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: Three Simple Words

Just do it. What do think when you hear those words? Perhaps a popular shoe company comes to mind. Maybe you see images of sculpted athletes in their quest to achieve success. Hard to believe that just three simple words (and a large advertising budget) would have the ability to motivate and inspire. However, I think there is another set of three words that has an even greater ability to touch lives. God is love. Some poets, song writers, and artists have spent their entire lives trying to portray what love is and there's the answer right there in the bible. It's so simple, and yet so lost on so many people. Fortunately God doesn't need a mega-million advertising campaign complete with sports stars, two-page magazine spreads, or a 30 second TV spot during half-time - He's got you!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your love. 1 John 4 tells us that we must love one another, but in order to do that we must accept your love. We are so thankful Lord that you are able to love us despite all the despicable things we have done. You love us unconditionally, and now it's our turn. It's our turn to share that love with the world, to reach out to those who don't know you. It's our responsibility to show our family, our neighbors, and everyone we come in contact with who you are, God. Let us wait no more, we're done with excuses. Lift us up over the obstacles that stand in our way, remove the fear that holds us back and show us those who need your love the most. Lord, we are moms with a special assignment and we will go. We will go out in our community, our nation and then to the world to tell others three simple words: God is love.

Amen

"Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other." 1 John 4:10,11

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