Do you leave blessings in your wake?

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The awesome reality of the presence of God”

Our Bible verse for today: “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Do you leave blessings in your wake?

I read a statement one time that immediately captured my attention, and my heart – to the point that I wrote it down and have kept it in my Bible for years. The writer was considering the fact that God has called His people to be a source of blessing to others in this hurting and bleeding world of ours. This has always been true. It has always been God’s plan that His people would show kindness and compassion to those who are hurting and in need – especially to the poor, the widows, the orphans, the marginalized in society, the grieving, and the distraught.

The statement read, “As I go through life, do I leave blessings in my wake? Do I leave a trail of gladness behind? Let it be said of me that, “He went about doing good and blessing people.”

Both the Old Testament and the New (but especially the New), are packed full of verses and passages in which God exhorts us be a source of kindness and compassion, hope and healing, to the hurting and needy. Here are just a few:

“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” Luke 6:31

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Those are just a handful of examples; I could easily cite many more, but I think the point has been made. The presence of God is manifested in this world through the faithful blessings bestowed by His people, in His name. So, we will end today where we started: Do you leave blessings in your wake, a trail of gladness behind you? Are people better off because they encountered you? Will you be a blessing to someone today?

God bless,

Pastor Jim