Agents of Blessing – Proverbs 11:10-11
“Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.”
~~~ Proverbs 11:11, NIV
YOU ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACED in this world to make a difference. You probably know this by now, even if, at times, you struggle to see how. Perhaps you spend much of your mental energy focusing on the problems you face or on the people who created those problems and the ways you wish you could fix them. Or maybe you’ve had seasons of seeing your life as your own, wondering how to find fulfillment or manage the tasks at hand. Perhaps there are times when you exist—moment by moment, day by day. Even so, you’re aware of bigger things. You recognize a calling from the Spirit within you. You want to live with a sense of destiny.
On the one hand, we can sometimes be so focused on the big picture that we miss the opportunities in front of us. On the other, we can become so focused on the details of daily life that we miss pursuing the more significant relationships we have already been given. In between those two points of focus, the macro and the micro, we live and work among people who could be influenced in one way or another by a godly attitude. We have many opportunities to pray blessings on those around us—people at the office, in a classroom, standing in line, commenting on social media, passing by on the street—all of whom need, as we do, regular touches from God.
We have platforms from which to improve lives, encourage hearts, and demonstrate Kingdom values and ways. Our calling is to impart grace, and we have open doors to do so—through prayers, words, favors, and acts of kindness and compassion. We are living, breathing, walking agents of blessing.
Listen to the voice that reminds you of all the people placed in your path who need a priestly touch from a son or daughter of God. Be an advocate before God’s throne on their behalf. Ask him to meet their needs. Let your city—or office or neighborhood or school—be exalted through the blessings you bring.
Ask God to show you your potential. How can I bless the lives that cross my path? What words can I speak and pray? What deeds can I do? May every circle of my relationships be lifted up by whatever blessings I bring. All God’s people said, “AMEN”.
~~~ copied from The One Year Salt and Light Devotional by Chris Tiegreen
Real or Fake? You Must Decide.
Have you heard, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” We all have over the last few years. Instead of a lion, you can insert whatever keeps you afraid.
Are you one to dodge your duties and responsibilities with lame and crazy excuses? Matthew Henry stated (my paraphrase) something like this, “It’s foolish to frighten ourselves from reality by imagining false dangers.” It was true in ancient times and even today. Some folks will not leave their houses to work or buy groceries. They are afraid because someone told them to be frightened. Listening to “experts” who pretend to know anything is now problematic. We see people fearful of catching a virus, cold, the flu, etc., which are all invisible because sickness or even death may occur. All types of masks are worn (however incorrectly). Some keep a six-foot distance between themselves and others. Every shot and booster containing unknown and untested substances is injected into their bodies. All this to keep from getting sick or dying. Yet, in all their vain attempts, they still get ill and die…usually alone.
God has not called us to a life of fear. Even this Christmas season, we remember the angelic voice saying, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10 MEV
Whispherers of Lies and Half-Truths
A gossip or bearer of tales does no good. You don’t want to be one. Watch for those who act as a friend but are enemies. Let’s be honest, we all are prone to listen to those who have dainty morsels to share about others. Don’t do that. You might repeat what you hear and further the strife that the whisperer or gossip has started.
Discontent and strife spread among brethren and neighbors, both. It is a contentious man or woman who is hard to please. They are apt to find fault in everyone and everything. They love a good argument and seek to spread the damage as far as possible.
Journalists today primarily act as tale-bearers or whisperers of lies or half-truths. Some know what they say is a lie, while others get instructions on teleprompters from their bosses higher up the chain of command. Seldom are the facts told or shared with the public. If they were, we would likely come to different conclusions. Therefore, strife gets spread among the citizens of this country. What can we do? Research what is said as thoroughly as possible, and turn off the TV and not read their posts.
The Lazy Man
As a door turn on its hinges,
With a sound everyone cringes.
So the lazy one turns on his bed,
While his family needs to be fed.
How long will you sleep?
Is slumber really that deep?
When will you arise?
The sun already shines!
A folding of hands, a little more slumber,
While little ones hunger.
What worth are you man,
But to do what you can?
The world and flesh hang on hinges
Both move in rhythemic binges.
Yet neither are heaven nearer,
Than he that is not a hearer.
Franklin’s Fugio Cent & His 13 Virtues
On April 21, 1787, the Congress of the Confederation of the United States authorized a design for an official copper penny. It was later referred to as the Fugio cent because of its image of the Sun and its light shining down on a sundial with the caption, “Fugio” (Latin: I flee, referring to time flying by). By some accounts, this coin was designed by Benjamin Franklin as a reminder to its holders, he put at its bottom the message, “Mind your business”. This design was based on the 1776 “Continental dollar” coin, which was produced in pattern pieces but was never circulated. It consists of 10 grams of copper.
The reverse side bore the motto “We Are One” surrounded by thirteen chain links, representing the original thirteen colonial states. Notice the 13 interlocking rings on the coin’s design as shown above. It symbolizes the colonies and Franklin’s virtues. He believed every person should be responsible for building his or her own character.
Check out this link below for a further discussion of those 13 virtues:
https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/the-virtuous-life-wrap-up/
Bill Wyler
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