BE A BLESSING

I love this thought from Billy Graham,

    “We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for giving.”

I think I would paraphrase Dr. Graham’s quote by saying this, “…. We are channels made for blessing others.

I listened to some sermons and read some commentaries on this subject and there are five ways I believe we can daily bless others:

1) Share God’s Word…and work

I am definitely NOT telling you to preach to everybody!  But sending a verse of Scripture in an email (or tweet, or fb message!!!) that immediately brings God’s love and wisdom to a person’s mind and heart is something we can do every day to lots of people.  When you can, share what God is doing in your life…what you are learning, how God is involved in who you are….it blesses others to know that God is ACTIVE and INVOLVED PERSONALLY.

2) Encourage Others

A “way to go”, a kind word, a pat on the back…so many little things we can do for others that will “make their day”….lift them up…put a smile on their faces.  Decide what would encourage yourself…and then do that for someone else! (For me…a free Starbucks at the drive-through…ha). Don’t just reserve this action for close friends and family…DO THIS FOR AN ABSOLUTE STRANGER… (I don’t think there is a sales clerk or a cashier who couldn’t use a pat on the back and a word of kindness!)

3) Let People Know How Much You Value Them

We all need to have a sense of worth.  Let people know they are important to you. Let us make gratitude and thankfulness our bywords not a “they know I love them” attitude.

4) Be Alert to Others’ Needs and DO SOMETHING

It isn’t always a monetary or physical need that has to be met….although that is what is often needed.   But, many times your friend, your coworker, your sister, your child … needs a listening ear, a bit of your time, a phone call… Be alert. And again, use your own heart…what might you need if you were in a similar situation and then do that for the person. (Hope that makes sense!)

5) PRAY

Don’t you dare think, “of course”.  I mean actually, and consistently pray…write it down and daily lift that person up.  If I tell someone I’ll be praying for them, I try to set a time to lift them up wherever I am… there is much power in short, silent supplications!  You can fill your days doing this and it doesn’t put you behind in your “to do” list!

My personal quote,    God does not mean for us to be water tanks but made us to be garden hoses…spraying blessings on everyone we meet.

 

Remember this old hymn? 

Make Me a Channel of Blessing

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Refrain

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

So, in closing, let me thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you – it is such a blessing and privilege for me.

Joyfully,

Yvonne