Better to give

Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Do not give so you will receive. Be diligent in providing for the weak. If we were made stronger than another, then we have the power to build them up and restore the weak and give them what they cannot provide themselves. It is our privilege to be made stronger than so many others. It is our privilege to extend the hand of God to others.

I have been blessed this week. Today we come home from this beautiful paradise. One thing that is on my heart is that I am so much stronger than so many others and the gift to stay here in this families home was given a gift to us because they have resources that we do not. What an amazing picture of community and taking care of each other.

Here on Lanai, when you are done drinking your water bottles or your pop or beer, then you gather up your cans and bottles and set them next to trash bins in town. Then those who are less fortunate can take the cans and bottles and provide for their families food and necessities. If you get a change, google map Lanai, Hawaii, check out the satellite photos of the island, it is very small, about 3,000 people live here total. They all take care of each other. Our church has over 1,000 members by itself. What would it look like if we all took care of each other by using our resources to care for one another, what about in our schools?

Dear Lord, I thank you for this vacation time and the many times I was able to reflect on your love and grace. May we all understand our resources are not our own, they are meant to be shared with each other. Thank you for our resources, gifts and talents.

Please pray safe travels as we come home tonight. Thanks.