Laurie Hopkins

We have so much.  

Not just financially speaking or with regard to material things, but we have so much within ourselves to give to others; our time, our attention and the joy of the Lord within us.  

These things are not solely for our use and enjoyment. 

The overflow is meant to flow over onto those around us.  

What does your neighbour require?  

There is always a need.  

They may have more material things than you, but that cheery hello in the morning may make their day.  

They may appear to have all that they need, but that attentive gaze when they step on the sidewalk to chat, may mean more than everything they own. 

The open palms, unclenched fists, mentality allows us to open wide what we have to share it with others.  In doing so, our hands are also open and ready to receive what the Father has for us as well.  There is an unhindered stream of blessings flowing; from our Heavenly Father, in and through us and overflowing to those around us.  

What a blessing to be the conduit in the middle.  

Be a blessing today. Take a moment, be attentive, smile, hold the door, pay for someone’s coffee, send a note or a card in the mail, check in on someone, stop and hold someone’s hand, be a listening ear, give a real hug, share from your abundance.  

Be the blessing you were created to be!

David found himself in a precarious situation.  

Not only did he need to figure out a way to go after the enemy, even in his fatigue, to get back the woman and children that had been taken captive, he needed to protect himself from the crowd that were holding him responsible.  

What did David do?  

Did he set up a committee, ask for everyone to pray for him or close himself up in a safe place away from the people.  

No, David strengthened himself in the Lord.  

David pulled it together; he looked to the Lord for both his own personal strength and safety and for the wisdom to carry out the plan that was required to lead the others. 

Sometimes we spend a lot of time looking to those around us to help strengthen us in the midst.  There are times when that is appropriate.  

But as a people who claim to have a relationship with the Lord, we must learn to also go to the Lord ourselves and be strengthened directly by Him in the midst of the situations we find ourselves us.  The Word tells us that “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”. Hebrews 4:15 

Jesus, our High Priest, knows what we go through, can sympathize with us and encourage us and strengthen us in the midst.  

What strengthening do you require today?  

Turn to the Lord.  

He is waiting on you!

Sometimes there isn’t much to say.  

When there isn’t much to say we must remember what we know.  

The Lord is my Shepherd.  

I shall not be in want.  

What do you need to be reminded of today?  

Find it in the Word and remind yourself of it.  

Write it out, speak it, share it.  

Because even when there isn’t much to say – 

there is always a Word.