SEEDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

The people of Nineveh were faced with an ultimatum. Either they turn from their immoral lifestyles or their large city would be destroyed. The king of Nineveh took a proactive approach to God's warning. He went to the written word to save his people. Examining this king's efforts can help us on our path to publishing.

Mentoring a New Writer : How can you encourage a beginning or struggling writer? Encourage them by telling them you are praying for them, especially name specific requests. Remind them of answered prayers. Point out all the strengths you know she/he possesses. Remind them of obstacles they have overcome Encourage and Refresh with kind words, Renew spiritual strength with God’s promises, and offer a Retreat through an outing or lady's ministry event. Encourage by a phone call, card or email and by honoring a birthday or special goal or event.

Self-Examination The king's first action was to get himself right with the Lord. He would not have been as effective if he himself was still in bondage. (Jonah 3:6)


Check Your Motive The king did not want Nineveh, nor its residents destroyed. (Jonah 3:6)


Use Every Opportunity and Know Thy Audience The king of Nineveh used what resources were at his disposal and published a proclamation. He knew everyone needed to hear his message. The king requested every person to call on the Lord and put an end to their greed and selfishness, in the hopes the Lord would not bring the destruction He threatened. (Jonah 3:6-9)


The king's words had such an impact on the people of Nineveh, that they turned from their evil ways and as a result escaped disaster. (Jonah 3:10)


Lisa Christine © 2010


Lisa Christine is a writer for Christian Fellowship Devotionals. She has been published in Mature Years, RevWriter, and The Storyteller. She has an online ministry (www.postapraise.com) where people share how God answers prayer. You may contact her through her blog at www.writingbylisa.com.

How to Encourage a Missionary: Write often and regularly. Use email or postal mail, include photos, news or other items of interest. When emailing, be aware of the country’s politics and policies. Ask about attachments before sending. Share your personal life, community and church events, family events and especially those funny conversations or occurrences from children in your life. Refrain from venting your problems on your missionary friend. Be uplifting and encouraging. Don’t write about political differences or concerns, or church doctrines. Remind them that you are praying for them, and be specific about requests. Try not to write a list of questions.  Give them feedback about recent newsletters instead.