God Is On Our Side

 

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Everyday life can grind us down if we only look at things that are happening at the moment.  Everybody has problems and sometimes suffer because of things beyond their control.  

But we are encouraged to look beyond the moment and to God for renewal of our spirit.  When we look to God we see that what is happening right now, is not reflective of our relationship with God and our salvation.

God's plans for us are eternal and He renews us every day.  God is on our side. 

Love Mankind

 

This commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

1 John 4:21

Being a Christian is all about loving mankind. We are to love those who are the least lovable and extend a hand of fellowship to them.

How else will they come to know Jesus if we do not show them the way by first loving them and second, by sharing the Gospel?

Serving Others

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in…

Mathew 25:35

My Mother's family was very poor.  She often talked about having nothing to eat but corn meal mush - porridge for breakfast and fried for supper.  But, she said they never went hungry.

One year at Thanksgiving time, the local doctor came to visit and gave them a bushel of apples and a turkey.  It was such a great treat for the family.  My Uncle Bill said they he thought he had died and gone to heaven to have such food.  

For many of us, food is not a problem, but we need to remember for many people around the world and maybe even the people next door, that food is scarce.  Jesus reminds us one way to serve him is to care for others and providing food to others is a way to do this.  

So, when we go to the store, we can buy a few extra things and donate them to the local food pantry or even just leave them on the door step of someone who we think is in need.   

By serving others, we serve God. 

 

In All Things

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

The Apostles faced many difficulties.  They knew what it was like to be rejected, to be hungry and to be ill.  In all these things they trusted God and found strength to keep going.

We too sometimes face difficult times and we can take comfort knowing that in all things God is with us and will see us through.

Our strength is not in ourselves, but in God's love and care for us.

Be brave, keep going.   

 

Try A Little Kindness

 

To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:20-21

This is a tall order and completely contrary to our human nature.  But it goes to heart of the Gospel.

We are servants of God and it is our assignment to do our best to represent the love of God in the world.  This means that sometimes we have to go out of our way to be kind to people who we think do not deserve kindness.  

It is, after all, more important to do the right thing than to be right.

Be kind. 

A Touchy Subject

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

 

James 5:19-20

Talking to someone about their sin is a touchy subject.  They may get mad or they may say that we are not so hot ourselves.  The problem is the Bible does not say we are to be perfect, the Bible says we are to love one another.  We do not demonstrate the love of God by watching someone destroy their life. 

We are not to jump on people with accusations.  We are to help turn them around.  We act in love by offering the salvation message of Jesus.  Then we let God do the rest.

 

Be A Cheerleader

 

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. “For the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?”

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus was serious when it came to teaching good human relations. He wanted us to know that we cannot win people to the Gospel, if we beat them up by pointing out all their character flaws. And, that the truth is that we all have plenty of flaws which need fixing because people are not perfect.

Jesus wants us to love others unconditionally. And, generously share the Gospel message with everyone.

It is when people receive Jesus as their Lord, Master and Savior that the life transforming work of God begins. And, our part in it is to be there as their cheerleaders.