Don’t Deny Me A Blessing

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
Have you ever attempted to be nice to someone by giving them an unexpected gift or shared something with them only either to have them not want to receive it or be apologetic?

Once I was on my lunch break from work at Fort Knox and eating with several co workers. I happened to comment on one persons huge bright red apple and he says “here take it” and I of course replied “I can’t”. He then says to me “if you don’t take it you will be denying me a blessing.” I have never forgotten that kind gesture which occurred in 1981.

Do you realize you can be a blessing to someone each and every day? A smile. An unexpected kindness. A positive word. A gift. Whatever it is God can and does use you to bless those around you. Go be blessed to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am grateful the Holy Spirit shows me ways to bring a blessing to others. Help me not to ever toot my own horn because my blessing is in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Nice. It's Fun!

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

There are different personality types, but still there's no personality type that says you need to frown and be ugly to people. We never know what someone is going through so when you are out and about why not try to smile. You may not feel like smiling but it sure can even make you feel better too and brighten another's day.

Perhaps you never made any New Years resolutions, so being kind, regardless, might be a good one. There are many opportunities throughout the day that may cause you to 'steam' or 'boil over' but why not start something new and maybe even uncharacteristic. See how many people you can make smile? I do it as I sit at local coffee shops and write. Very interesting experiment. Try it. 

There is really no reason to allow the enemy to make you be ugly or unkind to others. We have not walked in another's shoes so try to be kind. 

PRAYER: There are times I truly do not feel up to running around being nice so help me Lord to act like a Christian when I am out and about and not rely on a Christian bumper sticker or cross necklace to try to prove to others I am. I intend with your help to live it out daily. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love, Be Kind, Forgive

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 John 4:8

I used to have a hard time telling my friends I loved them. Not sure why but now it is done easily. It is simple to love when love is returned but difficult to do when you know the other person may not like you. Also it sometimes is hard to love an individual who is a tyrant, bully,  or just plain evil and mean. But the Bible tells us to love. 

An exercise in love would be to pray for your enemies and those who do evil and even curse you. It tells us that in Matthew 5:44. It is hard as I well know. Somehow when you do this you feel better. Maybe a hard relationship at work. Perhaps tension in a relationship married or otherwise. God has a way of setting you free when you are able to love, show kindness, and forgive. 

Whether you feel like it or not in your quiet time think of those people hard to love or those you need to forgive and release to God. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the power to love through you and in turn share kindness. It is hard so give me your strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Christmas 24/7 Challenge

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

Christmas may be over, but who says we have to stop that spirit of giving, loving, sharing and being joyful? Why is it necessary to even put away the nativity scene for that matter? Jesus is alive and we are to act like it and show His love the other 364 days.

I challenge you in 2015 to find ways to be joyful, loving, kind, and giving each and every day. Perhaps to the rude store clerk or disgruntled airline employee. Maybe it is to someone who cuts in front of you at a busy fast food restaurant. It even could be a friend or heaven forbid, a unkind spouse, who is saying hurtful words, which you need to return good for evil. Show kindness even when humanly you would rather 'spout off'. Anger causes fights and fights lead to only hurt feelings and broken relationships. Treat a friend to coffee or lunch. Buy an unexpected gift. Purchase a gift card for a restaurant and give it to a homeless or needy person, not just at Christmas but ALL the time. 

Start today and make up your mind the spirit of the Christmas season will live in your heart year round then go do something about it.

PRAYER: Lord I choose this day forward to be kind. When provoked I will hold my tongue and take my issues to you in prayer instead. Show me how to love even those hard to love people, some who may have hurt me. 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.

Word Power

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Words can make a person or break them. Once you say something it can not be retracted. It is very important to think before speaking but how often does that happen? I know there are times I let my emotions do the talking and oh how I wish I had not. 

If someone is using angry or hurtful words to you it is best to ignore them because responding back will most likely result in a fight. How many homicides reported on the news were probably started with angry words. Satan loves hurtful words and he loves anger. He really loves it if he can get a believer to not think before they speak. 

Today before you start your day stop and pray that your words would only bring glory to those who hear them. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to let my words show your love to those around me. Give me strength when confronted by less than peaceful people and help me respond in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WRAPPING IT UP.....LOVE

Even though I may be coming to an end of the series about love for now, we should never put love away. Love should be ever present in our lives and willingly given to those around us.

1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.' Love is mentioned over and over in the Bible. It is the key to successful relationships with almost everyone we encounter.

Let me ask you, do people around you respond better to love or to anger and resentment? Obviously the answer would be they would respond better to a display of love. Satan of course hates love and hates us showing it to people so he, in his scheming way, will try to get you to falter and be mean to people. When you start to do this realize this is not of God and ask God to help to you free from this spirt that is causing this.

PRAYER: Love is so very important. I may think I have it but then turn around and treat a friend or co worker poorly. Forgive me Lord. I choose to walk in love and do it on purpose. Show me the things in my life that disappoint you and help me stay on the path of love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JOYFUL, JOYFUL

Recently I accidentally got ahead of someone who had been waiting at a local eating establishment. This individual gave me a really angry look. I apologized and said I was sorry but she still said nothing and just had this smirk on her face. People like this need prayer. My accidentally cutting in line should not have been reason to warrant  such a response,  so apparently this young woman had other issues on her mind.  Most the time I try to get people to smile but this girl was beyond smiling. 

Are there people in your life that tend to be complainers, grouches, and find negative in everything? Maybe it is even you? Joy is something that comes from deep within. God can give you that true joy. Do not allow those in your life who do not experience this rob you of your joy. Only God can transform a person and deliver them from a bad spirit. 

You can't expect to be joyful if you harbor resentment, wrong thinking, or a bad attitude. God can set you free! 'The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.' (Proverbs 10:28)

PRAYER: I want your joy Lord constant and ever present in my life. I know I can only have that by reading and living the word of God. Guide my steps each day to walk a life filled with joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WELCOME! NO TRESPASSING!!

 

February is considered the "love month' by many so I have been writing on the subject of love. Recently I saw a yard nearby displaying two distinct signs. The first was a little garden flag that read "Welcome" and just beyond that tacked to the side of the home was a sign that read "No Trespassing". It made me smile because the two are nothing alike.

First of all saying "welcome" shows love and hospitality and usually indicates you have a friendly personality. But to also have a sign telling folks to keep off your property is a contradiction of sorts. This does not show love at all.

What does it really mean to love and be kind anyway? Do we say we have love but then no action follows it? Romans 13:8 reminds us ' Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.' There may be well meaning Christians who have a church magnet on their car or a Jesus Loves Me bumper sticker but their actions behind the wheel are anything but loving.

Do you really display the love of Jesus? Just something to think about.

PRAYER: Love is a word often thrown around flippantly. I want to have the kind of love in my live where others can tell something is different and maybe be able to tell about Jesus as a result. 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

PARDON MY FRENCH

Have you ever heard someone curse then utter the phrase "Pardon My French" as a way to sort of think it is cute or comical to swear? Perhaps the phrase "They swear like a sailor". Both of these are rather insulting to French born people and sailors who do not curse. Never the less these are little cliches floating around out there.

Do you have a problem with the words that come out of your mouth being negative, hurtful, harmful, lewd, arrogant, belittling, or bragging? In the book of James chapter 3 we are told about the dangers of the tongue. Take a moment and get your Bible and look it up and read it. Verse 11 of that chapter says 'Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same stream?' We all know the answer is NO. Basically this verse likewise is trying to get at the point of our mouths should not bless people one moment and be cursing them the next.

Sad to say that cursing to many has become so common place many are desensitized to it. Many shows on TV just go "bleep" when someone utters a profanity. Many may think their explicative words are perfectly fine. Maybe no one has ever corrected them. When the F word is continually used over and over in someones speech they obviously are hardened by it.Christians slip up and cuss too and God wants you to have a pure heart and pure tongue. If you suffer from this "tongue malady" he can help you be delivered if you really want to.

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is a good verse to maybe write on a card and refer to it and it says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'

Today here is a good verse to end with. 'Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.' Psalm 19:14(KJV)

PRAYER: There are times I may be angry or frustrated but Lord forgive me if I have ever used a curse word. Also Lord I want to use my tongue to bring joy and bless people and not hurt them. I know with your help iIcan achieve purity in what comes from my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A CUP OF WATER

How many readers can say they have running water and a flush toilet?Probably most. I know here in the United States we are truly blessed. So blessed as a matter of fact we may take many of our blessings for granted.

The Bible says in Mark 9:41 'Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.' For those in Third World Nations, clean water is a big deal. Many die of waterborne diseases from polluted water from filthy rivers and streams. Missionary groups go to these nations and provide water wells. One of these is the ministry of James and Betty Robinson called Life Today. (800-947-LIFE) . I have a friend whose son is a missionary also digging wells in South America. They are truly giving a "cup of water" in Jesus' name.

You may be able to give a cup of water and this provides hope or better yet you may be able to go on a mission trip to physically help. If you can't, what are some other ways you can "give a cup of water" where you are?Helping others. Seeing a need and meeting it. Get involved with Habitat for Humanity or maybe work in a soup kitchen. Helping a friend who is hurting. Comforting the grieving friend. I am sure you can think of a few.

During the 2011 tornadoes that ravished the area of Alabama I live close to, volunteers could literally give hope and a cup of water in Jesus name by physically passing out water and food to both workers doing cleanup and families collecting what possessions were left. It was rewarding getting to help and offer encouragement to many who were very devastated.

Today look around you and see who may be hurting and in need of that "Cup of Water".

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for opportunities that may come my way to help me be your hands and feet and give a cup of water in your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.

For more ways to give hope check out www.hopelifters.com and get a
copy of Kathe Wunnenberg's recently released book entitled "Hopelifter
Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts."

DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS

Back when I was in grade school in the "olden days" as some children and young people today would like to think, on our grade cards there was a section on behavior and one of the categories said "Doesn't play well with others". Thankfully I never had this block checked but it gave me an idea for a devotion.

Do you "play well with others" or are you self centered, rude, hurtful, selfish, hateful, unkind, and harsh? Only you know. Do you do things to try to make you look good at the expense of others? Are you a bragger or do you exercise humility? Do you put others before yourself? Do you refuse to forgive and show love?

The world around us is all about number one, me, myself, and I. Magazines even have titles such as "Self". Facebook is nice to share pictures and a good way to keep in touch but if we are not careful we can get self consumed on it. Thinking of number one can occupy most people's time.

Are you able to share? Are you able to let someone go ahead of you? Do you do nice things for others or do you expect people to help you all the time? The more kind, generous, and humble you are the more pleasant you are to be around.

Satan wants you to be self consumed. He wants you to be rude. He wants you to "walk over" others to get ahead. He wants you to be evil and arrogant. He wants you to be a big bully. He wants you to refuse to forgive. But I bet you can guess what God wants?

1 Peter 3:8(NIV) says 'Finally all of you, be like minded, be sympathetic,love one another, be compassionate and humble.' It is never too late to start. If you have trampled people or hurt them go apologize. Treat others like you want to be treated is a good rule of thumb. Now go out and be nice!

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to be kind for you. Forgive me if I have ever bragged or been less than humble. I want you to be first, others second, and myself last. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LOVE MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOUR SORRY....HUH!!

 

This may make a great movie line from the seventies but is has no bearing in real life relationships. If you have hurt somone you love, be it a spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, or friend you need to admit it and go to the person and restore this relationship. Sometimes people mess up and some people have trouble asking forgiveness and saying they are sorry. If you are the one who has been hurt by someone you are close to, you can choose to dwell on it or you can move on. True, it is not right when someone has done something and will not admit they have hurt you, but to dwell on it only causes a huge divide. Eventually if it happens to be in a marriage relationship you may need counseling for this issue as it can not continue to be buried if there is an underlying cause.

If you know you have hurt someone and you claim to be a Christian ask yourself what would Jesus do? We all know the answer to that. He would admit his mistake and seek to heal the relatioship before it was wounded any more. Many fights in marriages could be avoided if the couples truly prayed together and read their Bibles together and would admit it when they were wrong. The real culprit in all arguments and misunderstandings is the enemy Satan trying to divide and destroy because that is his specialty.

Sometimes you may have hurt a friend and they refuse to want to be your friend anymore. You have to move on. Pray for the person. Try to love them regardless of how they feel about you.

Most all types of relationships could be wonderful and happy and strong if people did not always try to get their own way. If all of us who claim to love Jesus and follow Him would stop each day and pick up that instruction manual, otherwise known as the Bible, there would be much less conflict. If husbands would treat their wives like Christ treated the church, there would be a much lower divorce rate. If people would put the other person first all the time and think of nice things to do, that would help as well. If you are just starting out a new marriage, begin the right way and make it a point to not take each other for granted, ever! Read the instruction manual and read it together. Take time and read Ephesians Chapter 6 and 1 Corinthians 13. Choose to love and choose to forgive.

If you are reading this and some type relationship you are in seems to be a one way battle all you can really do is pray. Keep seeking Christ. Keep reading your Bible. Try to control the urge to fight or yell as then Satan has you right where he wants you . Overcome evil with good it says in Romans 12:21. As hard as it is sometimes when you are hurt you have to throw off anger. Just think of this as spiritual warfare. Satan is the author of lies, deception, hate, confusion and every evil work. God is all about love, peace, forgiveness, kindness, gentleness, mercy, self control and grace. Satan is out to kill, steal, and destroy. We have a choice. We can choose to love and forgive or we can choose to be angry, hateful, vindictive and give Satan more power in our lives.

What is your choice today? Joy, love. peace, forgiveness and moving on or hatred, anger and bitterness? Matthew 5:44(NIV) simply says 'But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.' Now just go and do it with God's strength!

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I know you made me to love and show mercy to others. I know in life people may hurt me but I can choose to fight and be angry or I can choose to let it go and move on. I can choose to harbor hate and anger or choose to be kind to those who may want to mistreat me. It is hard, so I need your strength Lord. I know Lord we are in a battle between God and the devil. Fighting is not a fruit of the holy spirit but love is. I choose to love, regardless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song to get your weekend started off right.

http://youtu.be/GsjJmk7tdk4

GODLY ENCOUNTERS

 A good prayer to pray for yourself before you head out the door each day would be "Lord use me in someones life today to make a difference." I have to admit my intentions are good but sometimes I forget to pray that. When you do pray this be prepared for whatever encounter you may have. I have had some memorable ones throughout the years.

Last Friday as I wrote in a local coffee shop, a man came in who seemed to be slightly mentally challenged. He struck up a conversation with me and I thought he was saying "I am having an Alabama omelet" when in fact he said "who are you for,.Alabama or Auburn?" Ha ha. Get the hearing aids out Becky. Anyway it was only a brief encounter but I was nice and smiled. You never know how your kindness will affect someone.

There have been times when I felt disturbed by distractions or interruptions when I was trying to get my writing done and then realized "hey Becky you represent Jesus and represent Him to the world around you so be careful and do not repel people."

There may be all sorts of people who need a touch of Jesus' love out there in a gesture as simple as a smile. We all can smile I assume. When you go about your day be open to opportunities to shine Jesus' light out in to the "dark" world around you.

Keep alert throughout your day for how you are a witness for Jesus. If you have a Christian sticker on your car better not be speeding. Perhaps you wear a huge cross around your neck. Then make sure you represent Christ well.

Matthew 5:16(NASB) says 'Let your light shine before men in such a way, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Are you prepared for your Godly encounter?

PRAYER: Lord each day I know there are opportunities to shine your light and express love to those who I come into contact with. I am in a mission field wherever it is you have placed me. There is no need to travel to Africa as hurting needy people are right on my doorstep so to speak. Open my eyes to ways I can shine your light in the world I am in. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JUST BE NICE, OK?

Things happen in life and often times we are hurt or something happens
and people refuse to forgive us. Hate and bitterness can build up and
a wall is built that can never be penetrated. Forgiveness is what
Jesus wants. He does not want people hating each other, avoiding each
other, and refusing to talk. That, my friend, would be Satan's goal, to
have hate and unforgiveness and division continue. God is all for
peace, love, joy, restoration, and forgiveness.

Take a look for a moment at the scripture found in Ephesians
4:31-32(NIV) which says 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and
anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God n
Christ Jesus forgave you.' Does it "speak" to you? Basically it is
saying to me that I need to give up my "right" to hold a grudge and
let hurt boil into anger.

It is the enemy, Satan, who causes turmoil, division, and mental
torture. Those are not from God. God's way is peace and reconciliation.
If you have done all you can with some people to work things out and
in your own mind you have forgiven them, then you have to move on and
"shake the dust from your feet" (See Matthew 10:14).

If the conflict happens to be in marriage between husband and wife,
obviously counseling is in order since God wants families to heal
and be made whole. If you are reading this and have been in a divorce
God does provide forgiveness and second chances. I am not here to condemn you.

What are some things you would find hard to forgive? Guess what? God
wants you to forgive. Matthew 18:21-22(NIV) says 'Then Peter came to
Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or
sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell
you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' It does not say
forgive this but not that. It just says FORGIVE. Gods forgives us and
sometimes we certainly don't deserve it.

So now, go into your day, shining the light of Jesus' and being kind
to others, strangers included. God loves you and He wants you to love
people "through Him". Go now, be nice!

PRAYER: This is the day Lord you have made. I rejoice and thank you for
another day of life. Help me use this day to be kind and show me who I
need to forgive . I choose to let go of hurt and pain and live for you
Lord. Use me in your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and praise God in song.
http://youtu.be/DtmA3ji8RkY

ONE LETTER AT A TIME

Recently I saw a movie called "The Letter Writer" which basically
showed the impact one nice letter or positive gesture can have on a
person. In this email and communication device generation, we have all
but lost the art of letter writing. Long gone are the days of saving
letters from a loved one in a shoe box in the attic. Sort of sad I
think.

Your words, cards, and letters can be a positive source of
encouragement for someone who is lonely, sick, or perhaps needing a
bit of hope in their lives. A good word can light up a person's day.

Back in about 1993 when our family was leaving Wright Patterson AFB in
Ohio for Rock Island Arsenal,Illinois our mailman saw me one day and
knew I was moving and jokingly said to me 'There goes half my
business' because indeed I did like sending letters and cards and
still do.My husband joked I was paying the mailman's salary the
mailbox had so much outgoing mail in it at times.

Words can uplift or hurt. They can bring joy or pain. They can cause
laughter or bring on pain. Choose yours wisely whether talking or
writing. Being hasty can get you into much trouble or embarrassment,
take it from one who knows. Ecclesiasters 5:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not
be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter
anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let
your words be few.'

Proverbs 25:11(NIV) says 'A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold
in settings of silver.' Ephesians 4:29(NIV) says 'do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful in
building others up according to their needs, that it many benefit
those who listen.' Meditate on that for a while.

Who do you need to bring cheer to today? Perhaps a lonely soldier
overseas away from family? Maybe an elderly parent? Could a friend use
a boost? Maybe a total stranger? That is what this movie was about. I
actually received a letter from a person I did not know once who told
me God told him to write the letter to me. It was a young person I had
met briefly at a Joyce Meyer conference in Arizona. A few days later
I needed the comfort of the words in that letter and still have it to
this day. You never know
who God will use you to reach out to. Be ready and willing to be a
vessel He can use.

PRAYER: Lord today show me if there is anyone who needs an encourage
word from me either by mail, email, phone, or in person. I want you to
use me to bring cheer to the lives of others and spread your love. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

Link to info on movie:
http://www.christianfilmguide.com/movie/the-letter-writer-2011/

KEEP YOUR COOL

Are you able to keep your cool and be calm no matter what or do you feel yourself getting mad and wanting to lash back at a person who has insulted you or hurt you with words or actions?

God's word clearly states in Proverbs 15:1(NIV) 'A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Ponder that verse for a few moments about what it is saying. How do its' words speak to you?
 

Today is "Black Friday" in America. This day may cause people to say words they regret later or that could get them into trouble. Shoppers intent upon securing a high dollar electronic item or a special toy at an extremely cheap price, will at times camp out over night and then rush the store once the doors open at O Dark Thirty. Silly Americans! There have been people killed and seriously hurt when shoppers trampled them. You have to ask yourself how important a material item is to nearly get killed trying to buy it. Is that what Christmas is all about?

Shopping would be an excellent time to test your skills of love, peace, patience and kindness. No matter what you are doing, be it shopping, eating out, or visiting friends, let your life shine brightly for Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be kind and treat all people with love and kindness whether or not they return the kindness to me. Help my life be a witness for you in my home or out in the world I am in. In Jesus' name. Amen.