A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
The last few months have been hectic to say the least. But there is something good that I wanted to mention.
There have been so many wonderful people that have come to our aid. People were generally good to us.
It wasn’t just monetary, although that was such a blessing.
But the prayers, encouragement and concerns are what blew me away. Some just refreshed us by simply listening to our cries. From prayers that came in from all over the country. People reaching out with genuine concern. Especially from our small community.
I saw God through so many folks and they had no clue what a huge blessing they were.
There are so many ways we can encourage each other. One way that we recently saw was kindness through visits, calls and letters.
Sometimes it’s as simple as thanking your mail carrier, the cashier or waitress. It’s smiling at someone you’re passing on the street or standing in line with.
Tipping your waiter or waitress well, being patient while you wait. These things are just simple ways to refresh others.
You won’t always get the response you’d like, but keep trying because eventually someone will notice. Starting with your children.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
One day Jesus was teaching and answering questions from the religious leaders, He went to sit in the Temple court across from where the offerings were collected. But he did not just sit to rest, he sat and watched people as they were dropping money into any one of the thirteen receptacles provided for giving.
Jesus saw the rich dropping their donations, but when he saw a widow drop in two small coins, he called his disciples over. He told his disciples that the poor widow had given more than everyone else. He explained that the others had given a small amount out of the surplus they had, but she gave everything she had to live on.
The rich people gave large amounts, but because they already had so much to live on, it would not have affected them as much as the widow who gave whatever left she had to live on.
Luke 21:1-4
- God saw her sacrifice.
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:7
At some point in our lives, we will all either need refreshing or we will be the one refreshing. We will be on the giving end or receiving end.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
1 Corinthians 16:18
Many blessings,
Connie
