Each of Us Should Please Our Neighbors

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

We have neighbors who exemplify this verse.

Kirk golfs with one of them regularly.

And I received some fragrant lilies from his wife last month along with a beautiful card of thanks for our friendship.

They are Christians who tied a knot in my prayer quilt that their church made for me while I was undergoing chemotherapy 5 years ago.

And they were surprised to see that the quilt at the front of their church was for their neighbor, me!

Another of our neighbors and close friends put in the request for the quilt.

And our next-door neighbors sent us a beautiful floral arrangement for Thanksgiving to thank Kirk for watching their house, bringing in their trash cans, and picking up any fliers from their walkway.

Now they are getting ready to sell their house.

We've only had two different families live in that home since we moved in.

And the previous couple were wonderful Christian friends who shared their fruit and vegetables and canned goods with us.

She baked delicious rosemary shortbread cookies.

We have been blessed by our neighbors.

And we are praying for another wonderful family to move in once our neighbors sell their home.

Thank You, Lord.

Build Each Other Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

In today's world of conflict and disagreement, this seems a very fitting Scripture verse.

How often do I argue and disagree instead of encourage others.

And we often talk over each other instead of actively listenting.

Help us, Lord, to encourage one another.

Guide us to build each other up.

Just as the apostles did.

Just as Jesus did.

And as you command us to do.

My Eyes Will Watch Over Them

My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. — Jeremiah 24:6

God's eyes watch over us for our own good.

He brought His people back to their land.

God will build them up.

He will not tear them down.

The Lord will plant His people where He would like them to grow.

He will not uproot them.

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encourage one another.

Build up each other.

Yesterday Abby and I headed over to La Jolla shores for the afternoon.

The beach was beautiful and the day was sunny.

The water was chilly at first but then warmed up the more we swam.

We had a great time together enjoying the day.

God has blessed us.

 

God Made Heaven and Earth

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who will build a house for the Lord and a royal palace for himself. — 2 Corinthians 1:12

  

The Lord is the God of Israel, and we bless him.

He made heaven and earth.

He has given David a wise son in Solomon.

Solomon in turn was given discretion and understanding.

We have given our kids the Holy Spirit so they can be given wisdom and understanding.

They will also worship the Lord.

Build Each Other Up

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

God asks us to encourage each other.

To build up each other.

To love our enemies as well as our friends.

To continue to be advocates for each other.

Our friends brought this wine for us in celebration of my birthday.

How thoughtful.

We are blessed. 

Build Up Others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

Tonight we host the middle school group of about 15 for the dessert portion of their progressive dinner.

They will have an ugly sweater contest, so we will decorate ugly sweater cookies.

And roast marshmallows for s'mores.

At times it's hard for middle schoolers to build up their neighbors.

They often tear each other down, instead.

This will be good practice for them to be polite, use their manners, and interact with others in a positive way.

We will sign thank-you cards for the parents who are hosting the other parts of the dinner.

And we will especially remember the birth of Lord Jesus at this Christmas season.

We will listen to Christmas carols celebrating His birth and life.

Each of us should please our neighbors, to build them up!