“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered”  (Proverbs 11:25, ESV).

     An anthropologist studying the habits and customs of an African tribe found himself surrounded by children most days. He decided to play a little game with them. He managed to get candy from the nearest town and put it all in a decorated basket at the foot of a tree. Then he called the children and suggested they play the game.

John 15:15, ESV

     I Am a Friend of God.  Such is not only a personal statement but the title of a popular Christian song.  The song has a strong basis for its claim.  “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends” (John 15:15, ESV).

1 Thessalonians 5:11

     I was stumped by a question I read the other day.  “When was the last time you complimented your spouse?”  I couldn’t answer the question.  I am certain that I recently had offered Cathy an affirming word of some measure but I just couldn’t recall when that word was spoken.  The thought dawned on me that I have not been deliberate in my efforts to encourage my wife.  Paul counseled Christian to “encourage one another and build each other up”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).  Paul offers a strong hint to encourage one another intentionally, as well as routinely.

Matthew 5:48, NIV

     One of the questions to which I responded when ordained as an elder within the United Methodist Church was this:  Are you going on to perfection?  One of the three theological strands that tied together the way of salvation for John Wesley is the idea of sanctification or holiness.  Wesley believed that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God is reforming the human spirit into the image of Christ, the author and perfecter of the Christian faith (see Hebrews 12:2).  C. S. Lewis once wrote:

Deuteronomy 6:4-7, CEV

     My wife Cathy is an amazing mother.  I marvel as to how easily she relates to our children and grandson.  A few years ago, I overheard Cathy reading the children’s book, The Cookie Store Cat, to our twenty-two-year-old daughter.  I wasn’t surprised.  Courtney is still a child at heart and Cathy relishes the role of storyteller.

     When our children were growing up, Cathy would read to each one prior to bedtime.  Sometimes Dr. Seuss took the stage but most often Cathy read a story from Veggie Tales.  Regardless of the genre, Cathy would conclude with a prayer.