I am still thankful for God’s continued blessings over my life even today. As I reflected on the past, there’s no room to boast; but, I lift my voice in thanksgiving for all His mercies toward me, and look for opportunities to share the gospel to the poor. It was His love that lifted me and it is His love that has lifted or will lift you. No matter our station in life, we can all be a blessing to others. Let us avail ourselves as His instruments through which others (and the poor) can be blessed. He lifted me – He will carry you!!

He was unwilling to give up all to follow Jesus into full-time ministry. He could not envision himself as a full-time missionary with Jesus. He just wanted to continue doing the little he was accustomed to doing while enjoying his luxury and comfort. Yet, not all was like this young man. There were others who trusted God, left it all and followed Jesus.

Yes, life challenges will test our patience. There may be challenges in your home, your marriage, your job, and even your church that seem more than you are willing to cope with. Be reminded that the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, but for those who endure. Remember, the humble calf sucks the most milk. Patience is a virtue – a rare one. This fruit of the Spirit is a quality we all need.

For what is your soul hungering and thirsting? Today, as we play our part to feed the hungry and thirsting among us, let us take time to gaze upon Christ's purity as we get better acquainted with Him through His words. By beholding we will become dissatisfied with ourselves and become in favor of being like Jesus. By beholding, we will become changed.

While you could be made right by following earthly laws, it is not so in God’s government. No one can keep God’s Law to be saved. Not at all - it is an impossible feat! On the contrary, we obey God’s Law because we have been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. His gift of grace empowers us to be obedient.

Jesus taught that it’s a blessing to have pure hearts. Those with pure hearts will see God. Realizing these truths, we must do all, with God’s help, to have a pure heart. We must guard carefully the avenues of our soul – especially our eyes and ears – so as not to feed our hearts with evil thoughts and company. Only allow in what is good and noble and just. And yes, ask God’s help to keep your heart pure. Let us be pure, because others care.

Finally, we are encouraged that as much as is possible, we should live peaceably with all. When we strive for peaceful resolution to our conflicts, we will be seen as peacemakers and will be called children of God. Today, He is saying to you and me, let there be peace. Let there be peace in our homes, in our offices, in our churches, and in our communities. Most importantly, let there be peace in our hearts.

When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes.

He had it all! Life was good. Yet he was so restless. He wondered what life was like on the other side of town – a place he had never been. He had never been to the movies, never entered the doors of a night club, and never partied until day light. He had never dressed in ‘bling’ clothing, nor had he ever had a drink. He was sure all the fun was on the other side of town. Yet, here he was-- living like ‘old people’. No fun, just the same everyday stuff!

Even though you may not be the offender, you should take steps to make it right. Leave your gift of prayer, thanksgiving, tithes and offerings and go make it right. Confess your faults and ask to be forgiven.