"For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all" - 2 Cor 7:13 (NIV).

A certain principle of life revolves around refreshing. Take a tree. If it is not refreshed with water it dries up and ceases to flower. In the end it withers, becomes useless and is cut down, perhaps to be used as firewood and energise something else. Yet a tree that has been constantly refreshed with water would go on for years on end spreading its wings and blessing any around with a good shade.

If one has ever raised a cow it quickly becomes obvious that unless refreshed with water and fed with mulch the cow will shrivel and fail to produce any milk of use to the owner. Any dedicated owner of a certain cow must refresh it daily with water and mulch that it can be able to supply milk.

Incidentally one cannot stop watering a tree or feeding a cow on water because one had invested as much in the past. Every new day requires refreshing for life to go on.

The Christian life is likewise built around refreshing. We must refresh each other to be productive. "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). The Apostle Paul was grateful when he noted, "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men" (I Cor 16:18)

For the work of God to continue on we must refresh each other. This might be by way of encouragement or supporting financially the work of God. May it be a purpose of ours in the new year to be a refresher.

Prayer  for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, just as you refresh me with your word I pray to refresh others around with your word of hope and financial support as you enable, this I pray in Jesus's name.