Kindness

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

You probably have people in your life where opinions on things in life differ. No one needs to prove themselves right or wrong but we are to still be kind whether the person is a friend, family member,  or even a complete stranger. The devil loves separation and he probably loves Facebook squabbles over Political issues. 

Division is a major tool of satan. We are in spiritual warfare against demonic forces. The enemy hates kindness, forgiveness, love, and dropping a need to be right. As a believer it is your job to love and keep loving. When tempted to say an unkind word don’t speak. Say only that which builds up, not tears down. 

As you go through the week ahead practice being kind to those who cut in front of you at the store. To the driver who cuts in front of you on the road. To people who may have been rude or hurt you either knowingly or unknowingly. To the telemarketer who interrupts your supper. Don’t give a victory to the enemy by popping a cork. Stay cool, be kind. 

PRAYER:Not everyone is easy to be kind to but help me Lord with your help to show love and kindness to all those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Kind To Everyone? Really?

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

 I often have heard those I know to be followers of Christ saying they can't stand someone, or worse yet say they hate them. Maybe they call them derogatory names. In this time of political unrest and breakdown of our countries laws you may be tempted to utter those words, that you hate someone but instead try to pray for them. This is very hard when a person intentionally is doing harm or evil.

Is there a difficult or mean spirited person in your life or do you have trouble showing love to those who perpetrate evil deeds? Try uttering a prayer for those whose hearts are bent on evil. Ask that they turn from darkness to light.

Don't talk ugly about your fellow man whether or not you feel endeared to them or not. Ask for the strength to love the unlovable.

 PRAYER: Only you Lord can help release hate from hearts that are prone to darkness and evil. Help me never stoop to the level of putting down others, making fun of them, or wishing evil on them. Instead help me humble myself and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Like/Love/Be Kind

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

There are different personalities. Some may rub us the wrong way but we are still commanded to love one another. Talking ugly about people doesn't make for a loving relationship. This ugliness could be in the form of passing judgment on someone when that is not our job. For instance constantly talking bad about obese people,prisoners, unwed parents, drunks, homosexuals, homeless people, those who talk on their cell phones in public places, or someone we do not see eye to eye with is plain wrong. When we comment on others it makes us sound like we are somehow superior. God is the one who is the judge,not us. Ugly comments about people only make those who say them 'little' and when you claim to know Jesus it does not say much for your 'love meter'. This is not to say something may not be wrong but the point being it is up to us to love, not judge and be unkind. Read Romans 2:4 where it says that "kindness leads to repentance".

So if someone is ugly to you do not be ugly in return but show the love of Jesus to your friends and to your enemies. You will make God smile!

PRAYER: Love is what lifts people from the pit of despair. Use me Lord to show that kind of love to hurting people even in the form of a simple smile. Forgive me if I have ever passed judgement on someone as that is not my responsibility. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Random Act of Friendly

 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I believe it was inside a rental car bus at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport  where I saw the sign that is the same as my title asking customers to reward drivers who were observed doing a random act of friendly.  What a novel idea!  We have all heard of random acts of kindness so what about a random act of friendly, just because. Look for ways to help or make people smile.

Many people around us are suffering and may not even show it. Physically, monetarily, emotionally the hurts are there but often times hidden. Pray and ask God to send someone for you to help. Even as much as opening a door for a young mom with her children in tow. Maybe give someone a couple dollars who is fumbling for their money at a check out line and did not have quite enough for the bill. Many elderly people are often lonely so maybe write a letter, an actual paper letter,  to a senior you may know who is all alone. It might be a parent.

 As you go about your day forget about yourself and your own troubles for a while and see how you feel helping someone else.

 PRAYER: Lord your mercies are new every morning. You bless us so help me bless and show kindness to others without wanting anything in return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHATEVER!!

The title above is a one word reply often used showing sarcasm or disgust with what someone has said. It actually is rude and shows disrespect. I am sure we have all heard this comment or maybe uttered it ourselves. Ouch! 

Do you consider yourself a kind person? Do you often speak poorly of others when they are not in your presence or judge them? Words are so important whether you are using sarcasm to express disgust or saying something uplifting, it is critical to insure that whatever you utter would be exactly what you would say if Jesus were in your presence. 

Sometimes a person can speak nicer to a family pet than to a human. Do the words you say lift Jesus higher? Something to think about. 

  The following are some scripture verses to perhaps "hide in your heart" to help you get control of your mouth in 2014.

³ 'A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.' Proverbs 14:3(NIV)

'Sin is not ended by multiplying words,but the prudent holds their tongues.' Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 

'The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even tempered.' Proverbs 17:27(NIV)

'A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.' Ecclesiastes 5:3(NIV)

'My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.' James 1:19(NIV).

Today why not read each of those verses aloud and ask God to direct the words you say and resist the urge to be hateful, rude, angry, gossipy, or unkind with your tongue.

PRAYER: Each and every day I need your help Lord to watch what comes out of my mouth. Words can build up or tear down and I want mine to glorify you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TURN IT AROUND

Start anew this year and make up your mind you are not going to let things fluster you or make you angry. I was waiting for a store to open one day and the girl who opened up was 15 minutes late. Another lady was waiting as well and said to me "I am going to tell her when she gets here how I feel and let her know I am angry." Hmm, I am thinking, what an excellent time to show Jesus' love and mercy to the late employee and set an example to the disgruntled patron. What good does it do to fume when this young woman had a legitimate reason for being behind schedule?

When you are around people who get this way use it as an opportunity to just let things go and move on and thus display kindness. Human nature says get back and get even. God's nature says to show love.

Are you able to turn an ugly situation around in your life? Think of things you may encounter on a daily basis at work or out and about in the marketplace. Even in your own home! Go the extra mile and be nice. Smile. Forgive. Love.

When my children were small, I would play this song over and over each morning while we were at the breakfast table. It was a sung by Richard Roberts and was called "Turn It Around". Basically the lyrics were " turn it around, turn it around,don't let the devil get you down." If you have a chance to turn a situation around, do it!

Romans 2:4(NIV) basically says 'Kindness leads to repentance' and that is true in most all scenarios. Why not try being kind today?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus use me in your kingdom to spread your love to others who are having a bad day or are angry. Help me learn to turn the other cheek so to speak and display your love to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BE NICE REGARDLESS

 There is a Bible verse I love and try to live by with God's help and
that is James 1:20(NIV) and it says 'because human anger does not
produce the righteousness God desires.' Isn't that the truth? My next
favorite one is Proverbs 15:1(NIV) which says 'A gentle answer turns
away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.'

Satan is the great divider. He loves causing strife, bitterness,
confusion, misunderstandings, conceit, verbal fights, and physical
fights in all sorts of relationships. If true followers of Christ
really practiced what the Bible said there would be allot fewer
lawsuits, divorces, sibling fights, family divisions, problems at
work, hurt feelings, misunderstandings and marital spats.

If you know how to respond to harsh words or treatment then do it
regardless. Be the "bigger person" and show God's love to mean
spirited people. Try your best to pray for them.

Luke 6:28(NIV) says 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you.' That might seem like a "tall order" when you are
really hurt inside. Think about Jesus up on that cross. He did not
deserve the horrible death he died but yet he said "Father forgive
them for they know not what they do."(Luke 23:34). Another verse I
love and it is good to "sear" into your brain is Romans 12:21(NIV)
which says 'Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.'

You may be a very compliant, controlled, gentle person and in your
good nature never get hurt or upset but for the rest of us out there
it is my prayer you will keep looking up to Jesus!

PRAYER: Help me Lord to hold my tongue when I would rather get into a
debate over something that is unnecessary. Help me Lord I need your
strength to imitate you. In Jesus' name. Amen

SOMEDAY MAY NEVER COME

Do you ever intend to do something, go somewhere, meet up with a
friend, or perhaps meet a new person? I think we all probably do. I
had good intentions of meeting a beautiful lady who was a member of
our contemporary worship team at church but never got to. She died of
cancer Monday.

I had messaged her through Facebook and mailed her cards during her
ordeal with chemo and the few times she was back in church either up
singing on stage or just in a chair I never went forward to introduce
myself. Now I have to wait till I get to heaven someday. This lady had
a wonderful spirit which came across even on messages. For several
years I watched her up front singing praises to The Lord but never got
to meet her. She is singing with Jesus now and her husband and two
children are left here on earth missing her and I am sure deeply
grieving.

The point of my devotion is do not keep saying stuff and putting it
off as you may not get another chance. That card you intend to send.
That apology you intend to render. That visit you intend to make. That
gift you intend to give. That thank you you intend to say. That love
you intend to show.

I have little notes on my phone from this friend I never met but I am
sure she is delighting to be in the arms of Jesus now. No more tears.
No more pain. No more suffering. No more earthly cares and concerns.
Left behind are people who wonder why she died so young.

Friend you may not get another chance to show kindness or say
something to someone you love. Do not keep putting things off. Be pro
active and initiate things so later on you won't have regrets. We do
not know how long we will be on this Earth. Don't hold grudges and
hatred in your heart but instead make an effort to be loving and forgive people.

Read the Bible and study it. Don't wait for someone else to read it on
Sunday. Get to know about Jesus. Pick up His word and start growing in
Christ right now.

Do you know you would go to heaven if you suddenly died? Are you sure?
You can ask forgiveness of your sins and ask Him into your heart
today. He is only a prayer away.

In Philippians 1:22-23(NIV) it says 'If I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know.I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ , which is better by far.'

Do the best you can to serve Christ down here and on Earth and live like today may be your last on Earth. Do not always wait for the other person to initiate the first contact.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the opportunities for impacting others lives. Help me Lord not to always think of ways to make myself more comfortable but help me reach out to others and make a difference in their life and they in mine, before it is too late. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and praise God for who He is today and always!

http://youtu.be/_YFGzY_8li8