Adam was ready to pop the question. He was in love and very nervous. Parents approved, pastors had prayed, while friends agreed “Rochelle and Adam were meant for each other. As Adam sat alone at the café, he thought back to the day they first met…He seemed to know from the moment on that she was the right girl for him. He had prayed for a godly woman. He thought God had answered his prayer. This did seem to be the right time, but he still had questions…all he knew to do was turn back to God in prayer. “Oh Lord, this is such a big decision. Thank You fro bringing Rochelle into my life. Let me know for sure this is the right thing to do, so I will never doubt her or you in the future.” Adam quietly opened his eyes after praying. As he lifted his cup to drink, he saw two overlapping rings on the table made by the bottom of his teacup. In his heart he felt God has given him a sign of reassurance through the interlocking rings that symbolized the unity of love in marriage. Later that night at an elegant restaurant, Adam hinted about someday sharing the same china patterns on their dishes. Rochelle then lifted her tea bag from her cup only to discover a diamond engagement ring. Adam received all the confirmation he needed when Rochelle accepted his proposal.

God created marriage as a reflection of His love for us. The Bible tells us that Christ is the bridegroom and the church as His bride. God has already invited us to be joined with Him in fellowship forever. All we have to do is accept His proposal is say, “Yes, Lord…I do…”

Lord, keep me still in your peace, string in your faith and overflowing with your love. Make my paths straight and make my footsteps firm. Grant me wisdom with every decision I need to make in life as I look to you and your plan for me.

Nine year-old Joey hoped to win a new bike for selling the most magazine subscriptions in the school fundraiser. He worked two weeks going door-to-door in his neighborhood. Joey was quite disappointed when he finished third in the contest. His Dad tried to encourage Joey as he taught him a lesson on perseverance. “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Dad said. Joey took his words to heart and decided to set up a lemonade stand in his front yard to earn money for a bike. His best sales came through when his Grandpa helped mount a portable stand on Joey’s red wagon so he could take it right to where people were thirsty. After selling to neighbors working in their yards and to kids playing at the park, Joey earned enough money to buy his dream bike.

Jesus knew where thirsty people were also. He went to the city and told anyone who was thirsty to come to Him and drink. He offered eternal life to those who believed in His name. He gave himself as living water to the thirsty of the word. Jesus knows where thirsty people are today. If your cup has never been filled with salvation, come and drink. If your life needs refilling, know that Jesus follows you wherever you go and He is ready to fill your cup.

Dear Father, You have refreshed my soul with your gift of eternal life. Pace in my heart a thirst for righteousness-a yearning for all that comes from you. Thank you for refilling my cup of faith.

A young man had been walking along a desert trail for several days when he came upon the oasis. There were no luscious trees or visible reservoirs of water…only a rusted hand pump near an old shed. Others had told that his only chance for survival was to stop at the oasis and replenish his water supply. He approached the pump with a slow walk, parched from the late afternoon sun. He saw a large cup of water with a sign nearby that read: “Please use this cup of water to prime the pump. You will be able to pump as much water as you need from the well. Then, kindly leave one cup of water for the next traveler that comes along.” Like most of the wearied travelers, the man was tempted to drink the water in the cup to quench his thirst. Instead, he poured the only water available to him in faith to prime the pump. Soon, after several pumps of the handle, cool water began gushing from the underground well.
God asks us to test Him with the same principle in our lives. He promises us in the Book of Malachi that when we offer Him our tithe of time, talent, and resources, the floodgates of heaven will open with more blessings than we have room to store. It takes faith to give to God from what we have today. Remember, God has promised to return His blessing many fold to those who are faithful.

A strong bond of friendship cannot be formed overnight. It takes time and in some instances-it may take a lifetime. Rebecca West describes friendship as a “definite process, involving talking to people and listening to them for hours at time.” Think of friendship as a cup that must be filled. The cup contains many shared experiences. A listening ear, a caring heart, comforts in times of grief, and joy shared in the triumphs of life-all help fill the cup. Samuel Johnson illustrated it this way, “We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over, so in a series of kindness there is at last one which makes the heart run over.”

Our friendship with God is no different. Although He knows everything about us because He created us, we need shared experiences of faith with God to be able to know Him as a true friend. Pour trust, obedience, and whole hearted devotion into your friendship cup with God. He will cause your cup to run over with contentment, joy, and blessing in your life. You can then turn to close friends and family and help fill their cups with God’s merciful heart and perfect love.

Lord, thank you for laying down Your life for me. You’ve shown to me genuine love and care like no other friend ever could. Guide me by your Spirit to read Your Word, follow your commands and fellowship in prayer so I can know You even more intimately as my true friend.

A young American couple volunteered to manage a hospitality house serving missionaries and ministry leaders traveling through London. By hosting guests with cultures from all over the world, they learned quickly that their visitors had different perspectives on many things. Once a visitor from India requested a heater for his room. The same day in the next room a visitor from Canada asked for a fan. Some guests expected to be waited on for every need while other guests wanted to serve the hosting couple. Each of these guests also had vastly different tastes for food and drink. Serving tea and coffee to all the guest became the discovery of culture and good taste. Hospitality was also measured differently in a story from the Bible. Martha and her sister Mary had opened their home to Jesus. Martha was distracted by all the preparations and started complaining while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. Jesus responded in Luke 10: 41-42, “Martha, Martha “the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

God gives us all daily opportunities to serve. If we take time to listen to others, God will show us how we can be a blessing. Remember that true hospitality always comes from the heart of God.

Lord, show me opportunities to practice hospitality. Give me Your grace to love those with different customs. Help me to reach out to others in Your love, giving glory to You in all I do.

Eight-year old Jessica was helping her Grandpa in his workshop one summer afternoon. She had noticed a jar of stones that sat under the old clock every time she visited. “Grandpa, what is that jar of rocks on the workbench?” asked Jessica. “It’s and Ebenezer jar of blessings,” answered Grandpa, with an eagerness in his eyes to share its meaning. He recounted the Bible story in which the Israelites had been victorious in battle Samuel placed a stone on the trail and named it “Ebenezer” to remember God’s provision and blessing in the future. Grandpa emptied the jar of stones onto his workbench. One by one he described he stones. A large rock of blessing of marriage with grandma…another for his brother’s safety during the war…two stones for each of his children…five stones for all his grandchildren. Jessica admired a beautiful rock with green marbled streaks. “Grandpa, is this a new stone? I don’t remember seeing this one before,” Inquired Jessica. “I added it just two months ago,” said Grandpa. With tears welling up in his eyes he continued, “It was just after your Mom had called and told Grandma and I that you gave your heart to the Lord that Sunday morning.”

Take time to remember how God protected and provided for your family. What stones would you include in your “Ebenezer” jar? Thank the Lord for the many blessings he has bestowed in your life.

Lord, You are the source of all blessings in my life. Help me to realize that Your hand works all things together fro my good. I want to fill my heart with remembrances of your grace and mercy You’ve shown to my family and me.

Everyday it was the same routine. A man in need, asking others to fill his cup. Many people did respond with compassion, while some passed by, not wanting to be bothered. The crippled man was about to begin his daily ritual again. He was carried to the edge of the temple courts where he would start begging for money. As people began to pass by him, he smiled and thanked those who dropped a small coin into his beggar cup. One day, a man named Peter walked near the crippled man. The story recorded in Acts 3:6-8 describes how the disciple Peter responded differently to the beggar. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk”. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.

Many of us look only to our friends and family to satisfy our needs when God is ready to give us what we really need. His perfect love and saving grace. When you allow God to touch your heart, you can set aside your beggar’s cup. You will be too busy walking and jumping and praising God.

Help me not take physical capabilities fro granted. Lord, open my eyes that I may see the needs of others. Help me to always look to You to satisfy my desires. Thank You for your faithful provision.

Doug Hall is a modern day Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin all in one. It’s estimated that an average American household has t least 18 cleaning products, snack foods, and even appliance inventions he has developed. As a creativity expert, Doug says, “Dreamers are drawn to new horizons.” He has learned to couple outrageous fun with a “trained brain” to produce extraordinary results. Doug is also a big coffee lover. He and co-author David Wrecker consumed over 1,300 cups of coffee together while writing their book Jump Start your Brain. The authors challenge readers to listen and learn from life to be more creative. Doug has developed state-of-the-art research that provides detailed analysis of consumer reaction to potential products. He is always measuring the market with surveys to find ways a product or service can improve. His success can inspire us to apply some of the same principles in our lives. Ask yourself these questions: What methods work the best for me? What helps me be more creative? What hinders my effectiveness?

God has given each one of us creative talents to enjoy life and help others. Ask Him to help you look for creative ways to improve your perspective and approach to common everyday situations. You could be one java jolt away from your best idea ever.

Lord, give me an imagination that glorifies You. May my mind’s thoughts and dreams be a blessing to You. Change whatever is standing in the way of me being a more effective servant to You. Recharge my spiritual stamina.

Beverly was excited about landing a new job. Another dream had also come true as she moved into a nice apartment. She was taking several steps toward her goal of becoming more independent. Despite her enthusiasm, it was hard for Beverly to get going every morning. Diagnosed since birth with both mild mental retardation and cerebral palsy, she was constantly challenged in adapting to daily responsibilities of “normal life”. Beverly took several medications and suffered from occasional insomnia that affected her morning moods. Every new day seemed to present a new struggle for her.

Sue was a staff member who supervised Beverly’s independent living skills, helping her to perform domestic tasks by herself. Beverly loved the grown-up taste of coffee, but Sue wasn’t supposed to make it for her. Sue stood by encouraging Beverly as she scooped the grounds, poured water, and flipped on the coffee maker. Sue offered a “you can do it” smile when Beverly’s shaky pouring left puddles on the counter top day after day. Despite coffee spills now and then Beverly’s condition improved and her self-esteem grew as she made every morning in her apartment.

God cares for us in much the same way. He is always watching, coaching, and offering encouragement at the right time. His unconditional love can help us get through life’s little “spills” and grumpy morning moods.

Lord, confirm Your plan for my life by guiding my steps with instruction from your Precious Word. Give me the spirit of a servant every morning. Remind me of the privilege it is to serve the King of kings. Give me the daily strength, ability and perseverance I need to live for you.

As I was riding a taxi on the way home, I noticed that the cab I was riding was not in a good condition. I don’t know much about cars, but just hearing the sound of it, I know that it was. I think it needs some New Auto Parts or whatever. I almost lost my temper because I got dizzy from the abrupt stopping and going of the car. I wanted to get off. But when I looked at the driver, he was really sweating out wanting to make the car run so he could get paid. I felt a tiny hurt in my heart and a feeling of sympathy to the guy. Instead, I said a silent prayer and asked God to fix it even until when I get home so I can pay him. I just felt bless today that I have job and I don’t have to literally sweat just to get paid. Thank you Lord for all the blessings!