The Word for Today
With Bob Gass

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Seeing Others The Right Way If you love someone you will... always believe in him, always expect the best of him. - 1 Corinthians 13:7 TLB

We rarely discern others accurately. Almost every conclusion we have about them is flawed and based on limited knowledge. We give up too soon because we can't see what God is looking at. Someone close to you right now has a great future - God has already determined it. In fact, if you knew their potential you would withhold your words of criticism and invest more time and energy into them. Remember Joseph? Don't make the mistake his brothers made. The person who aggravates the living daylights out of you today, could be the one you turn to for help tomorrow. So keep that in mind and treat them graciously!

Look beneath the surface. Appearances can be deceptive. Remember Ruth, the migrant labourer working in the fields for less than minimum wage? She'll become the wife of Boaz - who owns the fields! In the future she might be signing your pay cheque. So when you meet her be sure to leave "handfuls [on] purpose" to bless her (See Ruth 2:16). Take another look at the situation you don't understand. Remember Mary the mother of Jesus, looking for a place to spend the night and have her Baby? Here's the opportunity of a lifetime, don't miss it!

Why did Jesus say in the Sermon on the Mount, "Love your enemies" (Lk 6:27)? Because Saul of Tarsus (the one who's giving you so much grief at the moment), may become Paul the Apostle, bringing multitudes into the Kingdom and writing books that change lives - including yours! So ask God to help you see in others what He sees!

SoulFood Bible Readings: Ge 20-23, Mt 21:18-32, Ps 53, Pr 6:9-11

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This message from The Word for Today came from Rhema Broadcasting Group Incorporated in association with The Vine, New Zealand. "The Word for Today"® is copyright © Bob Gass Ministries.

Used under 'limited copy' permission by:

Winter is a time for longing and expectation. The seed catalogs arrive, and we long for the perfect garden. We make huge wish lists of what we want to plant. We think about fishing.... sort through the tackle box and shop for new lures. We think about camping and long for the perfect place where we can go to escape the world, relax and commune with God.

In winter, hope springs eternal! Amid the cold and dreary winter landscape we hope for and anticipate a renewal, a rebirth.... not only in nature, but in ourselves. We may even pray for a renewal of our souls. We pray with expectation, knowing that it will come. Spring will come!!! And with it, a new beginning.

During this special Lenten season we ask you to examine the source of your hope. At Instant Shade Awning, our source of hope is Christ!

Warmest regards,

Your friends at Instant Shade Awning

Pearl Wehrman