Make a Difference
by Shawn Dewey / Caring Network Pastor
A couple weeks ago I chose to do some good for some friends. Purchasing a few coffees to express my thanks for their hard work, I placed the tray onto the floor of my truck. At that point, I heard the guy parked next to me say, “oh, that’s nice!” I of course responded by saying, “well, thank you.” How he responded next has been rattling in my head since our encounter. He said, “you know nice guys always finish last.” Now, I’m not sure whether this guy was joking or being sarcastic, but I sense the latter because of his tone. I simply stated, “well I guess I’m trying to make a difference.” At that point, he drove away.
You know situations can easily have us focus upon the sadness of life. All we need to do is look around at the hardships that many of our family, friends, and neighbors experience. Look to the media and stories abound. Recently, we had an active shooter in Las Vegas murder 59 innocent people (last count as of this writing). So, this life can become callused and cynical to our view and more dangerous to our tender hearts.
Yet, what of God’s wonders. Pause and look around you again with open eyes and hearts ready to receive even the simplest pleasures from Him alone. When you do, you become a vessel of happiness to those you encounter and further, a difference-maker.
Paul declares, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Friends, our culture needs us to be His living response of joy, light, and love. God has placed us as His difference makers in the here and now for an important purpose. Despite a culture that is ever changing, our God hasn’t. Through His promises He assures us that He will remain with us and never leave us. Through Him all things are possible.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome…because the One who is in you (The Holy Spirit) is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
“I have told you these things, so that in Me (Jesus) you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Friends, move forward in Christ alone and be a difference-maker for Jesus, transforming the hurt around you for our Lord’s extraordinary joy and glory!
A couple weeks ago I chose to do some good for some friends. Purchasing a few coffees to express my thanks for their hard work, I placed the tray onto the floor of my truck. At that point, I heard the guy parked next to me say, “oh, that’s nice!” I of course responded by saying, “well, thank you.” How he responded next has been rattling in my head since our encounter. He said, “you know nice guys always finish last.” Now, I’m not sure whether this guy was joking or being sarcastic, but I sense the latter because of his tone. I simply stated, “well I guess I’m trying to make a difference.” At that point, he drove away.
You know situations can easily have us focus upon the sadness of life. All we need to do is look around at the hardships that many of our family, friends, and neighbors experience. Look to the media and stories abound. Recently, we had an active shooter in Las Vegas murder 59 innocent people (last count as of this writing). So, this life can become callused and cynical to our view and more dangerous to our tender hearts.
Yet, what of God’s wonders. Pause and look around you again with open eyes and hearts ready to receive even the simplest pleasures from Him alone. When you do, you become a vessel of happiness to those you encounter and further, a difference-maker.
Paul declares, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Friends, our culture needs us to be His living response of joy, light, and love. God has placed us as His difference makers in the here and now for an important purpose. Despite a culture that is ever changing, our God hasn’t. Through His promises He assures us that He will remain with us and never leave us. Through Him all things are possible.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome…because the One who is in you (The Holy Spirit) is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
“I have told you these things, so that in Me (Jesus) you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Friends, move forward in Christ alone and be a difference-maker for Jesus, transforming the hurt around you for our Lord’s extraordinary joy and glory!