Tag: Christian Blog

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Christian Living kindness

The Emotional Gas Gauge

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

The blogsmith Jeffrey H. King recently wrote about the need for doing random acts of kindness in his post, Quote for 12/13/2020.

However, at least for him, it sounds more “plan”dom—as he watches for opportunities to say kind words to strangers who cross his path.

The efficient waitress, or the couple out in public with a well-behaved toddler (I know, it’s like seeing a unicorn)😉 are perfect candidates for what I shall henceforth refer to as that, “Mister King Thing.”

After all, says Jeffrey, “There’s no way to know how close someone is to the end of their rope.”

I often find myself writing comments on Jeffrey’s blog that are long enough to be posts in themselves. Sorry, brother. It’s a wonder you don’t edit my philosophical ramblings for length and clarity!

The morning of 12/13/20 was no exception, as, when I read the quote above, I immediately envisioned how convenient it would be if everyone had an emotional “gas gauge” pasted on their forehead. This would be super helpful for knowing who needs a kind word and who doesn’t.

However, Jeffrey and I both agreed–in our back and forth comments–that since the EGG (emotional gas gauge) hasn’t been invented yet, it’s really anyone’s guess how close someone is to running on fumes. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a sincere compliment–even from a stranger?

Therefore, the “Mister King Thing” is ALWAYS the best practice.

Kindness Matters!

Here are a few of my favorite scriptures about the value of kindness:

“A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.” Proverbs 11:17 (NIV)

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

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV)

Do you have a favorite scripture about the importance of being kind, or maybe a story about how you’ve personally seen the power of kindness at work? Please share!

Categories
Faith positivity

Find the Good

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:9

Pastorpete51 of Praise2worshipdotnet recently shared a superb story about the mother of Jesus from a fresh angle. Mary’s Treasure focuses on the fact that this young (very pregnant) woman had just traveled a considerable distance and then given birth in a stable.

Pastor Pete sets the scene:

Finally, just as Mary and her newborn baby settled off to sleep, a crowd of shepherds stampeded in and began singing and shouting something about angels.

Peter Caligiuri

But rather than being annoyed, the Bible says Mary “Treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

In other words, she recognized that the events unfolding around her were a fulfillment of what the angel Gabriel told her nine months earlier.

If you don’t already follow Pastor Pete’s blog, please check it out! He shares some great scriptural thoughts, sprinkled with personal stories and music. Again, it’s called praise2worshipdotnet.

I have these two bracelets that I often wear–doubled up, just like this. They remind me that I need to look twice as hard for the good.

I think that’s what Mary did. After traveling 90 miles by donkey to give birth in a barn, she treasured the shepherd’s story of how angels told them about her newborn son.

She found the good. And so can we.

No, everything that happens to us isn’t going to be positive, but our response CAN be.

Thank God for Mary, who agreed to be the mother of Jesus Christ. She went through more trauma (and later, grief) than most moms, but I believe she kept the faith.

For a look at why finding the good–especially these days–is more important than ever, please read my post, The Sky is Probably NOT Falling.

Categories
Christmas servanthood

King David-Doorkeeper

“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

Back when I worked for Frito Lay, Inc, there was a story that circulated about a fellow RSR (Route Sales Representative) who had a chance encounter with the company CEO.

It happened on Christmas Eve in picturesque Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The RSR was busy stocking the displays at a local convenience store, when in walked the CEO! As it turned out, the BIG BOSS had a home in the area and was spending Christmas in snowy Colorado.

“Steamboat Springs, Colorado Mountains” by DaggieW is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Well, as the story goes, the CEO saw the young delivery driver surrounded by boxes of salty snacks on Christmas Eve and decided to “chip” in.😉 For the next 30 minutes the top executive of Frito Lay worked side by side with one of the rank and file— stocking shelves!

What a picture!

King David imagined a similar role reversal when he said he’d rather be a doorkeeper at the synagogue than hang out with the wicked.

Picture the scene: You show up at the temple for worship and one of the ushers is the King of Israel!

“Would you like a bulletin? There are still a few empty seats down front.”

“That’s prince Solomon’s dad!” you stammer out loud, taking out your phone for a picture.

A similar spirit of service and humility made Jesus willing to be born in a barn. And God’s equal becoming humanity’s servant is WAY bigger than CEO’s stocking shelves or kings handing out bulletins!

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 (NIV)

And He did this only for kings, CEO’s and other very important people? Nope.


Christ died for us ALL!

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

To a delivery driver stocking shelves on Christmas Eve, or the shepherds out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night, it’s just another day on the job—until THE BOSS shows up!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Photo by Kat Jayne on Pexels.com

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)