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 | Mar 26, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”
Proverbs 25:25
I stumbled onto this proverb the other day when I was looking up the passage for my earlier post about living on the corner of the roof. The reference to a distant land struck me immediately as the new term “social distancing” has become a part of the world’s recent vocabulary. Suddenly, in this particular time, the neighbors house is a distant land, our friend’s homes are distant lands, our co-workers live in a distant land – everywhere beyond our own front porch is distant. But that distance shouldn’t stop us from sharing good news!
There are so many weary souls today. As routines change, jobs become non-essential, supplies become scarce and so do our patience, everyone could use some good news. It might seem difficult to think of any good news to share, but if we can look beyond our circumstances of the moment we will find the good news to be plentiful!
I am inspired as I see friends using their gifts this week to share good news in many ways – here are a few ideas for us all to share:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
I love the way this version describes our comfort as overflowing. When we have experienced the comfort that God offers, we can’t help but want to share that comfort with others. This is especially true when we have a similar suffering. We may all have a unique set of circumstances, but right now, they are still framed by separation from others and the economic consequences of a national shutdown. We can offer comfort because we understand – we are experiencing the same trouble.
What comfort can you share with a weary soul today?
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11
Jesus certainly knew that his words of God’s love and remaining in that love would bring us joy. We can also share our joy – the joy of remaining in God’s love – and when we do, we can expect that our joy will spill over onto others. Joy is contagious and it is not based on circumstances. With God’s love, we can have joy in spite of our circumstances.
What joy can you share with a weary soul today?
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
When we are filled with the joy and peace of God, our hope is for more than this world. Even as everything we know in this life is changing daily, we can have hope that all is well eternally. If I hope for today, that is good, but temporary. If I hope for eternity, then that hope carries me through today – and tomorrow – and every day. I have that hope and I want to share it with the world because that, my friends, is the best news!
What hope can you share with a weary soul today?
In a practical sense, please do not think that your gifts are useless in this time. My friends are sharing music, exercise, reading, teaching, photos, and so much more. There is room for everyone to share – there is no limit to the need for encouragement! As is often said in our Hope*writers group, “You have something to share and the world needs to hear it!” – even if shared from a distance.
by wendy | Mar 23, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Proverbs 25:24
This verse has always been a good reminder for me, so I couldn’t resist snapping this photo when Jerry was fixing the roof on our little garden hut the other day. We are actually enjoying our time together while most of our regular distractions are suspended, but it wouldn’t be difficult to get irritated with each other being cooped up day in and day out. Treating each other with love and respect requires intentionality and work – especially right now!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
This passage gives us three commands that are pertinent to these days:
- Get rid of the bad attitude and actions!
- Be kind and compassionate!
- Forgive!
We need to set the tone in our house and family. This can be really hard when the walls are closing in and the distractions are few. Romans 12:9 says, “Love must be sincere, hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” We know that bitterness, rage, anger, etc are evil – so we must hate those attitudes in our own hearts and set out to get rid of them! Ephesians 4:17-32 is a passage that covers this extensively and a great one to read together as a family.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old 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, crated to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24
Here are few tips for dealing with people (in your own home) who tempt you to return to to the old attitudes:
- Pause – refrain from responding immediately when someone irritates you
- Pray – silently ask God to make your attitude new and to help you to be kind
- Preach (to yourself) – remind yourself of God’s truth and the goal to set the tone for kindness and compassion in your home
Let’s continue to encourage and build up one another – especially our own people – so we can view this time at home together as a gift!
