Blessings friends and family,

Begin by this encouragement. As we live and work on our journey, we are called the beloved of the Lord, if we follow Christ. Here are some scriptures from 3 John 1 to take to heart.

Verse 2 says, "BELOVED, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers."

I love how God made us with all the connective workings in our members. For instance, what I am thinking about will effect how my body feels. Whether or not I am being refueled each day in God's Word or rather ignore times apart with the One Who made me. We are made body, soul and spirit. All really depend on the others for health and wholeness. When I am lacking in one area it will effect the other two. 

Verse 5 says, "Beloved, it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the [Christian] brethren, and [especially when they are] strangers."

This morning I was able to do this exact thing. While getting ready for my day I prayed that the Lord would allow me to serve Him in a way that would bring His heart joy. Soon I realized I could go out into the Cafe', run by my family, and see if they needed me in any way. I love that I can go in and see and do anything to help. They were so busy! Doing the helps in the background like refilling syrup containers and wiping down tables and keeping the coffee going. It blessed the Lord because I did it for Him. It also blessed my family and helped carry the load. Practical things, you know? So, I was blessed too!

Verse 11 says, "BELOVED, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all]."

It is pretty wonderful to serve strangers. Without knowing their background I get to greet them as guests. My smile, given in the Love of Jesus, I know makes a difference to them. They may not know me but reflecting God's Love seems to open they up and they want to talk. So, I listen. Then I go on in prayer. 

See, we really don't have to know the details of those we meet. And, we may never see them again, but Jesus knows the details and in serving Him, we can do what is best. It is so freeing to love. Who knows, they might be back simply because of kindness. There have been times when a guest will ask direct questions about my life, how I came to be here and so on. Then the Holy Spirit, Who has opened the door for this brief conversation will equip me with the words that person needs to hear. Seeds planted, watered and a harvest for the King!

Beloved, live your life and offer your service to the Lord God for any use. Will you be a vessel of honor?

God bless you and enlarge your boundaries for His glory. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Abundance is...in serving