Be Kind to One Another by Ann Elaine Broughton

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

In our busy schedule of life it is easy to get caught up in work or activities so much that we get worn out. It is at this time when it is easy to snap at our loved ones. I think we have a tendency to treat our own family worse then strangers, thinking they live with us so they will still love us. I think Satan is involved in all this so there will be conflict in our families. We need to stand firm in Christ and treat everyone the way we would want to be treated; with kindness and a compassion. We need to take time every day just to be quiet and pray for wisdom to handle difficulties with our families, co-workers, or friends.
Forgiving each other can be very difficult, especially when you have been hurt unfairly. But the Bible is very clear on forgiveness: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).
So when other people hurt us in any way, we must forgive them as this is a command from Jesus. It is a struggle sometimes to do this, but if we surrender the person who has caused us pain to the Lord and let Him deal with it, we will find peace. After all, if Jesus could forgive the men who beat Him, spat upon Him, scourged Him, and crucified Him, we can do the same to those who cause us pain. When we behave in this manner: treating others with compassion and with kindness and forgiveness, it is a tremendous witness to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. Ask God to help you with this and you will see a difference in your attitude towards everyone.
Dear Lord,
Help us to have compassion for others at all times. Help us to view others as you would. Help us to forgive those who sin against just the way you did. We know we can do this through your help.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Work At It With All Your Heart by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

As we start the work week, I think it is important to remember who you are really serving. Sometimes it is easy to forget that what you do isn’t just another job, but that you have been guided by God to be where you are for a specific reason. God has a purpose for you where you are, and it is up to you, through prayer, to use the talents God has given you to work for Him. He knows that you have the abilities to fulfill this purpose or you wouldn’t be in this position. Where you are weak, He will give you the strength to carry on if you ask Him for it. See each challenge as a way to serve Him and gain wisdom from Him to handle the problem. Someone is in need of you and your specific ability where you work. They need to hear your encouraging words. Be in tune with God so He will guide you to assist those who need your love, guidance, and encouragement.
I recently finished reading a great book called “One In A Million” by Priscilla Shirer. It is such a good book about how as a Christian it is so important for you to step out in faith and do what God has shown you to do. Sometimes it takes courage to do this at work. This may mean that you may have to step out of your comfort zone. But always remember the Lord is with you. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Remember the Lord is always with you.
During this week, remember to seek out God to help you through the rough times at your job, and step out in faith if He wants you to accept a challenge.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please help me as I start another week doing your service that you handpicked me to do. Keep me on track, knowing that you are the one I must ultimately answer to. Help me to do my best for you. Help me to imagine that you have a hand on my shoulder and are guiding all of my decisions.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Communion and Jesus' Sacrifice by Ann Elaine Broughton

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NIV).
Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who gave their lives serving our country. In the church our memorial is communion. It is a time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. He gave His life willingly as the ultimate sacrifice. This is something we should remember with a solemn heart.
Our church has communion every Sunday. Some say that it is too often, but I don’t think so. For me it is a very important part of the worship and a very good reason to go to church every Sunday. When I take communion I reflect on what I saw in “The Passion” movie. I see Jesus being beaten with a whip until his back was in shreds. I see the people spitting on him. I hear the nails being pounded into his flesh on the cross. I hear the jeering of the crowd telling him to come off of the cross. Then I am humbled beyond what I can describe to you. He did all that for you and me. He suffered beyond what I could ever endure so that my sins could be forgiven. Then as I meditate on these things, I feel a love fill my soul for such a Savior who would choose to suffer for me. It is a time for me to forget about the cares of this world, and sit and reflect on my Savior’s love for everyone. It is so very meaningful.
But if you take communion in a flippant manner, then you will be guilty of sin. “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (1 Cor. 11:27-28 NIV). You see it is a time of self-reflection. For me it is a time to reflect on the past week and think about if I have behaved in a manner not worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. I repent if something comes to my mind that I need to confess. Then I pray that God will help me during the coming week to not do that particular sin again. We are all human and we make mistakes. Communion for me is a time to confess those sins and then to try to be more like Christ during the coming week.
So as you celebrate Memorial Day, also reflect on Jesus’ great sacrifice for you.
Dear Lord,
Help us when we take communion to take it in a serious manner knowing that the sacrifice of Jesus’ life for our sins was the ultimate sacrifice. Help us to reflect on our lives and how we can strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Our Wonderful Counselor by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Jesus is our counselor. He is always available without making an appointment. You won’t be put on hold when you call on His name.
You won’t have to sit in a waiting room thumbing through magazines for an hour because everyone knows that no doctor or psychologist is on time. You will be counseled by the most perfect person in the world, who was tempted in every way but did not give in to that temptation. What human can say that? He has been ridiculed and mocked so he can relate to you if you are being persecuted by someone. He has known grief when his very good friend, Lazarus died so He understands when you suffer agony over the loss of a friend or loved one. He was betrayed by one that He had chosen to be part of the twelve, a group who He taught specifically to be the ones who formed the foundation of the church. Because of this betrayal He was brutally crucified and yet He forgave all those who participated in it.
So He understands if you have been betrayed by a friend or your spouse. He will help you to forgive and move on with your life.
He knows what it is to be without food for awhile, since He went without food for forty days and nights. He knows your needs and will help you. “So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What Shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33 NIV). Jesus was in agony in the garden when he was praying before he was crucified. He understands how you are feeling if you are facing something that is anguishing: such as cancer or any debilitating illness. He will give you peace. There have been times when I have been in great need and cried out to the Lord to help me. Then I felt a peace flood over my soul that can’t even be put into words. This peace is also available to everyone who calls upon the Lord for help. He is our Great Counselor. He loves you with a love that no human can give. Just trust Him and pour out your hear to Him. He is always available.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes it is too easy just to wallow in self-pity, instead of carrying our burdens and needs to you. We know that you are our Wonderful Counselor who hears our prayers and answers them. Give us peace in the midst of turmoil. Thank you for your peace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen