Encouragement – Part Eight

August 25th, 2012 dsisler

You’ve seen the signs in movies. “The end is near.” Well, I have come to the end of my writing on encouragement. At least for the purpose of this blog. There are a couple of topics to discuss and then tomorrow, I’ll be writing about something else.
But what a topic this has been! I have learned so much about encouragement and the elements that accompany this word. And when it’s all said and done, if I am not changed, if I do not encourage others, it will have been for nothing.
If you noticed, I have only used New Testament Scripture and it will be no different today. But there was one verse in Proverbs that caught my attention from the beginning. It says, “An anxious heart weigh a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25 – NIV)
That’s encouragement. Caring enough to say a kind word.
Today, I will conclude this topic with a couple of things we are to encourage and when we are to encourage. I pray that your heart will be open to further study of this topic and that your spiritual eyes will be open to see those who need encouragement.
What are we to encourage?
I found two things we are to encourage others to do. The first is to hold on to the teachings the New Testament believers had been taught.
Encouraging words to stand firm. Encouragement to remain true. Encouragers who spoke of stimulating minds. These too are words we must hold on to.
“When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”  (Acts 11:23 – NIV)
“Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to retain true to the faith.” (Acts 14:21b-22a – NIV)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 – NIV)
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9 – NIV)
“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” (1 Peter 5:12 – NIV)
“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.”(2 Peter 3:1 – NIV)
The second purpose for encouragement is to urge others to do good deeds and speak good words. Consider these passages.
“Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12 – NIV)
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24 – NIV)
Encouraging words that encourage godly behavior and steadfastness. That is what we should be encouraging others to do.
When are we to encourage?
We see in Scripture that we are to encourage in times of trouble.
Paul and Silas encouraged Lydia and those meeting with her after they were released from prison (Acts 16:40).
In Acts 27:27-44, Paul urged the centurion and soldiers to eat some food during the storm and imminent ship wreck. These men were encouraged and ate.
Paul shared encouraging words with the Philippian Church while still in chains.  Philippians 1:14 (NIV) says, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word God more courageously and fearlessly.”
In this passage we see the one in trouble doing the encouraging. What a message!
There is one last element to encouragement that I’d like to share. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) tells us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” We are to encourage one another daily! If it is Today, encourage.
I’m in the middle of having a yard sale. Yesterday morning I was determined to encourage those who ventured into my little sale. I think I did okay. I had K-Love playing the background (you know the “positive, encouraging” music station). I greeted each person with a warm smile. I engaged in small chit chat.
I think I did alright. But today I’m tired. I’m weary. I don’t feel like moving all this junk back outside to try to sell. I believe Today will be the real test. Will my words and my actions be as encouraging Today as they were yesterday?
The only way this is possible is with God’s Spirit at work within me. I will be able to do this because of Him. I’m so thankful for God’s gift of the Spirit!
Encouragement. There is more to this word than meets the eye. And to be honest, there is still so much more to say. More verses of Scripture that can lead and teach on this topic.
I’d like to hear from you. What is the one thing that stands out for you after learning about encouragement? How are you planning to be an encouragement to someone Today? I pray that you’ll not be discouraged and that you won’t give up on encouragement.
“Let us not become weary in doing good [or speaking words of encouragement], for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good [or speak words of encouragement] to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:19-20 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Encouragement – Part Seven

August 24th, 2012 dsisler

I met Frank years ago. We attended the same church. Frank had the gift of encouragement and I was the recipient of his encouragement on several occasions.
During a frightening period of unknown illness with our youngest child, Frank encouraged us to be positive about the outcome. Not to even speak or think our fears.
During a rebellious season, Frank pulled me back into God’s loving arms and allowed me to see the abundant grace God was willing to lavish upon me.
But Frank’s greatest encouragement came through his prayers. He was (and still is) a great prayer warrior. He knew the exact words to say. He prayed Scripture often. He prayed prayers I had never heard before. And I was encouraged.
In yesterday’s blog post, I listed passages that say we are all to be encouragers. Today we will continue with how and why we are to encourage. I pray that you will listen to God’s Word and act upon them.
How are we to encourage?
There are two passages that speak to this and they say nearly the same thing. We are to be humble. Humility must accompany encouragement.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 – NIV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (2 Peter 5:6 – NIV)
As we gain encouragement from God, we are then able to encourage others. Through it all, we must remain humble, under God’s mighty hand, and He will do wonderful things.
Why are we to encourage?
I found several reasons mentioned in Scripture for encouragement. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say.
First, we are to be encouraged and encourage for and toward unity. That unity begins with God and then we can become an encourager to others to be united with Christ and with His Church.
Through unity we are able to endure, glorify God, understand the full riches from God and know Jesus Christ.
These passages point us in this direction. Romans 15:5-6; Philippians 2:1-2; and Colossians 2:2.
Certainly without unity we would not be able to encourage one another.
Second, we are to be encouragers because we know the hope we have found in Jesus Christ. Through God and His grace, we are built up and we receive the inheritance.
Acts 20:32 (NIV) says, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Through the love and grace from God, we receive eternal encouragement and good hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) says, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
A couple other passages you may want to read about hope are Romans 15:4 and Hebrews 6:18.
When hope abides within us, we really must encourage others to join us. Hope brings life to a discouraged soul. Why wouldn’t we encourage others to grab hold of it?
Third, we see that encouragement leads to strength. Speaking words of encouragement gives our hearts and souls the ability to continue on. To keep on going.
Acts 15:32 (NIV) tells us, “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.”
And in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) we see these words. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
We are strengthened by encouragement and that leads to good deeds and words.
And finally, encouragement can be used for admonition or rebuking. Above I mentioned a season of rebellion against God. Those kind words of encouragement from Frank brought me back to Him. Notice I said kind. We must temper all that we say in love or we take the chance of turning a soul from God completely.
Titus 2:15 (NIV) says, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
I believe this might be the most frightening. But I also believe if we have followed God’s guidelines ourselves, we are able to admonish for the right reason and purpose and are able to do so.
You might want to read Colossians 3:16 and 2 Timothy 4:2 for more insight.
As we draw to a close on this study of encouragement, I pray that you’re understanding has been stretched. I know mine has!
Don’t be stingy with encouraging words. Let them flow from your lips. You never know who you might be an encouragement to.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Encouragement – Part Six

August 23rd, 2012 dsisler

There is a dear lady at church who has been an encouragement to me for several years. She participated in one of my Bible studies and I fell in love with her gentle, kind spirit. She was filled with God’s Spirit. She was knowledgeable in Scripture. She encouraged me to write. She was a joy to be near.
Health issues took her away from regular attendance, but she was never far from my mind. I thought of her often. Found her phone number a couple of times to give her a call. But I never reached out to her. The busyness of my life prevented me from encouraging this wonderful, Godly woman.

This past weekend, I ran into her in the lobby at church. It was as if we’d never lost contact. She was thrilled to hear of my adventures through the past couple of years and excited for my upcoming service trip.

Before we parted ways, she prayed Scripture over me and once again, encouraged me to remain faithful to my writing.
There are so many like Paula in my life. People who have encouraged me and I’ve not reciprocated. I’ve not felt the need to be an encouragement in return. I believe, God is telling me that my selfishness has come to an end. I may not be gifted in encouragement, but I can still encourage others. No, I am commanded to encourage others.
Well, we are back at it. Have you learned as much about encouragement as I have? I pray that you have. But we aren’t finished yet. There is still so much to say about it.
We are going to look at the elements of encouragement and how it relates to our daily lives. The apostle Paul was encouraged and encouraged others through his words, his letters, and his presence. Let’s look at some of the ways Paul encouraged others, including us.
Paul was encouraged by God and the work God was doing in His Kingdom, but specifically by faith. In Romans 1:11-12 (NIV), Paul says, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Paul was also encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonica Church. “Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:7 – NIV)
Paul used Tychicus to encourage the believers in Ephesus and Colossae (Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:8). And specifically to encourage their hearts. In 1 Thessalonians 3:2, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage their faith.
In Acts 9:31 (NIV) we read these words. “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”
As you can see, Paul knew how to encourage others. But the greatest encouragement we receive is from the Holy Spirit. How has the Holy Spirit encouraged you?
Now we are going to take a look at the who’s and why’s and how’s of encouragement. This will take a few days (I don’t know how long exactly), but when these blog posts are finished, you will have a better understanding of this “little thing” called encouragement.
Who is to encourage?
Everyone is to be an encourager. Throughout the New Testament, we see Scripture that leads us to this conclusion.
Let’s start with 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV). “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
There’s nothing specific here of how to encourage or build up, but I know what it isn’t. Tear down, discourage, dishearten, break, negative, stifle. These words are not part of this verse. Therefore, they should not be part of our lives.
As you think of this verse, what are some other words that we can interchange with the word encourage? Hearten, cheer, inspire, boost, urge, support. These are the words we should be focused on when it comes to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul shares this same thought when he wrote to the Corinthian Church in 2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV). He said, “This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not tearing you down.” Even when Paul felt the need to correct wrong behavior, he did so in an encouraging way.
There are a few more passages with the call to encourage. I’ll just list them here for you to read. 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; and Hebrews 3:13 (we’ll be looking at this verse again).
I want to close today with the words from Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV). While we aren’t positive of the author of this book, Barnabas is a contender. The thought of the great encourager continuing to encourage long after his death through this book blesses my heart. Here’s what he says.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
So, let’s consider. How can we spur one another on? How can we encourage? I don’t believe God has poured Himself into this series for the mere purpose of writing a daily blog. I believe He is calling us (me) to do something with this study of encouragement.
It has changed me. I now look for ways to be an encouragement to someone. I can be an encouragement to someone through an email, through a note, through a phone call, or through a personal interaction. There is no reason to allow discouraging words into any conversation. Never!
It can be difficult on the days when I never leave my house. But there is still opportunity. My family deserves my encouraging words and spirit as well.
Consider for yourself how you can “spur” someone. Encourage another. I pray that you will be thrilled to do so.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Encouragement – Part Five

August 22nd, 2012 dsisler

I have learned a great deal about encouragement over the past five days, and to be honest, I am struggling to see the end of this series. Yes, series. It was never intended to be such, but it has grown and blossomed into a multiple part series.
Part one included the elements of encouragement. There are three. 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]
Parts two, three, and four included nine ways the apostle Paul was encouraged.
The remainder of this series will include all the ways that we, as Christians, are encouraged.
Romans 12:6-8 talks about the gift of encouragement. I pray that we have all known someone who has this spiritual gift. These are the people who you look forward to being near. Who always have a good thing to say about someone or a situation.
In Scripture, there is mention of such an encourager. Our first glimpse of him is in Acts 4:36-37 (NIV). “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” There was a reason the apostles called this man Barnabas. He was an encourager!
Let’s look at two specific passages that speak to Barnabas’ gift. First, Acts 9:26-28 give us the account of Barnabas presenting Saul to the apostles. Saul had been transformed by his encounter with Jesus, but no one believed it. Barnabas did, however, and by taking him to see the apostles, he placed his stamp of approval on this man. Later we see Paul and Barnabas as the great team spreading God’s Word throughout the known world.
The second passage is Acts 11:22-24 (NIV). Here we see how Barnabas was utilized by the Jerusalem Church. “News of this [what was happening in Acts 11:19-21] reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”
Barnabas was thrilled to see how God had been working in Antioch. So much so that he wanted to share their success and growth. In the few verses following we see that Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him back to Antioch. The Church grew by great numbers and that is where we first see the term Christian.
As an encourager, Barnabas rejoiced with Antioch Church. He was glad for them. He saw God’s grace in this group of people and encouraged steadfastness. He wanted their hearts to remain true to God. And he couldn’t keep their growing faith to himself. He had to tell others what they had done with the Lord’s hand.
I think we can all agree that Barnabas was the Son of Encouragement. I am thankful that we have such an example to follow. That we have a model to look to when we need guidance in this area.
Encouragement does come easily to some. While for others, it might be easier to wrestle a two-ton elephant. Encouraging words seem to be a foreign language.
But what does Scripture tell us about encouragement?
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 verses that say, “encourage one another.” And we’ll be discussing those over the next few days.
Is there someone you can be an encouragement to today? If not, why not pray for God to present an opportunity for you to encourage someone. A family member. A fellow Christian. A complete stranger. Anyone that God places in your path that you can encourage. I pray that you’ll be encouraged by being an encouragement to another.
I have been blessed to know such encouragers throughout my life. People who have encouraged me to remain faithful to my beliefs, to guard my heart against the evils of this world, and to love the Lord with all my heart. People who have prayed me through difficult times, shameful periods, and the happiest moments. People who have hugged and smiled their way right into my heart.
Thank you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/encourage
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Encouragement – Part Four

August 21st, 2012 dsisler

In the past three blog posts, I have shared an introduction to encouragement and how the apostle Paul was encouraged by those he came in contact with. I stated that there were seven, but in fact, after much research, I believe I’ve found two more!

So before I move along, I want to share these with you. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read Encouragement – Part One through Three, you may want to do so before continuing with today’s blog post.
Just to remind you these passages show how Paul was encouraged and then we’ll see how we can bring these elements into our own lives to encourage men and women in ministry or on the mission field.
Eight
Paul had great love for the people in Ephesus. He spent between three years in this city and many became believers during that period. On Paul’s journey back to Jerusalem where he would eventually be arrested and sent to Rome, he had an encounter with the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-21:1).
After words of encouragement to them to fulfill their duties as elders and to beware of the “savage wolves,” Paul and the elders knelt down and they prayed.
While the only mention of “building up” is from Paul, I believe Paul was encouraged by this encounter. He saw the great love these men had for God and for himself. He saw their desire to follow God’s plan for the Church. He knew their faithfulness would continue to build and grow God’s Kingdom in the future. And he was encouraged that he was leaving Ephesus in good, capable hands.
Nine
In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul shares some wonderful expressions of devotion regarding this group of people in Macedonia. In his first letter, Paul urged them to repentance and in so doing, brought about “Godly sorrow that brought repentance that lead to salvation and no regret.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 – NIV)
In two verses, Paul says he was encouraged by this group. 2 Corinthians 7:4 (NIV) says, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” In turn, I’m certain the people who received this letter were also encouraged.
Then in verse 13 of the same chapter, Paul says, “By all this [their repentance, eagerness, indignation, longing, concern, readiness] we are encouraged.” (2 Corinthians 7:13 – NIV)
And then Paul says he boasted about this group and that they had not disappointed. He was not embarrassed. Everything he said about them was true. (2 Corinthians 7:14) No wonder Paul was filled with joy when he remembered the church in Macedonia!
How You Can Be an Encouragement to Your Minister or Missionary
Encouragement Eight
First, I believe we can pray for and with our minister. Think about it. When was the last time you prayed specifically for the things Paul prayed in Acts 20:28-32? Perhaps you never have. What powerful words these can be. Maybe it’s time to use Paul’s words during our prayer time.
And for those on the mission field, I believe we need to pray earnestly for their safety. The elders of Ephesus were saddened by the thought that they would not see Paul again. There can be real danger for our missionary friends. Please don’t forget to pray for them daily.
Second, I believe we can join them on their journey. The elders at Ephesus wept with Paul. They understood that Paul was heading to encounter his own “savage wolves.” The elders and the church of Ephesus would be there with him in prayer. It may not be possible to physically be with our missionaries, but we certainly can be with them in spirit. Allow God’s Spirit to make the connection.
Third, if we are truly able and prepared, I believe we can let our ministers and missionaries know that we are capable of carrying on or maintaining a ministry (with God’s help). Perhaps you are feeling a tug at your heart right now. It may mean it’s time to take that step forward and take the baton. You’ll know if the timing is right. God will go before you and prepare the way.
Encouragement Nine
Be a joy to your minister or a missionary. Act upon their message. Be eager to do what God’s Word says. Have concern for the injustices of this world. And do not bring embarrassment to them.
I realize we are not on this earth to bring glory and honor to any man, but to lift up our God as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. But I think we see from this passage that a little Godly boasting is acceptable. The lives we live are to be a reflection of God. Oh, how I pray that I am not an embarrassment to God above all.
Well, this was an unexpected twist. And to be honest, I may find even more to add to this list as my study on encouragement continues. I can only ask that God will enlighten my heart to what His Word says about this topic.
We aren’t done with this study on encouragement. I pray that you’ll continue this biblical journey with me over the next few days as we learn how to encourage one another…
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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  • "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

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