I hope and trust this post finds you having a great day as a beautiful new day dawns!
This weeks Happy Friday is going to be short & sweet however it will carry with it a challenge, a plea, to follow through. Earlier this week as I was driving to work listening to the radio, the announcers were talking about all of the strife in our world today, how it can cause fear, how it can seem so overwhelming, etc. They also pointed out that it can seem like nothing that any of us can do really matters, however this is not true. They then encouraged all of their listeners to do their good, whatever it is, wherever they are at. That is my challenge for each of us this week, to do our good wherever we are at.
You know, there is a guide for us. It is found in Romans 12. Here is what is says:
Romans 12 (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A few things:
1. I want to respectfully ask you to really read this verse - dare I ask each of us to do so every day for a week?! - and let it speak to your heart.
2. I have shared this with you before however it is really a burden on my heart this morning; a Pastor of mine once asked, "What part of the Bible do you believe?" The "Sunday School" answer is all of it; the truth is it is the parts that we actually walk out. We can be really good at picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we will quote, follow, etc. Please realize, the same God that said, "We have different gifts" also said, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." Please let ALL of this scripture speak to you - fill your mind, heart & spirit with these precious words.
And then...
3. Do your good where you are at... God will take it from there.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your families. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please do your good & please, cherish your precious families.
Kev
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