Encouragement – Part One

August 18th, 2012 dsisler

As the SE Asia service team makes preparations for our upcoming journey, we have laid out some objectives. One of those objectives is to encourage the group we are going to visit. We discussed a few things, but I wondered how the Apostle Paul was encouraged by others as he devoted his life to sharing God’s message with others.

So over the next few days I’m going to be doing some digging into the encouragement realm. How to encourage those who are sharing the Gospel and how Christians can be encouraged.

There are three elements to encouragement. First, is the idea to inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; to hearten. Second is to give support to; to foster. And third is to stimulate; to spur.[i]

Inspiration is a great concept to bring into encouragement. Sometimes if we don’t see the vision, we will not be encouraged to join into a project, or desire to be part of a team. When we are able to cast that vision, we will be able to draw others into seeing what God sees.
What are we to inspire with? Hope, courage, or confidence. As a Christian, there is no greater hope than to know one day I will see Jesus face to face. That hope gives me the courage and confidence to do what I am called to. Whether it’s writing a daily blog, going on a service trip, witnessing to a stranger, leading a women’s Bible study, or reading a Bible story to my grandchildren. The hope I have in Christ Jesus inspires me!
The second element to encouragement is giving support. I believe this includes several areas. For those in ministry, we must support them financially. The men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving a local congregation are to be compensated for their work. But it goes beyond that.
Providing appreciative, emotional, moral support to a person in ministry is an encouragement to them. Knowing that a group of people are behind them will drive them to follow the call that God has placed upon them. Doing the opposite is the fastest way to drive a minister from a church.
And third, we see that encouragement has an element of stimulation. To spur on. You’ve heard how yawns and laughter are contagious, right? Well encouragement is contagious as well. Being motivated to do better. To be better. To serve better. It will catch on.
Encouragement. There is a lot more to this word than meets the eye. This blog post is near completion and I haven’t even shared a Bible verse!
In Romans 12, Paul lists the different functions of the body of Christ. This is what he says. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us, if a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8 – NIV)
While I believe there are those who are truly gifted in the encouragement area, I believe each of us must be an encourager. There are so many other verses that say, “encourage one another.” And we’ll be discussing those over the next few days.
Take some time today to see how you are an encourager. To whom are you an encourager? When was the last time you were an encourager to your minister? Or to a missionary? Or to a co-worker?
Are you lacking in this area? If so, pray that God will open your heart to ways to add this wonderful gift into your life.
I must admit, I haven’t done as well with this as I should. I’m thankful for the eye-opening experience of going on a service trip to find these areas of my life that are lacking. I pray that the desire to be an encourager will pierce your heart as it has mine.
The SE Asia service team is training and preparing to go on this trip. We are now just 36 days from leaving. I have been encouraged by so many already and am so thankful for them. If you have the desire to be an encourager to me, please let me know.
I’d love to have you join my prayer partner team. You will receive emails from me before I leave sharing prayer requests and praises. And while I am gone, a lovely lady will be sending daily prayer requests by email, detailing what we will be doing on that day and how you can encourage us through prayer.
I’d love to have you join my financial partner team. I’ve been so blessed already. The costs are nearly covered. However, it still isn’t enough. If God is placing this on your heart, please feel free to contact me through this blog and I’ll get the information to you as to how you can help. Or you can go to http://preachitclearly.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-difference-in-southeast-asia.htmlfor more information.
Encouragement. One word filled with so much meaning. Let’s be encouragers today. To whomever your path crosses. Don’t miss an opportunity to say a good, kind word. To do a kind deed. To be faithful to God’s mission. Through encouragement, you will be encouraged.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/encourage
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G, F, F, and S

August 17th, 2012 dsisler

As long as I can remember, I’ve had strong fingernails. Because of this strength, I have had a perfect set of natural nails on more occasions than I could possibly count.

My fingernails have also led me into trouble…I was told to cut my nails after an encounter with my sister in the middle of the night. She got the worst of it.
Through my high school years, I was told on multiple occasions that I should consider being a hand model. I had no idea what that was at the time and never pursued that career, but the time for hand modeling is over for me!
In 8th grade, I recall changing the color of my nail polish daily to match my chosen outfit. This from the fashionista that I was…my idea of the perfect outfit consisted of a skirt with Converse basketball sneakers.
I must admit, I’m not as enthralled by my fingernails as I was then. There are days that I spend a little extra time on them and they look pretty good. But in the scheme of life, beautiful fingernails really don’t seem so important.
So what is important? My daily encounters. Encounters with God, family, friends, and strangers.
God
First and foremost, my daily encounter with God must top my list. If I do not spend time with Him, learning from His Word and communicating with Him, the rest of the encounters might as well be tossed into the trash can. I can guarantee that my personal relationship with God and how intimate I am with Him determines how I react to every other encounter throughout my day.
David knew how important this element was. In Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV) David cried out to God with these words. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” What words to live by!
Family
My interaction with my family must be important as well. My family must see and know the good in me. But sometimes I can get bogged down with a project or consumed by another element and my family gets the worst of me. How I long to rid my life of this inconsistency. Praising God and cursing man with the same tongue (James 3:10).
It is only with God’s strength and wisdom that I can be the woman of noble character that Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 31. With God, I can be a wife worth far more than rubies. With God, I can speak with wisdom and faithful instruction. With God, I am called blessed by my children. With God, I have a chance to be His imitator and live a life of love among my loved ones.
Friends
Friendship is so precious. My “girlfriend” time is so valuable to me. But sometimes, if we are not careful, ugliness can join in the conversation. Gossip, idle talk, boasting, and busybodiness just might make it to the table. But we can see from Scripture what our conversations should include.
Colossians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Full of grace. That means for everyone and everything that is discussed with friends. Don’t allow Satan to ruin something beautiful in friendships. Ask God to be in the middle of those gatherings. It will make a difference.
Strangers
And then there are the strangers I encounter. How am I to engage with them? In Matthew 25:35, 40 (NIV), Jesus said, “For I was hungry ad 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 tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” We are to treat strangers like we would treat Jesus.
In Hebrews 13:2 (NIV), we see more information about strangers. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” You never know who you might be speaking to. Use words of kindness, gentleness, graciousness regardless of who you encounter.
These daily encounters are important in my life. Not that I have achieved these goals. But I try. I remember Paul’s words in Philippians when I miss the mark. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)
My day is just beginning and so far I’m off to a good start, but it is only 7:30 a.m. I have a long way to go. However, being on this journey with Jesus makes the days so much sweeter. It makes me so much sweeter. And in turn, makes my encounters so much sweeter. I pray you can say the same.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Recall

August 16th, 2012 dsisler

On December 31, 2011, the accelerator pedal on my vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The pedal was pressed to the floor and it stuck in the full acceleration position. Needless to say, this was a scary incident.

We called the car maker to see if there were any recalls on this vehicle. There weren’t, but the complaint was noted.
My husband switched out the accelerator and cruise control cables, hoping that the issue would be fixed and that it wouldn’t happen again. It was the best we could hope for.
Two weeks ago we received a letter from our car maker stating that there was a safety recall on my vehicle for this very issue. I called and made an appointment and they disabled the cruise control on my vehicle until they can further decide how to repair this issue.
Apparently, in some vehicles there is inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable which could allow the throttle to stick. That was exactly what happened to my SUV! There were 68 complaints and one death before the recall was put into action.
I must admit, I have been very nervous about driving for the past 8 months. Especially when I had the grandkids with me. Wondering if it might stick again for no apparent reason. It has been difficult.
Fortunately, we do have systems in place to keep us safe. There are people in the United States whose jobs are designated to test products to ensure our safety. What a shame, however, that someone had to die before this recall was initiated.
We are also blessed to have a God who takes our safety very seriously. Our spiritual safety.
We are warned to watch out for those who want to deceive us in Mark 13:5 (NIV). “Jesus said to them: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you.’” We must know God’s Word so that we are not deceived. Our spiritual safety is at stake!
Jesus warned to watch out and be on our guard against all kinds of greed in Luke 12:15.
Paul urged the brothers in Rome to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Romans 16:17 – NIV) Again, we must know what God’s teachings are in order to know when the message doesn’t line up with His.
And in 1 John, we see the warning to “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (1 John 1:8 – NIV)
Another warning can be found in Galatians 6:1 (NIV). In the discussion of restoring a sinning brother, Paul adds, “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” We need to keep ourselves spiritually safe in this situation.
Temptation is also the focus of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV). Here, Paul says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Now that is spiritual safety at its finest. God knows when we are at our limit when it comes to temptation and He will offer a way out. I don’t know about you, but for this I am eternally grateful.
We know that Satan is out to tempt us in any way he can. That is another reason Peter encouraged his readers (and us) in 1 Peter 5:8 -9 (NIV). “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith…”
Yes, Satan is looking for that one moment when we are at our weakest to set his plan into motion. We must rely on God’s safety plan to keep our spiritual lives safe.
We must learn to place our spiritual safety into God’s hands. He wants what is best for us and He will do His part to keep us safe. Here are two verses to prove it.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 – NIV)
Nearly two weeks into the “fix” I am feeling more comfortable about driving my SUV. But I know this is only temporary. The permanent “fix” is being prepared and will be implemented soon.
In our spiritual lives, the temporary fix occurs while we are on this earth. God’s Spirit working in us to keep our spiritual lives safe. But I cannot wait for the permanent fix. Heaven. Once there, I will know complete spiritual safety. Until then, I will rely on God to keep me from falling. To keep me safe within His presence.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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That’s Gonna Leave a Mark

August 15th, 2012 dsisler

Today marks my 200th blog post. It seems like I started writing this blog just yesterday…not 200 days ago. It is amazing to me that God has continued to bless me with words to put to paper. It is amazing to me that I have a group of readers who seek out this blog on a daily basis. It is amazing to me how writing this blog has changed my life.

Today marks a milestone in my writing. A significant event for certain. So today I will dedicate my writing to some milestones in the Bible and in my life.
Milestones in Scripture
While there certainly are hundreds, maybe thousands in Scripture, I will only discuss a few here. And please note, that this is myinterpretation and you may think I’m way off base. If so, let me know what you believe I’ve missed.
I was going to start with creation, but I think the bigger milestone in the beginning was that first sin. The fall of man. In Genesis 3, Moses gives the account of Adam and Eve’s first encounter with Satan and how he manipulated them into thinking his way was better than God’s way. From that moment, mankind would be seeking a Redeemer and God would provide.
The next milestone would be the establishment of Israel. In Genesis 12, Abram is called into God’s plan. God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12:2-4 (NIV) says, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you.”
That blessing would be Jesus. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell us of the coming of the Messiah. The fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem His people. John says it this way. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17 – NIV)
The final milestone I’d like to share is the establishment of the Church. The book of Acts tells of the beginning of the Church and throughout the remainder of the New Testament, we see glimpses of the characteristics that the Church should reflect.
As Paul teaches on the relationship between a husband and wife, he slips these precious words about the Church into the passage. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 – NIV)
Milestones in my life
I have had quite a few myself, but I can only mention the few that have had real significance in my life. Events that changed me. That had an effect on who I was or am. My baptism at a small church camp in Upstate New York; the birth of my three children; the birth of my three grandchildren; the call to go on a mission trip to SE Asia.
These events have had a huge impact on my life. In a way, they define who I am. Yes, I know who I am in Christ, but these milestones have redirected my thoughts, shifted my ambitions, and transformed my focus.
Because of these milestones, I am a changed person.
Milestones in your life
What life-changing events have taken place during your lifetime? What events have had the most impact upon you? What events have changed who you are?
As you think of these milestones, there may be some disappointing or difficult times that make your list. There have been plenty in my life as well. But as I look to the positive events, they far outweigh the negative and the negative events have helped to make me a better person. I am able to appreciate the mountain tops because I’ve worked through the valleys. I pray that you will be able to say the same.
Another portion of the definition of milestone includes the idea that it can be a marker along a roadside that indicates the distance to or from a location. How are you marking the milestones of your life? What marks those significant events? How do others know that you’ve been on a life-journey and what changes do they see in your life because of that journey?
As you ask yourself these questions, please spend some time with God asking for His guidance through the milestones of your life. Seek counsel through His Word. Acknowledge His presence during the milestones. And then mark them in some way.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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God’s Message

August 14th, 2012 dsisler

I stepped outside my front door yesterday morning to water my flowers and I found a little note. It had fallen behind my flower box, so I almost missed it.

I was thankful that I didn’t overlook it. For inside was a message of hope. A message of forgiveness. A message of grace. The message was the Gospel!
Someone had taken the time to type and print this message, wrap it into a neat package, and deliver it to my door step. How blessed and honored I feel to be the recipient of this message.
Did you receive that message yesterday? Were your eyes open and searching for the message God had for you? If not, I’d like to share the message with you today.
What is God’s message? I’ve gathered a short list here…there are many more messages in God’s Word, but this is a start. These are not in order of importance, but in order according to where they are found in the Bible.
God Made You and You Belong to Him
“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3 – NIV)

Do Not Be Afraid
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)
God Loves You
“For God so loved the world [you] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever [whoever is you] believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)
Jesus is Preparing Heaven for You
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 – NIV)
Repent and Be Baptized
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 – NIV)
God is On Your Side
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 – NIV)
You Are a New Creation
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)
You Are Chosen
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)
Jesus Will Return
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 – NIV)
God’s message is one of love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. You can’t be guaranteed of that in this world, but with God, all of these are possible.
How have you responded to God’s message? Have you embraced it and accepted it? Have you allowed it to make a difference in your life?
Or are you keeping your distance from God, not wanting to hear the full message? If so, why? Why not accept His message today?
I plan to be more alert to the messages God scatters throughout my day. I pray that you won’t miss the message that God has for you. It just might be life changing.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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  • About Me

    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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