by wendy | Apr 13, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
My friend Sandi is a “gift encourager.” She readily admits that giving presents is her love language and her favorite way to encourage others. Sandi is amazing at studying and listening to her friends so that her gifts are thoughtful and unique to the recipient. She loves to find special things that are useful to that person and the gifts always seem to arrive just when the encouragement is needed. In this particular gifting, Sandi is reflecting the heart of God because His gifts are always good, useful, and encouraging!
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God’s gifts are always good!
“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
God is thoughtful about the gifts he gives us. He has given the gift of his son, Jesus, and salvation and the Holy Spirit for all who would accept, but he also gives unique gifts to each of us (1 Corinthians 12:4). He knows us completely because he made us and he studies us (Psalm 139). He gives us gifts that meet our needs and enable us to do good things for others.
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God’s gifts are always useful!
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:11
Every gift God gives us is good for us and good for us to use (James 1:17)! Spiritual gifts – special abilities such as teaching, administration, prophecy, giving – are given to build up and serve the church (1 Peter 4:10). Blessings – material, financial, physical, emotional – are given to share with and serve those in need. Talents – creative and skillful – are given to serve the world and to testify to his glory. When we receive a gift from God, we can be certain we are supposed to use it (Matthew 25:14-30).
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God’s gifts are always encouraging!
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.“
2 Corinthians 9:12-15
When God gives gifts, the result is a never-ending cycle of encouragement. God’s gift of his son, Jesus, causes us to be generous givers in grateful response. Our generosity in giving causes others to give thanks to God for our gifts and to pray for us. The overflow continues giving encouragement to others and ourselves, as well as glory to God.
God’s gifts are the ultimate definition of gifts that keep on giving! As we receive God’s good, useful, and encouraging gifts, may we always respond in gratitude by giving to others.
by wendy | Apr 9, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Hospitality
I love it when God teaches me through experiences, and I tend to learn the lesson even more fully when He uses my own writing to impact my heart. This week has been one of those opportunities and I know He timed it for just when I would need the encouragement.
I have been using themes to organize my writing goals for each week. This week, I felt led to write about Hospitality. It seemed like an odd topic – given the current quarantine situation – but I embraced the challenge and brainstormed about the unique ways I have seen people offer hospitality while social distancing. Even as I blogged about the loneliness of others, my own heart was grieving this week. I felt alone.
Early in the week, my friend and neighbor texted to ask if she could visit in the yard. We have a beautiful maple tree just outside my back door that creates a “room” with the strong branches. Several swings hang from its arms and that old tree has hosted more conversations than I can count. The swings hang a safe distance apart and the fresh air and cool shade offer hospitality without compromising health. We had a wonderful visit and after she left I felt less alone.
Just last night, another friend texted and asked to stop by for a visit. “I’ll meet you under the tree!” was my quick response. This time, the dusk had settled in and my family was all around – but somehow our conversation felt safe and sacred under the protection of the maple’s canopy. Hospitality provided hope and healing under the shelter of peace.
Even in this time of quarantine and social distance, we still need to be together. Virtual meetings are good, texting and calling are important, writing letters and posting on social media have value – but there is nothing that replaces the actual presence of a person. I respect the need to be isolated in this time, but in the right environment, with the proper precautions, we still need each other.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:11-12
I am grateful for my opportunities this week to offer hospitality. God used my own gift of encouragement to encourage me! He blessed me by giving me opportunity to bless others. In my own words from Volume 1 of “A Daily Cup of Encouragement – One Sip at a Time”:
“This is abundance – full circle – complete. The word, Shalom, that we know as peace, means completeness in Hebrew. When God completes something there is peace – Shalom.”
Go in peace, my friends. I pray that you are able to encourage someone in the coming days and that in your encouragement, your own heart will be blessed. Shalom.
by wendy | Apr 7, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Hospitality
Easter seems to feel a bit different this year. The thought of Jesus’s death sits atop the mounding thoughts of death from the corona virus.The empty tomb and Christians hiding in their houses highlights the uncertainty we feel in these times. Our worldly Easter traditions thrown aside – we are forced to face the holiday for what it is – raw and unfiltered – purely about Jesus and what He has done for us.
Shortly after the resurrection, Peter and his friends did what he knew best – he went fishing. This wasn’t just a pastime to him, it was his profession. When things are uncertain, we tend to go back to what we know, and Peter was no different. After a night of no success, a man on the shore yelled out a suggestion to throw out their nets on the other side. Though they had not yet recognized Jesus, I feel sure the bulging nets they hauled in from the right side of the boat brought the realization that their friend was with them! Peter – no surprise here – jumped out of the boat and hurried to his side while the others brought in the boat and fish.
It is this part of the story that warms my heart most. Jesus was waiting on shore with a fire, ready to cook them breakfast. He knew they had been out all night fishing; He knew they had been suffering in a season of uncertainty; He knew they were dealing with grief and guilt and guessing – so He fed them. Jesus brought hospitality to them – where they needed it, when they needed it. When they were finished eating, He gave Peter directions:
“Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.'”
John 21:17
We just don’t know what is going to happen next in this world – but we do know this: Jesus is alive and well and He wants us to feed His sheep. He has given us His word, His blessings, and gifts to do the work of caring for people. Certainly we are to feed the souls of others with His word, but Jesus also demonstrates for us how we can meet the needs of people in practical ways.
“If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
James 2:16
Jesus brought hospitality and fellowship to the disciples in a time when they needed it most. He filled their bellies so He could fill their hearts. This is the time, friends, when we should be looking for opportunities to do the same. To whom can you deliver hospitality today? Who do you know that needs the encouragement of a warm meal and knowledge that you are available? How can you use God’s word, the blessings He has given you, and the gifts He has bestowed on you to meet people where they are?
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'”
Matthew 25:34-36
by wendy | Apr 6, 2020 | Encouragement, Godly Relationships, Hospitality, Tips for Encouraging Others
This season of quarantine and social distancing may seem an unlikely time to discuss the encouragement of hospitality, but since we are unable to offer hospitality in our usual way – it might just be the best time. Typically, our contemporary understanding of hospitality involves having people into our homes and entertaining them with food and conversation. Hospitality often conjures up visions of a beautifully decorated and immaculately cleaned house as well as a gourmet dinner and perfectly behaved children. The recipients of this hospitality are usually assumed to be friends or family – invited guests – and they would of course be gracious. But is this the biblical picture of hospitably?
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice Hospitality.”
Romans 12:13
At first glance, these two sentences might seem to be to repetitive, but not necessarily. As Christians, we understand that believers are considered to be like family, and while it is not an easy practice, sharing with other Christians would make sense. We are to look beyond the four walls of our home – even beyond the walls of our local church – to meet the needs of The Church, the body of all believers.
Once Paul established our duty to care for other believers, he stretched our understanding of caring for others in general. The greek word used here for hospitality is “philoxenia” which means love of strangers. Yes, we are to share with those who share our faith, but we are also to extend that same love to people that we don’t know at all.
As difficult as it is for some of us to think about offering hospitality to our close friends and family, opening up our most intimate spaces to strangers is surely out of our comfort zone. But most of us are already uncomfortable in this ever-changing world today, so we might as well stretch a bit more. How then, can we offer hospitality without allowing anyone into our homes? Here are some ways I have seen you practicing hospitality in the midst of the pandemic:
6 Ways To Offer Hospitality In The Midst of a Pandemic
- Share your space virtually.
Keep sharing the beauty and humor you find in your day. We may not be there in person, but we can find joy in your happy times. Teach us to cook a meal, sing us a song, do a little dance, show us your cute animals. Each time you let us into your life, we feel a little less alone.
- Create a virtual gathering
So many people right now just need someone with whom to connect. Create an open time for people to gather virtually and talk, start a virtual book club, or do an online Bible Study. Consider opening the group to people you don’t already know. Who knows what new friendships may form!
Food is stil a major factor in fellowship – who says you can’t break bread together? Prepare or order a portion for your friend, have it delivered or leave it on the doorstep, and then enjoy conversation by phone or FaceTime while you each eat in the safety of your own homes.
- Watch a movie or listen to a concert virtually.
Shared experience is an important key to defeating loneliness. Choose something that you both enjoy and make a virtual date.
- Share prayers or bedtime stories virtually.
This is an amazing time to share your important family traditions with others. Include grandparents, the neighbor, the single mom with little ones, or even your friends that live far away. Pray or read together over the phone or use FaceTime or zoom.
- Offer a safe outdoor space for a mini-vacation.
While many parks, beaches, and entertainment venues are closed, you can share your private outdoor spaces with those who don’t have access to enjoy nature right now. Invite one family at a time to walk on your trail through the woods or fish in the pond on your farm. Offer your secret sunset viewing spot, or your picnic table at the edge of the field. Stay in the house and let the outdoor space be theirs to enjoy for the day – even overnight if they want to camp out and watch the stars!
We are all looking forward to a time when we can gather again in person, but let this be a time to practice hospitality in some unconventional ways. My hope is that you will be so blessed by the virtual hospitality that you will be virtually unable to resist hospitality in person when the time comes!
by wendy | Apr 2, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
God is constantly at work in my life – and in yours – whether we are aware or not. He is present in the sermons I listen to, the Scripture I read, the songs I hear, the people that encourage me, and in the circumstances of my every day. If I simply coast through my days without paying attention I am likely to miss what He is doing, but if I am intentional about connecting the dots I can begin to see a pattern. Journaling is the key to following the path of His encouragement.
Listed below are 3 journal prompts I use every week to connect the dots:
1. Where have you seen God at work?
Reflect back through the week to see where God has been at work. What prayers were answered? What issues were resolved? What blessings were received? What opportunities to serve came up? Look specifically for God’s protection, provision, and presence.
“My Father is alway at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
John 5:17
2. What has God taught you through His Word?
Take notes during sermons – we have an incredible opportunity to attend any church we want online during this pandemic, but be certain you are “attending” Bible-preaching churches. Underline specific verses in your devotional and Bible Study. Record verses that jump out to you on social media. Pay close attention to any Scripture that comes up in your week.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
3. What other resources has God used to speak to you?
Think beyond your normal “spiritual activities” of the week. Besides church, Bible Study, and prayer, what else has God used to speak to you this week? God is not limited to any resource, and while we should not put too much stock in any one thing (other than the Bible) God often speaks through other people and our circumstances. We often don’t recognize God in these things until we see them in context of what else He is teaching us.
“To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me?”
Jeremiah 6:10
Each one of these “God touches” is a point on a path that He is leading us along. When we write these things down, we can be more intentional about connecting the dots and following the path of His encouragement.
by wendy | Apr 1, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Tips for Encouraging Others
My friend Heather has a fascinating approach to her quiet time. She has a variety of yearly devotional books that she reads from daily. Every morning, she turns to the date in each book and reads the words of wisdom from several writers, and though the perspectives may vary, there is often a common theme. In and of itself, this practice is helpful – but Heather takes it a step further. In each of those books, she records how the words and Scriptures speak to her on that day of that year. Each year that passes therefore, not only provides Heather with the words of the authors, but also her own words. She is taken back to the struggles and victories of years past and able to recall the truths God spoke to her personally through the authors of the devotionals and her time spent with Him.
Heather has been sharing these thoughts with me for years. When I am struggling, she will often send me a photo of several of her devotionals for that day. Because she has invested time in these books, she also knows where to find specific writings to speak to my concern. The words she has read and written are no longer encouraging her heart alone, now they are encouraging mine!
Heather’s devotion to reading and writing about God’s truth has inspired and instructed my own practices. I now write similar notes and thoughts in my Bible as I am studying as well as in any book I may be reading at the time. I also love the opportunities I have to share these notes with other friends and family as they come to me with struggles of their own.
We usually think of journaling as something for ourselves, but I have discovered that it is often just as useful in encouraging others.
5 Ways Journaling Helps Us Encourage Others
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Journaling reminds me of my past thoughts.
I am always changing and growing and I have a tendency to expect others to be on the same wavelength that I am on right now. When I read my notes, I remember that I have had different thoughts in each stage of my life. How I understood life as a young wife and parent is vastly different from the way I think now that I have experienced grown children. The value in recollecting my thoughts from past seasons is to remember that the struggles I felt then were valid and real. I now have the benefit of knowing the strength that God gave me to persevere in those difficult times and to be able to comfort someone else in a season that I have lived through.
2. Journaling reminds me of how I have struggled.
I sometimes forget the struggle. Perhaps it is because I tend to be an optimist or maybe I have simply blocked the hard times, but my life has not been easy or perfect and it is important for me to remember that. It is the hardships in life that have grown me the most and if I cannot remember what was hard then I may not remember the lesson. Recalling difficulties gives me more compassion for others and also helps me to continue to walk in gratitude for the blessings I have in my life. While I should never dwell on the difficulties, remembering gives way to praise and thanksgiving and helps me to better encourage others who are struggling in similar ways.
3. Journaling reminds me of how I have grown.
There are times when I am discouraged by my lack of progress. Days, weeks, months, and even years have gone by when I feel like I am stuck in a rut. This feeling of being trapped in my own inability to move forward prompted me to create a weekly assessment for myself. For the last year, I have recorded answers to prompts like “How did I handle conflict this week?” And “What did I do this week to work toward my goal?” Journaling my responses has helped me to face the reality of places where I am truly stuck, but also to celebrate forward progress. Looking back over a year of assessment gives me the opportunity to see how I have really grown. As I have learned to look for my own progress, I am able to encourage others to do the same.
4. Journaling reminds me of the help I have received from God.
One of my favorite prompts in my weekly assessment is, “Where have I seen God at work this week?” It has become a discipline for me to look for God at work in my every day. At first, I was only able to think of a few things to write, but as I began the practice of thinking back and examining the week for “God sightings” suddenly I was able to see Him everywhere! Now, I often run out of space writing down all of the ways I see Him at work. When I read my previous notes about my struggles and difficulties and then about how God helped, strengthened, provided, protected, and was present – I can’t help but share that good news with others!
5. Journaling reminds me how others have encouraged me.
I love recalling the encouragement of others so much that I made this a prompt in my assessment – “How have other encouraged me this week?” It is so easy to feel alone in my struggles. When I record encouragement that I have received, I am able to revive my own sense of community. Written encouragement (even when it is my own words) encourages the heart over and over. When I read about how someone called, wrote a note, prayed for me, cooked a meal, gave a gift, texted – any form of encouragement – I am encouraged all over again and inspired to encourage others in the same way.
Today is the day to begin journaling. Whether you scribble notes in your Bible or start a formal journal, your practice of recording your journey is the first step in encouraging others!
“My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.”
Psalm 71:15-16
