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!

For years Sara did not have a relaxed morning routine. With three children under the age of five, she found herself living in a day-to-day survival mode, plopping on her bed at night often in total exhaustion. In the first week of September, after helping her youngest childe Morgan board the bus for first grade, Sara suddenly found the house quiet and empty. Years of crushed cereal on the floor, diapers needing to be changed, and toddler videos were gone. She made a cup of the gourmet coffee her husband, Matt had given her for her birthday. With the warm mug in hand, she sat on the sofa and began to enjoy the quietness of the morning. She picked up the family Bible and read Psalms 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you.” Sara felt God’s presence and she began to pray. In many ways she had actually become closer to God in the last several years. She had learned to lean on Him during the challenging times of being a young mother. Her faith had strengthened even though she hadn’t had time for quiet morning devotions since before the kids were born. She thanked God for the new season in her life, one that now would provide an opportunity for her to have more tender times of reflection with God.

Lord, thank you for your mercies in life which are new every morning. I want to fill my heart, soul, and mind with devotion and love for you each day. Refresh me with Your Spirit as I seek to serve You.

In a while we will be leaving to go to my son’s school for their annual Family Day. And this year, it falls during Valentines Day. Amidst the busyness that is going on preparing for the things that we need to bring to school and preparing for the things that my husband would be bringing for his business trip a11:00 AM today,still I am feeling the spirit of valentines today. My kids are so excited for today. However my husband and I already made plans for our valentines celebration when he gets back tomorrow. We did not give each other valentine presents. Though I received valentine cards both from my kids. It seems like my husband and I already gave each other save the date postcards. We already know that this day is supposed to be our day. But due to some situations that we could not control, we had to postpone it a day after. But the day or the event should not matter after all. It’s what keeping the love alive, every single day matters most. Falling in love is really easy. But staying in love is what always counts. So to all those lovers out there, you really don’t have to wait for Valentines Day to show love to each other. Let everyday be a valentines day. Stay in love everyone.

I wish I could have the inner strength to exercise. I really need to get fit. Not because of any other reason, but because I am conscious that I am not getting any younger. I need to preserve my health. But I don’t want to get fit using the “short cut” method. I am really not sure what are the side effects of methylburn. Exercise is still the best and the safest way to get fit. But just like some people out there, “my body is willing but my sprit is weak.”

A friend of mine is 4 months pregnant. She was very happy when she found out. She really prayed for it. It was indeed an answered prayer. But that was not easy. Because comes with her pregnany is acne. What once a pretty face is not so pretty anymore. I kept on encouraging her that its just because of the changes in her hormones. She is tempted already to apply acne treatments. But I kept on stopping her becuase I know that once she gives birth, it will all go away. Pregnancy is not easy after all. But once your baby is born, you’ll soon forget how ugly you become when you were still carrying him. I missed being pregnant. But I would not surely miss the “ugly me” part…