Category: Kindness

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A New Way of Life – Patience

Some years back I was in the breakroom where I worked. A young man came in, retrieved his lunch from the fridge and put it in the microwave. As he stood there waiting the one minute, thirty seconds of cooking time he was tapping his fingers on the counter and muttering “hurry up already”. I found that very humorous; you see I’m from the age before microwaves, instant messaging and overnight shipping.

Yesterday I was taken back to that age, the age of slower living. I had packages to drop off at the local post office. When I arrived there was a line to the door. I knew from being there last week that only one clerk was working and the line spacing was every five feet. Had to have been at least ten people waiting and it would be at least thirty minutes. I left.

I also had business that needed the assistance of a personal banker at the local branch. I was met at the door and not allowed to enter the waiting area, although I had a mask on. Instead the bank employee retrieved an appointment page and gave me an appointment for Thursday at 11. I thanked the employee but to be perfectly honest I was miffed.

Life as usual has changed. I needed to be more patient. It wasn’t their fault; they were trying to abide by safety guidelines and I needed to understand that. Things are going to be this way for a while – it will be a slower pace, I need to be prepared to wait.

“A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes. 30 Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer.” Proverbs 14:29-30 ERV

Once I got home I found I had to rearrange the rest of my week’s schedule because an appointment had to be rescheduled which caused me to make alternative arrangements with several other appointments. “Ok, Lord! I’m learning to be obedient to Your word. I won’t yell at the microwave and I won’t allow my words to be unkind. I will be patient.”

If you’ve had a day like this, I’m sorry. If you haven’t, you will. The staff and employees we are dealing with aren’t at fault. They need our understanding; they need our encouragement, a kind word and a smile. We are Jesus’ goodwill ambassadors!

“Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.” Romans 12:12 ERV

My night ended with a smile. We received a Facetime call from our youngest daughter and her family. All three of our little grandchildren had “something to show you”. One is crawling, one had drawn a picture and one had a handful of markers and was telling us the colors. Mom and Dad were having family time and included Dave and I. The perfect ending to a long day.

Have a great day and remember to be patient!

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

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Is Someone Judging You?

Have you ever been misjudged? Maybe it was your appearance; maybe your age or maybe it was the region you came from? Better yet let me ask this question, have you ever misjudged someone?

Either way – judging or being judged – is detrimental.

Years ago I worked at a community college and a young man worked under my supervision. My best description of him was he could have been a character from a pirates movie. I judged him on his appearance. In a few weeks I came to know him better and found that he was a real evangelist on campus. I repented quickly for judging.

Samuel was a priest and God sent him on a mission. He was to find and anoint a king for Israel. Saul, the reigning king, had turned his back on God’s instruction and then he lied about it. He even consulted a witch instead of the Lord. The Lord told Samuel to find and anoint a new king.

Samuel went where the Lord sent him, to Bethlehem. There he found Jesse who had seven sons. Samuel told Jesse why he was there and so each son was brought before Samuel. Samuel saw one who looked like he would be God’s chosen but the Lord didn’t agree. Six sons came before Samuel and the Lord rejected each of them.

Jesse, David’s father, didn’t even have David come to meet the priest. How do you like that? His own father judged David unqualified, he was just a kid! But look what the Lord said.

“But the Lord told him, “Samuel, don’t think Eliab is the one just because he’s tall and handsome. He isn’t the one I’ve chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.” I Samuel 16:7 CEV

“Jesse sent for David. He was a healthy, good-looking boy with a sparkle in his eyes. As soon as David came, the Lord told Samuel, ‘He’s the one! Get up and pour the olive oil on his head.’ 13 Samuel poured the oil on David’s head while his brothers watched. At that moment, the Spirit of the Lord took control of David and stayed with him from then on.” I Samuel 16:12-13 CEV

If you’ve been judged unfairly by others, take heart! Really! Take your heart for God and know that even though men reject you God has chosen you. The Pharisees and religious rulers thought Jesus wasn’t qualified to be the Messiah because “can anything good come from Nazareth”. He was judged ineffective simply because of where He lived.

When God gives you a task to do His is the only opinion that matters.

We must be careful not to judge others. Jesus told us plainly to “judge not lest we be judged”. God qualifies and equips those He chooses. Did you see what the verse said about King David? “the Spirit of the Lord took control of David and stayed with him from then on.”

It doesn’t matter if we’re young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, male or female, religious or common, our God looks on the heart! The only question should be – how is my heart?

Lord, I desire to have my heart pure in Your site. In Jesus name.

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Love In Action

This morning I was reminded of a lady who attended church with us many years ago. She was so sweet and her desire to help people had no limits. Her name was Ruby. Ruby had the best hugs, a contagious laugh and compassion shone from her eyes.

Friday was a busy day for Ruby. She spent the entire day making soups, all kinds of soups, that she would use to feed the homeless in a park in South Phoenix. She had a number of people who would help her but she was the spearhead. She was there come rain or shine.

She was love in action!

She wanted to touch those others had forgotten with the love of Jesus. She said it was hard for them to hear words of love when their stomachs were empty so she did what she could to show them love and not just tell them about it.

I’ve never forgotten her and her sweet husband, Jim. They were some of the most loving people I have ever met. True examples of Jesus.

“Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.” Matthew 20:28 MSG

The Apostle Paul tells us that our love will bring action to our faith.

“For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” Galatians 5:6 NLT

During this time of stressful circumstances we can either be self-centered or conscious of others and their needs. It’s in times like this that our relationship with the Lord can really shine.

Since we are to be His examples we need to be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do”. He was always an example of love in action. He healed the sick, comforted those who were sorrowful and loved the outcast.

A kind word to an overworked grocery store clerk, an extra tip to the one who is delivering our take-out dinner, checking on neighbors to make sure they have all they need or a phone call to say I’m thinking of you and praying for you. All examples of love in action!

Let’s not let this situation make us bitter and selfish but let’s be better at loving.

“My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? 15 If you know someone who doesn’t have any clothes or food, 16 you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? 17 Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!…26 Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!” James 2:17-26 CEV

What action does our faith need to take today? If we listen to the Holy Spirit he will show us who to encourage. Be willing to put some hands and feet on our faith today.

Let’s put love in action!

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Joy & Laughter

“A cheerful heart is good medicine,  but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 NLT

Some people in our nation have spent the last six to eight weeks shut up, living in fear. Now, some of those same people are frustrated, angry and striking out. Heart and determination have given way to disillusionment and mistrust.

It’s time for us to focus on what’s good, pure, honest, and lovely. Our family and our friends need our strength and our joy.

“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

A true and honest joy gives strength to our bodies and our emotions. Find something to laugh about, do silly things. If you have children old enough to participate, tell everyone that tonight’s dinner conversation has to be only words that begin with the letter “r”, or whatever letter you choose. Before long everyone will be laughing.

Find an old comedy on Netflix, Prime or whatever streaming source you have. The sillier the better – Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. If you’re not old enough to know who these people are do a search on them.

Marvel in the small things. We spent a good deal of time this weekend watching two little wrens fly back and forth feeding their young, who are in a nest on our back patio. They were tireless in their efforts to provide for their babies. Look for shapes in the clouds. Go for a walk and count all the different kinds of flowers you find. Have a water fight!

Do something to bring joy and amazement into your life.

“61 The Spirit of the Lord God  has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn,3 especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called  “Trees of Justice,” planted by the Lord to honor his name. 4 Then they will rebuild cities that have been in ruins for many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4 ERV

There’s a header on these verses which reads “The Good News of Victory”. These words were spoken about the coming of Jesus nearly four hundred years before He was born. Now that Jesus has come He has brought us freedom, peace, kindness, comfort, joy and restoration for what was ruined.

Sounds like a good word for what we’ve been experiencing.

Let the peace of God and joy in the Lord be our guiding force and then let’s share it generously with all we meet!

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Kindness & Peace

Some mornings when I get up I hesitate having any contact with the outside world. It’s not because I’m afraid of the reports on COVID-19. My heart gets grieved by the unkind words and actions that seem to be so prevalent.

Two things we can always use more of is kindness and peace. It would mean a great deal if people treated us nicer, right? I think we can get a hardy amen to having less drama in our lives. Here is the question: How can we be used to bring those two elements into the lives of those around us?

“This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

Well, we can begin by praying for God to bless those we know with kindness and peace. And then we can follow through with being kind to those around us.

Kind to the other drivers on the roads, to the grocery store workers, our first responders, to truckers, neighbors and those we speak to on the phone and through electronic communication. To our kids and our spouses.

Kindness brings peace.

“Without wood, a fire goes out. Without gossip, arguments stop. 21 Charcoal keeps the coals glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive.” Proverbs 26:20-21 MSG

“Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

God’s goodness is what draws people to Him. When we emulate God’s character we are being used to bring others to Christ. We must never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

Today I’m praying that God’s goodness and peace will overflow in our lives flooding all those around us.

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Keep the Power On

We have two lamps in our home on timer switches. The one in my office comes on at 3:30 each morning. The one in the living room comes on at 4:30. I depend on these lamps – they light the room as I sit at my computer every morning and share my thoughts with you. One illuminates the area around my chair and the adjacent tabletop where I do my Bible reading and the other beams with a warm glow of welcome to the day.

It’s important for me to keep the power on.

Sometimes when we have overnight guests the lamps, inadvertently, get turned off. We try to make sure and tell everyone not to turn them off, “they will go off automatically”. Occasionally those words are forgotten and the lights go out when the last person heads to bed. We sleep the night in peaceful slumber but in the morning, at the anticipated time, there is no light. The lamp has lost its connection with its source of power.

Over the last few weeks I feel that many in our country and around the world have also experienced at power disconnect. Worry and anxiety have caused a power outage. Things have gone black in many hearts and homes. People have begun to stumble and emotions have fallen. It seems there is very little light at the end of the tunnel. It’s up to us to encourage them.

It’s up to us to keep the power on.

“That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. 7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:6-7 ERV

We have all been given specific gifts from God; some of us love to help others, some have a deep and enduring compassion, some bring joy, others teach and encourage, while others have an ability to provide strong leadership. Whatever the gift we’ve been given we need to utilize the power, love and self-control that God’s Spirit has placed within us.

Jesus said that we should be lights to the world. God has placed His light within us and its purpose is much like the brilliant beam of a light house. The light that shines from us helps direct others to a place of safety; it guides them through the trouble waters and keeps them off the rocks.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

Even with our social distancing we can still give light to our family, friends and neighbors. Be a beacon of God’s amazing love and comfort. Shine brightly with encouragement and kindness, direct others to the safety and protection that we find in the Lord. Don’t let worry and fear turn off the power.

Keep the power on!

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Encourage Each Other

As I opened the template to begin writing this morning I was “Wow-ed” by what I saw. Today’s post is number 1001! Oh my. What a privilege I have had, being able to share my thoughts from God’s word with you each day.

This morning I want to talk to you about encouragement.

We are self-distancing and it’s the right thing to do. However, I miss my kids and my grandkids. Yesterday our youngest daughter contacted us for a Facebook video call. It was so sweet – we were able to have one-on-one time with her and each of our three littlest grandkids. The first words out of Sam’s mouth, he’s 4 1/2yr, was “thank you for sending the baby chick racecar supplies, Besta”.

It’s hard not being close to those we love in challenging times.

Making baby chick racecars is something we do together. It’s becoming an Easter tradition. We were supposed to take Sam camping next week and were going to make them at the campsite. Since we had to cancel those plans, I sent the supplies to his mom so they can make them at home. It really tugged on my heart – I miss them all.

As much as I miss not having my children close I know God misses it even more. He is our loving and gracious Father; He wants his kids close so He can reassure us and calm our fears. He wants to hold us close and dry our tears. His door is always open; we can enter His presence anytime, any hour of the day and He’ll be there waiting.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

He understands and He is waiting for us to come!

Once we receive encouragement from our Father we should reach out to encourage others. A phone call, a text, a video chat or a note in the mail – all will be welcomed by the receiver. A friend of mine calls her grandkids and has a story time video chat. We all like to know we are being thought of – we all like to know that we are loved and missed! Send along a little prayer or simply say “I love you”. Those are words everyone likes to hear.

“When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29 ERV

Sometimes when we are in the midst of a trying situation our thoughts turn inward. Our thinking might be something like this – “I wish someone would call me and say something kind. Why do I always have to be the one to reach out to others?”. Let’s be honest, there are times when we all have a pity party or think selfishly. Get rid of that kind of thinking, it will destroy you! It will spread like a cancer.

Go to the Father, hand those thoughts over to Him and then follow Jesus instruction.

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 MSG

Give some encouragement today; it will bless them and bring a blessing back to you too.

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Spilling Over

My mother always enjoys telling my adult children stories of their childhood. Mom was with us for two weeks in February and our son came to visit one weekend. One of the stories she told was about him pouring milk into a bowl of rice crispies. He added the milk too quickly and of course, the cereal came up over the edge of the bowl and out on to the table.

We had a good laugh. Memories are good!

That image and one of a coffee cup being filled to overflowing is what I imagine each time I read a verse in Psalm 23. Yes, there are still lessons to learn or be reminded of from that short Psalm.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life…” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

Yesterday, I hope you were able to get an understanding of the elegant banqueting table the Lord has set for us, right in the presence of our enemies. And today, I want you to see how the Lord lavishes us with His love and protection. While we sit, feasting at this table, the Lord comes and fills our cups to overflowing.

He isn’t the least bit bothered by what we would consider a mess that is being made on the table top. To Him, it is an overflowing expression of His provision of goodness and mercy.

Run the cup over, let it flood and even spill to the floor. Let those sitting at the table be awash in His love!

“For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our sins, sending them away, completely letting them go forever and ever]; And abundant in lovingkindness and overflowing in mercy to all those who call upon You.” Psalm 86:5 AMP

God has a surplus of everything we need but He’s never wasteful. God, is a God of overflow.

We should follow His example. Our lives should be abundantly overflowing with love, understanding, forgiveness, mercy, grace and joy. Those around us are drowning in fear, panic, worry and turmoil. Let’s share with them from our abounding, cup-running-over supply.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

I hope we “spill over” with God’s goodness today. Those around us need to be flooded with good.

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Hard Hearted

If we aren’t careful life has a way of making us calloused. Do you remember the days of three television networks? Those days when Ricky and Lucy and Rob and Laura slept in separate beds even though they were married. It was a time when the newscasters shielded us from the brutal graphics of war and harshness of life.

We were a more tender hearted people back then. We weren’t blinded to the situations of life; we felt compassion. Our hearts ached over injustice.

Tender hearted -> a condition where we can be easily touched by another’s adverse or favorable circumstances; an attitude that allows us to be open and accepting.

Hard hearted -> cynical, calloused, disbelieving, selfish and self-centered

Pharaoh was a hard hearted man. The plagues that came on Egypt were a result of his hard heartedness. He was unwilling to let the Israelites go and worship God. He was unyielding and stubborn. When Moses told him what plagues were coming, he actually had his magicians create the same plague just to prove he was in control. When Moses asked him when he would like one of the plagues to end his response was tomorrow.

“All right,” Moses answered. “You choose the time when I am to pray for the frogs to stop bothering you, your officials, and your people, and for them to leave your houses and be found only in the river.” 10 “Do it tomorrow!” the king replied.” Exodus 8:9-10 CEV

The Egyptians were suffering because their leader had a hard heart. He wasn’t willing to give in to the Lord. After several of the plagues had passed even his advisors encouraged him to let the Israelites go but he refused. A hard heart!

Jesus grieved over people with hard hearts when he was here on earth.

“Then he asked, “On the Sabbath should we do good deeds or evil deeds? Should we save someone’s life or destroy it?” But no one said a word. 5 Jesus was angry as he looked around at the people. Yet he felt sorry for them because they were so stubborn. Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his bad hand was healed. 6 The Pharisees left. And right away they started making plans with Herod’s followers to kill Jesus.” Mark 3:4-6 CEV

Verse 5 in the King James version says He was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts. The Pharisees were more concerned about keeping the law than they were about the man being healed. Their traditions meant more to them than the well-being of one of their neighbors.

Sad to say, we all go through times that our hearts are hardened. However, that can be remedied as we spend time in God’s word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The outer shell will crack and fall away revealing the tender heart that comes from the Father.

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV

When we focus on what God has done in our lives we will be more tender hearted to others. A heart transplant.

If we have to be hard hearted it should be toward sin and evil. Resist the devil (be calloused) and he will flee from you. As Jesus was hard hearted to sin and resisted temptation we should be too. He hated sin and the enemy who brought its effects into the world but he loved the sinner and did all He could to set them free, that’s why He died for us.

So, let me encourage you today to be tenderhearted to others and hard hearted to evil. This is a Christ-like attitude.

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Life Lived Well

We all desire to have a good life but what does that mean? To some it brings images of wealth and nice things while others see health, physical well being and strength. Still others will envision a happy family and peaceful contentment.

What is the good life to you?

Each time I listen to my mother talk about her upbringing I know that she has experienced the “good life”. Her family wasn’t wealthy but they were rich in love. Her home was modest in furnishings but lavishly decorated with peace, kindness and caring. I can only hope that my children and grandchildren will speak of me with the same love and affection that my mother expresses for her parents and grandparents.

The book of Proverbs gives us many insightful verses on life. Verses on a life well lived and instruction on what is truly important.

“Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved. 9 If you have good sense, instruction will help you to have even better sense. And if you live right, education will help you to know even more. 10 Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. 11 I am Wisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time. 12 Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself.” Proverbs 9:8-12 CEV

If we follow wisdom we are promised a long life. A good life. Jesus said he came to give us an abundant life.

“I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend;  I possess knowledge  and sound judgment. 13 If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies…What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold or the purest silver. 20 I always do what is right, 21 and I give great riches to everyone who loves me…Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. 33 Listen carefully to my instructions,  and you will be wise. Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.” Proverbs 8:12-13, 19-21, 32-34 CEV

There is much to learn by listening to and applying God’s word. Wisdom will be our constant companion and we will have joy. That truly is a life well lived!

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