To Be...A Blessing
This sister in Christ is a blessing to many!
November 15
We are blessed beyond measure because we are children of God! Peter Lord's book, Bless and Be Blessed, addresses the fact that when we bless others, we get a blessing back! The next six weeks are a joyous season for some, but heart wrenching for others. May we find joy in being a blessing the next six weeks to others.
Paul's exuberance for his fellow believers is evident in Philippians 1:3-6. They've blessed him!
“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”
Philippians 1:3-6
Our words and actions matter.
I may have shared Peter Lord's "A" words below before, but this is a great reminder as we prepare to gather together in many celebratory situations. If we are making our lists, we may want to check them twice and see if they include those who need to be blessed in this ways.
“Everyone enjoys appreciation, acceptance, approval, affection, attention, affirmation, and admiration, and when we give these responses to people, we help them develop in good ways.”
"Appreciation-is the simple act of recognizing the good in others and acknowledging it.
Acceptance-When people feel they are not wanted or accepted, it is traumatic and soul shattering. Much of life activity is geared to seeking acceptance.
Approval-To accept someone is one thing; to approve of him or her goes a step beyond…If approval is not expressed, we assume the worst-someone does not approve of us.
Affection-Caring, friendliness, and words of love are sure ways to express affection. Without affection in regular doses, people feel unloved.
Attention-There is a real ADD-attention deficit disorder-in human relationships. Throughout our lives we spend a great deal of time seeking the attention of others, and more and more it seems that we are incapable of giving our undivided attention to someone else.
Affirmation-People are seeking your affirmation; without it, their souls are withering. You speak words of affirmation when you say things like: ‘I have noticed what a kind person you are.’ ‘You have a wonderful smile.’ ‘You responded so well to that irritable customer.’
Admiration-Our self-esteem soars when we are told we are special, and it stinks when a negative thing is said. Admiration is the expression of sincere esteem, whereas flattery is false and insincere praise offered with an ulterior motive.” Peter Lord
“Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6:18
Father, make us aware when you are nudging us to keep the spirits of another up through our words and actions. When those names cross our minds may we be quick to pray and courageous enough to actively encourage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Thankful Thought
Thank You God for your acceptance of us, for the affection You pour over each of your children and for how Your Word affirms us again and again.
