Catch The Spirit of Generosity!

Remember when you received a free gift?  Not just that gift you got when you signed up for your bank account or other subscription-based club. What did you feel when someone just surprised you with that one special gift that you didn't earn or deserve?

Generosity is becoming a popular theme!  It is a major theme today in churches and other community organizations. We are encouraged to give not out of obligation but out of good will. It is a good feeling to give when no one tells you that you have to. When it is spontaneous it is meaningful. Surprises are fun! It is like a rainbow that demonstrates grace and hope. A Biblical sign from God that reinforces the covenant God gave all people. He blessed us so we can bless others. 

I am writing this entry from both a personal experience as well as a reminder for all of us to act with grace and with generosity. It is both practical and Biblical. It included the highly relational as well as touching our very soul. It brings joy and energy in all we do and say. It is like an energy drink that is infused with vitamin enriching qualities that are also enriching to the soul. It is like a spiritual revival to the soul.

Being generous does something to our physical body as well. In the very act of giving releases something in our brain that like a drug. Studies have shown this to me true. Read this article. 

We are commanded to be people who give more than we take. It is not only a Biblical command to give but also a societal norm. It is called reciprocity; an act that causes others to give as well. We are made to be givers. Check this out! These Truths are timeless! 

Recently someone shares a gift with me. It was a spontaneous act! It showed me something that God needed me to know. It also caused me to have a spirit of giving. It is contagious - like a germ that generates an ongoing impact. It spreads like a germ that can be fatally - compassionate. 

Generous people are thankful people. They find ways to praise God for what He has provided. They see the best in people. They see potential in people and desire to invest in their lives. They choose to enrich people. 

I have been reading lately the book, “I Like Giving” by Brad Formsma. It’s a book filled with stories and practical ideas for how to be generous. In the book, the author says the following:

Living generously is about giving your life to other people so that everything you do – whether it is your work, your charitable giving, or your contribution to your neighborhood – becomes both a gift to others and rewarding yourself.

It is an attitude that always hopes and chooses to believe in people that make them generous. They realize that it is not about themselves! It is about others. 

The benefit to one’s self is the feeling that you get when you help another. With no expectations for a return on investment or treating it as a loan with expectations that someone will return with payment. Generous people see their acts of kindness as simply a gift! 

 

Gardening Reminders!

I’m taking on a few new hobbies these last few years. One of them is gardening. I have a lot to learn, but today I wanted to give focus to some of the lessons that I have learned and some of the ways that I am improving on this hobby.

A few years prior, I have primarily tried to grow tomatoes because I love to make salsa. Last year I made over 50 jars that I stored away. In fact, I’ve been averaging around 50 jars annually. I would not necessarily call that success. Last year my tomatoes did terrible so I had to cut a deal with the local neighbor/farmer, who came through on my behalf. Roma tomatoes are the best! My particular farmer, Kirkpatrick grows fresh Red Gold brand quality. 

This year not only did I cultivate, but I added fertilizer which really helped in the process. Though I am early this season to report on my progress, I’m amazed at how quickly my garden is producing. I already have tomatoes along with other things.

Thanks to my neighbors. I am continuing to learn, but here are a few lessons that seems simple, yet, very helpful.

The Bible talks about the parable of the sower. When Jesus gave this parable, I don’t think he was necessarily talking about the seed exclusively. He wanted us to know that we should be people who “spread the gospel“ but also realize the types of soil that there are. Being faithful is one thing but the need for the right soil is quite another. See Matthew 13.

1. The soil needs cultivated and nurtured. 

The Earth needs stewarded. God has given us the responsibility to care for his creation. Part of that means stewarding.. I know that my plants appreciate it when I have provided the right kind of cultivation and nutrition.

I know it sounds common to think about, but often we don’t prepare well. Have a friend who is more of a farmer than I will ever be who has been trying to teach me how to best provide for the right kind of soil. He’s been teaching me, how I should weed and feed my plants but also my soil. 

Jesus certainly knew what he was talking about when he said that there is some seed that falls on rocky soil. He also indicated that some may fall along weeds and thorns. Caring for the soil may seem peculiar. We just assume that if we plant it, it will grow. When I plant in my raised beds, I cultivate a rich soil filled with nutrients. However, leaves much to be desired. It is filled with Clay among other things that choke out, whatever I plan. 

I have been cultivating my ground for quite a few years. I’ve had to pull out rocks and thistles. I’ve had to work hard to weed out those things that choke my plants.even when my plants begin to grow, I have to continually work to remove the weeds before they take deep route that would ultimately choke out my plants.

2. The plant’s health is paramount.

Once my plants have begun to grow, I’ve noticed that there are subtle indicators of their health. Recently, my tomato plants showed signs of stress. their leaves had curled up at the end which indicates a problem. Of course, I went to the Internet and YouTube to figure out what it could be. Some said that it was too much water while other said it was not enough water, and yet other sites said that it was too much fertilizing. Whatever the case, I had to carefully, consider what steps would improve the health of my plants. 

In the story of the sower, we find here too examples of the right type of soil that would yield an abundance of fruit. Especially those seeds that take route, but are not healthy. Some seeds that fall along the rocky soil or among thorns, present stress, and that their roots cannot go deep enough to find the nutrients needed. Read more about the meaning of the parable. 

My other neighbor, Dale grew most of my plants in his greenHe gave them a great start. They survived being transplanted into my soil, but nonetheless, they were healthy when they were given to me.

In my garden, I am discovered that I need to continually work the soil to produce the right kind of fruit for an abundant harvest. For me, just having enough tomatoes for salsa mix is important.

Every kind of seed produces a plant that may be different than another. There needs are not the same. In my herb garden, I treat the soil differently and in my larger plants. I’m more careful about how I care for them.

3. Pruning is necessary. 

The third lessons that I have learned has to do with properly cutting off a part of the plant that does not produce. In someways it’s obvious that a stem looks unhealthy. Consequently, I would want to cut that part off so that the rest of the plant can thrive. Every plant is different. 

There are times when my plants have gotten diseased, and if I’m properly caring for the plant, I will want to cut off anything that could destroy the remaining fruit. Sometimes we can ignore the problem too long, which would result in our plants suffering

In Jesus parable, we find that he encourages the Sower to care for and grow fruit. The soil that does take route needs to be properly cared for. We might call this discipleship which means mentoring others for health.

Though my lessons are both physical and spiritual, it’s important that I take heed to listen to the experts and to be diligent in my their care and welfare. I’m not only my soil, but also my plans for an abundant harvest.

There are some plants that do not like direct sunlight, and there are other plants that do not like the cold. I have to know which season I should plant and where those plants will thrive. Whether in the shade or in the sun, they are careful instructions for each type of seed. we neither want to overwater them nor ignore them because each can be a problem. 

Although I’m not an expert, I am learning bit by bit how to improve upon my results. I am learning from my past mistakes and from experts to avoid other mistakes.

Jesus is the master gardener. He understands me more than anyone else, even myself. He knows what nutrients are needed for me to produce fruit. He knows what kind of soil I have been planted in and what needs to happen in order for my seed. For his glory.

Memorials :: Reminders and Honoring Legacy

I am writing this entry on Memorial Day weekend. It is a special time to remember and honor those who sacrificed for freedom. We reflect on the freedoms we have because of the legacy of those who lived before us. 

We set off fireworks as symbols of battles won and lost. Many died and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy. We honor those that served and sacrificed for our freedom. They took responsibility that made better for others. We remember those that gave.

In the Bible, we find that a memorial was established as a reminder of the sacrifice and gift of those who lived prior to our arrival. 

Joshua 4:19-22 :: 
19 The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 

The leader of the people, Joshua made sure to set up a reminder for the people. It was something that they could remember that pointed to the past. They were to remember what God did for them. Interestingly, he made sure to include those that were warriors (read prior verses).

Today, our reminder is to reflect on what God has done in our past. This is an indication of what He will do in the future.

Memorials are important because of what others have done that benefit our lives today. Veterans are support to be honored. They served to protect others. 

Take time to say thank you! Thank you, God! Thank you! Thank a veteran. Freedom isn’t free! 

We need to thank God for His Son, Jesus who sacrificed his life through suffering and death so that we can inherit hope of Salvation and spiritual victories in the battles of life. Take time to thank God for His Word that shows us the way of salvation. We can have a thankful heart that rejoices because of the work of the Holy Spirit that guides and convicts us, keeping us on the right path. 

This Memorial weekend, let us consider what our responsibilities are to leave a legacy for others. We are free to love, serve, and give because someone paid in full the debt we could not pay! 

What Rock Is In My Way?

Rocks are building materials. They are used to build a solid foundation. They are good as firm footers in the building structure. They are used as the means of support. Rocks are abundant and even through ancient times have been the source of all things that stand the test of time. 

Psalms 18:2 tells us, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

They can also be in the way. The wrong use of rocks can destroy. They are useful in the right conditions favored by God. The image here shows how even the stone will cry out in praise to God! They are part of the orchestra of anthems and praise songs!  

Jesus is a firm foundation, a cornerstone that builders can use. Yet, they are stones that, if rejected, can become a stone that causes others to stumble. The foundation upon which the gospel is laid will stand the test of time. There are those that may stumble and those that will build upon its foundation. 

The rock of salvation is what the writer is referencing in his analogy. It is a fortress, proving shelter and protection. The rock is a shield and a place of safety. (For those that seek to rest with in its walls.)

This week has been our annual retreat for the Northern chapter of youth for Christ. We’ve taken time to intentionally step away from our busy agendas and activities and focus on team development the interpersonal, our team, and ourselves. It’s been an incredible time that I am even now taking note of.

In a beautiful retreat setting where we are spending time isolating from others as well as doing group games and activities. Is it time to learn how to do life and spiritually develop better with ourselves and within our team. Speakers have focused on sabbath rest as well as our mission as an organization.

We have celebrated, for God’s glory, the things that have been accomplished. We’ve been challenged on things yet to be done.

I have written down goals in my personal journal as well as takeaways from these brief moments of time. John 15 helped us to understand our interdependence and our need to be connected to the vine of our virtues Jesus Christ. We have spent time reading through the story of Moses and learning the importance of finding hope and help. I have made notes to say that God is enough and asking the question of whether I am desperate enough for God to work?

We have shared incredible times of fellowship and have grown in our knowledge and awareness of one another; in our needs and our story. I have purposefully taken time to listen and learn.

Casting a vision for any organization is never easy. Everyone that lives at the ground level, consider that through the lens of each of our busy activities and schedule. Developing an understandPurpose is important for any organization. We may ask ourselves questions related to our personal needs, but I enjoyed what our leader encouraged us to think about as he laid out three essential questions during our vision casting time together.

These three questions are:

Where have we been? 

Where are we now? 

Where are we going?

For some, it feels like we have entered into the conversation late and have missed a few things along the way. For others, they have a long history and track record that builds perspective. For me, I’m going into my third year and I believe I am still attempting to draw context for each guiding principal and action.

Recently, I heard a devotional that has helped shape my capacity for learning. The devotional centered on the importance of understanding God‘s plan and purpose. The leader of that devotional shared that God has purpose, but that I have an assignment. It may be too simple but, for me, I strive to understand my role and responsibilities within the context of our mission as an organization. 

I often pray, “Lord, show me just enough success so that I will understand your favor, but not too much that I will take away from your glory.”

God chooses to use each of us yet it is only through his power and grace that anything could be accomplished for his glory.

So my question is, what rock is in my way? Perhaps, I need to understand that the rock of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a stumbling stone, but that it is a steppingstone for which I can build upon and develop. 

As I and others got away for a personal retreat, I have to ask myself the question; am I in the way? I got away in order to get out of the way of what God is doing, and yet, join him By taking my assignment in His Kingdom work

The Cross of Christ

Traveling home from Saint Louis I came upon a crossroads of Effingham, Illinois. There stood a large cross. This cross was placed by donors in hopes that it would remind people of the importance of the Cross of Christ. It is a representation of the hope we have through the suffering of Christ and His death. It also stands to represent the resurrection of Christ. Christ is no longer on the cross! It stands as a crossroad for all of us!

The crossroad of life is that place where a decision is made on every journey. It is the space where we either go on our journey deliberately choosing which way to go. 

These crossroads may be moral choices. They may be career related. They may be daily challenges that we can have to choose the correct attitude of life. 

Crossroads are where Christ meets us, daily. With Christ helping us through the work of the Holy Spirit, the Truth of His Word, and the patterns of life the last honors God as creator. We have opportunities that await us when we arrive at these crossroads.

The Cross is where, for many we have found grace and the blessings of a relationship with Christ. The cross is where many are yet to find this hope. The cross is how we understand the work that Christ wants to do in us and through us. 

If you reading this and wonder how to have a personal relationship with Christ, please message me. 

While in Saint Louis, I attended a Presbyterian Church. The pastor and leader of the conference I attended shared a profound message. His statement (shown here) reads: “Too many people look to their weaknesses rather than their strength… God gives us hope we can count on!” - William  (Bill) McConkey. We can grow as a disciple only if we depend on Him. Yet, God has given us gifts and through the Spirit we also discover the Fruit of the Spirit. These are the strengths we inherit for God’s purpose. 

At the conference I attended a devotional was shared that reminded me that God has a purpose but we have an assignment! I get my assignment by knowing Christ!

If you have already found the grace the cross represents, celebrate and keep going as a disciple of Christ. The Bible is the only authority we have as we proclaim our testimony and life-change. 

Colossians 3:10 simply tells us to “put on the new nature…” This is the goal of every crossroad of life. The nature of God, through what Christ did in the cross, is meant to change us from within. 

Every crossroad should bear the reminder of the Cross. This should put us in the right path of The Way of salvation and the furtherance of grace! 

The Sheep Hear My Voice.

This morning, my friend, John Wood, missionary and Bible translator for Wycliffe Associates, shared a wonderful illustration. He compared a relationship he has with his pet dog. 

It’s an impressive analogy that he drew upon. He was finishing up his veterinary appointment with his dog at a local veterinarian hospital in which somebody commented about his relationship being likened to a parent and a child. He quickly drew exception, and said, “No, more accurately, it is the relationship between God and His creation.” He reminded us that in Genesis the responsibility that we have to God’s creation is to have dominion and care over it. It’s a delegated responsibility.

Further, he went on to explain that dogs are pack animals and it’s important that the animals know who the alpha is in the relationship. Animals respond through obedience, but also they develop trust much like humans do with God. To clarify, John shared that we although we do not understand fully our relationship with God, because He is infinite, but in some small way in our finite to finite relationship with our pet we can gain some understanding. 

John’s devotional gave way for me to reflect upon the scripture of the Good Shepherd. A while back, I preached several sermons related to the relationship that is talked about in the story of the Good Shepherd.

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Our son, Jon is a Deputy and K-9  handler for a county Sheriff Department. In recent years, we’ve had many discussions about his relationship to his canine partner.

One of those conversations that we shared related to how his K-9 is specifically trained to respond to the commands of his handler. This relationship is such a tight bond. No other person can give orders to the dog. My son said to me something that is very profound. He said, “My dog knows my voice and only responds to commands at the hearing of my voice.” He further illustrated and he said that “everything that I have on my body, including my weapon and my taser can be used against me. If a suspect were to take my dog from me however, my k-9 cannot be taken from me and used against me.”

This relationship is similar with the good Shepherd. Jesus indicated that the sheep know His voice. Sheep like dogs are pack animals. 

Our relationship with our heavenly father is easily illustrated through both what my friend John Wood shared in his devotional, the experience that my son has with his trained K-9 and The sheep and the God Shepherd.

This is the lesson for us today. We should have a relationship with our God who is the Alpha and Omega. Our relationship should be such that we know the voice of the good Shepherd. It is further convicting in that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for His sheep. Of course, we know that Jesus will be the gate that will protect the sheep who are within the shelter of the fence. It’s important to note the role of the Shepherd as provider and protector.

One thing further that we can drop on in this analogy is that God is our protector from predators. The one defense that sheep have is that they can cluster together so that the wolves will see them as one large unit, but if you were to ever separate one from the group, they become vulnerable. 

Many times we feel that we do not need to be with others, but it is clear that we must remain in the fold, that is the fellowship of others, in order to find protection within the group

A Total Eclipse of the Heart

I know that this is a hit title of a song from the 80’s by Air Supply, Bonnie Tyler yet, I have chosen this title for this blog entry. In just a few day millions will witness a total eclipse. April 8 is one of the most anticipated dates in the 2024 calendar. 

In recent years, we have all seen highly promoted astronomical events. Along with these event has come with many prophetic interpretations. A fascination with the track of cosmos and biblical named cities will cross in the United States has raised doomsday warnings. 

This article is not about any of those prophecies.  It is about the prophecies that revealed the Christ thousands of years before the death of Christ. My article centers on Psalm 22 as well as a unique translation found in the New American translation of Luke 23:44-45. This is an account of the Crucifixion of Christ.  

One translation reads, "It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun."

The prophecy of Psalm 22 sheds a great deal more detail over 1,000 years before the Romans invented the cruelest form of execution, death on a cross. In just the first 22 versus of this passage of scripture we can learn of 17 prophecies being fulfilled. King David wrote this Psalm of the Suffering Savior while also writing of his on grief and suffering yet, this description goes beyond just David’s own experiences. It points to the death of Christ on the cross. 

In a recent sermon I shared at a community Pre-Easter Week I shared the details and the purpose of the Suffering Savior. Jesus suffered and God turned His back away from His Son (the Bible reads forsaken) so that we will not be rejected or forsaken but found in righteousness through His death on a cross. Our suffering is not in vain and our salvation is not for our vanity alone. God can redeem our suffering and give us a testimony of grace through forgiveness. Our suffering is not in vain. Neither is our salvation in vanity. It is not that we become better than others but that we are able to tell if God’s great love and others can experience this grace extended to all that believe. 

Although the sun was blocked but not darkened by an eclipse lasting more than 3 minutes, as darkness over the three hours that hung over the cross, yet we know that Jesus, we took on the sins of the world, experienced those hours of darkness while suffering the agony of the cross. He took on our sin so that he would be the perfect sacrifice that threw him alone we find redemption and forgiveness of our sins. Romans 6:8 reads that “…God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners He died for us.” (ESV) We also read with greatest clarity Romans 3:23, “…all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” (USCCB-Conference of Catholic Bishops)

There is hope for all who feel forsaken and need forgiven for the sin we are born in to and experience in our transgressions. 

Trust Be Like…

A bank is likened to trust. Though there are deposits and withdrawals that happened there, we have to believe that God is the holder of these resources. We hold loosely to that which is not ours because, as a believer in Jesus Christ, we believe that God owns everything. 

Today I have a new appreciation for time. Why? Well, we are given an extra 24 hours today, this being leap day. It is a sacred trust that has been given to all of us. Even though it is adjusting the calendar it is nevertheless an opportunity for us to never waste what has been given to us.

I hope that everyone can take advantage of this day, and not make too many withdrawals, but provide deposit into the lives of others more than ourselves.

We could always Google the history of this particular day and find interesting and fascinating nuggets of truth yet, I wanted to share how encouraging it is for me to be part of a team that is strengthening & trust in one another.

Not to sound like an old man, but I am trying to grow and develop even though I’m as old as the Super Bowl, but as young as the Ford Mustang. Each generation defines the strategy for building trust differently. My generation is rather old-school. We believe that trust is earned not given. But this generation today has flipped that idea on his head. While my generation peers skeptically into relationships, young people seem more open and vulnerable. Perhaps naïvely believing that trust is automatic, you have to respect the notion nonetheless. Life passes quickly so plant a tree of which you will not enjoy the shade of.

Trust is so essential for all of us. Communication is a tool that I think will further help us. I believe that trust is given, and not based on merit or earned.

Though tested at times we can believe that someone has our best interest in mind at whatever they are doing.

Stephen M. R. Covey, the son of the famous thinker wrote the book, The Speed of Trust. I read it often as I am reminded of the importance of trust. 

Take this quote as an example:

“In a high-trust relationship, you can say the wrong thing, and people will still get your meaning. In a low-trust relationship, you can be very measured, even precise, and they'll still misinterpret you. The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

See what I mean? Even Stephen Covey, the father, made sure we understood that true leadership is based on the ability to inspire others to do what they don’t have to do. 

Trust is a key component of every relationship! 

So, God has trusted us to give us this additional day, so make the best use of it! In fact, the day, after mankind was created, God gave a day of rest. Perhaps it could be said that even before we do anything that proves ourselves, God blesses us with a day off.

So extend trust as you can, and especially knowing that God has given us this day. Make the most of it because this particular day will not show up again for another four years.

I love the devotional that my friend Pastor Gene Rohrer shared recently through email.

"Leap day a gift of 24 hours that only comes every four years. Picture a child standing anxiously at the edge of a swimming pool, trying to muster the courage to jump into his father's arms. That child is you.

What leap of faith will you take to show that you trust God? What is holding you back?" (Missy Buchanan)

"You of little faith, why did you doubt?" --Matthew 14:31

- Pastor Gene E. Rohrer

What are three things that you can do today that can provide for somebody else’s tomorrow?

What’s In A Name?

 This past week I had the opportunity to share The Word with a local church. They sent me the passages of scripture for me to speak from. It wasn’t long before I knew the theme and direction I was to share from. 

This blog entry comes as a summary result of those thoughts. 

Too often we try to make a name for ourselves The Bible makes it clear that this kind of lifestyle is vanity. The Bible offer an alternative to self-centered living to a life that both receives blessings and those which we can also give!

We are not to live for self but for the Glory of God. 

As I sit at a local café, I watch all the people that come and go. I can quickly observe that people need a blessing; that being a blessing that only God can give!

Last Sunday I read Mark 8:34-38. It records that those that live for themselves alone will lose their own lives. 

Mark 8:35

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.

Again we find this Truth in the life and Calling of Abraham. (Genesis 17) It was through this relationship with God that he is given a new name. From Abram to Abraham we find the theme that he did not feel like he was measuring up. He didn’t feel that he was enough! 

His birth name, Abram means exhaled father. Well, as he was approaching 90 he still didn’t have even a child. He was no living up to the earthly expectations. Yet God, (and I love that phrase, yet God) Abram was going to be challenged to trust God’s plan; receive God’s blessing. While God wanted to bless him, he added to expectations by saying that he would be called, Abraham. This means, father of the nations! Wow! 

In the midst of already feeling like he wasn’t enough, God challenged him to consider that with God, nothing is impossible. From nothing and no where we can experience God in a way that takes us from no where to some place and from nothing to everything! (As long as it is in God’s Will.) 

Recently, traveling to Florida with our Youth of Christ team I realized how essential it is to have your name match your ID. When I arrived to the airport, I quickly learned that the spelling of my name was wrong. Consequently, it meant that I could not board the plane unless they can figure out a way to correct the error. Who would’ve thought that having a T in your name rather than a D in your name would make a difference? CarTer :: CarDer. I ultimately did get to Florida and back and didn’t have to walk. Names are important! 

God wants to bless us! It is in His nature to bless! Abraham made a covenant with God! This agreement means obedience and a journey that provided for his Blessing!

We can also learn from this lesson that God wants to use us to bless others! Abraham made mistakes yet God brought him into a relationship that blessed others. Consider what he did for Ishmael or even his nephew Lot. These were opportunities that helped others! By His own hand (and as a result of God’s blessing) we can see how others received, while unworthy yet God made a way possible! 

We have opportunities each and every day to represent the name of Christ and everything we do. Whether at the grocery store or at a restaurant. Perhaps even among friends and family, we can make a difference. We can bless others in the Name of Christ! I love how we can impact the lives of others! 

Psalms 22:30-31 reads; Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.

His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything He has done.

I am listening to a new book. In the context of the global impact, I am reminded of a book I have recently been reading: “Where Am I Eating?” by my new friend, Kelsey Timmerman.

Where does your coffee come from? The book tells the stories of local farmers in Columbia, Brazil…. Within this book I am discovering the origins of community :: Where my food comes from. My consumerism must be informed by the original origins of families and communities in far away places.

We have the opportunity to bless others all over the world just by paying attention and knowing where our food comes from. 

When it comes to leaving a legacy, not just a blessing, we can consider the impact our lives can make and leave a legacy for others! Like Abraham, we can impact the lives of all who find us faithful. It is an incredible reminder that we need to plant tree of which we will not enjoy the shade of. In Gen. 21, we find that Abraham build an altar to God by planting a tree for generations to benefit! He planted a Tamarisk tree. A tree that takes 400 years to grow! 

Those who have been martyred for their faith — so that we can enjoy the freedom of faith yet, we may be asked to sacrifice for the sake of others! 

Though we may not be tested in the same way, yet, we have a message to deliver. 

The message is that of an amazing grace that we have received through Jesus Christ. As we close this blog let us consider God’s Amazing Grace.  Let us thank God for the incredible blessing that is ours that we can give away yet today, and commit to invest into future tomorrows of generations to come!

If interested in the message I shared at Church click this link to listen.