Knowing Your Neighbors

   In Matthew 22:39 Jesus says, "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." How do you love your neighbors if you don't know your neighbors?
   This popped in my thoughts after a daily walk this past week; but it really started the night before when I noticed a Rescue Squad several doors down from where I live. I found myself concerned about my neighbor; a neighbor with no name. And that's where the problem comes in. They've lived there for years. Yes, I've said "hi" or waved if I happen to have passed by. Somehow I don't think that's enough.
   So, I'm doing my morning walk and I noticed a woman standing on the front porch of the same house where the flashing lights and EMTs had been the night before. I didn't want to seem like I was being nosey but I asked if everything was ok explaining my concern.
   She seemed relieved to be able to talk, opened up about her health issues and what had happened. She had been able to return home from the hospital and now was waiting for her sister to pick her up for a doctor's appointment.
   We talked for about twenty minutes, each exchanging information about ourselves; me trying to encourage her through God's word. She then asked what church I went to and told me which church she "use to" go to. Before it was over I had her name, needs and told her I'd pray for her.
   Wow! A connection made all because I reached out with care and concern. This wasn't the first time God had introduced me to a neighbor.
   A few weeks back a young woman was walking past my house, saw me near my car and asked if I was going up the road. I wasn't planning on going anywhere but I asked her why. She said she didn't have a car and was wondering if I'd give her a ride to the pharmacy; quite a way if you're walking. Of course I did, also gathering information as we talked. She lived on the street behind mine.
   I wondered if the Lord was trying to tell me something? I didn't have to wonder, I knew. If I am to love my neighbors I need to know my neighbors. What are their pray needs or is there another need they have that God can use me to fill?
   As I realized my concern for others is starting to grow, I suddenly remember the prayer I'd lifted up to the Lord the last few weeks. "Lord, give me a burden to care for others." He's doing exactly what I asked for, starting with my neighbors.

Galatians 6:2 KJV
2"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Romans 15:2 NKJV
2"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."
 

Blessings In All Seasons

   What is God doing in your life? It's a question each of us need to stop and ponder. Do we really believe and see all God has for us in our daily walk with Him or do we just drift through each day, oblivious to His presence?
   Do we only want His intervention when our need suddenly becomes a burden too hard for us to handle? On an opposite note, some of us may find we only praise and thank Him when all is going great. Otherwise we may let doubt creep in and obscure what God wants us to see.
   May we realize not only to call on Jesus when we are in hardships but be aware of His presence when our joy is full, our mountains are high and the sun shines bright.
   Be deliberate about God's presence and work in your life. Take note of even the simple things around you and give thanks for all you have. Thank the Lord for the things your don't have and ask Him to use each situation for His glory. He always has a purpose working behind the scenes for our good.
   Whether our circumstances are good or hard at this present time; God's blessings abound all around us. May He open our hearts to His abundance continually in all seasons of our lives.

Romans 8:28 NKJV
28"And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
1"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose..."

When More Equals LIttle

Haggai 1:6 KJV
   "You have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink; but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."
   In this book of the Bible God brought to His people the reason for their lack. They had turned away from their source of being full and that source was God. 
   As they tried to build upon their own desires and add more to their wealth, they were finding themselves lacking and empty. This only created the desire to seek more but never be satisfied.
   They had set aside building God's house to build upon their own. Therefore God caused a lacking and emptiness that could not be filled.
   Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." If not, we'll find ourselves empty even though we strive to be full. Our efforts to build and to have will be futile unless we use the resources God provides to build with knowing that all comes from Him.
   We must examine our reasons for what we want. Of course we want to provide for our families, bring in an income, have food and clothing; but do we fail to give God the glory for the necessities we need or do we just crave more?
   Have we put off building upon God's plan for our life to build upon our own desires? Do we think bigger is better and more will make us happier or more comfortable?
   Let us remember the promises of God in providing all we need not necessarily all we want. If not, we may find ourselves empty even though we have much.

Matthew 6:31 NKJV
   "Therefore, do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things..."

Philippians 4:11,13 NKJV
  11 "... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..." 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Storms Are Coming

   Hurricane season is definitely here and Dorian has already brought damage and chaos to many in its path.
   Hurricane Dorian isn't the only thing bringing in storms. Life brings its own storms and it may seem at times we are surrounded with no way out. The storms of life can be destructive and leave damage that seems unrepairable.
   Proverbs 1:27 says it well: "When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you..."
   Yes, that's the feeling. It's the kind of destruction and terror that can't be kept out by boarding up openings or putting down sandbags, nor can you escape the storm by running away. Many will use their own worldly wisdom and strength to no avail.
   There is only one shelter that provides safety and calm from the destruction these storms can cause. That shelter is found in Jesus. It's a place of peace and rest. It's where Jesus provides healing and repair from the damage that seems so unrepairable.
   Yes, the storms are upon us, the waves are high, the winds are strong and the darkness that wants to surround us seems ominous. Listen, for there is a voice calling through the darkness of the storm. A voice that calms the winds, stills the waves and brings peace to the soul.
   Listen for the voice of the Savior and trust His calling. He will take you through the storm and out the other side to a place of safety, peace and healing.

Matthew 8: 23-26 KJV (each verse followed with paraphrase by Marie Levy)

v. 23 "And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him."
And when He entered our lives we followed Him.

v. 24 "And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, in so much the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep."
And there arose a great hardship and stress in our lives; it was so bad that it covered our life with darkness and fear. God seemed so far away.

v.25 And His disciples came to HIm and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us, we perish."
And we cried out to God and cast our fears before Him and He heard us.

v. 26 And He saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Then He reached down to remind us that He is in control, to not be afraid and to give us more faith. He set aside our fears and gave us peace.