Daughter of Encouragement

I am currently working on giving my site a new look and feel. Please go through any of the existing posts. I pray you will find a word of encouragement as you browse.

I will be back soon

We live in a challenging world and only those who are sensitive to their environment can actually make a difference in it. As godly women living in the 21st century, we need to understand what being sensitive really means. One of the meanings of being sensitive taken from Dictionary.com an online reference dictionary can be defined as “having acute mental or emotional sensibility: aware of, and responsive to the feelings of others”. It could also mean someone who is touchy, easily pained or annoyed. However, for the sake of our
study, we would like to define a sensitive woman to mean someone
highly perceptive like Jesus Christ our perfect example as recorded in Luke 8: 43-46.

Examples of sensitive women in bible times:

1. Mary the mother of Jesus: John 2: 1-5. She noticed that at the wedding of Cana, the wine had run out and she informed her son Jesus about this. How can we relate this to our present world? Give practical examples of when we need to step into a situation.

2. The Shunammite Woman: 2 Kings 4: 8-10. She noticed that the man of God, Elisha, had no accommodation and she met that need. This was the entrance to her breakthrough. How can you meet the need of men of God around you?

3. Naomi: Ruth 3: 1. Naomi the mother in-law of Ruth was sensitive to the needs of Ruth. She did everything in her power to seek Ruth’s welfare. What efforts as an elder, mother, sister have you made to ensure it is well with others in God’s house?

4. The virtuous woman: Proverbs 31: 17-18 . As a business woman, the virtuous woman knew within her that her business was right and had an understanding of what to do.

What it takes to be sensitive to the needs of others:

a) Ask for the spirit of discernment ( 1 Corin 12: 7,9-10). This will help you to be sensitive to your environment, people, situations and above all- the promptings of the Holy Spirit. With the spirit of discernment, you would also be able to know what solutions or options are available to you in times of doubt. Jesus encouraged this in Luke 12:56. The children of Issachar had this spirit and they acted as guides for the children of Israel( 1 Chronicles 12:32).

b) Listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings: The Holy Spirit always prompts us but we do not respond. As a woman, you need to sharpen your spiritual antenna. The more you respond to these promptings, the more sensitive you will be to the needs of others.

Are you a sensitive woman? If you are, what difference have you or are you making in the lives of those you come in contact with everyday?

There so many lonely parents around and many times my heart goes out to them. For many it has been a painful journey and life has not been fair on them either. Does God really care or does He not understand what these parents are going through?

The truth of the matter is that God really cares and understands what you are going through as a lone parent. In fact He wants you to know that even though you may be lonely in the midst of all what you are going through, you are not alone because He is right there beside you. Have you ever read the story of the Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:9? She was a poor lone parent who had nothing to eat and yet had a son to feed during a severe recession that hit the land of Israel at the time. Her thoughts were to cook the last meal of flour for herself and her son after which she concluded that they would both die.

 While gathering sticks out in the town where she lived, Elijah met her and requested for that last meal. The woman obeyed but surprisingly the meal was more than sufficient for Elijah, herself and her son. Miraculously too, it lasted until the end of the recession. What an awsome God we serve!
God sees your tears and knows what it’s like to be lonely. Isaiah 53: 3 describes Jesus as a man who was rejected of men. He was also a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. That is why Jesus can relate to what you are going through. Do you feel rejected and alone like Jesus did? That is why we have the comforter known as the Holy Spirit who comforts us in all our pains and sorrows. He is our guide and will never leave nor forsake anyone who trusts in His guidance.

As a lone parent do not despair, take your worries to the Lord in prayer. Make the Holy Spirit your best friend and you will never be the same again. I also advice that you network with friends who can give you godly counsel. Loneliness can destroy ones emotions  if not handled properly, so do not give in to it. Make yourself happy and see the positive side of things and not the other way round. Know within yourself that greater is He in you. When this realisation hits you, you would not allow loneliness to depress you in any way. Have a blessed day.

Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and i will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Have you ever thought of starting a business in a very big way? I have ! However, I have learnt over time that we do not need to launch out big before we start any venture at all. Many of you out there desire to lay hands on a business but the fear of having so little is holding you back. The enemy might be whispering words of doubt into your heart but do not listen:  JUST DO IT  going by the slogan of NIKE.

Many men and women who made history started small including our Lord Jesus who started his ministry with only 12 disciples. Today, there are millions of Jesus’ disciples all over the world. Jesus knew that his mission was to save the whole world and to achieve this, he started small. This is commendable!

Have you just launched a business which seems to be crawling at the moment? Do not give it up! Just keep nurturing it with the right nutrients and you will be amazed at how this will grow. Business takes time to grow but it needs your commitment and perseverance to see it grow big and strong. There is no organisation that jumped to being a big one without going through the baby stage.You therefore need to be patient all the way before you begin to reap the rewards of success.

I believe it is God’s will for his children to prosper and that includes you. You have all it takes to succeed so never give up! Have a dream and goal in mind and do not give up at any point in time.  You have been created to make it in life. Therefore, water your business with good words of encouragement. Speak positive words  and have a good outlook to life.

Have a blessed day and God bless.

For who hath despised the day of small things. Zechariah 4:10

Everybody loves encouragement and this extends to people in the  workplace or the church.  What is your encouragement Quotient as a leader? Are you measuring up to the standard God expects of you?

Deborah in the book of Judges chapter 4 played an encouraging role in the battle against Sisera the captain of Jabin’s army. Even though she did not physically engage in a fight the enemy, she was the backbone behind Barak whom God commissioned to wage war against Sisera. This was confirmed in Barak’s words to Deborah in Judges 4:8 ” If thou wilt go with me, then I will go; but if thou wilt not go with me, then will I not go!”. Deborah later responded to this statement in  the first part of verse 9  by saying ” I will surely go with thee” . This boosted the confidence of Barak and he eventually won the battle.

Never underestimate the power of encouragement, It saves lives! The people in the workplace are not immune to the the world around them, so they need  your shoulder to lean on and your ears for you to listen to their plight. Encouragement in the workplace can increase the productivity level of  the workers and boosts their morale . They feel appreciated and appreciated and can do the unexpected for you.

Do you want to be a leader with a difference? Then take a bold step today to lead by encouragement. Start taking interest in the people around you, especially by being a good listener. When you notice that the staff in your care  lack confidence in themselves, be the one to support them.  Like Barak, they would be inspired to go the extra mile.

As a pastor or a church minister do you encourage the congregation in your local church? You will be amazed at the extent a word of encouragement goes.  From experience, people will always flock to and worship where they are being nurtured by encouragement. If week in week out the congregation receives encouraging words, it would motivate them to continue in their christian faith. Therefore, as a leader in your local church do not ignore the power of  encouragement.  Above all, determine to be an encouraging leader today, just like our Lord Jesus Christ  the greatest encourager who ever lived. 

How do you respond to encouragement? I would like to read your comments. God bless. 

Blessed be God even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When I was a teenager many years ago in Africa, I desired to get married by the age of 25. This dream did not materialise by that age because i was still an undergraduate in the university.  I could not understand why it was so because most of my friends had settled down before I became a graduate.  It was later in life that I got to understand that God’s timing is different from man’s timing.

You might have found yourself wondering many times why God has not yet responded to your requests, all I would say to you is ” Be still and know he is God” ( Psalm 46:10).  He alone knows why there has to be a delay in that situation and all you need to do is just wait until he reaches out to you. Do not give up too soon, hang in there and ask for grace to hold on until the end.

Is your marriage hitting the rocks? Do not seek for a divorce just yet, stay in the place of prayer and allow God to give you a word that would sort you out and keep you in the place of victory. Are you still believing God to lead you to  the right man or woman to marry?  Keep praying and trusting in him. At the appointed time, he will surprise you because he is a faithful God.

You may not understand how this would be done but  I can assure you that God will not dissapoint you.  Delay does not mean denial, It it might just be another way of God saying ” wait for me, I am coming for you in my own time”

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5 (NLT)

How time flies! I am so sorry for staying away for this long. All I just want torequest from you  is your forgiveness for leaving it too long to blog. There have been highs and lows but i thank God that all is well now to the glory and praise of his name.  By the grace of God, I will be meeting with you to share my heart as before. Thanks for your continual support. God bless.

I will praise thee o Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought up an idea that seemed larger than you? What question came to mind at such a time? You know the answer don’t you? We all have moments  when we daydream about achieving greatness, but like Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ our saviour, we shrink back in fear and think within us  ” How shall this be?” (Luke 1: 34 KJV).

 
I can identify with Mary’s s statement, because I have at some points in my life tried to work out some things with my own imagination, instead of  allowing God to have His way in me. I had relied on my ability forgetting that the bible has instructed me not to trust in my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). I have discovered that we tend to ask questions such as this when we doubt if we  have the resources or ability to achieve our dreams. Mary made this statement when Angel Gabriel announced to her that she was going to have a baby without having any sexual contact  with a man. This was definitely unheard of! However, that was God’s plan  and only Him could accomplish it . He only needed the cooperation of Mary.

 
What God wants to do through you and I is  beyond our physical ability. Your dream is larger than you and because it will take God’s assistance to accomplish it,  your cooperation is needed.  Do you have doubts about your dreams? Is that project you are thinking of embarking on too scary because  you don’t have the finance to kick off? Congratulations, do not abandon the dream ! Carry on with your preparations and you will be amazed how God will meet your need.
Sarah Abraham’s wife also had her doubts about God’s ability to give her a child as a woman who had reached menopause. Her response to the promise of God brought to herself and her husband through some 3 strangers her husband entertained in their house was ” After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my Lord being old also?” (Genesis 18:12 KJV).

 
You and I can achieve our dreams! Let us not belittle God. He is able to do far more than we can ever think or imagine. My desire is to know Him more and trust Him everyday. Even if my requests are not being answered instantly, I want to still trust and stand on God’s word.  Do you trust God to bring your dreams to pass?
 
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7

Years ago, I read a book which had a phrase  somewhere between its pages  which stated that “opportunity once lost can never be regained”. However, not many people know what opportunities are or how to recognise them when they present themselves.

I have been mentoring a particular friend in the area of her career for a few months now. Over this weekend, she gave me a telephone call enquiring if she should take up a job transfer offerd  to her by her boss. The organisation this lady works for has other branches across the country and she had been offered the opportunity of going  on secondment to one of them. My friend was offended and this puzzled me as my understanding from our previous discussions had indicated that she would not mind a change of office environment.  My friend then explained to me that the reason for her negative reaction to the offer was because some colleagues  had informed her that the unit her boss was sending her to is challenging  and the work quite enormous.

When challenges come your way how do you respond to them? Do you see them as problems or opportunities? From my experience, opportunities do not present themselves as one. They are not easily spotted and sometimes can be off putting.  The scenario I gave above could be an opportunity in disguise. The fact that others had given my friend a negative report about the unit does not mean that she would not be able to overcome the challenges.

As children of God, we need to pray that God should help us spot the opportunities that are embedded in our challenges, failures, and weaknesses. I believe all things work for good for God’s children according to Romans 8:28. If we can have this mindset, our lives will be much better and we would react to situations differently. What you need to understand is that those things you have spent your years praying about could be wrapped up in that ugly situation that has presented itself. Let us look at a few people in the bible who saw opportunities and embraced them.

David was a Shepard boy and the youngest of eight brothers, but when there was war between the Philistines andthe children Israel, Goliath challenged the Israelites to a fight.  David saw this as an opportunity to make a boast of what God can do and therefore put himself forward to the challenge of facing Goliath. God honoured David’s faith, which led to  Goliath’s defeat. David’s story did not end there because he later  became one of the greatest kings in Israel.

Joseph was another man who saw opportunity and seized it when it presented itself to him. Having been imprisoned for an offence he did not commit,  Joseph did not allow this setback take his gift from him because while in prison, he interpreted dreams for other inmates. It was this gift in Joseph that later brought him before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The king had a dream but no one to interpret it. To cut a long story short, Joseph interpreted the dream and was later made to the Prime Minister of Egypt. What would have happened if  Joseph had not interpreted the kings dream?

There are countless examples  of people in the bible for us to learn from. When a challenge comes your way, always try to see the possibilities of that challenge and not the negative side of things. This is the only way you can have a clearer picture of what has come your way. We therefore need to pray that God should open the eyes of our understanding according to Ephesians 1:18. As you go into this week, let your prayer be that God should open your eyes to see the opportunities around you, even if they present themselves as the worst challenge you have ever faced. God bless you.

 
And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. Genesis 21: 19a

Has it ever occurred to you that your children need encouragement? Children sometimes feel frustrated and downcast and as parents, we need to encourage them. They not only need encouragement when they are discouraged but when they need to move to the next stage of their life.

One main point I want to emphasise is that children respond to encouragement quite differently from adults. A child needs constant assurance from their parents and when this is not there, their heart sinks. How do you encourage your child who hardly does well in school? When your child scores 6 out of 10 in maths do you scold him or her for getting only 6 marks or do you appreciate the fact that at least he or she was sure of 6 questions out of 10?

What I want us to appreciate in our children is the effort they put into their work or anything they set out to do. It does not matter if that child is a toddler or a teenager, they all need encouragement. Always acknowledge their effort no matter how small. This boosts their confidence and gives them the courage to keep trying.  Many parents do not encourage their children and this has a negative impact on  them later in life. There are many ways you can encourage your children depending on the circumstance or situation.

1. Show support for your children. When they are involved in any school  be there to show your support. It might be  a nativity play, debate or sport, be there to cheer them up. This is a confidence booster.

2. When your children raise any sort of concern, always reassure them  that all will be fine. Children’s imagination can sometimes run wild. There is nothing wrong in telling them about a nasty experience you had and how you got out of it. They will be grateful for your understanding and your sharing with them your experience.  Many times we  play down our children’s concerns by ignoring them. Let them know you understand their fears.

3. Praise any effort or attempts made. I have stated this above but I need to reiterate its importance. Focus on the effort and not the mistakes. when you have praised the effort you can then correct the mistake. This is more encouraging.

4. Show physical affection and let your children know they are loved. As a parent, when last did you hug or kiss your child? What ways do you show affection? I want to encourage you to interact more often with them. Let there be times you sit together as a family over matters in the house. Involving Children in family matters is very encouraging.

5. Speak kindly to your child.  No matter how badly a child has behaved using unkind words can hurt that child’s spirit. We need to understand that words are powerful. They are able to build and destroy. Choose to build your children up by correcting them using the right choice of words.

6. Pray for your children.  When you say to your children that you are praying for them, be sure to be greeted with a smile. This is one way they can tell that you actually care for them.

There are so many ways to encourage our children but I have just managed to give a few tips. God has given us these children to care, nurture and encourage in fulfilling His plan for their lives.  Why not choose to encourage your children today. I can assure you that when they grow up to be parents themselves, they would do the same for their own children. This is  because they have had a first hand experience of encouragement from  their parents. Take care

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11