It has been a month since I posted my blogs to begin our New Year with HOPE. I pray you had a good beginning to 2018.  I had the privilege to travel to Thailand and Cambodia.  It was an amazing trip and God was faithful to teach me as I traveled.  I want to share a few reflections before we begin our Lenten journey on February 14th.

Psalm 34:1-3

I will praise the Lord at all times.
    I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
    let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
    let us exalt his name together.

David’s words convict me today.  I am so blessed and need to constantly give glory to God for His blessings in my life.  I see the less fortunate around me and need to constantly give encouragement and hope to others both physically and spiritually by sharing Jesus’ love with those I meet.  I am blessed to have a church home and fellowship groups filled with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I need to have a heart for the lost and seek to support those who reach out beyond where I can physically go myself.

How about you?  Do David’s words speak to you today?  He tells us what He needs to do and what we can do together.  As you encounter others, do you speak with an attitude of praise towards God?  Do you give God praise for the big and little things He does for you each day?  Do you work with others to encourage those that are suffering and downtrodden with their lives?  Do you gather with others to praise God and lift His name on high?  David’s thoughts are convicting and encouraging as we seek to serve God right where we are.

Visiting places in the world, outside of my familiar sphere, shake up my thoughts and help me to see others and their needs more clearly.  It helps me to see God’s love for the world in a new and fresh way.

Looking inward and outward in Christ,

Linda

Now let us turn our thoughts towards Lent, which begins on February 14th.  That will be a 6 week journey towards the cross and a time of repentance and reflection.