Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtMany years ago, Renee and I were invited to participate in an anniversary celebration by the daughter of great friends whom we love dearly. It was happening in an expensive restaurant, and we were responsible for covering our own costs. The problem was that we had four small children and no discretionary income at that time. We could not afford to go. But we felt we had to honor these people. These were wonderful and dear friends. We asked God to help us. We ordered the cheapest things on the menu and water to drink. Even then, it was more than we could afford. We were torn between wanting to be there for our friends and the financially tight spot we were in.At that time, I had started a company, pioneering a product the world had never seen before. The cost of it all was taking a tremendous toll on our lives. It took every penny we had and then some to get it done. We needed an investor to help us to the next level. That night at dinner, we sat with a lovely couple who, in the middle of a conversation, seemed to randomly tell us about her brother, who was looking to invest significant money into something with considerable potential. At that moment, it was like a flash of lightning! I instantly knew that was a word from God. I got his name and number. Shortly after that, we met him, and he became a partner of my company. Our product was mass-produced just months later, and the world was introduced to the first commercial infant changing table you now see in public bathrooms worldwide. Parents now change babies daily on our fold-down tables in public restrooms everywhere. Who would have known God would work in our lives through a dinner we could not afford?Did you know that God primarily brings blessings into your life through people? We knew that. Renee and I had seen it happen in our lives repeatedly. And we saw it that night! It's the truth. God uses people as messengers of blessing. The primary way God brings blessing to our lives is through people. Read your Bible. You'll see that this is true! And that means if you want to receive God's blessings, you better learn to love and enjoy people—that includes introverts! If you don't, you will isolate yourself from and avoid the very people who God might be bringing to you to bless you. Oh, and by the way, He’ll use people you would have never expected to bless you—probably even more than the ones that you did expect. God even occasionally sends angels that look like people to bless you. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."How do people bring blessings? They may bring flowers, a gift, a meal, or a helping hand. They may lend or give you the resources that you need. They may bring words of encouragement or edification. They may bring godly advice or counsel or even a supernatural word of wisdom that comes from the heart of God through their mouth—maybe providing just the answer or direction you were looking for. They may bring love and comfort when you are hurting or great joy and laughter when you need a fun distraction. As I look back at every juncture of blessing in my life, God has used people to bring what I needed.Most people today are moving at such a fast pace! Meaningful relationships take a back seat to busy agendas. I have a suggestion to help you get refreshed in loving people. Take time out to have people moments. Come to work 15 minutes early with the sole purpose of having time to bump into someone and catch up on life together. Make little pockets of time to stop and talk with people just to be interested in and listen to what is happening in their lives. You would be surprised how awesome it can be and how refreshed you can become in loving people. When you slow things down just a bit to spend non-agenda time talking with and caring for people, it will be easier to walk out John 15:12 "This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you." It makes it much easier to love people when you have time to love them! Profound huh?And somewhere along those encounters, you will see the hand of God bring blessing into your life—through people. Why not let your life be rich with godly relationships and see for yourself?John 6:9 (NKJV) "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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