
Whenever people are welcomed into the family of God – whether that is in the church building on Sunday morning or in another believer’s home – true hospitality is being offered. As the church extends its view of family to include all believers, the definition of home also expands.
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
1 Peter 4:9
Ultimately, biblical encouragement points to God – whether in word or deed. When The Church models encouragement the way God intends, it will spill out over the walls and encourage the world.
by wendy | May 20, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Hospitality, Tips for Encouraging Others
God sets a wonderful example for us in how He cares for and encourages His children. In “The Encouragement of the Father,” we looked at how God encourages us by his devotion, his sensitivity and compassion, the way He promotes and pursues peace, and blesses and forgives His children.
In Romans 12, Paul writes about the responsibility of the believer to care for and encourage our spiritual family. These responsibilities perfectly reflect God’s ways toward us. While we are exhorted to encourage other believers, Paul also reminds us in 1 Timothy that we should turn our attention first to our physical family.
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:8
This Scripture is clear – meet the needs of your household first. Meeting physical needs is necessary, but let’s not forget the importance of encouragement! I love the list Paul gives us in Romans 12:9-21 titled, “Love in Action.”
Be devoted to love…
Love sincerely and be devoted to that love.
We need to demonstrate tender, unselfish love to each member of our family. The key word here is demonstrate – how can you show that love?
Share and practice hospitality.
When we are devoted to something, we pursue it faithfully, and we can do that by sharing with one another and practicing hospitality with our own people.
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13
Be sensitive and compassionate…
Set the tone for joy, patience, and faithfulness.
Set the tone of encouragement in your home by the way you respond to and pray for each person. Model joy, patience and faithfulness to others and pray for them to follow your example as you follow the example of Christ.
Be sensitive and join others in their celebrations and in their sadness.
Pay close attention to the feelings of others and listen carefully to their hearts. We feel most heard and seen when we are met with understanding and respect for our feelings. Cheer your people on and take the time to sit with someone who is sad.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Romans 12:15
Pursue and promote peace…
Put others first and look to God to meet your needs.
Perhaps the most difficult place to be selfless is at home – expectations run high – but if we look to God to meet our needs, He will reward and bless us. Many times, when we serve one another without an agenda, we will find others following our lead.
“It is easy for us to decide that we have nothing left to give. We might say that we are exhausted, needy, used up, or beaten up. We might want to hide in a hole or lash out at irritating people around us when we feel this way, but that is not what God expects for us as His ambassadors. He wants to bring our tired and empty hearts to Him so He can fill us back up. We can exchange our dry, brittle spirit for a soft, pliable heart that has room for all of His love.”
Be a peace-seeker and a peacemaker.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
I am learning more and more that I cannot do this on my own. It requires a super-natural intervention from God to settle my own heart down and to trust Him to make peace between people. The good news is that God is a peacemaking specialist and He loves to do it! I use a strategy that I call the 3 P’s to help me in times of conflict in my own life.
The 3 P’s:
Pause – take a breath and wait before responding.
Pray – ask God to intervene in my own heart and in the heart of others involved.
Preach – to MYSELF and remind myself of God’s truth and His promises.
Bless and forgive…
Serve others even when they feel like the enemy.
God is very specific on this – we are to bless, forgive, and serve our enemies (or those who feel like the enemy in the moment) and leave any avenging to Him. This may be the most difficult thing to do, but we can trust that God is able to make things right because he is just. Anything we do for revenge is evil and does not please God.
Cling to what is good.
We had a rabbit once that latched its teeth onto the cage wire to prevent being removed from his hutch – true story. Funny picture, but this is the type of clinging we need to do – holding on to good by the skin of our teeth! And I find it takes this kind of persistence because I am constantly tempted to return to selfish motives and expectations. Sadly, they never achieve victory for me. The kind of victory I am looking for is only won when I give it all over to God and let Him have His way with me and my family – no wonder this passage is sandwiched with this concept.
“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9,21
Friends, we are responsible to encourage our people. When we look to God and seek His ways, He will give us the opportunities to encourage and the blessings will abound!
by wendy | May 18, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God
We use a loose interpretation of family in our house. We love to let others know that they are welcomed and will be included when they are here and we are passionate about loving on and serving others – especially kids. But the truth is that not every kid that visits is really our child. Unless they were actually adopted into the family, there are some privileges reserved for the ones that were given to us.
The same is true with God. He created us and loves us all. God welcomes all people to come to him and to join his family through Jesus, but unless they go through the steps to become adopted – accepting His son Jesus as savior – they cannot receive the same privileges reserved for children of God.
“To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12
As children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ, we are heirs to the Kingdom of God and we have special privileges reserved for His children. One of those privileges is regular and intentional encouragement from the Father. Here are a few ways we are encouraged by God.
God is devoted to Loving His children…
– by preparing a place for His children to be with him. (Revelation 21:1-4)
Scripture tells us that God is preparing a place for us. We can look forward to eternity in heaven with God. As his children, this is part of our inheritance.
– by giving His children purpose and fulfilling it. (Mark 16:15, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 57:2 (ESV))
Before we were even conceived, God has a unique purpose for our lives. Yes, we are all purposed to love Him, praise Him, and tell others about Him, but the way we are purposed to do it is unique for each of us. The best part is that God equips us and fulfills the purpose through us.
God is sensitive and compassionate to His children…
– by remaining present with His children. (Matthew 28:20, John 14:17)
God has given us His spirit to reside in us so that we are never alone. As His children, we have the privilege of entering His throne room by prayer at any time and His spirit prays for us when we do not know what to pray.
– by speaking the language of His children. (Acts 2:6, Romans 8:16)
Just today a friend shared that someone said the very words that her heart needed to hear. I understood what she meant because God often uses others to speak to me. He also speaks through Scripture, nature, circumstances, and the still, small voice that is His spirit. God speaks our language because He wants us to hear Him!
– by listening to His children and acting on their behalf. (Psalm 145:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3)
God promises to hear us when we pray, and He doesn’t just listen. The Bible tells us that He is compassionate – moved to action – when He hears us.
God pursues and promotes peace with and between His children…
– by being patient with His children. (Exodus 34:6)
I am so grateful for His patience! God has made a way for me even though I am constantly messing up. He doesn’t give up on me because He knows the plans He has for me!
– by providing a way of peace between His children. (Ephesians 2:14-17)
As much as I know that I hurt His heart when I am in conflict with other believers, God makes a way for us to reconcile. He has provided all the tools we need in Him to live in godly relationship with others.
– by not playing favorites with His children. (Galatians 3:26-29, Romans 10:12)
I love to tell each of my kids that they are my favorite, but they know that they are all my favorites! It is so reassuring to know that I don’t have to compete for my heavenly father’s affection – I am loved and treasured just like each of his children.
God blesses and forgives His people…
– by sacrificing for His children. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)
There is no greater sacrifice than the one Jesus made for me – and for you – and for all. And the sacrificial love continues as He serves us day after day.
– by pouring out blessings on His children. (Psalm 86:5, Psalm 128:1)
The blessings are abundant. The more I recognize God’s blessings, the more He pours them out. The biggest blessing of all is Himself – and that blessing goes on forevermore.
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.”
Psalm 67:1-2
by wendy | May 13, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Trusting God
“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you?”
Matthew 6:28-30
It’s difficult to find confidence in these days. Confidence implies knowing – certainty – peace of mind – but God reminds us that our confidence should be in Him – not in ourselves and not in the world.
We find encouragement (courage) when we remember that we have a God who is above all of creation, yet He chooses to step down into creation using His power and authority to act on our behalf – serving us in His love.
God often encourages us to remember how He serves us.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7
We can have confidence in Him when we:
Remember that He provides for us.
It’s easy in the good times to acknowledge God’s provision, but when difficulty comes we must choose to remember. Look back at the ways He has provided for his people throughout history as well as the ways He has provided personally for you. We can trust that God will provide because we have seen him do it! Make a list of the times in your life that God has provided – post it where you can see and read it often.
“He provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy.”
Acts 14:17
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:37
Remember that He protects us.
We may not always see God’s hand of protection, but we can trust that He does protect us, both from other people and from the evil one. Think back to the times in the past when you have recognized God’s protection – spend some time praising and thanking Him for his protection.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Hebrews 13:6
“The Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Remember that He heals us.
God heals us in so many ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Ultimately, God’s healing will be eternal as we join Him in heaven with perfect bodies and unending rest. Here on earth, acknowledge the ways God has healed and is healing you.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
“LORD, my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
Psalm 30:2
Remember that He comforts us.
It is one thing to have a God who provides practical things for us like food and clothes – but we have a God who does more than just provide – He cares and comforts us. God is not cold and distant – He is compassionate and loving. Spend some time asking God for his comfort and allow him to hold you close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3
Remember that He sustains us.
We can rest in the fact that it is not all up to us. We don’t need to keep up a brave front – we only need to trust in Him to sustain us. We can rest, we can sleep, we can tend to our work, we can do the things God is calling us to because He is the one who makes the sun rise and set. How can you rest today, remembering that God sustains you?
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
“He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
Acts 17:25
Remember that He forgives us.
In the ultimate act of service, God made a way to cover the price of our sins. His love gave all to save us. I can have confidence in the future because of that gift – no matter what else happens in the world. Forgiven. Saved. Secure. Forever.
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
1 John 2:12
“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.”
Colossians 2:13
When we think about the Encouragement of Action, our thoughts should immediately rest upon God. He is the King of Service. God doesn’t just say He loves us – He shows us His love by serving us – and He models what love should look like for us.
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2-4
We can have confidence when we remember that God serves us because His serving us never depends upon us. He serves us for two reasons – because He loves us and for His glory. And we can serve others for the same reason – because God loves us and for His glory!
God serves us and we serve others – and in that serving we become a reflection of God who serves and blesses infinitely (2 corinthians 12:15)
“Stand at the crossroads and look
