Category: Kindness

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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A Child’s Love

Glitter and goggley eyes, glue and glitter. Red construction paper, pink crepe paper, scissors and markers – these are the tools of a young child making masterpieces at Valentines Day.

The giggles and the laughter come from the heart. “Mom, how do you spell Grama”? “What’s Dad’s favorite animal”? All the creativity and ingenuity of a 5- or 6-year-old is being harnessed and put on paper.

I think I still have a couple of these masterpieces stored away!

A child’s love – sweet, sincere, innocent – and the expression of it makes an indelible imprint on the parents’ heart and in their mind.

My mom was 97 when she passed and those last couple of years, she would relive my childhood with me when I went to visit. The heart doesn’t forget!

I pause and wonder, what memories am I making for my heavenly Father. How do I express my love for Him? What do I do that makes Him smile?

” Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” I John 3:1-3 CEV

The Father’s love is so great! How do we express our love for Him?

“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? 38 When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

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

When we show God’s love and compassion to those who are in need, the Father sees those acts as if we have done them for Him.

“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

“Love as I have loved you”, Jesus said. Compassionate, encouraging, correcting, protecting, always teaching to exemplify the Father. That’s the love we are to have for one another.

So, maybe today you want to break out the glitter and the glue. Write words of love to the Father and place a card on the table…or, maybe you just want to lend a helping hand, give a word of encouragement, reach out to someone in need.

Give a Valentine that will make an indelible imprint on their heart!

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How Great Is God’s Love?

From that moment in the garden when Adam sinned, God the Father put His plan in place to restore us.

“But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15-17 NLT

God’s love for us is so great that He gave His Only Son as the way for us to have eternal life with Him.

We look back to Christ’s crucifixion on the cross and we thank God for what He did to restore us in our relationship with Him. Those in the Old Testament looked forward to the promise that there would be a Savior to come.

David’s writings in the Psalms were filled with praise for God’s faithfulness and love. He was writing about that same hard-to-understand, incomparable love of God that the Apostle Paul wrote about in Ephesians.

“The Lord’s Wonderful Love

1 With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
2 With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4  and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.

6 For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice. 7 He taught his Law to Moses
and showed all Israel what he could do.

8 The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. 9 The Lord won’t always be angry and point out our sins; 10 he doesn’t punish us as our sins deserve. 11 How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! 12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west!

13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14 because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.

17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:1-18 CEV

If you grew up thinking that God was writing down all your faults and frailties so that He could condemn you this Psalm should be a daily read. Yes, He knows our faults and our failings, but He has chosen to forgive them and forget them.

This Psalm answers the question in today’s title. How Great is God’s Love? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!

Let His love embrace you!

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His Goodness

Last year we focused on the love of God during the month of January, this year the Lord has put it on my heart to center our thoughts on the goodness of God.

There is so much around us that isn’t good. There are those who choose to call good evil and evil good.

We who know and follow Christ are called to be ambassadors for Christ, pointing to God’s goodness and grace.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” II Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT

An ambassador is someone who is a representative for a country or government, living in a foreign land. They present the thoughts and intents of their ruler or monarch to those in the land where they reside temporarily. They are backed and supported, in the foreign land, by their king or ruler.

We are Christ’s ambassadors on this earth. Our message is one of reconciliation. We are to bring God’s love, goodness and peace to this land we live in.

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 NLT

Other translations say that God’s goodness is what will cause people to turn to Him.

Here’s the big question. How will they know about God’s goodness unless we tell them?

” All who call out to the Lord will be saved. 14 How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?…17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.” Romans 10:13-17 CEV

We have received a commission – an assignment. We have a purpose.

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 CEV

Join me as an ambassador; let’s take the message of the goodness of God to the people in our world.

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428 – The Unexpected

Yesterday was an adventure – truly in every sense of the word it was an adventure.

We had been planning a “Christmas Tree Cutting” outing with our oldest daughter and son-in-love for several months. This was something we did quite often when the kids were younger but the last time the four of us had been together cutting a tree was in 1994. 30 years ago, way too long.

As my daughter said, this was Christmas tree cutting without the down coats, snow boots, gloves and caps. We could have gone in t-shirts, and it would have been just fine. Started like all road trips should, with donuts.

A ninety-minute drive and hearts were merry and light. We headed to a location that none of us had ever been to before. We had a map, although it was not very useful, that was to lead us to the cutting areas. Finally, we found a road that was clearly marked on the map and set out to find the best Christmas tree ever.

Wrong!

We were on a dusty, rocky, bumpy, (did I say rocky), forest service road. We stopped once to get off the trail and look for a tree in the more wooded areas but there were none to be found. Back in the truck and on the road AGAIN. Our moods were far from jovial. We had no cell service so we could not determine how much longer we would be on this “wonderful adventure”.

Making it back to the highway, finally, we stopped for lunch. Our conversation was guarded. We were all thinking we should just go home. This was a bad idea. But our spirits lifted, and we decided to ask the waiter at the pie shop if he knew where we could cut a Christmas tree. He said he would find out. He came back and said, “you go up the road here and take forest service road 428”. We didn’t even let him finish, we all laughed. That’s where we just were!

That laughter was like taking a spoonful of much needed medicine.

“ Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

What could have been a ruined trip now returned to the fun adventure we had hoped for.

Back in the truck and down the road we went. Let’s take one more side road before we head down the hill for home. We turned off at a road that went past several campgrounds and would loop around to the highway. Eyes peeled for any side road that might have trees…and there it was.

We found several trees that would do but the two we cut were the best. Not perfect, but good. As we got them back to the truck I looked down and saw a rusty old horseshoe on the ground. Our daughter took it home with her. It was the perfect ending to a rocky start.

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. ” II Corinthians 4:8 ERV

I know this may seem like a silly and insignificant story but to the four of us it will be something we will always remember – our time on Road 428.

Whatever you face, simple or complex, don’t give up!

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Prayers of Hope

I sit here this morning in prayer for all those in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Those who have missing loved ones; those who have loved ones who have died and those who have experienced the loss of their earthly possessions.

Praying also for those who are coming to help. First responders, good Samaritans bringing medical aid, food and water, clothing and temporary shelter. Those bringing hope!

I saw a post by Franklin Graham that over 800 volunteers have arrived to help the people in North Carolina. Medical teams, field hospitals, water, clean-up crews working and praying in those communities. May I encourage you to give a donation to Samaritan’s Purse to help fund these efforts.

Many of you are like me. So far away and unable to physically help but we can pray!

Prayer is never a secondary response. Prayer is powerful.

This morning my heart was drawn to two different Psalms.

“I will always praise the Lord.
2 With all my heart,
    I will praise the Lord.
Let all who are helpless,
    listen and be glad.
3 Honor the Lord with me!
    Celebrate his great name.

4 I asked the Lord for help,
and he saved me
    from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun
    and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed,
and the Lord saved me
    from all my troubles.

7 If you honor the Lord,
    his angel will protect you.
8 Discover for yourself
    that the Lord is kind.
Come to him for protection,
    and you will be glad.” Psalm 34:1-8 CEV

“I look to the hills!
    Where will I find help?
2 It will come from the Lord,
    who created heaven and earth.

3 The Lord is your protector,
and he won’t go to sleep
    or let you stumble.
4 The protector of Israel
doesn’t doze
    or ever get drowsy.

5 The Lord is your protector,
there at your right side
    to shade you from the sun.
6 You won’t be harmed
by the sun during the day
    or by the moon at night.

7 The Lord will protect you
and keep you safe
    from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you
now and always
    wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

“Father, we pray for all who are recovering from this devastation. Comfort them, protect them, give them courage and hope. Let them experience Your love in a powerful way. Provide for them as only you can. Let them know that You are there! A very present help in time of trouble. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

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One Small Thing

Yesterday afternoon I had errands to run. First a stop at the bank, then the grocery store, Walgreens and finally my hair salon.

My purchase at Walgreen’s was $21.99. The cashier gave me several bills and one penny change. I looked to find a donation jar where I could deposit my penny but there was none.

I remembered hearing a story once about a wealthy man who said he would stop and pick up a penny when he saw one on the ground. It reminded him to be thankful because on that penny he read the words “in God we trust”. Not his success or the amount in his bank account but it was in God that he placed his trust.

After hearing this story, I stop and pick up the coins I find on the ground and keep them in my pocket during the day. They remind me to trust God, whatever the day may bring.

So, I deposited the penny on top of a trash receptacle with a prayer that someone would find it and it would remind them to put their trust in God. Silly I know, but that’s what I felt led to do.

On to my hair appointment. When I got there my stylist was visibly upset. I asked what was wrong. She choked back the lump in her throat and told me that one of her clients had died, and she had just found out that a dear friend was dying, and another friend had just learned she had cancer. She was overwhelmed.

The Lord put it on my heart to pray for her. I asked her if we could pray, and she grabbed my hand. I prayed and she sensed a real peace and comfort that only God can give. As we walked to the wash basin she said, “you know some people wouldn’t have done that, thank you”.

Small things. A penny. A prayer.

And that leads us into this morning’s verses.

“12 “Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.

13 “You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. 14 But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it.” Matthew 7:12-14 ERV

Jesus was all about touching people’s lives. Intervening in their mess. Providing healing, forgiveness, help and comfort. He showed them that they could trust in God. He lived the golden rule, Do for others what you would want them to do for you. He is our example. If we want people to be kind and caring, we need to be that for them.

Jesus came to show us that we don’t have to do life on our own. We can trust our heavenly Father. Jesus openly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

Jesus was the narrow way He was speaking of. He still is!

It’s not by good works, church attendance, charitable donations, self-sacrifice that we find the narrow way. It’s only found by following Jesus. That doesn’t make us narrow-minded; no, just focused on the path that leads to life eternal.

Look for the small things that will show others “the way”.

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