D27

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I willl bless thee, and
make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

What a wonderful promise the Lord gave to Abraham, the father of the
Hebrew people and an ancestor of Jesus: "I will bless thee . . . and
thou shalt be a blessing." God blesses us too that we may bless others.

If we can hear, let us listen to others with a sympathetic ear; If we
can speak, may we use the gift of speech in a constructive way ~ to
heal, enrich, and build up self-esteem. Has God blessed us in a material
way? Let us share our possessions and be generous to the church. Do we
have a skill in business, music, teaching, working with children and
youth, or some other talent? May we use our God-given ability in the
church and elsewhere to improve others lives. If we are healthy, we may
assist the weak. If we are frail and sickly, we can benefit others by
praying for them.

Have we in time of trouble and sorrow experienced the help of God and
the love of people? Let us share that strength and support we have
received, showing understanding to people who are troubled. Let us tell
how God has sustained us in time of difficulty. Do we know Jesus as
personal Savior and friend? Let's pass on the good news! All of us have
been blessed in some way ~ may we in turn be a blessing.

God has been good to us! Let Him empower you through His Word and
Sacraments to touch others lives with His goodness. God Bless You.