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, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 1:3
The book of James discusses faith in action and explains that the our faith results in demonstrating love for God and love for others through our actions. We cannot achieve salvation through our deeds, but our good deeds demonstrate our changed hearts and the gratitude we have for God’s grace and mercy.
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.”
Deuteronomy 16:17
When we are encouraged by God, the natural response is to then encourage others – and perhaps one of the most practical ways we can do this is through service. When we serve others out of the abundance God has given us, we are blessed!
Here are 5 Ideas for you to serve others through Encouragement in Action:
Use the Tools I have:
We all have tools – lawn tools, business tools, kitchen tools, craft tools, educational tools, and of course regular household tools – and chances are we have tools that others do not. What a great encouragement we can offer others when we use our tools to serve each other!
Use the Skills I have:
What skills do you have? Cooking/baking, landscaping, mechanics, bookkeeping, teaching/tutoring, childcare, medical care, photography, decorating, sewing, household repair – the list could go on and on. How can you use something you are good at to encourage someone else?
Use the Time I have:
Even if we don’t own many tools or feel unskilled, we all have time (or can make time) to help someone. Offer to clean out gutters, walk the dog, make a meal, run errands, babysit, mow the grass, clean the house, check the mail, water the plants, read to a child. Think about what a difference just a little bit of time could make in someone else’s life!
Use the Money I have:
Perhaps you are super busy but have financial resources you can share. Purchase a gift card, pay for a house cleaner, donate to a cause, pay for an inspection, buy the food, purchase sports equipment, cover a bill. Go beyond a handout and use your gift to perform a needed service.
Use the Energy and Strength I have:
Energy and strength is a gift not everyone possesses. If you have even a little, give the gift of yourself to serve as a gopher, lifter, worker, digger, mover, etc. My kids make fun of my “magic finger” when I point to things that need to be done, but give someone the power to get things done in your strength as you serve and be sure to enjoy the fellowship while you work together!
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10
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
by wendy | May 12, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
When my mother-in-law, Rhoda, passed away several years ago, my father-in-law gifted each of her children with a pair of her shoes – each holding a plant. We placed Rhoda’s sneakers in our garden and they serve as a fitting reminder of her legacy – she was an amazing example of Encouragement in Action.
I never saw Rhoda without her shoes on – I think she hit the floor running each day. Her feet carried her as she served others constantly. Whether she was baking cakes, scrubbing floors, delivering food, driving to the airport, or babysitting children – she was a woman in action. It took me a while to get used to her flurry of activity – especially when she came to visit. Not one to sit and chat, Rhoda cooked and canned, baked and swept, and even polished my silver. Eventually, I came to understand that was her way of showing love.
Even though I experienced her servant heart and passion for doing good deeds, I wasn’t able to put Rhoda’s life into perspective until her time here was done. The visitation for her funeral was scheduled at the largest church available in the area for three hours. People arrived early and stood in line for hours – at least two hours past the allotted time – to have the chance to say to her family, “Let me tell you what Rhoda did for me!” Friends, family, neighbors, and strangers waited patiently to acknowledge the impact my mother-in-law had on their lives. Even in her short 74 years, Rhoda’s reach was enormous – almost as big as her heart.
The significance of that day spoke to my heart in a variety of ways:
As an encourager, I was incredibly inspired.
So many women have influenced my passion to encourage others, but Rhoda specifically inspired me to have a servant heart. She never gave up – even when she was in pain herself. Serving was so deeply ingrained within her that I believe it was her lifeblood. At the root of her service was always love – love for God and love for others.
Her wide reach inspired me to consider every person I meet as an opportunity to encourage.
Rhoda’s encouragement did not discriminate. Old, young, rich, poor, social outcast, or community leader – she saw them all the same. Rhoda’s family is quite large – but it didn’t really matter if you were related or not – she treated all like family!
I am most grateful for the servant heart she planted in her son – my husband.
Rhoda didn’t operate a solo mission. She took along anyone she could – and that included her children when they were small. I am now blessed to be the partner of a mighty example of an Encourager in Action and he is passing that legacy on to our children.
When I visit my garden and my eyes come to rest on Rhoda’s shoes, I have grand visions of filling them someday. But when I shift the focus from the shoes to the thriving plant that is growing inside them, I remember that God is using her legacy to spill over and fill more than any pair of shoes could contain.
“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 prayer 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
by wendy | May 5, 2020 | Encouragement, Godly Relationships, Prayer, Tips for Encouraging Others
When I think of practicing the Encouragement of Presence, I imagine sitting shoulder to shoulder and hugs and warm touches. I am looking forward to the time when that kind of presence is welcome again, but in the meantime I want to be intentional about offering my presence to those that need encouragement. Here are some practical ideas for the Encouragement of Presence during a pandemic:
1. Be Present with the ones you can be with in Person
Often I am so busy trying to encourage everyone else that I forget about the people in my house that need encouragement. As many of us are sheltering in place with our families, it seems the perfect time to reset the focus and to be present with our people. However, it still takes intentionality. Set a time for a family meal, position yourself in common areas where you can be available, start conversations, and most of all – listen. For me, this is a unique opportunity to have my people all here and I don’t want to miss it!
2. Be Present with your Voice
When you cannot be physically present with someone who needs encouragement, pick up the phone and let them hear your voice! There is something incredibly comforting about the sound of someone you know, and while a message or text is good, the pause while you listen on the phone is infinitely better than the … while your person waits for you to respond.
3. Be Present Virtually
Perhaps a step up from a phone call, a video chat allows you to hear a voice and see a face! Expression and body language are a large part of communication, and you will be a wonderful encouragement when you show up (even sans makeup)! This is also a great way to visit while doing other things – like a puzzle or project or eating a meal.
4. Be Present with Photos
Like many others, I am using some of this quarantine time to sort through old photos. It warms my heart and brings me joy to see the pictures of my grown children when they were little. Photos bring back memories and with them the feelings of being in the presence of people. As you come across pictures that would be special to others, send them along with a note of why they are special to you. The memories will make good companions even when you cannot be present.
5. Be Present with a Present
I love to joke with our kids and tell them that my presence is their presents! The truth is, at times, my present can help to remind someone of my presence. A thoughtful gift can make a person feel loved and known and your presence remains as the recipient thinks of you each time they use the gift. This can be especially true when the gift is a reminder of a special time you spent together.
6. Be Present from a safe Distance
When it comes to seeing their loved ones, people have certainly been using their creativity during this pandemic. I love the ideas of visiting through windows, driving by in cars, and sitting far apart in the yard. We can be physically present even with some distance between us. If someone needs your physical presence – be safe – but figure out how to make it happen. There really is no substitute for being with someone in person.
7. Be Present in your Prayers
Always be present in your prayers! Ephesians 2:6 tells us that we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms. If God can supernaturally seat us with Him (in prayer) while we are still here on earth then he can also cause others to feel our presence through our prayers. I have often had people say to me, “I felt your prayers,” and I believe this is what they mean. While our physical presence is important, it is not more important than ushering others into the heavenly throne room in the presence of God when we lift them up in prayer.
Friends, we need the Encouragement of Presence – even now when we are told not to be in the presence of others. Let’s use these practical ideas and not give up meeting with one another in whatever way we can.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.”
Hebrews 10:23
by wendy | May 5, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
God is so good to me! Whenever I am feeling lonely, He reminds me of His presence. A beautiful sunset, a special Scripture, His peace in my spirit – all of these are like a touch of His hand upon my shoulder to remind me He is there – but perhaps my favorite of all the ways He demonstrates His presence to me is through His people.
A note in the mail, a call from a friend, a smile, a hug, a kind word, a warm meal – each of these serves as a God touch to my lonely, hurting, or anxious soul. A reminder that He is here. And He sees me. And He cares.
It made me think of a favorite children’s book, The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn. (The link allows you to hear the author read this story.) In the story, the little raccoon doesn’t want to go to school because he would prefer to stay with his mother. In her wisdom, she gives him a kiss on the hand to remind him of her love. Each time he thinks of the kissing hand, he is encouraged. In the end, little raccoon kisses her hand back.
The encouragement of others is God’s kiss upon my hand. How amazing is it that when I encourage others it is like kissing God’s hand back?
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
God calls us to encourage one another and demonstrate His love. How can you reach out to someone today? God might be using you as touch their lonely soul needs!
