Category: Luke

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Getting the Right Picture

Do any of you enjoy taking pictures? I look at great photography as real art. The ability to capture the beauty that is seen with the natural eye through a camera’s lens is a true gift!

We took quite a few pictures when the girls were here and the thing I realized was how quickly we had been in taking some of them. Blurry – delete. Off center – crop. No one was ready – trash. One of the advantages of digital photography is it gives us the ability to capture many images that are similar and then delete the ones we don’t like.

The true photographer is patient; waiting for the right angle, the perfect light and then they bring it all into focus! A masterpiece.

A lot of people take life the same way – hurry up and click. Snap, snap, snap. Delete, trash it, do over. Or they spent their lives taking selfies and never learn to include the beauty of the people around them.

With a Christ-centered focus, we can zoom in on what’s important. Bring the tiniest of details up close and appreciate the intricate design – the design of health, friendship, innocence, honesty, joy, patience, love.

This reminds me of the story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levi were too busy taking selfies to be concerned with the hurting of the man who had been robbed but the Samaritan zoomed in, focused on the situation and saw the beauty of caring for someone other than himself.

“The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the man who worked at the inn. He said, ‘Take care of this hurt man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’ 36 Then Jesus said, ‘Which one of these three men do you think was really a neighbor to the man who was hurt by the robbers?’ 37 The teacher of the law answered, ‘The one who helped him.’ Jesus said, “Then you go and do the same.” Luke 10:35-37 ERV

It’s important to stay focused. People and situations need to be viewed through the lens of God’s word. The Bible tells us there will be a time when people will call good evil and evil good. We see some of that happening now. Their image is out of focus – it is being processed through a filter of selfishness and disrespect.

We mustn’t allow the world to distort how we view things. Instead we need to post clear images that are focused on God’s love and forgiveness; images that will give hope to the world and not despair.

Lord, improve my focus today. Let me love my neighbor as you have loved me.

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How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

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Better Than Wendy’s

This may seem a strange title for a blog on Father’s Day but read on. When we first moved to Rio Rico six years ago we were visiting different restaurants in the area. We found one little place that we loved. There’s nothing like the taste of homemade Mexican food.

Just as we arrived a family came in and sat at the next table. As they sat there waiting for the waitress to bring their drinks I noticed the little girl had brought in a sack from Wendy’s. As her parents ordered and enjoyed their chips and salsa, the little girl reached into the sack and took out her Frosty, fries and burger. I thought, how cute!

Here’s the life lesson the Lord taught me that day:

“16 Jesus said to him, “A man gave a big dinner. He invited many people. 17 When it was time to eat, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come. The food is ready.’ 18 But all the guests said they could not come. Each one made an excuse…’21 “So the servant returned and told his master what happened. The master was angry. He said, ‘Hurry! Go into the streets and alleys of the town. Bring me the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
22 “Later, the servant said to him, ‘Master, I did what you told me to do, but we still have places for more people.’ 23 The master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and country roads. Tell the people there to come. I want my house to be full!” Luke 14:16-23 ERV

Our Father has prepared a wonderful dinner for us. All of our favorite things are on the menu. He wants to lavish on us the things He has prepared for us. There’s no need to bring our own sack lunch to His banquet.

He wants us to realize that He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He wants us to know that He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places; He wants us to accept that He has made us priests and kings, we are a royal priesthood. We are beloved sons and daughters and He knows our desires better than we do.

So many times we come to the Father’s table with our own provision – Abraham and Sarah had God’s promise for a son but they made their own provision and Ishmael was born. Not a good thing…

We have allowed the tradition of religion to tell us that we can’t or shouldn’t expect God to bless us or to provide for us. We have so many excuses on why we can’t come to the banquet. We aren’t worthy, God could never love me or “God helps those who help themselves” and the focus gets placed on us and not on Him. We begin thinking like the prodigal son who said “the servants in my father’s house are eating well, I’ll just go be a servant”.

Our Father doesn’t want servants, He wants sons!

He wants us to experience the joy of our salvation – the great and precious promises that He has provided for us in Jesus!

Was this life lesson was just for me? Maybe you’ve never come to the Father’s table with provisions of your own making but if you have, let me encourage you to drop your sack lunch in the receptacle at the door and come eat freely at the table the Father has prepared for you.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23 And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:22-24 ERV

Spend time at the Father’s table. He loves it when His kids come home!

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A Day for Father’s

I really appreciate that we set a day aside to honor our fathers , and our mothers. Scripture tells us that we will live long lives when we do this. Father’s Day is just a week away and so I would like to share some thoughts with you on honoring our fathers.

A father’s love is tender hearted, kind, forgiving, filled with compassion! I was blessed with a father who loved me. He was strict and insisted I work hard, be respectful, and do my best in everything. He worked hard and was gone from home for weeks at a time. But when he came home we enjoyed things like fishing and hunting. But there never seemed to be enough time to spend with him.

My heavenly Father is the one who gave my earthly father those characteristics. His heart is always filled with compassion for me. His Word teaches me right from wrong and He wants me to be obedient for my own protection. He knows the dangers that I will face and He is always there to provide.

We don’t always see what our Father is doing while we are in the midst of a situation but when we know our Father, we know His motives and intentions are based on His love for us and we can trust Him.

Even when we manage to get “a far off” He’s there waiting for us to come home . He watches and waits, He doesn’t come to drag us back but when we return He throws a party. I guess one of the best gifts we could give our heavenly Father is to come home and let Him shower us with His love.

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:18-24 NIV

There have been times that I have been away from the Father. I’m so glad that He greeted me with love and forgiveness when I returned. I can guarantee that He is always waiting with open arms and a heart full of love.

There’s nothing like the embrace of the Father!

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Healing Hearts

I intentionally stay away from the news but this story has captivated the country. As I sat here praying for George Floyd’s family I was also praying for those who took his life and for those who are exploiting this terrible situation.

Satan’s works are obvious – hatred, bigotry, death and destruction. Jesus’ works are equally as evident – love, peace, justice and healing.

Jesus said: “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

A family lost their son and brother through an unconscionable act of hatred. We should be supporting them with our love and prayers. We should move forward with a determination to eradicate racial bias and hatred wherever we find it . The words of Jesus are never more true than at a moment like this:

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 MSG

Love in action is offering a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, and a heart of compassion.

Those who are rioting and looting are not part of the solution. They are destroying the property of innocent people and spreading hatred. Their actions are doing nothing to help, they are only causing more pain.

We are needed to do the work of Jesus – healing the broken hearted.

“Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19 NLV

Join with me in praying for the Floyd family and all who have been touched by this tragedy.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, the name that brings healing and comfort, I pray for the George Floyd family. Let them experience an outpouring of Your love like they have never known. May they be wrapped in Your comfort and experience Your peace that goes beyond all natural pain and sorrow. We also pray that those responsible for this horrible act of hatred, let them repent for what they’ve done and may they find forgiveness in Your love. May those who are doing all manner of evil and exploiting this situation be stopped in Jesus name. Expose those who are initiating and instigating these acts of hatred. May they experience Your justice for their acts. And now Father, show each of us what we can do to bring Your love and healing to all we meet. Amen and Amen!”

I would like to encourage you to reach out to those who have hurting hearts today. It may be someone in your family, your neighborhood or your workplace. They may not be effected by the events of George Floyd’s death but they are hurting all the same. As followers of Christ, we can reach them with the love and compassion that He showed while on earth.

May we be used to help heal the broken hearted!

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Where the Boat Leaves From

We spend a lot of time on our back patio. It seems like the perfect place to be! We love our yard and there’s either island or country music playing on Pandora. Yesterday, it was island music.

We’ve learned that there aren’t a lot of songs in that genre so they repeat regularly, one song that stuck with me last night was Zac Brown Band’s “Where the Boat Leaves From”. All night long it was in my dreams and I was singing it when I woke up this morning so I’m sharing it with you.

So get away to where the boat leaves from
It takes away all of your big problems
You got worries you can drop them in the blue ocean
But you gotta get away to where the boat leaves from

Good advice – take all your worries and problems and drop them in the ocean. Get away from the dock! A boat tied up at the dock is going nowhere. So much of life is like that – we get tied down by worries and troubles and then we become immobilized.

The Apostle Peter was like that. He was a commercial fisherman. In fact, he and his brother owned a fishing fleet. Jesus met them one day on the shore of Galilee. They had fished all night and caught nothing. They were tired but the nets still needed to be washed and put away so they would be ready for the next trip out. And here comes Jesus, a carpenter, who knows nothing about fishing (or at least, that’s what they thought). He wanted to give them some advice.

“When Jesus had finished speaking, he told Simon, “Row the boat out into the deep water and let your nets down to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” 6 They did it and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. 7 Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t come near me! I am a sinner.” 9 Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. 10 His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.” Luke 5:4-10 CEV

Launch out Peter, Jesus said. Go out to the deep water. Dump your worries of empty nets into water and I will fill them for you. Reluctant but obedient they did what Jesus said. They had never brought in such a haul!

When we trust the Lord and are obedient to His word what we throw out empty will come back full.

“I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow. 19 “If you listen to what I say, you will get the good things from this land.” Isaiah 1:18-19 ERV

Today’s the perfect day to follow Peter’s example. Maybe you’ve been up all night trying to figure out how you’re going to provide for your family or how you’re going to make it in business when this self-quarantine is over. It looks like your business is destroyed; you’ve fished all night and caught nothing.

Hear the words of Jesus, “Launch out. Trust me. Throw your empty nets overboard and bring them back full.” The Lord has promised that He will supply all our needs.

Get away from where the boat leaves from – get away from the shore and sail on the sea of God’s love and provision!

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The Treasure Hunt

When we lived in Montana there was an old ghost town only a few miles up the road. It was always an adventure to visit there and learn about the early mining history of our state. We could walk through the buildings, down the streets and even visit the cemetery. Thousands of people had lived there during the gold strike and then almost over night the gold played out and a new strike was found about seventy miles away in Virginia City. Off the residents went in search of riches.

During the summer, visitors to Bannack are welcome to try their hand at prospecting using a gold pan and some dirt from the nearby, gold enriched, Grasshopper Creek. Gold panning is fun but it’s hard work too. For the diligent there is the possibly of finding a nugget or two and at the very least a few flakes.

The mound of dirt that’s brought in doesn’t look like much – just regular old dirt. Add some to your pan and the treasure hunt begins. Sloshing and swirling of water, removing the larger rocks, more washing, but more gently now. The black dirt settles in the bottom of the pan, a little more water, swirl it gently and there in the bottom of the pan garnets, rubies and even gold appears.

Prospecting is nothing more than looking for something valuable among the common. I know of no better prospector than the Lord.

“Jesus told the people another story: What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? 9 Then she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin I lost.” 10 Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him.” Luke 15:8-10 CEV

He searches for us. Digging through the dirt, He washes away what is worthless to reveal our true value. We are precious to Him! We are his treasure.

Our heavenly Father came looking for us when we were at our worst. Once again I am overwhelmed by the Father’s love for us! He has covered our lives with His unconditional love and forgiveness.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life. 11 And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.” Romans 5:6-11 CEV

Because of His love and the sacrifice of Jesus we are at peace with God and precious in His sight.

“He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. 14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.” Psalm 72:13-14 NLT

We are precious to the Father. We are His treasure!

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Life At Farmville

How many of us used to occupy our free time with Farmville?

You remember don’t you. We got a little plot of ground, tilled the soil, planted crops and had to have the help of our friends to get a good harvest. It was just a silly game but some of us made real friends with our Farmville neighbors.

This morning I sat here thinking about what to share. Two words came to mind – Survive or Thrive.

When we face a crisis in life we can do one or the other. We can pull in and emotionally block out all that is around us and hope we survive or we can utilize the resources we have at our disposal and thrive.

Jesus was teaching his disciples about thriving when He told them this parable.

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” 9 His disciples asked, “Why did you tell this story?”…11-12 “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.

13 “The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone. 14 “And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun. 15 “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” Luke 8:5-15 MSG

Jesus told his disciples that the seed being planted was God’s word. Many things would try to keep the seed from producing a good harvest; hard hearts, troubles, being too busy, too focused on making a living.

And then there’s the good soil. The rocks have been removed, the soil has been cultivated, watered and some one is there to remove the weeds. Seed planted in that soil will bring a harvest of blessing.

During my lifetime I have been all of those different kinds of soil. God’s word, the seed, has been the same but I have thwarted its growth. But now, I am prepared to pull out the weeds of worry and fear, hard heartedness and selfishness.

Just like we needed our “friends” in Farmville to help us achieve a good crop we need our true friends to pray for us and encourage us, helping us as God’s word grows in our garden.

I am praying for all of you today. I pray that you have the strength and determination to let God’s Word grow and produce a harvest of blessing.

Our heavenly Father wants to us thrive – not just survive!

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Number One Necessity!

In this social-distancing, stay-at-home lifestyle that we are experiencing I know there has been a lot of watching old movies – or maybe that’s just in our house. This morning one of my old favorites came to mind.

City Slickers.

Mitch, Phil & Ed give an account of their crazy misadverntures – they traveled the world and then they met Curly.
Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is? [holds up one finger] This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean ….
Mitch: But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly: [smiles] That’s what *you* have to find out.

Most people spend their lives searching for the “one thing”. Jesus was asked this same question by a young lawyer. Jesus didn’t tell him “that’s what you have to find out” – Jesus gave him the answer.

“Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?” 37 Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:35-40 ERV

Loving the Lord with all your heart comes when we realize how very much He loves us. It isn’t something that we really have to work at. Truly knowing that God’s love is unconditional and His mercy endures forever is the foundation of our relationship. When we know, experience and accept God’s love we can return that love and as a result we can love ourselves and those around us.

Loving God becomes our number one necessity!

There was another time when Jesus was teaching in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was very busy making the meal and having things just perfect for the Master. Her sister, Mary, was ignoring the work and listening attentively to Jesus. Martha handled it as long as she could and then she complained.

“The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40 Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”

41 The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 CEV

What is it that has us worried and upset? What is distracting us today?

Let’s experience our “one thing”. As we walk in love with the Lord and His love fills us, we can overflow with love to those around us.

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Encourage Each Other

As I opened the template to begin writing this morning I was “Wow-ed” by what I saw. Today’s post is number 1001! Oh my. What a privilege I have had, being able to share my thoughts from God’s word with you each day.

This morning I want to talk to you about encouragement.

We are self-distancing and it’s the right thing to do. However, I miss my kids and my grandkids. Yesterday our youngest daughter contacted us for a Facebook video call. It was so sweet – we were able to have one-on-one time with her and each of our three littlest grandkids. The first words out of Sam’s mouth, he’s 4 1/2yr, was “thank you for sending the baby chick racecar supplies, Besta”.

It’s hard not being close to those we love in challenging times.

Making baby chick racecars is something we do together. It’s becoming an Easter tradition. We were supposed to take Sam camping next week and were going to make them at the campsite. Since we had to cancel those plans, I sent the supplies to his mom so they can make them at home. It really tugged on my heart – I miss them all.

As much as I miss not having my children close I know God misses it even more. He is our loving and gracious Father; He wants his kids close so He can reassure us and calm our fears. He wants to hold us close and dry our tears. His door is always open; we can enter His presence anytime, any hour of the day and He’ll be there waiting.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

He understands and He is waiting for us to come!

Once we receive encouragement from our Father we should reach out to encourage others. A phone call, a text, a video chat or a note in the mail – all will be welcomed by the receiver. A friend of mine calls her grandkids and has a story time video chat. We all like to know we are being thought of – we all like to know that we are loved and missed! Send along a little prayer or simply say “I love you”. Those are words everyone likes to hear.

“When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29 ERV

Sometimes when we are in the midst of a trying situation our thoughts turn inward. Our thinking might be something like this – “I wish someone would call me and say something kind. Why do I always have to be the one to reach out to others?”. Let’s be honest, there are times when we all have a pity party or think selfishly. Get rid of that kind of thinking, it will destroy you! It will spread like a cancer.

Go to the Father, hand those thoughts over to Him and then follow Jesus instruction.

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 MSG

Give some encouragement today; it will bless them and bring a blessing back to you too.

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