Category: Kindness

Posted on

Moved By Compassion

These are the words on my heart.

Compassion: sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it

We are surrounded by so many people who are hurting. They have experienced betrayal, loss, reversal of circumstances, destruction and heart ache. I don’t think there’s ever been a time when there has been such heart ache culminated among my world of friends as there has been recently, and I know that God is moved with compassion on their behalf.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;” Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV

In those times, when we feel we are all alone and no one sees how our hearts are breaking our Father sees and He is moved with compassion. He is faithful every morning and His compassion never fails.

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:3-5 NIV

The Father’s compassion isn’t just for our personal application. We are instructed to be compassionate toward others.

Jesus was asked once who we should consider as our neighbor. This came from His teaching on how we are to love the Lord with all our strength and our mind and that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

He replied with the story of what we call the good Samaritan. A man had been badly beaten and robbed, left on the roadside to die. A priest came by and saw the man but did nothing to help him. Then a religious official came by, and he too ignored the man. Finally, a Samaritan came by. (As a side note, the Jew and the Samaritans had been at odds with each other for hundreds of years.)

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’” Luke 10:33-35 NKJV

Jesus then asked which of these men do you think was his neighbor.

“And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” Luke 10:37 NKJV

I know for a fact that the Lord’s mercy and compassion are poured out on me each day. That’s His promise to me and He does not lie. And I pray that I will be moved with compassion each day toward those around me.

Posted on

Godly Character

It’s very important to me that we have a true view of the Father’s character.

Growing up when preachers on television and in the movies were characterized for preaching hell, fire and brimstone, and one of the popular songs of the day was “God’s Gonna Get You For That”, a cloud was cast on God’s character.

God’s goodness is something I marvel at, almost on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul wrote:

“God has been kind to you. He has been very patient, waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of his kindness. Maybe you don’t understand that God is kind to you so that you will decide to change your lives.” Romans 2:4 ERV

And James writes this: “ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

I didn’t realize until just now that James 1:17 is an ALWAYS verse.

Probably everyone reading this has heard at least one teaching on the fruit of the Spirit. These are the character traits that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives once we are born again. I see them as being part of our spiritual DNA. (Divine Nature Attributes)

When we’re born naturally we have inherited traits like blue eyes, dark hair, olive complexion, left-hand dominance. Well, when we receive new life from the heavenly Father we inherit His traits and characteristics.

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s life displays all of these. Jesus’ earthly life was an example to us on how to act like the Father. His life was selfless, kind, good and loving.

I heard a wonderful teaching on the goodness of God. Goodness is one of God’s attributes. He is always good! He can’t be anything but good; He is, and everything He does is, motivated by love. His love is never tainted with selfishness or envy so everything He does is good.

Don’t attribute the bad things that happen in your life to God. When you do you are misguided in your thinking. The enemy, the one responsible for the destruction in this world, takes pride in getting you to mistrust God and to lose your confidence in His goodness.

Remember these words from the Apostle Paul: “Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ERV

Let’s keep our thinking on the Father and His character and we will see true and lasting fruit grow in our lives.

Posted on

How Far Is Too Far?

I’m sure that’s the question that the four friends of the crippled man were asking themselves. They had taken their friend, on a stretcher from his home and carried him through the streets of town.

Once they got to the house where Jesus was teaching, they couldn’t get in. The place was packed and it was SRO, standing room only, around the doors and the windows. Everyone wanted to hear this new teacher who had come to town.

He spoke like no one else, He spoke with authority. He knew the Torah and He lived it.

The friends had to re-evaluate their motives and their actions. In the next few moments, the decision was made. We’ll go to the roof!

Now, I’m not sure if you have seen those roofs but they were substantial. In the book of Acts, we see that Peter was on the rooftop of the house for his prayer time. These men had to accurately assess where in the house they thought Jesus might be and break through right above Him. There would be no second chance to get it right.

Now imagine the people in the house. Jesus is teaching and roofing materials begin to fall on you. Do you stay, do you panic? Jesus just kept preaching.

A sizable hole opens up above Him but wait, there’s more! A man on a stretcher is being lowered down, right in front of Jesus.

“Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walk. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone” Mark 2:2-4 CEV

Mark records that Jesus “saw their faith”. Not just the faith of the lame man but the faith of his friends, as well. Jesus spoke to him, forgiving his sins. This angered the religious leaders. They didn’t think anyone had the right to forgive sins except the high priest so Jesus made it easier for them.

He told the lame man you’re no longer lame. You’re healed pick up your bed and go home!

“8 At once, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, ‘Why are you thinking such things? 9 Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home? 10 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.’ So Jesus said to the man, 11 “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”

12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement.” Mark 2:8-12 CEV

My question today is how far would you go to help a friend come to Jesus? Or how far would you let your friend go to bring you to Jesus?

Let the Holy Spirit direct you in your relationships so that you can be a stretcher-carrying, roof-removing friend. The results will amaze you!

Posted on

Kindness & Peace

Today many of us will be with family and friends, celebrating the birth of our nation, the day of Independence.

Independence from what the founding fathers felt was a tyrannical king who inflicted laws and taxation that seemed unfair. Independence to worship as they pleased. Independence to govern their own new country.

I declare to be a personal day of independence. To be free from anger and malice, from bitterness and self-doubt. To be free to show kindness and experience peace. The right to know the love of God and to share it with those who feel downtrodden.

“Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.” Galatians 5:1 CEV

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

Kindness and peace – just the mention of these two words brings comfort! It’s not hard to imagine peace on a quiet morning when the birds are singing.

Kindness. A gentle smile, a helping hand, someone washing the dishes, an encouraging hug or just the simple act of holding a door or help in carrying a package.

Our heavenly Father brings peace and kindness into our lives. That’s who He is and what He does. I started reading in II Corinthians this morning and Paul makes it plain from the start that this is what God brings to our lives.

“I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.” II Corinthains 1:2-3 CEV

Today, I desire to see through the Father’s eyes and bring comfort, spread peace and show kindness. I desire to see others declare their independence and freedom in Christ.

Posted on

Sweet Fruit

Yesterday we talked about resting – waiting on the Lord to renew us. He likes to do that, remember what King David wrote? “He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores me soul.”

When we rest in Him, He also restores our joy. We laughed so hard our sides ached. It’s good to laugh – joy is a sweet fruit and it’s healthy.

“A glad heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NLV

Do you want to enjoy life?

That was a question King David presented in Psalm 34.

“Who is the man who has a desire for life, and wants to live long so that he may see good things? 13 Keep your tongue from sin and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and follow it.15 The eyes of the Lord are on those who do what is right and good. His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:13-14 NLV

As I read that over again this morning, the thought came “Lord that’s a pretty big request. Can this really be possible?” The Lord reminded me of what we have been given by the Holy Spirit.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Once we are receive God’s forgiveness, we become new in Christ and He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. With the Holy Spirit comes this fruit which is the very character of God. We will naturally bear fruit, as naturally as an apple tree bears apples, we will produce the character of Christ. It’s in our God-given DNA!

The verse in Psalms 34 tells us to stop doing evil – many times the word evil brings thoughts of something sinister or diabolic but really it just means bad, not good. The Apostle Paul refers to it as selfish.

God wants His goodness to be displayed in our lives, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do that very thing. Jesus went about doing “good” and His life is an example for us.

As we follow Him, our lives will produce sweet fruit and a bountiful harvest.

Posted on

Calmly Wait

Are you a good waiter?

I don’t mean the kind that serves you in a restaurant, no, I’m talking about waiting (being patient).

Things worth waiting for like the birth of a child, a wedding, a graduation, a promotion or a vacation, all come with anticipation and excitement. The closer you get to that expected date the harder it is to calmly wait. That’s a good thing.

But what about sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, being stuck in traffic, having a flight delayed, how good are you at waiting in those circumstances?

This morning, I was reminded to calmly wait. Let me show you what I’m talking about.

“Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. 2 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.

3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?
4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor. You love to tell lies, and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart.

5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him. 6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. 7 God saves me and honors me.
He is that mighty rock where I find safety.

8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:1-8 CEV

King David was dealing with a physical enemy. He had men in his own ranks that were disloyal and trying to destroy him. He had armies and kings from surrounding nations who wanted to defeat him and take his country.

Most of us never face this type of assault but we face the worries and concerns of daily life and those can feel like an army of enemies. Have you ever experienced what David said in verse 3? Sometimes I feel like a shaky fence – good description. Don’t lean on a shaky fence, it will fall over. So what do we lean on?

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV

Did you know that God is waiting on us?

“The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” Isaiah 30:18 CEV

He is waiting for us to wait on Him. When we do, He rewards us with strength, courage and peace.

I love this translation of Psalm 62 verses 1 and 2.

“I must calm down and turn to God; only he can rescue me. 2 He is my Rock, the only one who can save me. He is my high place of safety, where no army can defeat me.” Psalm 62:1-2 ERV

Maybe today you need to tell yourself to “calm down” and “calmly wait”; don’t become overly anxious or impatient.

God is waiting patiently to show you His kindness!

Posted on

Do Your Best

Do your best!

Have you ever said that to your kids, a friend, your spouse or even encouraged yourself to “do your best”? I know you have.

Each time we do something we should be doing our best – even if it’s washing the dishes, cleaning house, working in the garden, preparing a meal and it goes without saying that we should be doing our jobs to the best of our ability.

And what if you were God?

Do you think that He does anything less than His best? I found myself praying that this morning, “Father, do your best.” In praying for my kids and grandkids, my friends and relatives, I don’t always know the details of what they need and so this morning I was just praying that the Father would do His best in their lives today.

I hope that’s ok with you. Some of you need healing, some financial blessing, some need joy, others need rest, some need encouragement while others need a project (to feel helpful). Some need to be free from bitterness, others free from guilt. Some just need a hug and to hear I love you.

So again my prayer is “Father, do your best”. And then I was reminded of these verses – it’s the Father doing His best!

“If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:

3 ‘He will bless you in the city and in the field. 4 He will bless you and give you many children. He will bless your land and give you good crops. He will bless your animals and let them have many babies. He will bless you with calves and lambs.

5 He will bless your baskets and pans and fill them with food. 6 He will bless you at all times in everything you do.

7 The Lord will help you defeat your enemies who come to fight against you. Your enemies will come against you one way, but they will run away from you seven different ways! 8 The Lord will bless you and fill your barns. He will bless everything you do. The Lord your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. 9 If you follow the Lord your God and obey his commands, he will do what he promised. ‘” Deuteronomy 28:1-9 ERV

Thank you, Father, for blessing my friends with Your best today!

Posted on

Not By Sight

There’s an old expression that says “seeing is believing”. The picture I’m sharing with you this morning reminds me that isn’t true.

I took this picture from the balcony of our room while we were in Greece. Each morning and evening we would look across the bay at the tall masts of the sailboats and think what a wonderful place this must be to anchor in. We imagined the peaceful cove and the crystal blue waters.

After about ten days, we took a water taxi to a beach resort that was near that cove. What we had been believing and imagining was completely wrong. The tall masts of the sailboats that we could see, believing them to be serenely anchored, revealed that they were all in dry dock. Not in the water at all. We laughed; we were convinced they had been enjoying a wonderful anchorage.

When I came across this picture last week, I was reminded of our misperception once again.

Life is a lot like that. We make a first impression or jump to a conclusion without knowing details and we judge a person or a situation based on limited knowledge.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.’” I Samuel 16:7 ERV

Samuel was the priest in Israel and he had been sent to a man named Jesse. He was to choose one of his sons to be the new king of Israel. Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and thought surely this is the man. But he was not God’s choice. God looks at the heart.

David was Jesse’s son, the youngest, that God chose. Then David was misjudged by his brothers when David took nourishment to battle. Goliath defied the armies of God and David questioned why Israel was allowing him to do that. His brothers thought he was being obnoxious, and they chastised him. But David was defending God.

“ David asked the men standing near him, “What did he say? What is the reward for killing this Philistine and taking away this shame from Israel? Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?” I Samuel 17:26 ERV

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought His disciples were a congregation of unlearned men. They were fisherman, tax collectors, common folk. Surely the Messiah, the Son of God, would have had a more distinguished group that this.

“ The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.’ Acts 4:13 ERV

Have you been misjudged? I know I have but I have also been guilty of judging others incorrectly. It’s important that we look at the heart of a person and not judge them by sight.

Posted on

Guard Against Withering

The weather is warming up and everyday in the desert is beautiful but even more so when it’s blooming and the trees are budding. However, it’s important to remember to take plenty of water when you go out hiking or exploring. It doesn’t take long in the desert sun to dry out or feel the effects of dehydration.

But what about your soul? How long does it take for the soul of man to dry out and become parched? Since the soul is more fragile than the body the withering takes place more quickly and it’s just as devastating.

Have you had those times? Times when you say I just feel like I want to shrivel up and die…Life has handed you nothing but lemons and you’re unable to turn them into lemonade.

King David knew what it was like to be under constant attack. He spent quite a bit of time being pursued by King Saul in the desert of Israel. He knew what it was like to thirst both physically and spiritually.

“God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water. 2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple. I have seen your strength and glory. 3 Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you.

4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer. 5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger my joyful lips hunger to praise you! 6 I remember you while lying on my bed. I think about you in the middle of the night. 7 That is because you are the one who helps me. It makes me happy to be under your protection!

8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm. 9 Those who are trying to kill me will be destroyed. They will go down to their graves. 10 They will be killed with swords. Wild dogs will eat their dead bodies. 11 But the king will be happy with his God, and those who promised to obey him will praise him when he defeats those liars.” Psalm 63 ERV

Last week we had several days of good rain. It’s amazing how a little water causes the desert to spring up with new growth. You can almost see the plants fatten up as they take on water.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

I pray that today you will know what it’s like to be spiritually thirsty, to have soul-thirst, and then to be completely refreshed by streams of peaceful water!

Posted on

A Godly Interruption

Yesterday we saw how the Lord has instructed us to be gentle and kind to everyone.

Are you looking to be set-up by God today? You know, those “chance” meetings, wondering about people you used to be close with, just being in the right place at the right time.

God’s set-ups!

Philip was open to God using him. When Saul started persecuting the Chrisitans in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria to preach there. Then one day the Lord told him to go south of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Philip obeyed.

There he met a high official in Egypt’s political system. The man was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t really understand what he was reading.

“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 So he went toward the chariot, and he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

31 The man answered, ‘How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me.’ Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him… The official said to Philip, ‘Please, tell me, who is the prophet talking about? Is he talking about himself or about someone else?’ 35 Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:29-35 ERV

There are people all around us waiting for someone to be their Philip. We need to slow down from our own demanding schedules and allow the Lord to direct us to them.

Maybe the Lord will have you pay for someone’s groceries or pay for their meal at a restaurant. He could ask you to assist them by mowing a lawn or helping change a tire. I hardly ever, hardly ever, give money to those with signs on street corners but occasionally the Lord prompts my heart so strongly that I know I just have too.

It might be as simple as giving someone a smile and a God bless you. It might be asking someone how they are doing and really listening to their answer. Philip was listening, he heard the man and then he asked a question.

It’s the Father’s job to prepare hearts but it’s our job to be prepared to be obedient when He calls on us to be a part of a godly interruption.

Are any of you praying for the Lord to send someone to minister to your children or a dear friend? What if that person is too busy? Maybe we are the answer to someone’s prayer for their loved one. Are we ready?

When we take time to listen to the Father, He can use us to be the answer to someone’s prayer!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress