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Viewing Life As a Ministry
By Lara
Bode
Have you ever wondered to yourself, “How should I spend my life?” That is a big
question. There are an overwhelming number of options out there in today’s world.
Simply sitting back and not choosing, however, is not an option. Every day, whether consciously or
by default, we make choices that reveal what our priorities are and where our focus is. Day by day, our lives are flying past us.
We need to seize the moment and consciously spend our lives for something that matters!
When you think about Jesus’ life on earth, you will quickly see that He focused on His Heavenly
Father and gave Himself in ministry to others. I believe God wants each of us to have this same focus! “Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ Jesus, who... made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant...” – Philippians
2:5-7.
This mindset of having a servant’s heart and viewing your life as a ministry to God and others is in
direct conflict with the value system of the world. The world’s idea of success is in promoting self – a focus on getting
rather than giving.
This self-centered attitude can look very attractive. However, I have learned that true fulfillment
and joy are to be found in turning away from the world’s mindset and making it our true goal to further God’s Kingdom!
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2.
A life of ministry is not just for pastors or missionaries! You can do this wherever you are in life
– as a girl, as a single woman, as a wife, or as a mother. If you are a daughter of the King, then your life is to be a ministry –
a gift willingly yielded to God to be used however He wills, in service to Him and others.
Of course, viewing one’s life as a ministry does involve abandoning selfish ambitions and being
willing to be different. Security is an issue here – you can’t be too dependent on what people will think of you.
But don’t you want to be different? I mean, who wants to live an “average”, self-seeking life,
anyway J? Yours and mine can be dynamic!
The heart attitude necessary for true joy and fulfillment in serving is genuine love, both
for God and for others. The Lord taught me a lot about this over the last school year when I spent many hours home schooling four
children for a family whose mother has cancer.
I found that my love for God absolutely had to be my foundation in serving. I learned, through many
glorious times and many very difficult times, that when God calls us to something, He will always be faithful to give us
the grace and the strength and the joy to do it faithfully to His glory! On difficult days, I found it helpful to remember that the
first and foremost reason I was doing this ministry was because He asked me to, and I love Him.
When things are rosy, that is wonderful, and we can thank God for that. But even when
circumstances or people are difficult, we need to be faithful to do what God has set before us, simply out of love for
Him.
If you find that serving others is difficult, ask God to give you a love for those you are serving.
Love makes things a joy!
Real Godly love meets others’ needs without having
any selfish motive. It is so easy to fall into hoping for personal reward, to serve so that people will love me or appreciate
me or think I’m such an amazing person, or to expect others to serve me in return for all the service I am doing elsewhere.
God is helping me to learn to serve just out of a love for Him and obedience to His calling me to
serve others. He wants to be the only thing I seek (see Psalm 27:4). All the things I need (both physical and emotional needs) He
will always be faithful to provide (see Matthew 6:33). But I am told not to seek them for myself, but just to seek first
God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.
Elisabeth Elliot Gren explains the Scriptural principle here:
“‘If you pour yourself out for the
hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And
the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things... and you shall be like a watered garden, like a
spring of water, whose waters fail not....’
“Here, I think, lies the answer to... a life that might otherwise be selfish or lonely. It is the
answer, I have found, to depression as well. You yourself will be given light in exchange for pouring yourself out for the hungry;
you yourself will get guidance, the satisfaction of your longings and strength, when you ‘pour yourself out’, when you make the
satisfaction of somebody else’s desire your own concern; you yourself will be a source of refreshment, a builder, a leader into
healing and rest at a time when things around you seem to have crumbled.”
– Elisabeth Elliot Gren, Let Me Be a Woman.
“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I
am glad and rejoice with you all.” – Philippians 2:17. Are you willing to be “poured out” in service for God and others, to
further His Kingdom? To me, that seems like the best possible purpose for our lives!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 [emphasis added].
This verse has been a real comfort and strength for me to go on serving. A life of ministry can be
such a continual “pouring-out” that at times it is easy to feel “drained” J and wonder if there is
really any point to it. Giving, giving, and more giving can wear you out!
The good news about this for me is that I’ve gotten to know God in a whole new way! I know much more
about His sweet consideration and tender mercies than I did a year ago. This has happened because my own small strength ran out in
a hurry, and I have needed to daily rely on God’s greater strength.
God often calls us to ministries that are way beyond our capabilities. He does this so that we will
realize that we can’t do it, and we desperately need His help. This isn’t a call for discouragement! Instead just realize
that God didn’t call you to minister because you were able to; He called you because He is able, and He wants to
work through you.
His grace is always, always, always sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness. (See 2
Corinthians 12:9.) Seeing God work through you on a regular basis is an awesome experience!
In a life of ministry, it is important to understand how to avoid burn-out. The vital key here is to
base your joy and security in God, not in things or people. Finding joy in the love of others is good, but we need to be dependent
only on our Lord.
“Sometimes our circumstances are so peaceful, that without knowing it we slip into finding our peace
in them. Then something happens to disturb them and our peace is disturbed. Sometimes those about us are so dear that our hearts
rest in them, and this is good, but it is not enough, for what if one, in whose love we trust, should disappoint us?
“Our Lord did not say ‘These things I have spoken unto you that in your circumstances you might have
peace’...; but He did say ‘These things I have spoken unto you that in Me you might have peace’.”
– Amy Carmichael, Edges of His Ways. (See also John
16:33.)
Discouragement and exhaustion are going to happen. You can count on it. (The enemy is not going to
just sit by and let you further God’s Kingdom unhindered!) Prepare for this by making a daily habit of drawing strength from God’s
Word.
Expect ups and downs. Some days are all roses, and others so thorny that we may feel close to giving
up. One verse that I’ve really been able to relate to is Psalm 94:17, “Unless the Lord had been my help, My soul would soon
have settled in silence.” J
Praise God that in Him there is victory, fulfillment, and joy. If we keep our focus on Him, we will
get to experience true inner peace, regardless of circumstances. “You will keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on
You, because he trusts You.” – Isaiah 26:3.
As you yield your life to the Lord, and ask Him to make you a blessing to others, I think you will
find as I did that viewing your life as a ministry is the key to fulfillment and amazing joy!
Some of the most exciting ministry opportunities that I’ve been involved with started simply when my
family and I saw certain needs and felt God directing me to help meet those needs. At the beginning none of them looked terribly
exciting or fun, but I’ve found again and again that in pouring out my life to serve God and others, I am continually happier than
I had ever imagined possible. ©
Flowers by the Wayside
By
Lisa Bode
On a steep mountainside, a lonely climber labors in the glaring sun. Thorns and
rocks block his path. His steps are slow and uncertain, and the climb is long.
He stops and squints ahead, weariness flooding through him. The sun beats down on his forehead;
thorns prick his feet.
At the top, waiting for him, lies eternal treasure – a reward far worth his struggle, precious
beyond imagination.
Yet the top is a long way off. The path seems impossible. Is it really worth the climb? Will he ever
make it?
Suddenly he notices something beside his feet. Amidst the thorns, a beautiful rose is blossoming.
Just ahead, by the stony wayside, flowers are blooming. A cool breeze begins to blow. The beauty refreshes his heart, like a
little preview of what the top will be like.
He keeps on. A spring is in his step now.
* * *
I’m sure you have memories of encouragement, of flowers by the wayside – perhaps
a smile, a spoken word, or a thank-you note, that made such a difference.
I cherish these memories – like evenings when I sink into my desk chair and find a thank you note
waiting for me from someone I’ve never met, about how The King’s Daughter has blessed her life. Suddenly the work seems
easier, worthwhile, even fun.
I think of times when I’ve been grading through a stack of writing assignments, monotonously
analyzing the same topic and structure ten times in a row. Then my eye falls on a scrawled message: “Thank you, Miss Lisa Bode!”
I smile. I remember that teaching is fun.
The beauty refreshes my heart. A spring is in my step now.
* * *
This summer I want to pass on to others
this gift I’ve been given. I want to
develop a heart of encouragement.
Imagine the impact if each of us developed a heart of encouragement. So many flowers by the wayside would be planted – so many people encouraged!
As I prepared to write this article, I asked the Lord. “Encouragement is so simple. It doesn’t
take much time or talent or energy. Why don’t we do it more?”
A scene from my life came to mind – a weekday morning, when I dragged myself down to breakfast. I
had not slept well and my mind was preoccupied with the day looming ahead.
I sat at the breakfast table mulling over my burdens J. Lara sat
across from me. She had a full day of home schooling and teaching piano. She faced obstacles and decisions.
Mom sat on the other end of the table. She said something about waking up at 3:00 and not being able
to get back to sleep.
Dad mentioned an upcoming meeting at his work. Lydia, who is not a morning person, was still trying
to wake up. Jonathan faced a deadline for a challenging English assignment.
Each of them could have used a smile, a helpful word, or a little note. Why didn’t I encourage
them?
Was it because I was preoccupied with myself?
Sisters, this issue gives you practical ways to encourage other people. But before we get
to the how-to, we need to develop a heart of encouragement, a desire and willingness to do it. How should we start?
Die to self. Each of us has our own burdens. When we attempt to carry them ourselves, to
spend our strength trying to do it on our own, to worry about me, to solve problems that are too big for us – we have
nothing left to encourage others. Our arms are too full to give anyone else a helping hand.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee....” – Psalm 55:22.
“...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself....” – Luke 9:23.
Down on my knees before the Lord, I need to die to self, to become empty of all my struggles and
burdens, to abandon myself like a little child in the arms of my Father. All of it belongs to God now, and I am free to encourage
others.
Encourage myself in God. Though encouragement from other people is nice, I must not
depend on it. It may not always be there, and it’s not sufficient for my needs anyhow!
The Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate and best source of encouragement. He is the only one who can
meet my every need, and He is always sufficient.
This is so important to understand. We never have to be discouraged! The Lord Jesus is with
us, sufficient for our needs, never changing. Discouragement comes when we refuse to encourage ourselves in God.
But if we choose to read God’s Word daily, to worship His character, to claim His promises, to sing
His praise, our own hearts can become filled with encouragement that will overflow to others.
“...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” – 1 Samuel 30:6.
Seek genuine love. Genuine love for others is the root of effective encouragement. If I asked
for a show of hands, I’m sure we would all express a desire for genuine love. How do we get it?
Galatians 5:22 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love. John 15 explains how to bear fruit.
Do we do it by working really, really hard, and trying and trying and trying, and once we hammer away at this process long enough
on our own strength – (“I will develop genuine love!”) – it finally springs forth in our lives?
Of course not! John 15:4-5 explains that we bear fruit by abiding in Christ. He is the Vine;
we are the branches.
I need to be dead to self, encouraged in God, totally His. My mouth,
hands, feet, all of me, must be dedicated to His purposes, asking Him to pour His love through my life. And that’s when
effective encouragement happens.
Do you mind if I am very “teacher-ish” and give each of us an assignment J? We can all do it together. For the next five weeks, let’s each encourage five different people each day. It
won’t be hard, and we can keep a tally on a scrap of paper to make sure we do it.
Imagine – five people a day, thirty-five a week, 175 in five weeks. Multiply that by, say, five
hundred of us, and we have 87, 500 instances of encouragement this summer. We should do it!
* * *
Do you want to be encouraged?
“...he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Proverbs 11:25.
“...It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35.
You might think that pouring yourself out to encourage others will result in exhaustion and
emptiness. But God’s ways are different. Encouraging others is the way to become perfectly encouraged yourself.
©
A Panel on Encouragement
All right. Pretend you are at a seminar, sitting in the
front row. On stage, right in front of you, sits a panel of a dozen ladies and girls, ready to share with you.
The topic of discussion? Practical ways to encourage other people. Be ready to listen, and take
notes on those ideas that apply to you.
Who has encouraged you and how?
Celia Anderson shares that she most likes to get encouragement from her family, because “they can
see more than anyone else that I am struggling and that I need some encouragement to keep me going. When my parents tell me I am
improving, it encourages me a lot because I know that they really mean it.
“Have you ever noticed that a good teacher never says,
‘No! No! You are doing it all wrong!!’?
Instead, they try to encourage you to do better by building you up. When I do not do something perfectly, my violin instructor
tells me that what I am trying to do is hard, but that I am doing very well anyway.
“Friends are another wonderful source of encouragement. I have several friends who have encouraged
me by promising to pray for me. I am thankful for their prayers, and I am reminded that God will always guide me. You probably
know that your best friends are those who encourage you and build you up!”
Joelle Schmidt answers that many people have encouraged her through the years. “My dad is among
these people, as he takes the time to listen and goes out of his way to make me feel special. I specifically remember one Sunday
morning when I was rushing to be on time for our morning service, and my dad brought down a cup of my favorite tea. It warmed my
heart to think that he would go out of his way to serve me that morning!
“My mom is another special person who always knows when I need a hug most, and keeps encouraging me
to press onwards. This was especially true the year I was trying to finish high school, and the work I had to accomplish seemed to
stretch before me like an endless mountain. It was then that Mom kept me encouraged by coming in each morning to see how I was and
assuring me that I would get it all done!
“There are others besides my parents, though. People like my precious younger brother who knows
exactly when I need a hug J. My grandma never ceases to amaze me with her cheerfulness and constant
smile. I think of teachers who have often kept me playing the piano because of one small encouraging word, and friends who have
uplifted my spirits through a note that let me know that they cared. All of these have touched me in some small but very
meaningful ways.”
Sarah Weisinger has been blessed by an aunt who knows the effects of a smile. “She has an
encouraging smile for everyone. Whenever we get together, which is pretty often, I am always greeted with a warm smile. What a
blessing it is to have such examples to follow!”
Melody Dornink shares the story of her first piano recital. “I was really nervous because we had to
memorize our songs and then play them, and I was going to play three songs. My family was there, and just before the recital
started, another couple from our church and their six boys walked in to see me play!
“When it was my turn, I walked swiftly up to the piano, sat down behind the bench, took a deep
breath, set my hands on the keys, and started playing. My face turned red as I stumbled over the notes, trying to remember my
first piece. Tears flooded my eyes as I realized I had forgotten it! I prayed inwardly, and I felt Jesus’ peace take the place of
my fear. I played the first song, a little shakily, but at least I remembered it! The second came smoother, though I accidentally
hit two keys at the same time when I was only supposed to hit one. The third song was my favorite, and I played it wonderfully –
except I forgot to flat a B, but I don’t think anybody noticed (except my brother!).
“Finally I was done. I walked back to my seat, and when I reached it, the dam seemed to break and
tears slipped down my cheeks. Does that ever happen to any of you girls? You don’t want to cry, and you try as hard as you can to
hold it in, but the tears come anyway. Oh, it is so embarrassing!
“I leaned forward, resting my forehead on the chair ahead of me. How could I forget that first
song? I’ve been practicing it for months! I lectured myself inwardly.
“‘Melody,’ the father of the six boys leaned forward and
said. ‘You did fine, Melody. This is
good practice to help you overcome that fear of performing. You’re harder on yourself than you should be. You did wonderful. It
was just your first time, and everyone messes up once in awhile.’
“In front of me, my mom was holding my baby sister, Christina, over her shoulder. Christina’s cute
little face broke into a wide smile, showing her darling dimple. When a sweet baby smiles at you, you can’t help but smile back
J! So I smiled back. She kept smiling at me, again and again, and just by her cute, innocent face, I
was encouraged. It was almost as if she knew I was down in the dumps and needed some encouragement.
“After the recital, I was bombarded with encouragement. The mother of the boys smiled and spoke soft
encouraging words to me. Mom said, ‘Good job, honey.’ Dad gave me an ‘I’m proud of you’ smile, and my little sisters gathered
around, offering to get me a cookie.
“My piano teacher and her husband came to tell me ‘good job’. And the little boys came up to me and
asked innocently, ‘Why are you crying?’ That made me laugh. Even when those little boys were just being themselves, it encouraged
me! They cared that something was wrong, and wanted to know how they could help me.
“When people encourage you, it just lifts you up, and you don’t feel so embarrassed and like a total
failure. Really, I didn’t do too badly. Satan was just trying to get me to put myself down, but with the help of my friends’
encouragement, I was able to overcome that.”
What motivates you to encourage people?
Joelle Schmidt is motivated to encourage by being around encouraging people. She shares an example
of going to a harp lesson recently.
“I came feeling rather discouraged, but I left feeling so motivated and excited because of how my
teacher had encouraged me! My attitude was changed as a result of one person’s verbal encouragement, which in turn helped me to
give encouragement to my own students that afternoon.”
Joelle also recognizes the importance of “seeing people as the Lord Jesus would see them. I cannot
have this perspective without first spending time with my Lord in reading His Word and in prayer. Only then am I able to put aside
my own needs, personal opinions, and judgmental spirit to see people as He would see them.”
But she emphasizes that this isn’t something that happens overnight! “It is a daily process of my
learning little by little to exchange my fallen human perspective for His perspective. (And I must admit that I am far from being
perfected in this area!) When I am able to ‘see’ things His way, I become aware of people’s real needs.
“It is then that I can see the young lady in class that needs someone to befriend her, the student
that needs a teacher’s approval to build her self-confidence, or the store clerk that needs an appreciative customer.
“However, the key to gaining God’s perspective of people is refusing to focus on my needs. My own
self-centeredness is usually what destroys any desire to encourage someone else.”
Celia Anderson tries to encourage people who are struggling with a difficulty, like her siblings
when they are having problems with their schoolwork. “I try to encourage others and help them if I can, because I know what it is
like to be almost ready to give up in frustration. Sometimes when I am trying to develop and perfect part of my life, I do not see
that I am actually making any headway because it is often a very slow process. I am motivated to encourage people who have been
working on a specific area in their life, because they also may not be aware of any growth.”
What are some practical ways which you use to encourage people?
Sarah Weisinger shares how a smile can brighten someone’s day. “One of the simplest and most
effective ways to encourage people is to smile – just a bright, friendly, ‘I care about you’ smile. A verse that comes to mind is
Proverbs 15:13: ‘A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.’
“If happiness is in our hearts, then our face will display a cheerful smile. This is related to
confessing sins. If we confess our sins and repent, we will have a pure and happy heart. There is no other way.
“The other day I was reading a section in a book on this subject. It said, ‘The faces of friends are
like mirrors. We can look into them and see the expression of our own face. If we come to them smiling, we see a smile in
return....’
“So don’t leave your smile under the bed. Always have it with you, and be a bit of sunshine wherever
you go!”
Sarah Bayer also emphasizes the importance of a smile. “A smile is a little thing that makes a big
difference! Nothing can be more uplifting than a genuine, heartfelt smile. It’s important to have a friendly smile with everyone
with whom you come in contact, not just your friends! Go out of your way to smile and say hello to elderly ladies at church and to
visitors. Have a ready smile for the people you see at the grocery store.”
Joelle Schmidt remembers a day she went shopping with her mom. “As we walked out of each store, my
mother would turn to the closest store clerk, smile, and say ‘thank you’. It was a small gesture of kindness, yet I thought of how
such a little thing could mean so much to someone who encounters demanding customers all day. Never underestimate the little ways
you can give encouragement, especially to people who we usually overlook.”
Deanna Williams was encouraged when her little sister said, “Your piano practicing is sounding
better!”
“Just six words,” she ponders. “I think that saying a few kind words can encourage someone more than
you think.”
Celia Anderson encourages others by helping them in any way she can. “If people see me cheerfully,
voluntarily helping them, they are sometimes inspired by my enthusiasm. When I am working with someone on an unpleasant job, I
encourage both of us to keep going.
“Another way I encourage people is by helping them look on the ‘bright side’ of the situation. I
show them that they are making progress or that there has already been some answer to prayer.
“You may promise to pray for someone, as I have. When you do this, make sure you do pray!
“Write letters, e-mail, call, and visit people who need encouragement. Calling and visiting are
appreciated, because people can tell that you really do care when you make that effort.
“A final way that I try to encourage people is with God’s Word. I have found that the Psalms and
many of Paul’s epistles are wonderful sources of encouragement.”
Ana Marie Ort gives some other ideas. “At church, I enjoy bringing little goodies for some older
ladies. You can bake and wrap up a small portion of brownies, bread, cookies, etc., and an encouraging note to give to elderly
people. They are really encouraged by it!
“My family has gone to nursing homes to share our gift of music. Playing a hymn on your instrument
encourages the elderly people there. It can also be a ministry opportunity for you to take tracts.”
She also shares that little handmade creative thank-you notes can brighten someone’s day. Include a
little gift like a bookmark or stickers when you write letters. And praise for positive character qualities when you see them
demonstrated. That will encourage others to do right!
Jaclynn Goshorn shares how she encourages her brother Kendall. “When I check his school at the end
of the day, I write an encouraging note or Bible verse on his paper. Then the next morning, he sees it when he starts his school.
This especially helps him when he is discouraged about something in his school.”
Jaclynn’s mother encourages her when she is upset by “simply hugging me and telling me she loves me.
I know she’ll be there for me no matter what I’m going through.”
Tiffany Schlichter encourages others by writing letters and notes. “Strangely enough, I am not
comfortable talking to others over the phone or just talking to them right there. I am much more comfortable talking to others in
letters. I find it very easy if you ask Jesus to help you say the right words.
“Whenever my mom or dad or brother or sister is going through a hard day, I write a letter and put
it on the counter. Even if they’re not having a hard day, it’s always nice to get a quick note. When I get out of the shower, a
lot of times I’ll take my finger and draw something in the condensation on the mirror for the next person getting in the shower.
Many times on my school pages I will write notes to my dear Mommy whom I love so much. I enjoy rubber-stamping. When someone is
down, I send them a card.
“Sometimes, I get up extra early and trace my footprint. I make lots of copies of it. Next, I tape
them all over the floor and make paths with them. I make paths to different places. They lead to different special things: candy,
breakfast, signs that say “I love you”, a card, etc. It may seem silly, but it really can brighten someone’s day!
“I try to always put Bible verses on my letters of encouragement. Verses are special because they
are from God. I usually write, ‘I’m praying for you.’ That’s always a big encouragement.”
Finally, Tiffany encourages us, “No matter how big or how little, how strong or how weak, God wants
you to encourage others! One piece of paper could change someone’s day. It could even change a life.”
"...do to others what you
would have them do to you." – Matthew 7:12.
Sarah Bowen encourages her family by leaving notes under pillows or in schoolbooks. “I used to
frequently stick a note to say ‘I love you’ or ‘hope your day goes well’ or a Bible verse in my dad’s lunches for work. As I
thought of this, I realized it’s been a long time! Maybe I should start ‘walking my talk’ again! I’ve also received lots of notes.
It’s so encouraging to know that someone cares!”
“Do a chore for a sibling in secret!” Sarah says. “I share a double bed with one of my sisters, and
we usually make it together. One morning I was having a hard time, and Katie made the bed by herself to surprise me! It is so
uplifting to see a tangible evidence of another’s love. It’s even more fun to be on the giving end, though
J!”
Rebekah Bowser adds her thoughts. “Send a little card of encouragement to a grieving friend, an
elderly person (grandparents), a pen-pal, or even a family member! I enjoy writing notes or sticking little pass-it-on cards in
people’s rooms, lunchboxes, or vehicles. It doesn’t have to say much – just a Bible verse or ‘I love you’ will speak volumes.”
Sarah Bayer encourages others by sharing from personal experience something that relates to what
they are going through. “You can also be an encouragement by remembering birthdays. I know for me, some of the most encouraging
things were not the elaborate gifts or poetic words, but rather the thoughts and attitudes behind it. It is the thought that
counts.”
A cup of hot cider (or cold lemonade in the summer J!), or a simple
praise – “you’re getting really good at that” – can encourage others not to give up.
Rebekah Bowser sums it up. “We can encourage our parents by cheerful obedience. We can encourage
other believers by simply living to our convictions and joyfully serving Christ. And we can encourage our siblings to learn more
about Jesus and what an encouragement He is!”
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your
work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and
in still ministering to the saints.” – Hebrews 6:10.
And Sarah Bayer adds, “The list of being a blessing to others is really endless. You can get many
more ideas by being open to the Lord’s leading and to whatever ideas the Lord may lay on your heart.”
What are important attitudes necessary to encouraging others?
Learning to be sincerely interested in others, talking about their interests and asking questions to
get to know them better, can also be a form of encouragement. Joelle Schmidt shares, “Everyone enjoys talking to someone who is
personable and genuinely interested in talking to them. Everyday I encounter different people and I sometimes ask myself the
question, ‘Was I truly interested in them? Did I show concern for their needs?’
“I must have an attitude of sincerity for my words and countenance to effectively communicate with
people. If I do not really mean what I am saying to others, they will sense my incorrect attitudes no matter how I may try to
conceal my true motives (which is a very humbling experience!).
“Often I have been so focused on expressing my needs that I failed to be genuinely concerned for the
person I was talking to. Yet as I learn to deny myself and be sincerely interested in those around me, there is great joy in
giving of myself to encourage someone else.”
Jenni McCabe advises to be honest with people, and to let them be honest with you. “There is the
temptation to feel like you must say that your walk with the Lord is going great, when in reality it’s not. If someone knows that
they can be honest with you about these things, talking it out can help you to grow and discern.
“Avoid judging people and giving advice unless you are asked for it,” Jenni continues. Sometimes she
just needs someone who will not tell her that she should look on the bright side and look at all the good things she has. Rather,
she needs someone who will just let her talk, someone who will listen and pray with her.
Sensitivity to someone’s feelings is a vital aspect of encouragement. Sometimes people want a spoken
word of encouragement, and other times they only want a listening ear. Instead of following the same “don’t worry, be happy!”
method every time, we need to discern the most effective form of encouragement in each situation.
“Offer to pray with people,” Jenni shares. “It really brightens my day when someone offers to pray
with me. Be available to listen. It gives people a sense of importance, and it helps them see that someone cares about what is
happening in their lives.”
“I want to be an encouragement to those around me,” Sarah Bayer says. “And I know
that I often fail. It’s hard to know how we can be a blessing to others. I think it would be good to be sensitive and observant to
others’ needs and have a servant’s attitude in meeting those needs.”
Celia Anderson emphasizes the importance of a humble spirit. “If I am proud, I do not show
flexibility in my attitude toward the person needing encouragement. Pride makes me want to correct the person’s error in a
criticizing way. Humility enables me to encourage and help the person with a supportive attitude.
“I have found that an enthusiastic attitude is wonderful when I am trying to inspire someone else.
And most of all I need a spirit open to God, so that He will put the right words on my lips. If I try to do anything without
God’s help, it fails.”
“Have a positive attitude,” Sarah Bayer challenges. “No one wants to be around a pessimist. Try to
be optimistic in every situation!”
Joelle Schmidt reminds us that genuine love is a necessary attitude for encouragement. “Genuine love
does not behave rudely; it seeks to serve that person through little acts of kindness. Genuine love does not seek its own; it
seeks to focus on that person’s needs. Genuine love is not provoked; it seeks to patiently love that person despite their
faults.
“Without this type of genuine love that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 13, all other ways I may
encourage others profit me nothing. Oh, dear sisters, if only I had this type of love, then I would have no problem encouraging
other people!
“Lately the Lord has been teaching me that I am indeed a sinful individual, that apart from His
grace I have no love. Yet as I am daily learning to abandon myself to Him, He is fully capable of filling me with
His love for those around me. And I know He can do the same for you, dear sister, as you continue to seek His face day by
day.” ©
To Spur On
By Aja Nicole Angel
Encouragement. Such a simple word, but one that holds life in its very presence.
I looked up the word “encourage” in the Webster’s Dictionary, and I found some amazing definitions.
It means to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope. To spur on. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is
born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
Encouragement is so important to our Lord. As born-again Christians, I believe we need to cultivate
a spirit of encouragement to all with whom we come in contact. I, by no means, am any kind of expert on this topic, but the Lord
has shown me numerous ways to be an encouragement to others.
I encourage my dad by thanking him daily for providing so well for our family, for staying faithful
to us, and for caring for us. He needs to hear that from his daughters. I try not to become repetitious in my words, but with
sincerity say, “Thank you.” I let him know that I’ll do anything to lighten his load – such as pack his lunches, make his coffee,
send out mail, run errands, etc. Little things like that encourage dads more than you know.
A mom is the giver in each family, so it is vital that we, as daughters, say words of kindness and
encouragement. Take the time to really notice all she does. “Mom, I saw that you finished my ironing for me – thank you so much.
Mom, thanks for starting the dishes for me – I’ll take over now.”
Notice what she does and praise her. Does she have a new dress on? Say something. Did she complete a
long overdue task? Praise her hard work. She needs to hear those uplifting words.
One thing that is a great help to my mom is when we take over
cooking meals each week for her, to
lighten her workload. I take two days and my little sister takes two days. That way Mom only has to worry about three dinners a
week for us. The best way to encourage your mom, as a daughter, is to be an encourager and show a real attitude of
cheerfulness!
I have been blessed with two sisters, but I have learned that in order to have a close bond with
each other, daily encouragement is needed. I like to “try” to wake up with a bright, cheery “good morning”, instead of being a
grouch. That shows my sisters that at least I am approachable J.
Seek opportunities to help. Are they struggling in their schoolwork? Have they gotten stuck in a
sewing project? I like to immediately jump in if my little sister (well not so little – 17 years old
J) seems to need an extra hand.
Also, sit down occasionally with your siblings and listen to their spiritual struggles, hard
decisions, or pressing burdens. The Bible says in Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of
silver.” As the King’s daughters, our words of testimony and wisdom can encourage more than we realize. The most obvious
“clue” that we are truly daughters of the King is how we talk to others – whether we uplift or tear down.
Above all, pray for each family member – Dad, Mom, brothers and sisters. They all need the
encouragement of your prayers. James 5:16: “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Have you ever had an unusually hard day, and then the mail comes with a letter addressed to you from
your pen-pal? Proverbs 25:25 says, “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” That verse has
such wisdom in it. There is nothing like reading a letter from another like-minded sister, and the refreshing feeling you gain
from her words and prayers.
Why not make a ministry out of correspondence? Take the time to build a friendship with younger
girls through letters. Titus 2 admonishes the older women to teach the younger women. Although you may not consider yourself “old”
yet J, the girlhood stage is so delicate, and your added words of testimony and praise could really
spur girls on to Godly womanhood.
Encourage younger children around you. Our church has a wonderful children’s program on Wednesday
nights, and about a year ago I volunteered as a helper. I found that there are numerous opportunities to encourage these children
of God.
I have been able to spur them on in having daily quiet times, memorizing Scripture, loving their
family members, reading missionary stories, learning Godly songs, and the list goes on! It’s funny how children mimic our “walk”
more than our “talk.” So it’s equally important that our lives reflect the
Godly examples we are trying to instill in them.
What about encouraging the unsaved? Picture yourself in line at the grocery store, and you notice an
elderly couple just behind you. Why not brighten their day with God’s love by allowing them to go ahead of you? Those small acts
of kindness often replay themselves in unbelievers’ hearts, and cause them to question where our overflowing joy and love really
comes from!
I know how hard it can be sometimes, to keep encouraging and never feel encouraged yourself. But the
neat thing is that we are the ones who get lifted up when we uplift others! (See Proverbs 11:25.)
Christ knows our needs, and will supply the inspiration we need at just the right time. Let’s be
faithful to encourage others for the Lord. You never know – your next word of encouragement may spur a discouraged person on.
©
What is God Trying to Teach You?
By Lara Bode
It’s summer! The school year has ended; the schedule is different; and the weather is beautiful.
It’s a season to celebrate!
This week most of my family is at a home-schooling
conference. I am staying home with my youngest two sisters, Lydia (7) and Katie (4). We are having a really fun week so far! At
first I was a little concerned about finding enough activities to keep them happily occupied, but I don’t think that’s going to be
a problem. So far we’ve kept pretty busy running errands, folding laundry, keeping the house orderly, cooking yummy treats, and
reading stories J.
Mom has a huge garden this year. Dad and Jonathan built a 13-foot high electric fence (to keep out
the deer). The area it encloses is almost half an acre, and we have most of that area planted with a mix of small fruit trees,
berries, and vegetables. I’ve been helping in the garden more since school ended. Our lettuce and other salad greens are doing
great! We’ve had so much extra that Anna and Lydia have been bagging the surplus to sell to my piano students
J.
Most mornings I’ve been going out to the garden around 9 a. m. (before it gets too hot) to pick
lettuce and a few strawberries, too. I don’t really like garden work, but harvesting is fun! This morning Lydia and I picked
enough salad greens to fill eight gallon-size Ziploc bags. Lydia is hoping to sell most of it when my students come this
afternoon.
I am enjoying the opportunity to spend so much time at home this summer. Over the last school year,
I kept really busy home schooling four children whose mother has cancer. Teaching them was such a huge part of my life that once
the school year ended, it felt strange to be finished! I almost didn’t know what to do with myself. My friend Kristi told me a
great quote –
“Don’t cry because it’s over;
Smile because it happened!”
And I do thank God for the last year. He has shown me so much about His
faithfulness and how He can work through me when I am yielded to Him. [See “Viewing Life as a Ministry” – Ed.]
This summer as I’ve had a bit more free time than usual, it’s been good for me to just take a break
and think, “What has God been trying to teach me over the last few weeks (or months)? How is He working in my life? How am I
stronger in my faith than I was a year ago? Am I cooperating with how God is
wanting to use my life right now?”
God is always trying to teach us something. He never lets trials or joys happen for no reason. Yet
so often in our busy lives we tend to struggle along through circumstances, never stopping to think, “What is God trying to
show me through this? What can I learn?”
Some of the greatest times of spiritual growth for me have been during a difficult season (or even a
normal season) when I have just taken a break and stopped to think and pray, “God, what are you trying to teach me through
this? What do you want me to learn?” You know, there is always something.
If you have been saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, then the Holy Spirit lives within you,
and He is on a mission! God is working in your life right now for a special reason and with a special purpose in mind. We don’t
want to miss the growth He is working to accomplish in our lives! So let’s take a break and reflect and pray. What has God brought
us through over the last little while? What lessons can we learn from the ground we’ve covered?
One special lesson that God taught me earlier this year is how to survive difficulties. 2
Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” I believe that the secret to successfully surviving difficulties (without despair) lies in walking
by faith, rather than by appearances.
In difficult situations, walking by appearances leads quickly to discouragement and complete
despair. However, this is not our only option! We have another choice – to keep our focus on God and to look to Him for strength
and wisdom during difficult times. The key is to view our difficulties from His eternal perspective. We must also fully
trust His goodness and the truth of the promises in His Word. If we do this, we can walk through difficulties victoriously by
faith!
Because God helped me to walk by faith through a time of great sorrow, in the midst of it I was able
to honestly write: “The appearance of things, by all accounts, is quite grim... But I must in truth acknowledge for all of us
that there has been no sorrow, no trial, no difficulty, no illness, but that our God has been right there with us, giving
us strength, and helping us to continue on with faith in our loving Lord Jesus, who gave Himself up for us.”
God is so faithful to always give us the grace, strength, and joy to make it properly through
everything He’s called us to do. How silly it is for us to rely on our own small strength! We can rely instead on our Father’s
great and unending faithfulness! Even during dark times when we surely can’t understand, thank God we can know without a trace of
doubt that His way really truly is perfect (see Psalm 18:30).
Have you noticed how much helpful truth there is to be found in so many hymns? My favorite hymns
tend to be those that are directed to God, like a prayer. One that I’ve appreciated lately is “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My
Heart”, by George Croly. I especially like the second verse:
“I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies;
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no
opening skies –
But take the dimness of my soul away.”
This season finds me again in a situation of not really knowing what’s ahead. What
does God want me to do this fall? What ministry should I pour myself into?
Do you ever feel like this? Sometimes it seems like every day we pray for wisdom and ask God to show
us what to do. We search our Bibles for some light to direct us. Time goes by, and we may still be completely clueless regarding
which direction we should go.
I recently came across Psalm 97:11: “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the
upright in heart.” A little song came to mind, based on Psalm 16:11: “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence
is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Even after reading those verses, I have at times found it very hard to trust that He will eventually
show me what to do. But God reminded me that He has never failed me before, nor will He now. Based on His past faithfulness, I
realized it was wrong of me not to trust Him to remain faithful to me now and always. True, there may be no light as of yet. But
each morning I’ve found there is light enough for this day, and I’ve decided to live each day with a rejoicing heart, free
in the confidence that He will show me His way in His time.
I’ve often wondered, Why does God take so long to show me what to do? What is He trying to teach
me? I think it’s all part of the school of faith – the Lord wants to make me willing and able to trust Him and wait for
guidance. So I am slowly learning to rest in Him and just seek to glorify Him with each new day.
It is my hope in this beautiful summer season that each of us would be able to take a little time to
think about what it is that God has been trying to teach us. As the Lord shows you lessons from life and from His Word, I hope
you’ll share them with us, too! We at The King’s Daughter are always eager to provide a format by which you can encourage
and strengthen others with testimonies of God’s work in your life. God bless you!©
A Channel
By Lana Bode
What is a channel? Until recently, it was only one of many terms that I needed to define in
geography – a path between two bodies of land through which water could flow. However, it means much more to me now. God has been
teaching me lately the importance of becoming a channel for Him – an empty vessel through which He
will reach and bless others.
I am not able to serve as a channel for God until I completely surrender myself; all my
relationships, time, interests, and goals must belong to God. Otherwise, I am like a dam, blocking all the potential I
could have if I was only open to God.
Every morning when I first wake up, I like to pray for God to flow through me and use me that day.
In particular, I am seeking to develop the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), starting at the beginning of the list with
love. Before I opened myself as a channel for God, I was completely unable to show genuine love for others (particularly my
siblings J). I simply loved when others were lovable, and disliked them when they were irritable
(see Matthew 5:46). But now with the Lord’s help, I am able to change my actions and responses,
asking Him for His incredible love to flow
through me to those around me.
One of my favorite hymns is “Channels Only” by Mary E. Maxwell.
“Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me,
A clean vessel in Thy hand;
With no pow’r but as Thou givest
Graciously with each command.
“Jesus, fill now with Thy Spirit
Hearts that full surrender know;
That the streams of
living water
From our inner man may flow.
“Channels only, blessed Master,
But with all Thy wondrous pow’r
Flowing
through us, Thou canst use us
Every day and every hour.”
A small portion from a biography of George Whitefield reads, “One of the things
Whitefield prayed about often was the need for some companions who were serious about developing their spiritual lives. ‘Not long
after,’ he recorded in his journal, ‘God made me instrumental to awaken several young persons, who soon formed themselves into a
little Society, and had quickly the honour of being despised... as we had been before them....’”
Two things jumped out at me in that passage. One was how Whitefield was an open channel for God to
use him to meet his own prayer request. The other was that little phrase “the honour of being despised”.
Is God such a big part of your life that you are willing – even honored – to be despised for His
sake? Do you view “standing alone” as a pleasure? I know I sure don’t J. But if you think about it,
mockery from the world is a sign that we are being molded into Christ’s character. And I think it must have been for that reason
that Whitefield’s Society was honored to be despised.
So whatever activities come your way this summer, view them as opportunities to be completely open
to Christ and reach others with His love. ©
Making Herb Vinegars
By Kateri Fahey
Herb vinegars are a delightful way to capture the flavor and aroma of your fresh-grown
garden herbs. They are easy and fun to make, and are wonderful gifts, too!
For one quart of herb vinegar, you need two cups of finely chopped fresh herbs and 3 to 3½ cups
vinegar. Both apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar work well. Never use cheap white vinegar.
Gather the herbs in the morning after the dew has dried, but before it gets really hot. This is the
time of day that herbs have the most flavor. The heat of the sun draws out some of the flavorful essential oils. If needed,
gently wash the herbs and shake off the water.
Cut the herbs as finely as possible and pack loosely into a clean, dry jar. Fill the jar to the brim
with vinegar. Label with the date and the names of the herbs; then put the jar in a cool, dark place. The flavors will blend and
mellow and in two weeks, your vinegar will be ready to use.
It’s up to you whether or not to strain the vinegar before using. I don’t strain the vinegar that my
family uses, because the little bits of picked herbs are delicious in salads and other dishes. I do strain what I sell and give
away. It looks a lot more attractive in bottles after it’s strained! If you decide not to strain the vinegar, shake the jar well
before using.
Practically any herb can be made into vinegar. Use your imagination and what you have on hand. Herb
vinegars can be used in any dish that calls for vinegar. They will add a new and exciting twist to many of your favorite recipes.
We mainly use them in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades for meats and vegetables.
Here are a few combinations to get you started. If you don’t have all these herbs, try adding
something else. Use your imagination and be creative. When you experiment, it would be a good idea to make small batches and see
what you like before making a lot of one thing.
-
Rosemary and thyme - marinade meats
-
Tarragon, dill, and chives - salad dressing, marinade fresh cucumber slices
(delicious!)
-
Garlic - salad dressing, meats, vegetables, tomato sauce
-
Parsley, dill, chives, and thyme - salad dressing
-
Basil and a small amount of garlic -salad dressing, sauce, or sprinkle lightly on tomato
slices. (I sold several gallons of these last summer!)
For gift-giving, find attractive bottles to put the vinegar in. These bottles
need to have glass or plastic lids or corks. Acid vinegars eat away metal lids. Once when I used a metal lid, I tried to take it
off six months later and it fell apart. If you strain vinegar, you can add a few sprigs of fresh whole herbs to the jar to make it
prettier.
I like to seal the lids with beeswax and tie a bright ribbon around the neck of the bottle.
Here is a basic salad dressing recipe using any type of herb vinegar:
1 cup oil (olive oil works best)
½-1 cup herb vinegar (your choice of flavor)
1 tbsp finely cut fresh or dried herbs, or those from the vinegar (opt.)
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake well before using.©
Corners
Way deep down, in a dark part of me
Is a cherished dream that I don’t
want God to see.
It’s a tiny
corner – just a little one;
It’s the hope of a husband and a
precious little son.
If I give this to God, I won’t have it
anymore;
My cherished dream will be
in the hands of the Lord.
And what if He doesn’t ever give it back?
It would break
my heart and
throw my life off track.
Lord...
I’m hanging on to this, my fingers are wrapped tight,
‘Round all my
dreams, and I won’t give in without a fight.
This is what I planned and I thought that it was right!
And now You ask to take
it – my precious dream out of my sight...
All right, Lord, I’ll give You some but not all.
That’s too much to
ask, Lord, and this corner – mine – is so small...
But my all wasn’t on the altar – yes, part, but not the whole.
I
had to give Him everything to have peace within my soul.
So, Lord...
Here I am again, and it’s all of me this time.
I’m giving you my corners and everything that’s mine.
You can take it – You can keep it – I’m not asking for returns.
I want
to trust You with my life and I really want to learn
That You are in control and that You will always lead,
And I do know,
Lord, way deep down
That You are all I need.©
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