Random Acts of Kindness - Day 2

Hopefully you were challenged by yesterday's post to look for an opportunity to perform a RAK. And if you didn't get your chance, that's ok. Continue to pray that the Lord will show you when and who you are to bless this week.

You know the old saying, it's better to give than to receive? For most of us we would agree with that. As moms we probably find pleasure in giving our children something special that makes their eyes light up. And nothing is more rewarding than to have your spouse or child embrace you with gratitude for something you did. However, there are people in our lives in which we give and give and give and never receive anything. It's the kind of relationship where you find yourself continually being disappointed because expectations weren't met. It's exhausting to give so much of yourself and yet never see a return on your investment. Often these situations leave you feeling bitter and broken hearted. This is especially hard when that relationship is with someone close to you.

While on this earth Jesus encountered many who would not reciprocate. He healed, loved, and comforted - and yet some turned their back on him when he journeyed to the cross. Imagine how disappointed he feels when we let him down. Fortunately, his love and forgiveness is greater than we could ever know and is not dependent upon reciprocity.

Heavenly Father,

We come to you with hearts that are broken. We have reached out and made ourselves vulnerable to someone who took advantage of us. Despite how kind, loving, and compassionate we are to certain people they continue to withhold gratitude. Please Lord, give us your perseverance when we just want to give up. When kindness is returned with anger and rebellion, give us your patience. Lord we ask that you take away feelings of resentment. Holy Spirit fill us with your fruits so that we can reach out to the difficult people in our lives. Give us a desire to show kindness no matter what we receive in return. We want to be a generous giver without regard to what we would receive. Thank you Lord that you love us despite our will or ability to reciprocate. You are such a good God!

Amen

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Colossians 3:23, 24

On Our Hearts: Bland No More

Have you ever made a meal and then discovered that you left out that one key ingredient? That one seasoning or spice that provides all the flavor? Instead of a mouth-watering feast you ended up with a tasteless flop. Spices enhance the flavors; it's still beef, chicken or potatoes only better, much better. Of course you could live without it, but if there's no zip what's the point?

This is how God feels about you when you're bland. Are you lacking flavor in your spiritual walk? Are you just vanilla for God? Do you enhance the room when you gather with friends and family or are you weak and forgettable? Do you sprinkle God's love everywhere you go and leave a pleasant taste for Jesus? You don't have to be a culinary expert, just ask God to infuse you with His word.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the seasonings that enrich our food and our lives. You have given us so many flavor combinations; some sweet, some savory. Lord, show us how we can add flavor to the lives of those we touch. Forgive us for being tasteless and indifferent. We no longer want to be bland, we want to be You so that others will hunger for You. You have given us all the ingredients, we just have to follow the recipe. When we measure and integrate Your word into our lives, it's easy to reveal the heavenly banquet that You have prepared. You are the Alpha and Omega, Lord - that means that You are the one who cultivates the thirst and then You are the one who quenches it. What a glorious God you are! You are the sweet aroma among the stench of our society. Praise You Father that You are able to use us to pour out Your flavor on the world.

Amen


"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage." Matthew 5:13

On Our Hearts: No More Excuses

This week our prayers are going to focus on the lies that we are deceived into believing about ourselves. The devil's persistence in trying to break us down may be strong but it is no match for God's absolute truth. This week we're going to expose just some of the devil's lies that cloud our thinking and interfere with us having a triumphant life in Christ.

Are you full of excuses? I can't do it. I don't have time. I'm not good at that. I don't know how. Are you using these same excuses with God? I can't pray in public. I don't have time to volunteer at church. I'm not good at sharing the gospel. I don't know how to lead a worship team. Do you honestly think God would put you in a position of expanding His kingdom without the proper equipment? The devil wants you to think so. However, the truth is God has fully prepared each of us for His calling. Look around, where are you needed? What is the Lord waiting for you to do? What have you put off out of fear or selfishness? Get off the bus, sister, it's time to put your feet to the pavement and walk His talk.

Heavenly Father,

We've made every excuse in the book as to why we can't serve You right now, and for that we repent. We've let our own apprehension get in the way of fulfilling Your will. Lord, we're asking You now to show us just exactly where we are needed. Right now. Up front, behind the scenes, in the trenches - Lord, wherever You want to put us is where we will go. Let us be an agent of Your glory, an associate of Your righteousness, and a partner of Your mercy. Lord, we trust that You have furnished us with all that we need to accomplish the task. You are a big, big God. You are able to work through even the meekest of individuals. You can create a lioness out of the most timid of does. Lord give us that courage to step out of our comfort zone, to take that risk and reach out to others. Prepare us heart, soul, and body for the work that You would have us do. We're ready, Lord. Show us the way.

Amen

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

On Our Hearts: A Giving Spirit

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful for the blessings You have given us. Because of the blood of Jesus we can rest in knowing that we have eternal life. In the meantime, we have a responsibility here on earth to use what You have given us to bless others. The Bible tells us that as freely we have received we are to give. Some of us may be blessed financially, spiritually, or intellectually. Some of us may have the gift of hospitality, friendship, prayer, or compassion. Lord we know that You have given each of us a special quality that we can use to expand Your kingdom.

Father we pray that You show us how and where to give. We ask that You bless our time as we serve the homeless and weak. Nourish our bodies as we feed the hungry. Renew our spirit as we minister to the lost. Replenish our resources as we financially assist those less fortunate. Lord, nurture a spirit of giving in each of us. Show us where to best use the gifts that You have blessed us with.

Amen

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

On Our Hearts: Faithful Servant

Heavenly Father,

As moms our duties can often be defined to a checklist. Dishes? Check. Water bill paid? Check. Kids to soccer practice? Check. We determine our success by how many checkmarks we have. But Lord, only You can tell us - did we truly succeed at serving You today?

Lord, show us where and how You want us to serve. Maybe Your desire is for us to serve in our church, at our place of business, at our child's school, or even in our own home. Show us how we can help others in a way that pleases You, Lord. Reveal our gifts and allow us the opportunity to use those gifts to honor You. Help us to be a loving servant of Jesus Christ.

Amen

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality." Romans 12:10, 11, 13