Category: Kindness

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Lord, It’s Hard To Be Humble

For the last month or two I have been reading the history of the kings of Judah and Israel. If anyone ever tells you that “God could never want or use you – just look at all the stuff you have done” I would tell you to have them read I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles. Those kings were a piece of work. Not a humble one in the bunch – oh, they may have started out that way or ended up that way but everyone of them had a battle with ego.

The Bible is filled with promises for those who are humble. Psalm 138:6 says that the Lord takes care of the humble. He gives honor and wisdom to the humble. Proverbs 11:2, 15:33

What does humility look like?

It looks like Jesus. He gave up all the glory of heaven and His place at the right hand of God the Father to come to earth. There was no room for pride in His life.

Jesus played with children, gave comfort to the grieving, befriended rough and burly fisherman, spent His time with the lepers, lame, blind and societies outcasts. He never compromised His deity but He never lorded His position over those He was teaching.

The Apostle Paul gave this instruction to Christians in the early church.

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 ERV

A humble person doesn’t need to be in the limelight. They help make others look good and feel elevated. A humble person is one who encourages others, someone who isn’t afraid to get in and help out where needed. They don’t need the praise of others, they do the right thing because it’s right.

“All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say, “God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone who is humble.” 6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:5-7

God helps those who are humble. A meek or humble person will be misunderstood and even be treated wrongly. Look at Jesus, he was despised and hated by the religious rulers of his day because He didn’t measure up to their ideals. He ate with sinners, showed compassion to harlots, healed on the Sabbath. In the face of their objections, He continued on.

Isn’t it better to be humble and know we are pleasing God than to measure up to all of societies ideals and expectations? Yes, it is. When our lifestyle reflects humility we may offend some, we may be passed over because we don’t have the “leadership” skills necessary. If that’s the case, so be it.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV

I love that verse! The Lord will lift us up. Our loving Father will pick us up in His arms and give us a big hug. Or He’ll come in and wrap His arm around our shoulder and encourage us to continue on with what we’re doing. We’re acting like Him.

Thank  you Father for coming to our aid and taking our cares. We rely on you.

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Anything Good

Good Things. What are the good things in your life? Loved ones. Home. Health. Peace. Joy, Contentment.

I grew up occasionally seeing Oral Roberts on television. He was famous for saying “Something good is going to happen to you this very day”. That was a novel concept to people and in fact, it made some good church going people mad every time he said it.

You see we had been raised to believe that God was the destroyer – if we weren’t doing what we should then He would wipe out of crops, cause our cars to break down, make us sick or bring our marriages to a rough and rocky end. But in all truth, that isn’t God at all.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMPC

God has been blamed, unjustly, for the things that the devil has been doing for at least the past century.

I was amazed this morning when I opened my Bible app by the amount of “good verses” that were there to greet me. Here are the first two:

“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 ERV

“Some of you have said to the Lord,  ‘You are my Lord.  Every good thing I have comes from you.'” Psalm 16:2 ERV

“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

Good Things. Good days. Good gifts. Anything good! It all comes from God.

My friends are some of the greatest gifts I have ever received. The love of my family is greater still. The people who know me best, have seen me at my worst and they love me. That is truly a gift from God.

One gift is greater. The unconditional, unending love of God is the greatest good thing ever. It is inconceivable to think that the One who willingly died for us would not want to fill our days with His goodness.

“No one can have greater love than to give his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I tell you.” John 15:13-14 NLV

“The Lord is the Rock, and his work is perfect! Yes, all his ways are right! God is true and faithful. He is good and honest.” Deuteronomy 32:4 ERV

Wouldn’t it be great if we started each day with a “good” word? Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for encouragement. Find a “good” verse for each day. The Bible is filled with them. It’s easy to do – go to a Bible app and do a search on the word good. You’ll be surprised how many verses pop up. Pick one and make it your day’s verse. It can’t help but give you strength and joy and it will get you looking for the “something good” that our heavenly Father is bringing your way.

When we put our faith in God and search for Him each day we will find Him and His goodness. And then we can share His goodness with others.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 ERV

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Burnt Toast

The discussion around the table late yesterday afternoon was about burnt toast. When I was a young girl I remember my dad saying eating burnt toast would make you a better singer. I believed him; my older brother and sister did not. They saw his real purpose in saying this, he didn’t want the toast going to waste.

I’m not sure how many pieces of burnt toast I have eaten in my life but there have been more than a few. Some as a child and others as an adult.

My mom told a story of a missionary whose family lived on a very meager monthly allotment. She said they never wasted food. When asked what they did about burnt toast she smiled and said I hold it up and simply ask “who wants chocolate toast”.

But the story I like best is the one of a man, who recalling his childhood and his father’s many sacrifices, said that whenever the toast burned his father would tell the family “don’t anyone take my toast, this is the way I like it best and your mother made it special, just for me”. He said his father’s act of love in not embarrassing his mother and not subjecting his children to something as unpleasant as burnt toast was an example of self-sacrifice and kindness that guided his words and actions with his own family.

Burnt toast, spilled coffee, muddy footprints, the last piece of pie say volumes about our character.

Do we value possessions over people?

“God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others. 13 Try to understand other people. Forgive each other. If you have something against someone, forgive him. That is the way the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 NLV

Kindness is a gift we can all give. It never goes out of style; one size fits all. Kindness isn’t waiting to receive; it is always willing to give.

I heard of a husband who bragged on his new bride, “My wife thinks I’m a god. She offers me a burnt sacrifice every night”. Eating a piece a burnt toast with a smile on our face and love in our heart can be one of the greatest sermons never preached. Our actions often speak louder than our words.

May we always share the love and kindness we receive from the Lord. In the case of burnt toast, it’s always better with butter and jam.

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Stay on Course

Recently we watched “Kon Tiki”. It’s a movie about the “real life” of Thor Heyerdahl and his crew who sailed from Peru across the Pacific to the Polynesian Islands in 1947 on a balsa wood raft. It was a 4300 mile trip and took over one hundred days. The courage of Heyerdahl and his crew is matched only by their determination. It’s definitely a “must” watch.

The raft’s only means of propulsion was its sail and the ocean’s currents and a rudder were its means of navigation. The rudder helped them hold their course as the current and the trade winds moved them on their journey. I was captivated by their story, after all, Heyerdahl is Norwegian and so am I.

The rudder – a long wooden pole with a flat piece of wood tied to the end of it – was the only thing they had to steer them through the waters. It would have been disastrous to have lost it.

We also need a rudder to stay on course and the Bible tells us what that rudder is.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body. 3 By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. 4 It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. 5 Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.” James 3:2-5a CEV

Our tongue, the words that we speak, are our rudder in life. The things we say to ourselves and the things we say to others will set our course in all our relationships. One of the best examples of controlling life’s circumstances with words comes from the life of Job. Job had lost all of his children, his animals and his crops. Physically he was suffering and this was his wife’s advice:

“Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Job 2:8-10 NLT

Job kept his words pure; they were his life’s rudder. He knew if he began complaining about the way things were going, he would lose the only thing he had left, his faith. He had faith that God would vindicate him and He did!

King David said this: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NLT

Jesus said this: “I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 CEV

And the Apostle Paul said this: “and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:17-18 CEV

We don’t need to give thanks for the troubles we face but, like Job, we keep our focus on the One who will bring us through the troubles and stay with us in the troubles to keep us in His loving care.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

When God’s words become our words they are a powerful rudder that will keep our lives on the right course, a course filled with gentleness, kindness, sincerity and peace.

Stay on course!

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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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