The Greatest of Virtues

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

Two essential words deserve special attention: Thank you! Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life. It is the greatest of virtues. Studies link it with a variety of positive effects. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others; less envious, less materialistic and less self-centered.

Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If it came in pill form, gratitude would be deemed the miracle cure. It’s no wonder that God’s anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude.

The anxious heart says, “Lord, if only I had this, that, or the other, I’d be okay.” The grateful heart says, “Oh look! You’ve already given me this, that, and the other. Thank you, God.”

Worry refuses to share the heart with gratitude. One heartfelt thank-you will suck oxygen out of worry’s world. So say it often!

~ Max Lucado

Overflowing Fruit

Come, sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. John 15:16

During the spring and summer, I admire the fruit growing in our neighbor’s yard. Their cultivated vines climb a shared fence to produce large bunches of grapes. Branches dotted with purple plums and plump oranges dangle just within our reach.

Although we don’t till the soil, plant the seeds, or water and weed the garden, the couple next door shares their bounty with us. They take responsibility for nurturing their crops and allow us to delight in a portion of their harvest.

The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us.
The produce from the trees and vines on the other side of our fence reminds me of another harvest that benefits me and the people God places in my life. That harvest is the fruit of the Spirit.

Christ-followers are commissioned to claim the benefits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16–21). As God’s seeds of truth flourish in our hearts, the Spirit produces an increase in our ability to express “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (vv. 22–23).

Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to be controlled by our self-centered inclinations (v. 24). Over time, the Holy Spirit can change our thinking, our attitudes, and our actions. As we grow and mature in Christ, we can have the added joy of loving our neighbors by sharing the benefits of His generous harvest.

- Our Daily Bread Ministries -

Little Acts Of Love

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31


             " . . . ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another."  1 Thessalonians  4:9

     True love reveals itself not so much in a great outward show of emotion, but rather in a thousand small acts of devotion and consideration.  It is by these that we manifest our true colors and display our real attitudes.

     When I was a little boy about three and a half years of age, I knew that my father was extremely fond of black walnuts.  We did not often get them, so when I found one upon the street I was delighted!  My first thought was to have my mother crack it so that I could eat it myself, but then my great love for father took over.  I saved it until he came home that evening.  It was my custom to wait until I saw him come around the corner and then - rush to meet him.  I would throw my small arms around his one leg and thus, standing on his foot, would be swung along with his powerful stride until we got home.  All the way he would be patting my head and smiling and talking to me.  This night I presented him with the walnut and said,  "Here, Papa, I've been saving it all day - just for you!"  I thought it very strange that he did not want to crack it and eat it, and it was not until 30 years later that I found it again after he had left us for the heavenly mansions.  It was in a place by itself in his desk.  Mother told me he considered it such a deep token of my affection for him that he wanted to keep it as a memento.

     Don't delay performing even the smallest act of love today; believe me, it is sorely needed and will be much appreciated.  What is more, it will be richly rewarded by the Lord.  Do not keep the alabaster boxes of  your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends and loved ones are dead.  Fill their lives with sweetness now.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us exchange our self-centered attitudes for heartfelt words and deeds which will manifest that we love our family and friends "with a pure heart fervently"!  (1 Peter  1:22).

"Bread For Each Day"