kindness · serving

Withhold Not Good

One day a dear older man and his wife (I’ll refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. C) from our church stopped in for a short visit.  I loved it when they would stop by.  They didn’t call.  They didn’t announce ahead of time, they just took the risk and drove out to the country, stopped in and rang the bell to see if we were home.

On their stop that day, Mr. C. was seated only momentarily before a twinkle came to his eye and he proceeded to attempt to get up off the sofa.

“I’ll be right back” he said, with his finger extended to make his point.

“I have to go get something.”

He slowly made his way back out to his car, assisted by his cane.  Returning minutes later, he walked towards where I was seated and presented me with a little box of chocolates.  “Here’s you some chocolate!” he said with a chuckle. I was blown away. This man who had difficulty just making it into the living room in the first place due to the effects of his age, made a special trip back out to his vehicle to retrieve this treasure box for me? I was so touched!

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I was not surprised at his kindness; he was known for that – not just by me, but by many others as well.  Many times I’ve seen him reach his hand into his suit coat at church, like a magician reaching in to retrieve a rabbit out  of a hat,  and coming out with a sweet treat to share.  This is a special kind of “magic.”  It’s the magic of a giving heart.

Who doesn’t love to get a little gift?  Proverbs 3:27 is a reminder to me to give.  It says,

 “Withhold not good to them to whom it is due

when it is in the power thy hand to do it.”

Proverbs 3:27

That verse is a little push to be like Mr. C, who was always looking for ways to share the things he has the power to give.  We can all do something for someone else.  It’s just about asking the Lord to make us aware of what we could give.  I’ve noticed by watching giving people that being a generous person makes your heart large. Mr. C. was just a loving man; so was his wife.  I know others who are always on the lookout to do thoughtful gestures, and they, too, have that spirit that just makes you enjoy their company – not because of what they give, but because of their large heart!

If we’re going to be like Mr. C, We need to:

  1. Ask God for wisdom and the heart to be a giver.
  2. Think about who we’re going to be with today.
  3. Prayerfully think about what their needs might be – or just a grace gift you could share.
  4. Obey whatever the Lord brings to your heart!

Need a few suggestions to get you thinking?

  • You might be the lady who always has a peppermint or chewing gum in your purse to share.
  • Did you get special Buy one Get One Free offers at the grocery?  Share the extra one!
  • Hand over the magazines or books you’ve read to someone you think would enjoy them.
  • Keep wrapped candies –  Kisses, Werther’s /caramels, Smarties, miniature candy bars, etc. at your front door to give your guests.

May people remember us as folks who have large, giving hearts!    A little gift says big things!

What special gift has someone given you that touched your heart?

Refresh your heart and the hearts of others by giving!

Christian Life · Comfort · podcast

It’s Time to Return Home


A wanderer who returns to the Lord is not destined to a worthless life! There is hope, usefulness and joy ahead! Satan would want us to think there is only shame in admitting that we’ve wandered away, but His call to us is always to return. He waits with open arms and forgiveness. You’ll hear how beautifully the story of Ruth tells us this truth in today’s podcast.

Continue reading “It’s Time to Return Home”
ministry · serving · spiritual growth

Discovering My Spiritual Gift (s)

I have a friend who is the best person at giving gifts! She just has such a knack at knowing what people would enjoy! She’s creative, on-time, and right on target with the needs of the receiver. It just seems so easy for her.

If you’ve ever been to the home of another one of my friends at our church, you’ll see hospitality being displayed in such an effortless way. She welcomes with her heart before you even enter the doorway of her house. As a matter of fact, if you see her at church, you sense that warm hospitable heart in the aisle and pew. It’s not about the food she makes or the home in which she lives; it’s her spirit. Everyone feels so accepted and loved by her. I just don’t know how she does it!

Continue reading “Discovering My Spiritual Gift (s)”
Christian Life · Empty life · Life

Your Purpose

Over and over again my heart goes to the word, purpose. Why does God save a soul and leave them on this earth, rather than take them to heaven? Because He has a purpose for each of us. We have a life to live that can be full and so blessed because of the God of our life IS our life!

What is it? What is your purpose?

It’s greater than just making it through the day so we can plop down somewhere and scroll, or fasten our eyes on a rectangular box and “chill” while we doze. That’s what a cat does!

For those who have trusted Christ as Savior, we have a soul that has been rescued from hell, and people all around us are without the hope of Christ. They need the Gospel!

Our purpose is to use what God has given us in the place where He has put us
to share the Gospel, disciple believers, to live out a full and fruitful life!

I look at Paul in Philippians one and see that he is in prison. His help came through the supply of the Spirit of Christ by the prayers of the people of God. He believed that no matter what happened, God would not cause him to be ashamed or turn against him. He was confident that he was in the center of God’s will. He wasn’t being punished by God. Christ would be magnified if he lived or died. Paul didn’t dictate how God would be glorified – he left that up to God.

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20, 21

Where has the Lord put you? It’s no accident. Serve Him there.

What has God entrusted to you? What possessions? What talents? Use them for His glory.

Who has He placed around you? Spouse? Children? Neighbors? Use your voice to share the Gospel, encourage them with the Truth, and help bear their burdens.

You are alive and breathing today due to the kindness and the plan of God. You have a significant purpose that no one else could fill. Don’t waste a moment, but get up and ask God what you should do next. Watch how He will use your life if you simply recognize He has purpose for YOU!

Are you living out the purpose for which God has designed for your life? There’s no greater joy!

What questions do you have about your purpose in life?