The gift of presence

I recently meet someone who had stage three ovarian cancer. After six treatments the doctors have declared her cancer free. This woman is jubilant, thankful and praising God to all who will listen. She is excited about what the Lord has done (and rightly so). The staff at the hospital where she was treated would like her to come back and “help”.

After speaking to the hospital staff she spoke to her Pastor, telling him she did not know what she should do, where could she help? His answer was use the “gift of presence.”

I thought how true. Who else can understand what someone with cancer is going through but a person who has been through it. Basically the “gift of presence” is being there for someone no matter what they are going through.

There are so many people suffering, whether it is cancer, sickness, divorce, loss of a loved one, homelessness the list goes on and on. What can we do?

Just a few suggestions:

· Give a hug, sometimes all it takes is a touch to let someone know you care.

· A pat on the arm, again touch is a great equalizer.

· Send a card of encouragement.

· A listening ear

· Make a phone call.

· Send an email.

· Make a meal.

· See a homeless person, stop and give them a bottle of water, a gift card, or a homemade treat.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40
Step out of your comfort zone. Do something for someone else. The first step is never easy, it just needs to be made and the other steps will follow.

Ask the Lord to put someone in your path that you can help.

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. ~ Bil Keane

Open up the present and start to use it to God’s glory.

Can you use the “gift of presence” in your world? Ask God to show you how.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
II Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear Heavenly Father,

Open my eyes to the people around me. Help me not to be selfish but to be sharing and caring. Help me to use my gifts for you whether material, physical, mental or financial. Teach me to be a follower of you in all things.

In your precious Son’s name, Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Happy Father’s Day

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; II Corinthians 1:3

Today is Father’s Day, thank a father who has been an encouragement to you. Think with me of fathers you know. Do you have great memories of your dad or grandfather? Can you remember playing a favorite game with them or maybe having a “scary” story told by them? Maybe you don’t have fond memories as I do but do not despair.

You have a great Father in Heaven. James calls him the Father of lights, he never changes. He is better than ten earthly fathers. God is always there right by our side. He is a kind and compassionate Father. The Bible is rich in descriptive words explaining our Great and wonderful Father in Heaven. Here are a few verses to get you started:

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17:6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Verses of comfort

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:28

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5 -6

Have a comforting day,
Donna