My pastor this week started a sermon series called Contagious Generosity. He referenced this verse in his sermon.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25
He didn't realize that the very next day our church would be given a profound opportunity to live this out when a sweet family in our church lost their home to a fire.
I asked prayer for this family in my last post and was so encouraged by your prayers and well wishes for this friend of mine.
Sharon (the Mom) and I are on the worship team together and have recently become accountability partners. I have been so blessed by her faith and friendship. They are doing well for their current circumstances, but of course are still processing all that has happened and working through the logistics of starting over. Your continued prayers are welcomed. Also, some of you have asked if there is any way you can help. If you would like to bless them in this way, please email me and I can give you some ideas of how to do that.
Also, while I am at it, I'd like to ask prayer for another dear friend of mine, Sunnie, who also happens to be the Children's Minister at our church. She just found out that her Mother has a brain aneurysm that is located in a very dangerous place. She and her family are praying about what treatment options they might pursue.
Lots of things are heavy on our hearts this Thanksgiving, but God is good and your prayers are such an encouragement.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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8 comments:
It's hard to be filled with joy AND give thanks during our times of great suffering.
It's easy to pray. That's the first thing we think of doing. It's automatic. But to be joyful? Give thanks? Right now?
To fill our hearts with God's grace and goodness... there's no way NOT to be joyful and thankful... in ALL circumstances.
People often say to me, "How can you be smiling/laughing with all the pain you experience?" And I say...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is one of my favorite verses. It pretty much just wraps it all up in one precious little bundle.
Praying for your friends... and thank you for sharing their story!
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Oh, yeah. I tagged you... back at my place.
love and hugs...
Alana,
I will definetly pray---I know that He is faithful to answer. I've got the night watch. (since we are a half a world apart)
Oh, I love that verse!
Wow, it seems the Lord was preparing your church doesn't it?!
God is so good. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the body of Christ come together and LOOK like the body of Christ! :)
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Sue
Dear friend, they are on my heart and mind this day. I pray that they find comfort today in the midst of their battles.
I do want to help in some way. Please let me know.
Alana...We are all praying for both of them. The body of Christ will rally around them and be the hands and feet of Christ for these sweet, sweet people.
Praying continually,
Fran
I am so sad for your friends who are hurting right now. I am definitely praying for them all.
I will continue praying for both of your friends. This was an awesome post - it had all the elements of the reason for the season. I mean, what is Thanksgiving without being thankful, and Christmas without giving of ourselves. May God bless you, your family, your friends, and your church for being His hands and feet... and heart beat!
Definitely will be praying for both of them. What a tough time of year to be dealing with such things, but praise God for good and faithful friends to support them.
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