“Not so with you, instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20: 26-28 NIV).
How have you been behaving like a servant lately? These words were spoken by Jesus. We are to be servants in this world. There are plenty of opportunities to be a servant.
I would like to tell you a story about a true servant who I didn’t even get the privilege of thanking. One day I went to Krogers with a twenty dollar bill in my hand. I grabbed hold of the cart with the bill still in my hand. As I went through the store I misplaced the bill. When I got to the counter and couldn’t find my money I went into panic mode. I paid with my debit card, and then went down all the aisles in vain hope that I would find that twenty dollar bill. I was feeling like an idiot. I decided to go to the help desk to see if anyone had turned in a twenty dollar bill. I didn’t have high hopes about it, needless to say. I asked the gentleman and he said that someone had just given him a twenty dollar bill. I felt like whooping and hollering. I got my money back. Then I asked God to bless that person for being honest.
That little act of kindness meant so much to me. There are so many ways you can perform acts of kindness. Help people take groceries out of their cart. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Tell the clerks thank you for what they did for you. They work hard and sometimes get harassed by holiday shoppers. Go the extra mile when someone needs assistance. Take food to those who came home from the hospital. Send greeting cards to encourage people. Start your prayers asking God to help others rather than starting in on a list all about your own woes. Giving to others will make you feel better and it will also make others happier too. Remember you are the servant of God and He needs you to show His love to others.
Dear Lord,
Help me not to focus on me and my problems, but to look for ways to help others this week. There are so many people who need encouragement. Let me be your servant and help those who need your love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Love Your Enemies by Ann Elaine Broughton
Love Your Enemies by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19 NIV).
Has someone done something wrong to you? Are you desiring to seek revenge? It is very easy to want harm to come to those who have treated you wrongly, but Jesus said we are to love our enemies.
That is very hard to do, but if Jesus could forgive those who brutally hurt him when he was crucified, we too can forgive those who treat us badly.
There have been times in my life when others have hurt me deeply and I was tempted to really want to get even. I believe it is the nature of all of us to say, “That isn’t fair”. It doesn’t solve anything though to counteract with nastiness to those who treat us unfairly, and let’s face it, life isn’t fair at all. You can expect to have someone wrong you in this life. How you behave at this time will show if you truly are a child of God. You see Christians are to act differently when they are wronged.
Jesus put it this way: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:44 NIV) This is difficult to do, but it isn’t impossible or Jesus wouldn’t have told you to do it. Remember you have the power of the Holy Spirit in you to help you love those who wrong you. Rely on that power and you will be able to do this very thing that seems impossible.
Pray for those who are your enemies and find out that your heart will be changed towards them. I feel sorry for those who are constantly causing trouble. I believe that people who are nasty need our prayers desperately. I can’t imagine going through life always seeing negative in everything. Let your light shine in their lives so that they will see Christ’s love in you. They will wonder at your attitude and might ask you why you are different. That is your chance to show them how the peace of Christ can change their lives. Think of someone this week who needs to have an attitude adjustment and pray for them.
Dear Lord,
Help me to view everyone, even my enemies, through your loving eyes. Help me to be positive around them and not seek revenge. Give me an opportunity to share your love with them.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19 NIV).
Has someone done something wrong to you? Are you desiring to seek revenge? It is very easy to want harm to come to those who have treated you wrongly, but Jesus said we are to love our enemies.
That is very hard to do, but if Jesus could forgive those who brutally hurt him when he was crucified, we too can forgive those who treat us badly.
There have been times in my life when others have hurt me deeply and I was tempted to really want to get even. I believe it is the nature of all of us to say, “That isn’t fair”. It doesn’t solve anything though to counteract with nastiness to those who treat us unfairly, and let’s face it, life isn’t fair at all. You can expect to have someone wrong you in this life. How you behave at this time will show if you truly are a child of God. You see Christians are to act differently when they are wronged.
Jesus put it this way: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:44 NIV) This is difficult to do, but it isn’t impossible or Jesus wouldn’t have told you to do it. Remember you have the power of the Holy Spirit in you to help you love those who wrong you. Rely on that power and you will be able to do this very thing that seems impossible.
Pray for those who are your enemies and find out that your heart will be changed towards them. I feel sorry for those who are constantly causing trouble. I believe that people who are nasty need our prayers desperately. I can’t imagine going through life always seeing negative in everything. Let your light shine in their lives so that they will see Christ’s love in you. They will wonder at your attitude and might ask you why you are different. That is your chance to show them how the peace of Christ can change their lives. Think of someone this week who needs to have an attitude adjustment and pray for them.
Dear Lord,
Help me to view everyone, even my enemies, through your loving eyes. Help me to be positive around them and not seek revenge. Give me an opportunity to share your love with them.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, October 31, 2010
God's Power is In You by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).
How often do you realize what wonderful power you have available to you through Jesus Christ? He is able to do things through you that you could never do by yourself. It is amazing, this power that the Holy Spirit inside you can produce. But most of us are blind to this power because we like to do it ourselves. We smugly say that we don’t need any help because we have the ability without God’s help. Then we stumble and fall and beg God to help us. Wouldn’t it be much easier to rely on His power in us first? Think about it. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. We can’t even think about all the ways God can work in us if we allow Him to do it.
Doubts can creep in and questions haunt us. What if I fail? What if people don’t support me? Satan loves to throw out these questions in order to make you feel helpless. Don’t believe the lies. You are a child of the king. You can do all things through His strength. Believe it and claim it. The power is there for you to grab hold of and jump into whatever God is calling you to do. Get out of your comfort zone and do something for God that is so big that only He can do it. You have His power. Do something with it.
We have gone to Niagra Falls many times. I was amazed to see the power of the falls. All that water cascading and thundering down upon the rocks. That power was harnessed and used to produce electricity for many people. Someone had the fortitude to do this. Isn’t it amazing that they could produce power from water? Can you imagine that?
Just as that power from water was harnessed so you must harness the power within you by God to do something amazing for Him. It is time for you to make a difference.
Dear Lord,
I know that your power exists in me. Help me to step out in faith and use that power to do your will. I know that you will help me overcome doubts. Thank you for giving me the power that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
How often do you realize what wonderful power you have available to you through Jesus Christ? He is able to do things through you that you could never do by yourself. It is amazing, this power that the Holy Spirit inside you can produce. But most of us are blind to this power because we like to do it ourselves. We smugly say that we don’t need any help because we have the ability without God’s help. Then we stumble and fall and beg God to help us. Wouldn’t it be much easier to rely on His power in us first? Think about it. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. We can’t even think about all the ways God can work in us if we allow Him to do it.
Doubts can creep in and questions haunt us. What if I fail? What if people don’t support me? Satan loves to throw out these questions in order to make you feel helpless. Don’t believe the lies. You are a child of the king. You can do all things through His strength. Believe it and claim it. The power is there for you to grab hold of and jump into whatever God is calling you to do. Get out of your comfort zone and do something for God that is so big that only He can do it. You have His power. Do something with it.
We have gone to Niagra Falls many times. I was amazed to see the power of the falls. All that water cascading and thundering down upon the rocks. That power was harnessed and used to produce electricity for many people. Someone had the fortitude to do this. Isn’t it amazing that they could produce power from water? Can you imagine that?
Just as that power from water was harnessed so you must harness the power within you by God to do something amazing for Him. It is time for you to make a difference.
Dear Lord,
I know that your power exists in me. Help me to step out in faith and use that power to do your will. I know that you will help me overcome doubts. Thank you for giving me the power that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, October 17, 2010
God's Wisdom is Available to You by Ann E. Broughton
God’s Wisdom is Available to You by Ann Elaine Broughton
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
If you have the wisdom from God your life should display the above attributes. Do they? Does your behavior every day display the wisdom of God that this verse is talking about? It is available to you but you must want it and desire it above all else.
Have you ever noticed a dilapidated house? While we were out on a drive we went past a house that was totally falling apart. The front porch had fallen and all the windows were broken. It took many years for that house to get in that condition. Little by little it fell apart due to neglect. In the same way, our spiritual life can slowly weaken due to neglect, leaving our souls open to attack from the devil. It is hard to gain wisdom from God, when you haven’t prayed, read the Bible, or have gone to church in a long time. Sometimes it sneaks up on you. Maybe you save your praying for just before bed and you find yourself falling asleep before your prayer ends. Maybe you want to sleep in on Sunday instead of going to church. If you keep neglecting to draw near to God, you will find that your life isn’t displaying the wonderful attributes found in the above verse that can affect other people’s lives in a positive manner.
We have all been given the ability to make our own choices. What choices are you making that please God? Think about it. Don’t let your soul become like that dilapidated house. Instead may your life show to others that Christ is in your heart and His wisdom rules your life in every aspect.
It is up to you to have the self-discipline to do what God wants you to do. Take the time to draw closer to Him and find out that His wisdom will help you become the person He wants you to be.
Dear Lord,]
Help me to have self-discipline. Help me to seek you daily in prayer, to read your word to gain wisdom, and not to neglect meeting with other Christians. I want to acquire all the attributes that your wisdom can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
If you have the wisdom from God your life should display the above attributes. Do they? Does your behavior every day display the wisdom of God that this verse is talking about? It is available to you but you must want it and desire it above all else.
Have you ever noticed a dilapidated house? While we were out on a drive we went past a house that was totally falling apart. The front porch had fallen and all the windows were broken. It took many years for that house to get in that condition. Little by little it fell apart due to neglect. In the same way, our spiritual life can slowly weaken due to neglect, leaving our souls open to attack from the devil. It is hard to gain wisdom from God, when you haven’t prayed, read the Bible, or have gone to church in a long time. Sometimes it sneaks up on you. Maybe you save your praying for just before bed and you find yourself falling asleep before your prayer ends. Maybe you want to sleep in on Sunday instead of going to church. If you keep neglecting to draw near to God, you will find that your life isn’t displaying the wonderful attributes found in the above verse that can affect other people’s lives in a positive manner.
We have all been given the ability to make our own choices. What choices are you making that please God? Think about it. Don’t let your soul become like that dilapidated house. Instead may your life show to others that Christ is in your heart and His wisdom rules your life in every aspect.
It is up to you to have the self-discipline to do what God wants you to do. Take the time to draw closer to Him and find out that His wisdom will help you become the person He wants you to be.
Dear Lord,]
Help me to have self-discipline. Help me to seek you daily in prayer, to read your word to gain wisdom, and not to neglect meeting with other Christians. I want to acquire all the attributes that your wisdom can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)