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We were supposed to be browsing the menu, but instead my eyes surveyed the surrounding area. I noticed a young waitress being chewed out by a table of disgruntles patrons. Poor thing, I thought to myself, I wondered what she did to make them so angry.
I went back to browsing my menu and a short time later, the same waitress appeared at our table. She was trying to put on a happy face, but I could tell, she had been crying moments before. She looked discouraged and defeated, probably due to what I just had witnessed. My heart went out to her. It didn’t take much for me to realize she needed some encouragement. I knew she was having a tough day, anyone who looked at her could see it, even if they hadn’t witnessed the scene I did.
She had a smile on her face, but her eyes registered hurt. I glanced past her to the table of disgruntled patrons and I said, “Tough Day?” She just shrugged and smiled and asked for our drink order. We gave her our drink order and then I said, “before you go, can I just say something?” She nodded hesitantly, so I began, “Take a deep breathe, it’s going to be ok. Some people are never happy no matter what you do or say. I promise, we will be an easy table for you.” She let out a breath and she said quietly more to herself than to us, “You have no idea.”
In the time she was gone getting our drinks, the other table hastily packed up and left. Carrying several boxes of leftovers. The immediate thought came to me that they had just stiffed the waitress. You know, they did the old “dine-and-dash.” I was shocked, no, they couldn’t have, there’s no way, this is an established restaurant chain, surely someone wouldn’t just walk away without paying their bill.
Our waitress returned to the table, set our drinks down and went to the other table and picked up the leather folder that held their check. She immediately turned around and bolted for the front of the restaurant. “Yep,” I thought to myself, “they must not have paid their bill.” I was appalled.
As I talked with my daughter about the situation we had just witnessed, our hearts hurt for our young waitress. My daughter leaned across the table and whispered, “Mom, she needs encouragement. We have to cheer her up!” I knew she was right, but what? How? What could we do or say that would bless and encourage this young woman?
I knew I couldn’t pay their tab, which was probably well over $100 for the amount of people and extra food they carried out. I began to silently pray and ask the Lord what I could say or do to help turn around this young waitress’s day. Immediately I was reminded of Peter and John in the book of Acts, when they were heading to the temple.
I continued to pray, and said, “Ok Lord, I don’t have silver or gold to pay for their meal, and she doesn’t seem to have physical ailments that need healing, but I do have something. I am a carrier of Your love and kindness. I have You, Jesus, and Your Spirit living in me. What would You like me to say or do?”
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Have you ever been in a situation where something happens to someone and you want to encourage them?
Have you ever observed someone having a “bad day” and wanted to encourage them?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew you need to say something, or do something? But had no idea what or how to make things better?
Me too!
Here’s the thing, we may not know what to do or say in situations, but God does! Yes, God knows exactly what we need before we need it, and He knows what others need too. Jesus modeled for us what it meant to be in relationship with the Father and know what to do or say to minister to those around us. Jesus said, “I only do and say what My Father does and says.” (See John 5:19; 8:28; 12:49–50).
That’s why I wrote the book, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others.
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was a child, yet, it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I fully understood the depth of relationship Jesus modeled with His Father. I was taught about the fruit of the Spirit but lacked teaching around the gifts of the Spirit. You see, I didn’t understand that God longs to speak to us, His children. Real relationships involve two-way conversations. His word tells us that “His sheep hear and know His voice.” (John 10). As we read Scripture, He speaks to us. As we pray, He reminds us of things. When we have conversations with others, God ideas pop into our mind. This is part of prophetic encouragement.
Will you please consider joining my launch team? Yes, You!
Many of you are natural encouragers just like me yet, I fully believe that the world needs more encouragers. More people willing to seek God’s heart and speak His truth and love to a world in need. As we speak encouragement to others from God’s heart, we release His hope. My friend, Dr. Michelle Bengtson says, “by 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic.” I believe her! (to read Dr Michelle’s review of the book click here)
One way to fight against depression, hopelessness, discouragement and despair is to speak words of life, hope and encouragement to those who are fighting against these things.
As I prayed that day, I felt like God gave me words of prophetic encouragement to speak over our waitress. Words I couldn’t have come up with on my own. But God knew what she needed. He knew she needed comfort and an extra dose of courage to face the rest of her day. She went away blessed, knowing that God was real and that He knew exactly who she was and what she was going through.
As a member of my Launch team, you will:
- READ The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement in a timely fashion (you’ll have 3-4 weeks to do so)
SHARE about the book on your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat) or with your team, small group, book club, or organization. (we’ll give you instructions about this)
SHARE about the book on your blog/website.
REVIEW the book (Most importantly!) Post a review on Amazon (Not until 8/21) and other retailers (Goodreads and BN.com, etc) on or before August 21, 2018 (release date).(it’s easy, fun and we’ll guide you through it).
GIVE FEEDBACK in our private Facebook group about the book and how it has impacted you!
TELL EVERYONE you know about the book as many times as you can. - RECEIVE lots of freebies and gifts from Debbie.
I know the word prophetic has a lot of strong opinions associate with it. There has been a lot of misuse and abuse around this particular word and gift. Many hear the word prophetic and automatically think of Old Testament prophets, fore-telling, predicting the future, or apocalyptic events. When I use the words prophetic encouragement, I am using it the context of 1 Corinthians 14:1-5. The spiritual gift of prophecy as Scripture clearly states is spiritual gift for ALL. It is for encouraging, comforting and strengthening others.
Spiritual Gift of Prophecy[1]is: Speaking a Holy Spirit–inspired, timely word of edification, exhortation or comfort to individuals
Prophetic Encouragement is the spiritual gift of prophecy in action, which Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 14. Prophetic encouragement is intended for those who believe in Jesus, who listen to what heaven wants to say and encourage other believers[2] and unbelievers[3] alike. Prophetic encouragement releases the heart of the Father into people’s lives and situations. Take up the calling in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (esv), which says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Still unsure what this gift of prophetic encouragement is all about? Checking out my #BeTheGift Encouragement Experience Facebook group, where we have weekly “Encouragement Missions.” Let me show you what it looks like to be the gift of encouragement this world needs. You can Join the group here:
Also feel free to read what Kelly Balarie, Wayne Cordeiro, Sarah Bowling, Jennifer Eivaz and others who endorsed my book had to say by clicking here
Preorder your copy today and claim your FREE bonuses.
Again, also please consider signing up for my launch team here! Space is limited, by the number of physical copies my publisher, Chosen Books can send, so don’t delay. I promise we will have some amazing summer fun! Plus, I have some great bonus gifts for my launch team members.
[1] See 1 Corinthians 14:3.
[2] See 1 Corinthians 14:3–5.
[3] See 1 Corinthians 14:24.
Please make sure to visit the post before yours and share some comment love as well as one other post of your choice. In Order to be featured you must follow rule #2 below.
Last weeks Top Clicked Post was from Beth Steffaniak and I understand why. Beth writes over at Messy Marriage click on the picture below to read her post.
If you haven’t read Beth’s post and your in a relationship, you should check it out. When I read her opening line below, I immediately knew why so many of you had clicked on this post to read more. I think the points she makes in this article can extend to our other relationships as well.
Beth opens her post with this: Do you ever feel like your mate is the devil—or is at least acting like one? Sadly, in the heat of conflicts in marriage, it’s easy to be confused about who the real Enemy is.
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?” & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story was featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
Thank you for highlighting my post, Debbie! Your book sounds so intriguing! Whenever I’ve taken spiritual gift inventories, I’ve always scored high in prophecy. So your book sounds like something that I could really relate to and learn from. And I’ll be prayerfully considering joining your book launch, my friend. Praying that God blesses all that you do, my friend!
Beth, you are most welcome. It was my honor to highlight you this week. Oh, I love that you will pray about being a part of the book launch. I am secretly praying God says yes to you 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement and I like that you have taken spiritual gift inventories, and know what that prophecy is high for you. That’s awesome. Again, thank you – Blessings
I love how in tune you and your daughter were with the Holy Spirit! I hope the book launch goes well!
Thank you Emily, I find that if I take time to pay attention, I can tune into the Spirit better, but sometimes I rush around and either miss or almost miss when the Spirit wants me to do something. I appreciate your well wishes about the book launch, truthfully its a tad overwhelming a times.
Love this story you shared today! Encouraging one another, simply being kind, treating one another with respect, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit are all such important things!!
I’m glad that you were there to bring comfort to this waitress.
I’m excited to read your book! I wish I could commit to the launch, but I have so much on my plate already, I fear I would not do a good job with it. But I definitely will purchase a copy!!
Thank your, Rachel!Yes, you are right, all those things you mentioned are oh, so important. I am so glad and honored that God would use me to bless, comfort, and encourage her that day. Thank you for considering being on my launch team, most of the stuff won’t happen until later in July once the books get shipped, so if you find things change, let me know… Also, thank you for purchasing a copy.. make sure to pre-order so you get all the bonus freebie items I have available. 🙂
As a former waitress, I can identify with your server. Thank you for giving her comfort and passing on God’s blessing. I am sure she appreciated it!
Thanks, Laurie. I was waitress one summer before going to college, but I never had anyone stiff me. I can’t even image what it would feel like. I hope during the years you were a waitress someone was able to encourage and bless you too. Blessings
A sweet story of the daily opportunities God gives us to share His love with others. laurensparks.net
Thanks, Lauren. I always look forward to daily opportunities to share His love with others… I just have to be careful to not be in a hurry that I miss out on those opportunities.
Your story reminded me of how I would carry little cards with a Bible verses on them to leave with tip money or just around in offices. I had a waitress literally chase me through the parking lot to thank me for it. ( You can buy the little cards, or make them using business card paper and printer, I no longer have that program, but I suppose there is one for you creatives and you could have them printed, I did some smileys and wrote, Put on a Happy Faith. )
Oh Rebecca, that is a wonderful idea! I usually just handwrite notes of encouragement on 3×5 cards…. One of the pre-order bonuses Chosen is making for me is a download postcard that you can print out and handwrite encouragements, scriptures, etc. I love that a waitress chased you out into the parking lot. What an encouragement to you, when you were just trying to encourage her. Love your ideas and suggestions for what you use to do. I hope you are praying about joining the launch team, but also want to really encourage you to join the #BeTheGift facebook group – you would be a welcome addition and your ideas/tip would be so helpful to others in the group too. Blessings
Debbie, how sweet to have you and your daughter share that opportunity to minister to that young server. Your book sounds awesome. I’m on a couple of launch teams right now and said yes to a 3rd, so I’ll think about whether I can do this now. Blessings to you and on your book.
Hey Debbie, thanks for considering being on the book launch, and thanks for your encouragement about the book! …just fyi in case it helps you decide… most of the launch stuff won’t happen until the book gets to you which is toward the end of July, before that it’s just doing a few things and interacting with the group as you can. I know summers are busy, but I am planning to make the launch fun too. It blesses me that you are considering joining me. I enjoy being able to bless others with my daughter, in fact sometimes when we are out together, we purposeful look for opportunities. Blessings
I’m glad God put you in the restaurant that day! And that you were willing and intentional to give her the encouragement that she could use. Thanks for being a Kingdom-builder, Debbie.
Sweet post Debbie, I love how you highlighted going to the Lord & listening to the Holy Spirit for His guidance in the situation. We need to do this with each & every situation, but alas we are works in progress & quite often act unwisely before we do.
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. You are so right, we should be asking & listening to the Holy Spirit in every situation, but that is not always the case. Yes, Thank you Jesus that you accept us and love us as we are works in progress. Blessings
Debbie, this sounds like a wonderful book! I would love to join your launch team but I have not been very good at following through on some other launches. I’m still behind in reading some books. But I know the world needs more encouragers so I know your book is much needed! Blessings to you! I’m also your neighbor at the #BVNetworkParty.
Thank you Gayl! I am so glad we are neighbors at #BVN and as you pray about being a part of the launch team and being able to follow through, just let me know. I understand how it can be difficult at times. Blessings – I appreciate you.
What a great story about how encourage others and being kind. Those are things that we all need. Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
thanks Patrick! You are most welcome and praying you have a great weekend and I am sure you have a great adventure planned this weekend which you will write about soon! Looking forward to you sharing it.
This is so beautiful! We are going through acts as a church right now. We just went over that verse!! It’s turned into many questions of what do we have to give? How can we bold and courageous with our faith? Truth be told, I have difficulty answering those questions. I can give kindness and grace…I try to, but when you don’t have an obvious gift to give it makes those types of questions more difficult to answer. I love your sweet heart of encouragement. I signed up for the FB group and thinking about the launch team. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement with us at #LiveLifeWell.
Jessica, that is awesome – we too are going through the book of Acts as a church over the summer. I think that how we answer those questions depends on the individual need in front of us. I saw that you asked to join the FB group — thank you! I pray you have a lot of fun in the group and I am so glad you are thinking and praying about joining my launch team. I would absolutely love to have you !!! You are most welcome for me sharing my posts with you at your linkup – thanks for providing a great place for us to link up — filled with wonderful encouragement as well. Blessings
It seems our culture has abandoned kindness and courtesy. It’s crucial that God’s people are different than the culture.
You are so right, Elizabeth. We as God’s people must be different than the culture around us. We need to influence change, not let it influence us. Thanks for your comment.
“Speaking a Holy Spirit–inspired, timely word of edification, exhortation or comfort to individuals” – when I read that I said an emphatic yes! Last time I studied this passage I remember seeing this and receiving a greater understanding of prophecy. Your book sounds exciting! Praying for God to speak clearly to hearts that are to be on the launch team. Also, glad you linked with us at BVN. Have a great day! 🙂
Thank you so much Kelly! I appreciate your prayers for the launch team and those God wants to be a part of it. That is my prayer as well. I am so glad I got a emphatic yes out of you when you were reading too! Yay. I am so happy to hear that when you studied this passage before God gave you a deeper revelation and understanding 🙂 I appreciate you and your encouragement. Thank you.