Daily Bread Mar. 9

Share the Joy of Jesus
By Eleanor St. Clair of Tavares, FL, USA


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:1–2 NRSV

Mildred is my 90-year-old neighbor whose only visitor was her brother. Since he died a few years ago, I have never seen a visitor’s car parked at her home. She feared she would have to go to a nursing home because she had no one who cared. I care. I didn’t want her to feel empty and alone.

I searched my soul for what I could do for her. She is physically and mentally active for her age and still drives her car. One day, locked out of my house, I spent several hours with her. She had just sat down to a meager lunch that she insisted on sharing with me.  I found she did not like to cook.

One of my joys is cooking with new recipes. I began by giving her a loaf of whole wheat bread made with a new recipe. She was not home, so I left it behind her storm door. Later, she knocked on my door.

“Did you leave the bread?” she asked. She was so excited and told me of her mother baking whole wheat bread when they lived on a farm.

Because of her joy, I continue to supply her with tasty dishes. The most recent was vegetable soup. Yesterday she came to return the container and thank me. She enjoyed it, and responded with the gift of a pie.

We live in a broken world that leaves a trail of broken, bruised, and lonely hearts. The Spirit of God calls us to be the Good News. May we allow the scales to fall from our eyes. May we open our hearts and arms to those who are yearning to know God, witnessing of love and choosing to be the disciples God created us to be. Share the joy of Jesus!

Prayer for Peace

As your disciples, God, help us fulfill our faith by witnessing of your love and peace.

Spiritual Practice: Invite People to Christ

Read and reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 162:3b and 163:2b. Pray to be aware of people who might be receptive, and, therefore, blessed by your sharing of the message of the Living Christ. Imagine being in relationship with them and inviting them to Christ. In preparation, discover your personal testimony of Christ. “Be persistent in your witness and diligent in your mission to the world.” Repeat this phrase throughout the day: “Christ’s mission, our mission, my mission.”

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will ensure that someone knows I care.

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