Inheritance

Today I wanted to share a quick snapshot of the joy unfolding all over our city (all over the country) as we serve our neighbors together.

A few weeks ago, we received a request for some household items for a new mom. Ciera has a young son and is beginning to piece together a home. She focused on her child's needs first, so she has been sleeping on the floor. 

Meanwhile, John recently lost his mom. Amid their grief, his family rallied together to clear out her home and bless Ciera, in her honor. Here's what John has to say about that experience:

"My Mom moved to Heaven on October 24th, and she left her family a wonderful legacy of compassionate love. In one very practical example, her departure meant that she no longer needed a bed here on earth. I knew that Care Portal could point me toward someone who needed just what we had. And sure enough, it did! It was my great honor to present Mom's bed, and some of her other things, to Ciera. I also felt prompted by the Lord to give her my favorite childhood blanket so that she and her baby could snuggle together this winter. We spent just a few moments--and a quick hug--together, but I felt a real bond. I was walking on Cloud 9. It feels amazing to be walking in God's will. I'm so thankful to CarePortal for helping me make this connection"

When I spoke with Ciera, and asked her if we could share her story, she was thrilled! She said:

"Don't forget to mention that John gave us HIS baby blanket! We don't have a lot of family close, and we definitely don't have anything passed down. John gave us a family heirloom. I don't think he even knows how touched I am by that."

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. ~Ephesians 1:11

AND

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.~Romans8:17

Let's not forget, that every step we take- we are building a legacy. We are either increasing the inheritance we have received and amplifying God's love for those who follow behind us... or we are allowing our inheritance to dwindle in our hands. My prayer for the sons and daughters of God, this week, is that we would be mindful of His plan. May we deliberately bless our neighbors, even in our own grief. May we accept the kindness offered to us when we need it. And may we walk as "joint heirs" sharing in his work and suffering- so that we will also share in his Glory! ~Amen