Let’s Do It God’s Way!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

These are the times that some men seek and some attempt to avoid at all costs. The uncertainty of a nation is always a time that gives us pause to think about how it will all end.

This is not a doomsday prophecy, but rather an attempt to convince all reading that we, as a nation, really need to think about all we hear and read in the news. There is a crisis brewing in this nation and it’s not going to be solved with a special prosecutor (though that will help expedite truth where the White House is concerned). The only way the ills of this nation will be solved is by every American accepting every other American as a human being with feelings and rights as a human being. The real problem is those who think they are superior over others and treat them as though they are door mats.

If we could ever get beyond the “labeling” that most feel we must acknowledge, life would be so much simpler. We don’t have to carry the labels of White American, Black American, Red American, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Straight, Gay or any other label. Let’s look in the mirror and see a human being–worthy of love and respect and fair and equitable treatment in any and every venue in this land.

Let’s learn to treat each other respectfully–even when we disagree–and with compassion, knowing how to love unconditionally, even the unlovable. If we are ever going to see a change in this country for the better, we must stop enabling stupidity and start encouraging love of the human race. This is the only race we have (for the moment).

My platform is to be in a position to serve the needs of all Everyday Americans–not just one segregated group, but all Americans. And with the support of other Everyday Americans, we can hope to see change in 2020 and pray that change will continue.

I am convinced that when we do things God’s way, we cannot fail and there can be no mistakes made. Loving one another is never a mistake and love will make a way to overcome hatred when we allow love to guide us in all we do.

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Loving Him!

“Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV).

If we think about all the popular and contemporary songs and poetry about love–we might get a glimpse of what “love” means to some people, but unfortunately, those songs and poetry have inadvertently set a standard for many about the meaning of love that simply does not stand the test of time.

Love–in its most simplistic form–does! What does it do? Love serves the object of its affection without reservation, unconditionally.

Love seeks to bring others closer–to the one who loves and those around them.

Love takes a licking and keeps on ticking (excuse the analogy) from Timex. But then–love is timeless–it never tires of loving, no matter what happens.

Love overlooks the faults and shortcomings of those it loves and loves regardless of those faults. Love recognizes that there are no perfect people, and accepts their own imperfections, but strives for perfection. Love does not criticize but encourages others to always do what is right.

Love sets the example for others to follow. Rather than talk a good talk–love walks the love-walk–daily in all kinds of weather.

Love–what is it good for? Absolutely everything and for everyone.

Therefore–if we truly know Love (for He is love), we would have no problem loving Him or others–no matter their gender, ethnicity, age, or past. For God is without gender (as we know it–He is Spirit and Father), He has no ethnicity. He has no age and His past, present and future are interwoven in His being–Timeless. He simply–is!

So rather than concentrate our efforts on demeaning and criticizing others, let’s look at how God loves us and how He wants us to love others. We just might be surprised at the time we save–finding more to show those we love–just how much we love, them and Him!

Comfort As He Comforts!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV).

While on this journey (life) we have all felt the need to be comforted at one time or another. When we’re unhappy, we need to be comforted; when we’re sad, we need to be comforted, when we feel lost or abandoned, we need to be comforted. For those who know The Lord, we know we can turn to Him–for whatever we need–and it will be provided. And because we know Him, we can reach out to others to comfort them when they need to be comforted–and comfort them–like He comforts us. How do we do that? By showering them with love.

Loving a person means more than just having a “feeling” about someone. When we truly love someone–that love is manifested by our willingness to serve them–in whatever capacity they need to be served. If they need a hug, we hug them. If they need encouragement, we encourage. If they need a shoulder to cry on, we allow them to lean on us and cry. If they need food and shelter, we direct or assist them in achieving a need. If they need a smile, we smile. What does God do? He uses us to serve the needs of others by doing for us, what He wants us to do.

There are a number of people out there in the world today who are fearful, insecure, lonely, desolate and feeling unloved. Won’t you find them–seek them out and find a way to comfort them? Sometimes, just a cup of coffee or tea and a hug makes a world of difference to those who are facing unknown trials and known persecutions. Students are graduating without knowing what’s ahead of them–give them an encouraging word. Soldiers are leaving families to protect other families–assure them you’ll be there for theirs when they need them. Someone just buried a loved one–don’t crowd them right now, but let them know you’ll be there when they need you.

We are not God, but we can do some of the things that He does–never allow anyone to feel alone or abandoned by letting them we’ll be right there and they are never alone. Our most effective witness to others is in how we treat people, not in just having something to say about Jesus. Be a witness today–offer comfort where comfort is needed and when you need it–He’ll be right there in the person of someone else who has learned to comfort like He comforts.

Comforted to Comfort!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV).

This reminder from Paul shores up my belief that all blesses from God to us are to be used to be blessing to others.

Any wisdom received from God should be used with and for others, not just selves.

Financial blessings received from God through whoever or whatever the source He chooses to release them, should be used to be a blessing for others.

The mercy God shows us, we should extend to us–knowing that He didn’t have to show mercy, but His love towards us–resulted in us receiving mercy and we should extend the same mercy towards others.

When God comforts us–in the wee hours of the night, sitting by the bed of a loved one who is ill or dying, we have received the tools we need to comfort others–compassion, patience, endurance and a heart of flesh–not stone.

With all of the turmoil swirling around us today–impending wars, terminal illnesses, rebellious spirits, economic uncertainty, and the loss of loved ones–receive the comfort of the Lord and be ready to comfort others, just as He comforts us–without faultfinding, finger-pointing, reciprocal expectations or anything other than–love. What He does for us–we should willingly do for others when the need arises.

Pray for one another at all times. Be ready to provide a shoulder for others to use (not for pity parties) in a time of need. Be ready to have a listening ear and a word of encouragement.

Remember that God works through people for the benefit of people. Listen, hear, and obey.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to hear and do all You ask of us so that others may see You in all we do.

Joyful Heart!

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

With our whole hearts, and joy overflowing, we should be glad to serve the Lord!

If we cannot think of anything else for which we should be glad, we should be glad that He loved us enough to die for us–so we would have access to heaven.

For whom we truly love, we serve with a joyful heart and are glad to have the opportunity to serve. Hopefully, this is our attitude towards spouses, children, other family members and friends–who we claim to love. It is extremely difficult to “serve” someone when a person does “have” any love for them.

We say we love the Lord. Are our hearts full of joy? Are we glad to serve Him in whatever capacity He has called us? Do we have the audacity to burst into song at any given time–just because we love to serve Him? If we serve Him because of our relationship with Him, doing what He has called us to do, brings joy to us and others. There is no hardship in serving the Lord, even though the enemy is always on the attack, we know that the Lord has never forsaken us and when we are doing what He has destined us to do, He will get the glory!

It’s shouting time! Hallelujah! Don’t look back–look forward and be glad He has called you into service and let your heart overflow with the joy serving Him brings! Bless The Lord! It’s time for a praise dance–excuse me while I sing His praises as I move along this morning! Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!

 

Know Who You Serve!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism” (Colossians 3:23-25).

There are times in this life that we forget who it is we really are called to serve.  Notwithstanding that when we work at a job, or for a career, we usually work to pacify “man” or the corporation for whom we work.  Even in that capacity, our approach to doing a job for pay should be done as “unto The Lord” so we can expect a reward and not just a paycheck.

Think about it!  How many times have people gone to work with a poor attitude and did their work halfheartedly?  How many times have people gone to work late and then get an attitude when they are admonished about their attendance?  How many people take far too much time for breaks and lunches and then get frustrated when they don’t complete their tasks for the day?  How many people “steal” from their employees and then attempt to justify the theft? How many people think they deserve a promotion and more pay when they have not been diligent or as productive as they need to be in the position they have and then get angry with a manager or supervisor because they are always overlooked?

Some people think they deserve positions and pay simply because they suffer from the delusion of entitlement.  Some think they deserve positions because they know somebody who knows somebody.  And some think they deserve positions because of family connections, even when they are not qualified to do a job.

On our jobs, within our families, in our communities and wherever else we may be; we must remember that whatever we do, we should do it as unto The Lord and do it to the very best of our ability.  Our rewards, ultimately–come from The Lord.  It is He who touches the heart of those supervising us. It is He who gives us favor with people we don’t even know.  And it is He who also sees everything we do and will allow the consequences of our actions to fall upon us–good or bad.

In order to make sure we always receive God’s best, we should always do our best in serving Him and others.  “Be not deceived!  God is not mocked.  He sees and knows all and when we think no one else is watching, He is!”  Serve The Lord with joy–smile, seek means to do extra to help someone else and watch Him work on your behalf. 

Father, help us to understand what true service is to You so we can be better at serving You through all we do.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen!