Tag: LoveOneAnother

Posted on

A Kiss from God

Today I want to talk to you a bit about little kindnesses. In the Bible we see time and again where the Scriptures say, “He was moved with compassion” or “His loving kindness”.

Little kindnesses are like a kiss from the Father.

Loving-kindness – you know, like when the waitress brings you the wrong meal and you don’t go off on her, but you are kind in your words and sincere in your appreciation for her hard work.

You know what loving-kindness is.

It’s when you show patience at the grocery store with the cashier when she has just been cussed out by the client before you. Or when your child hasn’t cleaned up the yard or taken out the trash like you told them to do and you find out that they were wounded by a friend or embarrassed by a teacher and they were just too distracted to get it done.

All of these are practical examples of loving kindness.

Yesterday, I had two people tell me how much what I had done for them meant to them. Truthfully, I really didn’t feel I had done anything special – nothing big, not grand but I had just come along side when they were feeling overwhelmed and helped out. No biggee…but it was to them.

Jesus calls it giving cups of cold water!

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42 And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:40-42 CEV

Now I know some will look at these verses and focus on the reward but I really think what Jesus is trying to get us to see is that nothing, no matter how small, goes unnoticed to the Father when we are reaching out in love. Extending loving-kindness to those around us is an example of the Christ that lives in us.

Over ten years ago I spent a week in the hospital and when I came home I wasn’t able to do much for a several weeks. Some sweet ladies brought me cups of cool water.

One neighbor came over each morning to take our dog for a walk and then she took my ironing to her home and did it for me. Another neighbor cooked extra dinner each night for Dave to enjoy when he got off work. She kept the refrigerator filled with the things I had been told to eat on a special diet. And she did my laundry. These acts of love were priceless!

All these years later I remember how their kindnesses were a reminder of God’s love and provision for me. Kisses of His unfailing love.

“The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40 CEV

We can change the world, one life at a time. “Father make me more aware of those that need a cup of cold water today.”

Let me give them kisses of kindness. I want the world to see my Father through me!

Posted on

Touched with Compassion

Reading the news, watching the world condition, life can cause anxiety and distress.

I’m a hugger. Not those little pat on the back kind of hugs. I like to embrace someone and let them know they are loved. Jesus called it being moved with compassion.

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 KJV

These words following are the writing of the Apostle Paul. He ministered to so many people. Some hated him fiercely and others were drawn to him and his message. Feel his compassion.

“Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.16 Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.19 Don’t turn away God’s Spirit 20 or ignore prophecies. 21 Put everything to the test. Accept what is good 22 and don’t have anything to do with evil. 23 I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 24 The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.” I Thessalonians 5:15-24 CEV

Through these words the Lord is calling us to reach out to others. Embrace them with His love and goodness. Speak words of encouragement, pray for them, lend a hand.

“Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.” II Peter 1:5-8 CEV

The One who chose you can be trusted! Amen!

Posted on

Sharing Love

What are your plans for today? Working, recreating, relaxing? Whatever it is, wherever you are take time to praise the name of the Lord!

If you see a beautiful sunrise, taste those bacon and eggs, hear a small child giggle, see an older person smile, have a dog wiggle all over because he’s glad to see you – praise the name of the Lord for these are small but irreplaceable gifts from Him.

If you comfort someone dear to you, shed uncontrollable tears, speak a kind word to someone who is hurting or help someone who is down on their luck – praise the name of the Lord that He has chosen you to touch their life.

““Then the godly people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

40 “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40 ERV

“May the LORD’S name be praised now and forever. 3 May the LORD’S name be praised from where the sun rises to where it goes down. 4 The LORD is higher than all nations. His glory rises to the skies.” Psalm 113:2-4

With each bit of kindness, each word of praise, each whispered prayer of thanksgiving your day will be brighter and you will be doing what you were created to do – praising the name of the Lord. Have a blessed and praise filled day.

Posted on

Serving with Gladness

We need to be thinking like Jesus – we need to have the same mind set that He did. He came to serve mankind but He didn’t compromise His principles in His service. He was humble and loving but stood resolute in His message of victory over sin and living godly.

“Earth, sing to the Lord! 2 Be happy as you serve the Lord!  Come before him with happy songs! 3 Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep he takes care of.” Psalm 100:1-3 ERV

Let’s serve others today without compromising our stand for the Lord.

“In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. 9 So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. 10 God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow. 11 They will all confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and this will bring glory to God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-12 ERV

Jesus served with a loving heart. He had compassion for those who were weak, hurting, distressed and overcome by wrong deeds and wrong relationships.

“ Follow my example: Even the Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people.” Mark 10:45 ERV

Right after He said this Jesus healed a blind beggar. He touched the people of His time that others had ignored or worse yet, that they had shunned and deemed unworthy of common courtesy.

The blind, lame, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, even a thief hanging next to Him on a cross.

God asks us to humble ourselves and serve. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He took on the form of a servant and ministered love and forgiveness to those in need.

When the opportunity to serve presents itself, let’s make the most of it and provide service with a smile. We serve God when we serve others.

Posted on

Building Relationships – Building Snowmen

I know this might sound really strange, especially to those of you who have young children or grandchildren, but I’ve only seen the movie Frozen once. Yes, just once.

However, the words to one of the songs from that movie have made an impact on me.

“Do you want to build a snowman?

Come on, let’s go and play!

I never see you anymore

Come out the door

It’s like you’ve gone away

We used to be best buddies

And now we’re not

I wish you would tell me why!

Do you want to build a snowman?

It doesn’t have to be a snowman

Ok, bye.”

We need to be aware of people who are hurting. For whatever reason the holidays seem to accentuate feelings of loneliness. I know, I’ve been there. But there’s really only one answer to a lonely heart.

It’s not a good therapist, it’s not a new love, it’s not change of scenery or job, or a puppy or food or alcohol. It’s not even building a snowman. It’s finding personal relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.

“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him…3 He heals their broken hearts and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147: 1 & 3 ERV

Jesus is here to provide the comfort and consolation we so desperately need.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV

Sometimes hurting people hide behind big smiles and laughter, some hide behind rude and obnoxious behavior and others just hide.

I’m asking you today to look for hurting people – ask them to come build a snowman…or share a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll…share your time, your love, your forgiveness and compassion.

By so doing you will have shared Jesus and He is the one who heals the broken hearted!

“‘When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.’

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, ‘When did we give you something to eat or drink?…

40 The king will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.'” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

Do you want to build a snowman? It’s a good way to build relationships.

Posted on

Be Like Jesus

I heard tell of a man who lived in AZ. He was out driving on the I-10 down Tucson way and he ran out of gas. He came to a stop on the shoulder of the road and right in front of him was this big billboard

NEED HELP

CALL JESUS

800-XXX-5555

In sheer desperation the man got out his cell phone and called the number. In 10 minutes, a 1950’s Chevy pickup showed up and out stepped a Mexican man with two 5 gallon gas cans, his name was Jesus!

Now that man was a neighbor. A good neighbor! He came to help in time of need.

“Then the king will say to the godly people on his right, ‘Come, my Father has great blessings for you. The kingdom he promised is now yours. It has been prepared for you since the world was made. 35 It is yours because when I was hungry, you gave me food to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. 36 When I was without clothes, you gave me something to wear. When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the godly people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

40 “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:34-40 ERV

Since Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself, we need to be ready to answer when we hear a call for help.

We don’t go in our own strength but in the love and the strength that God has placed within us. And we do it with a thankful heart. Thanking God that He has placed confidence in us that we will do the right thing and that we will respond in a timely manner – that we will be good ambassadors of Christ.

Let me ask this; if Jesus made a billboard and it said “NEED HELP” could He put our cell number at the bottom?

Jesus use us today to be the answer to someone’s call!

Posted on

Being Thankful at Noon

Today we’re going to look at thankfulness in another way. First of all this blog is definitely later in the day but did you know we can still receive words of instruction and wisdom from the Lord at noon.

“Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. 6 Then it will be as clear
as the noonday sun that you were right. 7 Be patient and trust the Lord. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.” Psalm 37:5-7 CEV

So the question is – how do we treat people who are unkind, ungrateful and even mean. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples;

“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.

37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:35-38 CEV

Jesus instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Look at that 2nd phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have you lent…your time, your friendship, your assistance, your tools, your car, your money, your love, your compassion, your attention and genuine interest. When you lend without expecting to get things back then you’ve really made them a gift and in giving you’re an example of your heavenly Father.

So today look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. “Don’t be bothered when things go well for them”. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something it was with a hidden agenda – so give today, genuinely give.

Who knows you may be the one God is using to break through and bring out an attitude of gratitude.

Posted on

Through Loving Eyes

Do you ever have problems with being critical or judgmental? Finding fault before finding the good? Ya, me neither! But we all know someone who is like that.

Are you glad that our heavenly Father isn’t like that? Oh yes, He sees our flaws and our shortcomings but He uses His strength and love to help us grow and overcome.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger.” Romans 5:6-9 CEV

Our Father isn’t willing for any of us to perish – and surely in all of time, in all the world, there could have been someone, some where who could have really irritated Him enough that He would have, could have said – “Nope, not offering you salvation. I just don’t like you.” but He didn’t.

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

“16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 CEV

Where we see faults, the Father sees a child worth dying for.

Transformation is having that kind of mindset. Looking for the value and worth in a person as God does and then letting the Holy Spirit bring the correction and change.

” Don’t make God’s Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. 31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:30-32 CEV

I wish I could tell you that I have this down, that I am free from criticism but if I did that it would be a lie. I can tell you that I am convicted more than I ever have been about the words I say. God is working in my life on a daily basis.

Paul says in I Corinthians 13 that love thinks no evil but is patient and kind. I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me. I desire to live God’s word to the fullest in every area of my life.

“God doesn’t intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. 11 That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing…14 My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.” I Thessalonians 5:10-15 CEV

Lord let my words encourage and build up others today. Let me see others through Your loving eyes!

Posted on

Carrying Kindness

In my morning reading, I was in the book of Mark, chapter 15. Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, deserted by His disciples, denied by Peter and was now standing before Pilate to be questioned.

“The chief priests brought many charges against Jesus. 4 Then Pilate questioned him again, “Don’t you have anything to say? Don’t you hear what crimes they say you have done?” 5 But Jesus did not answer, and Pilate was amazed…10 Pilate knew that the chief priests had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous.” Mark 15:3-10 CEV

Before I started reading the Lord had been dealing with my heart about godly character, carrying kindness instead of carrying a grudge.

Jesus knew what it was like to be lied about, misunderstood by family, betrayed by friends, persecuted. He knew hardship, he knew anger, he knew heartbreak, he knew loneliness.

He was the Son of God but His life was not void of hardship.

“Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.
    God’s kingdom belongs to them.

11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 ERV

“ But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45  Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. 46 If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors[a] love their friends. 47 If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about this? Don’t even unbelievers do that? 48  But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Mark 5:44-48 CEV

This truth of godliness was so engrained in the life of Christ that on the cross when He had been beaten, whipped beyond recognition and nailed to a cross He was able to cry out, “Father, forgive them. They don’t realize what they are doing”.

In His most agonizing moment, He carried kindness and not revenge.

Most of us will not experience this type of persecution but we will have what the Bible calls tribulation. We will have moments of great sorrow that are unjust – we will be lied about and lied to. We will have heartache, we will be betrayed.

“ Listen to me. A time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. In fact, that time is already here. You will leave me, and I will be alone. But I am never really alone, because the Father is with me.

33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:32-33 ERV

We will never experience this peace on our own. Grudges, resentment, and hatred will fester and grow if left unresolved but in Christ we can have peace. In God, we find help.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Through God’s strength and mercy we stop carrying a grudge and we carry kindness and forgiveness.

Posted on

Lessons from Childhood

What lessons did you learn as a kid that you are still using today?

It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because we fear that we may get a whippin’ or because “mom” is still standing there telling us to but we do them because we know they’re right.

Look both ways before crossing a street

Brush your teeth before going to bed

Don’t run with scissors

Don’t talk with your mouth full

Chew with your mouth closed

Don’t tell a lie

Don’t pick your nose

Don’t tattle

Wash your hands after you’ve gone to the bathroom

Say, “Yes Ma’am” “Yes, Sir”

Don’t punch your sister

Pick up your clothes

Feed the dog

All of these things are simple and right, but we had to be taught to do them and now that we do them, we are better for it.

You know the same is true with Scripture.

“So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua was taking over for Moses, leading over a million Israelites into the Promised Land. Big shoes to fill – he needed wisdom and courage. This was his instruction from the Lord…remember what you were taught, you will be successful!

Today I want to remind you what you were taught. Several times through Scripture the theme of all Scripture was summed up in two instructions.

“36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:36-40 CEV

When we love the Lord with all our heart we will naturally or supernaturally love others as well. We learn from His example of love, unconditional love and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:9-12 NLT

When the Lord gives us a commandment, He also gives us His strength to follow and fulfill it.

The words and instruction we hear from Christ as children in faith will be what we model as we grow to maturity in our Christian walk. Afterall, they are lessons from our childhood.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress