Tag Archives: Love One Another

Does God Really Expect Me to Submit in My Marriage?

Just mention the idea that we should submit in marriage and you will prompt strong emotional responses. But maybe there's a reason God wants it for us. #Marriage #Submission #LoveandRespect #Blessings

I’ve learned there’s a word that is a notorious lightning rod known for inflaming emotions and prompting strong verbal reactions.

What’s the word?

Submission!

I once brought it up with a group of individuals who were half my age and I thought their heads were going to explode.

Many think it’s an archaic idea that should never be applied to our current modern society.

So, what do you think . . . should we just ignore Paul’s words:

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

Ephsians 5:22 (NIV)

No, we shouldn’t. But we also shouldn’t take those words out of context. You see, Paul began this section with the following:

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

And he followed his words to wives with this statement to husbands.

 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)

The problem is that the whole concept of submission goes wrong when husbands or wives use selected words from these verses as a weapon against the other.

God didn’t inspire the words to wives for husbands or the words to husbands for wives . . . each person is to focus on the words that apply to them not the ones intended for the other. Submission is not a club to be wielded but an offering of love to be given.

Because we love and respect Jesus we are called to yield ourselves to each other – wives to husbands and husbands to wives.

Husbands are to be all in with loving their wives “as Christ loved the church.”

And wives are to be all in with loving their husbands “as to the Lord.”

Both are equally high callings with extraordinary standards.

And Rev and I have learned that when both husband and wife try to “outdo” the other by putting them first . . . great things happen.

Love grows deeper and marriages grow stronger.

Just mention the idea that we should submit in marriage and you will prompt strong emotional responses. But maybe there's a reason God wants it for us. #Marriage #Submission #LoveandRespect #Blessings

A Prayer to Submit in My Marriage Out of Love

Father, first and foremost, I want to submit to You. I want to live completely surrendered to Your love. I want to fully trust and obey Your will because I am surrounded by Your love.

Your Word tells us to submit to each other in marriage. It tells us to humbly put each other first. I’ll admit, that’s hard Lord. It’s especially hard when it is not mutual. Please forgive our selfishness. You love sacrificially and You ask us to do the same.

I am so very thankful that you don’t ask me to do it on my own. You give me Your Spirit to remind me of Your Words (John 14:26) and You promise that when I am weak You give me strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). You promise to give me everything I need to trust and obey You (2 Peter 1:3)

Lord, please give us everything we need to submit in our marriage. Help us love and respect each other. Deepen our love that we might each try to outdo one another. Fill us with love and respect for You and for each other. I give myself to You, in love, Lord. Please help us humbly gives ourselves in submission out of love. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just mention the idea that we should submit in marriage and you will prompt strong emotional responses. But maybe there's a reason God wants it for us. #Marriage #Submission #LoveandRespect #Blessings

A number of years ago, I led several sessions at a Women’s Retreat on this subject, and much to my surprise . . . the ladies asked me to teach a Bible Study so their husbands could be part of the discussion.

I will never forget the main point that changed our thinking and turned submission from a dirty word into a blessing.

♥ If husbands loved their wives sacrificially the way Christ Jesus loved the church, wives would find it much easier to submit. And if wives showed their husbands love and respect, husbands would find it easier to love sacrificially.

Both of those things come through humble love, intentional communication, and lots of prayer.

I believe that’s why Paul knew we needed to start by:

Always [giving] thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20 (ERV)

Because it is only when we are truly humble and willing to:

Honor Christ and put others first.

Ephesians 5:21(CEV)

That we can respect, love, and submit in marriage.

On today’s note write:

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

May God bless you today as you choose to love humbly, listen intentionally, and pray without ceasing.

Click here to read the rest of Ephesians 5.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

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An Important Biblical Truth You Need to Know About Love

The perfect place to look at the truth about love is 1 Corinthians 13 - often called the love chapter. By God's grace faith, hope, and love will last forever. #Love #1Corinthians13 #BibleStudy #Blessings

It’s long been called the “love chapter,” one that has been shared at countless weddings over the years…

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Culture confuses love with that warm fuzzy feeling we get at weddings as two people gaze into each other’s eyes with family, friends, and festivities making it all seem like a beautiful fairy tale. But unlike the “happily ever after” ending of your favorite prince and princess story, real-life love is so much more than that inner feeling.

The love God gives and wants for us is directed toward others no matter how we “feel.” As the LAB Notes say, it is “utterly unselfish!”

And the truth is . . . that kind of love, the kind of love God wants for us, is impossible without His help.

It is impossible, without God’s help, to be patient and kind, humble and gentle, unselfish and hopeful with a love that lasts forever.

Why?

Because our sinful human nature is selfish and without God’s help . . . selfishness ultimately wins.

But with God’s help and the power of His Spirit – we can put aside our selfishness and love like Jesus.

Jesus’ love is love in action. It is love that sacrifices and gives. It is caring and compassionate. It trusts and hopes.

When we surrender ourselves to God’s love and He fills us with His Spirit we are blessed with the words of maybe the most frequently quoted words from Scripture…

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13
The perfect place to look at the truth about love is 1 Corinthians 13 - often called the love chapter. By God's grace faith, hope, and love will last forever. #Love #1Corinthians13 #BibleStudy #Blessings

A Prayer to Live the Truth About Love

Father, You are love and You love perfectly and faithfully. Your love never fails and never ends. You are patient and forgiving and today I ask You to forgive me. I want to love the way Your Word tells me You want me to love. I want to be a humble encourager, patient and forgiving, understanding, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and full of faith and hope. But the truth is I’m not. Please forgive me. Give me the strength to ask for forgiveness from the people I have not loved well.

I am learning that love does not depend on my feelings. Loving the way You want is to pour out into others the love You pour into me. On my own, I can’t love that way but with Your help, I can. Your Word reminds me that I can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) You promise that when I focus my heart and mind on You—when I SEEK You first, You give me everything I need . . . even the ability to love like Jesus. (Luke 12:31)

The truth about love, Lord, is that the closer we are to You the closer we will be to each other. The more we surrender our lives to Your love the more we are able to love one another. Your grace and love overwhelm me. Your love truly is the greatest gift of all! I thank You and pray that by Your grace and with Your help I might love like Jesus. In whose name I pray. Amen.

The perfect place to look at the truth about love is 1 Corinthians 13 - often called the love chapter. By God's grace faith, hope, and love will last forever. #Love #1Corinthians13 #BibleStudy #Blessings

The truth is everyone on the planet craves love. We know that children fail to thrive when they don’t receive nurture and love. We think we want the warm fuzzy fairy tale love and that’s a wonderful thing when it happens but that emotion cannot last without unselfish patient forgiving caring love that demonstrates itself through words and actions.

Love that, praise God, He gives to us so that we can give it to others.

On today’s note write:

The truth about love is . . . we are loved by God to love Him and unselfishly love others.

I’m praying that you are overwhelmed by God’s love today and every day.

Click here to read the rest of 1 Corinthians 13.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

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Why It’s Important for All Churches to Love People Not Burden Them

May we make it a goal of the church to love and celebrate everyone who wants to know more about our faith and the reason we trust and love Jesus. #church #loveothers #churchwelcome #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It was a clash of two completely different cultures that first presented a huge challenge to the early church.

Gentiles (non-Jews) were putting their faith in Christ Jesus in large numbers. And many Jewish Christians were willing to welcome them into the church but only after the Gentiles conformed to their legalistic religious traditions and practices.

While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently.

Acts 15:1–2a

Solomon was right when he wrote:

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

How many times have people avoided the church because church members have made them feel like they have to conform to the rules and change before they walk through the door? Unfortunately, churches can still burden people with rules before they receive them with love.

The church in Antioch wisely gave us an example to follow. They sent delegates to Jerusalem to ask the apostles who had been with Jesus to help them settle the issue. Jesus’ half-brother, James, a former doubter transformed by the crucifixion and resurrection wisely turned to the Word of God and said…

This conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted…

So my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 

Acts 15:15, 19

You and I should celebrate everyone who wants to know more about our faith and determine that we will not interfere with the work of the Holy Spirit by burdening new Seekers with traditions, rules, and regulations.

Jesus said He came to give freedom!

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 

John 8:36

And He wants that freedom for everyone . . . people of different backgrounds, customs, cultures, and languages.

You and I are called as the church, the body of Christ, to love them, encourage them with the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and changing.

May we make it a goal of the church to love and celebrate everyone who wants to know more about our faith and the reason we trust and love Jesus. #church #loveothers #churchwelcome #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for Our Churches to Love and Encourage

Father, You have created Your church to love people. The church is to be a community of believers who love You and love others. Please forgive us. We fall short of Your will for us every day. We focus on traditions and rules. We expect people to conform on the outside without reaching them with Your love on the inside. I’m sorry for the times and ways I have fallen short and failed to love the way You want me to.

Please move over Your church by the power of Your Holy Spirit and fill us with the LOVE of Jesus. Make us individual SEEKers. Make us a community of SEEKers. Help us show everyone the blessing of SEEKing You and Your will. Help us love You and love others and trust You to do the convicting and changing in us and in them.

Your undeserved mercy and all-sufficient grace enable Your church to love every individual uniquely created person on the planet with the love that sets us free . . . the perfect love of Jesus. I thank you and praise you now and forever. Amen.

May we make it a goal of the church to love and celebrate everyone who wants to know more about our faith and the reason we trust and love Jesus. #church #loveothers #churchwelcome #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If you have been judged, burdened, or hurt by someone or a group of someones in the church, I’m sorry.

I often repeat to a frequent commenter on Pinterest…

Please don’t reject God because His imperfect people hurt you.

Give Him a chance. SEEK Him. And let Him show you His love.

And if you’re a believer and church member . . . remember, you are called to love like Jesus. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross not at the feet of another.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, may my church be full of people who love like Jesus.

God bless you with love, encouragement, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

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This is A Simple Truth Christians Often Get Wrong

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #HisGraceGirls #LoveOthers #Blessings

I had an AHA moment not too long ago … I realized Christians often get something wrong. At least, I know I occasionally get it wrong.

What’s it?

Obedience.

We get obedience wrong when our motives are wrong. (Wait, don’t leave now. I promise, it’s a good thing to obey anyway but we’ll talk about that in a minute.)

So I asked myself the following questions…

Why do you obey God or maybe the better question is why do you try to obey God?

  • To earn His favor?
  • To look good at church?
  • To make friends?
  • To influence others?
  • To feel good about yourself?
  • So “it will go well for you?”
  • All of the above?

God promised it would go well for those who obey Him…

Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 12:28

But I’ve been wondering if wanting a blessed and comfy life is really the best motive for my obedience.

Is it God-pleasing for me to want to obey Him to earn His favor, to look good to my friend, to feel good about myself, or even because I want His blessings?

My honest answer is “I don’t think so!”

Why?

Because everything on my list is ME focused!

And that’s what we can so easily get wrong.

The Truth Christians Often Get Wrong

As I read in Deuteronomy recently, the following words practically jumped off the page:

“If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you.”

Deuteronomy 28:9–10

God does not want us to obey to show the world who we are … He wants us to obey to show the world who He is.

Not to show that we are good, but to show that He is good, loving, and kind.

Not to show that we are better than those who don’t obey, but to show that His ways are best … that treating others with respect, compassion, and love represents Jesus. 

Not to show that what the Bible says is right, but to show that God’s commands are perfect … commands that show how His perfect love has the power to change hearts and lives.

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #MondayMuse

So, my goal is to imprint the following words on my heart.

“I don’t obey God to show who we are . . . we obey to show who God is because we love Him.”

Simply put…

Obedience glorifies God!

Obeying God’s commands is not about you. It’s not about me. It’s not about theology or doctrine. It’s not about being right. It’s not even about being holy.

Obedience is about God. It’s about living to bring glory to the One who loves us so much He died to show us.

Friend, I think the point is that you and I need to take ourselves out of the obedience equation.

If we could only begin to obey God’s will to show how much we love Him.

Jesus gave us an example when He prayed…

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth

John 17:3

David said to his son, Solomon…

My son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If You seek Him, you will find Him.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And Jesus also said…

I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9–10

What awesome promises!

I think you and I obey “to know Him and to make Him known.”

Imagine if we obeyed to love Him and to show His love!

This simple Holy Spirit empowered attitude adjustment has the power to change everything.

  • No more judgmental pride.
  • No more rejection.
  • No more unforgiveness.
  • No more division.
  • No more ___________.

Just loving the Lord and loving others for His glory.

And the Good News … is Jesus promises to help us!

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28–29

You and I can trust Him! We can follow where He leads us because He is there to help us every step of the way.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Obedience is not about you or me. It’s not about following the rules. About seeing to it others obey the rules. About judgment, fitting in, or doing it right.

Obedience is about KNOWing God’s will, ASKing for His help to obey, and making known His LOVE … that the world might want to know more about the One who gives us the power to love when it seems impossible.

Knowing Him and Making Him Known!

You and I show God we love Him by loving others.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34–35

This is OBEDIENCE – Showing God’s love and reflecting His glory!

Friend, any other reason for obedience is wrong.

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #HisGraceGirls #LoveOthers #Blessings

I will add, obeying is always the right thing to do even when we do it with the wrong attitude. Honestly, I have to admit that has happened in my life more often than I care to say.

But…

I am working on an attitude adjustment and I believe that’s what the Lord wants us all to do. To admit we can’t obey Him with the right motives on our own but with His help, you and I can…

… do everything through Christ, who gives [us] strength.

Philippians 4:13

So, I’m praying…

Father, I love you! I want to KNOW YOU and OBEY YOU. Your Word says You know my heart … my motives. I want to obey You with motives that please You … that glorify You, that will make You known to others. Father, I want the world to know and love You the way I do. 

Your Word also tells me that I don’t have to do my life on my own … that may be especially true when it comes to obedience. I love this promise…

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13

Thank you for faithfully giving me everything I need to live for Your glory each day.

I come to You, Jesus, asking Your Spirit to help me obey the Law of Love that everyone I meet might want to KNOW You because they have seen You in me. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen. 

One last thing, if you have checked out the #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory post and the #WWGGG Facebook Page, make sure you take a minute to find out more.

I’m praying your day is filled with blessings and countless reasons to praise the One who loves you most and best!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing.

Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder…

How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks?

THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding?

But before full-on panic sets in and I start to hyperventilate, I want to pause for a moment and ask an important question…

Why do I celebrate Christmas?

Well..?

Be honest. What was your first thought?

Just for fun, I did a quick Google search to find out what others had to say about it. And I found:

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th?
What is the history of Christmas?
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas?

I found a lot of facts, details, and history but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

I’m not curious about why December 25th was chosen or whether someone else thinks celebrating the holiday is appropriate, I want to know “why” or to be more specific … I want to know the emotional reasons people celebrate Christmas.

Because I’m a Sanguine and I want to know the emotional reason behind everything!

Picture me smiling here – but seriously, I really want to know why? Why do we invest so much in the Christmas season? Why do we shop, bake, decorate, and celebrate?

Why do we celebrate Christmas the way we do? Is it…

  • to impress our friends?
  • to make memories for our children and grandchildren?
  • to keep up with the neighbors?
  • because we love it?
  • because it’s a tradition?
  • because it’s expected?
  •  because everyone else is celebrating?

In all the years I’ve celebrated Christmas I don’t believe I’ve ever asked myself . . . my why for Christmas?

I know it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth. But I’m stopping today to wonder if the way I celebrate … really celebrates and worships Him?

I wonder—do I celebrate Christmas this way for Him or for me?

Because in all honesty, I don’t think Jesus cares if my tree is decorated perfectly; if I attend every party or even if I host a party. I don’t think He cares if my family has the perfect outfits to wear. I don’t think He cares if I give the perfect gifts.

I even asked myself if…

I want to give the perfect presents because I want to be appreciated … more than because I love the people for whom I’m buying gifts?

I don’t know about you but I’m squirming a little. These are tough questions, aren’t they?

If I’m going to invest an entire month out of every year in something, I want to look way past the surface and know why. I want to know MY WHY. And that isn’t easy, especially when we’re so scheduled and overwhelmed that slowing down for even a minute of reflection seems unthinkable.

But that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to stop for a moment and figure out MY WHY for Christmas.

I want the way I celebrate Christmas to have value. I want quality over quantity.

Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

My goal this year, and every year going forward is to celebrate Christmas in ways that really celebrate Jesus.

When I remember that Jesus was born to a teenage mother in a far less than a beautifully decorated setting, I don’t believe all the trappings we include are important to Him.

So what is..?

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus… What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Galatians 5:6

Faith. Love.

That’s it!

Everything! Yes, everything …. even and maybe especially Christmas is about living my faith as an expression of God’s love.

Everything else, all that you and I do beyond that … it’s all just stuff.

Jesus gave up the glory of heaven because of His overwhelming love for sinful and broken people.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14

I don’t know about you, but that thought overwhelms me. I don’t like to spend an afternoon doing something difficult or unpleasant.

Jesus entered the restrictions of time and space, brokenness and filth, illness and pain all because of love!

Love for the broken and imperfect, for the lost and wandering, for the hopeless and helpless … for people like you and like me.

Love was and is Jesus’ why for Christmas!

I love this quote…

“So God throws open the door of this world—and enters as a baby. As the most vulnerable imaginable. Because He wants unimaginable intimacy with you. What religion ever had a god that wanted such intimacy with us that He came with such vulnerability to us? What God ever came so tender we could touch Him? So fragile that we could break Him? So vulnerable that His bare, beating heart could be hurt? Only the One who loves you to death.”

Ann Voskamp

And He invites you and me to trust His love as if our very lives depend on it … because they do. Not just our eternal lives but our every day “walking around interacting with other people” lives, even during the month of December.

So, I’m pausing and I’m grabbing my calendar and my to-do list and doing a bit of prayerful soul-searching. I want to give myself grace to not attend every event and do every traditional task. I’m giving myself permission not to plan the perfect menu or have my home impeccably decorated.

And I’m writing in time to spend as many quiet moments as possible sitting at Jesus’ feet … being still and knowing His love. I’m also slowing down enough to notice the people around me wherever I am and to make the intentional effort to show everyone God’s love and kindness.

And yes, I’ll probably do many of the things that have become family traditions but my prayer is that I’ll know why I’m doing them.

That I’ll know MY WHY for Christmas is to show the people around me how much they are loved by Jesus and by me.

I want to focus on…

Thank[ing] God for this gift too wonderful for words!

2 Corinthians 9:15
Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

Because as Frank McKibben said…

“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.”

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

20 Important Things Jesus Said About Love

God created us with a need for love ... a need He wants to fill in us. And Jesus had a lot to say about love. Here are 20 verses about God's love and ours. #LoveQuotes #Faith #JesusQuotes #Blessings

It sure can get confusing…

What’s that?

All the things culture tries to tell us about “love.”

Seriously! If society has it right, then why are there so many broken families, fragile relationships, and hurting people.

The idea that love is a “feeling” to be expressed any way we’d like as long as “no one gets hurt” just doesn’t work. Why? Because we’re connected to each other through our relationships and when we go outside of God’s intention and protective plan for love … someone always gets hurt! Always!

We all need love!

God created us that way!

Why?

Because He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us; so He created a need within us that He wants to fill.

Simply said … God created us with a need for love … a need that would lead us to His perfect unfailing love.

Maybe one of the reasons we are so divided and full of pain is because we are listening to the wrong voices telling us about love.

Over the past few days, I’ve gone straight to the words of Jesus, the One who lived the perfect example of love. I wanted to know what He had to say about God’s love and ours.

And I found…

20 Important Things Jesus Said About Love

God created us with a need for love ... a need He wants to fill in us. And Jesus had a lot to say about love. Here are 20 verses about God's love and ours. #LoveQuotes #Faith #JesusQuotes #Blessings

What Jesus Said About Love – God’s Love

1. God Loves People … You and Me.

“This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16–17
2. God Loves You More than You Can Imagine

“I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.“

John 17:23
3. God Loves and Cares About Your Daily Needs.

“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Matthew 6:30
4. God Loves You Enough to Search for You When You are Lost.

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.” 

Luke 15:3–5
And Waits for You When You Wander Away.

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”

Luke 15:20
5. God’s Love is Sacrificial.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

John 15:13
6. God’s Love Forgives.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34
7. God’s Love will Never Leave You.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20
8. God’s Love Gives Life that Lasts Forever.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”

John 11:25–26
9. God’s Love Lightens Life’s Burdens.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.“

Matthew 11:29–30
10. God’s Love is Preparing a Place for You and Me.

“I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.“

John 14:2b–3
God created us with a need for love ... a need He wants to fill in us. And Jesus had a lot to say about love. Here are 20 verses about God's love and ours. #LoveQuotes #Faith #JesusQuotes #Blessings

What Jesus Said About Love – Our Love

1. Love for God and Others is the Most Important Commandment.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’  The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.“

Mark 12:29–31
2. Love for God Looks Like Obedience.

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” 

John 14:15
3. Love is the Identity of the Follower of Jesus.

“You must love each other as I have loved you. If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers.“

John 13:34b–35 (NLV)
4. Love Follows Where Jesus Leads.

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24
5. Love is Sacrificial.

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

Matthew 16:25
6. Love is Humble.

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.”

Matthew 5:5
7. Love is Merciful.

“I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Matthew 9:13
8. Love is Peaceful.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Matthew 5:9
9. Love Even When It Seems Impossible.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.“

Luke 6:27–28
10. Love Like Jesus’ Love lasts forever.

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

I don’t know about you, but I’m sitting here squirming a little. Those first verses about love – God’s love and how perfect and complete it is … well, they bless me like crazy! They explain how God created a need for love in each of us so He could fill it with Himself. Glory!!

But then there are those next verses about love … the way you and I are supposed to love God and the people around me … and well, I see how far I fall short.

Which is why I’m not only thankful that love is forgiving; I’m thankful Jesus also said…

Love doesn’t leave us on our own. God’s love gives us the Help we need to love others.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”

John 14:16

So, to go back to where we started.

Culture looks at love as a feeling.

The dictionary says this about love:

  1. an intense feeling of deep affection.
  2. a great interest and pleasure in something.
  3. feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone).

But the Bible describes it as so much more than the way we feel.

With God’s love in our hearts, love becomes a part of our character that shows itself in the way we act. Love becomes the way we talk … it’s what we do.

It’s the highest calling! One we can only fulfill with the Lord’s presence and help.

I’m praying your life is full of love … the kind of love Jesus talked about.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

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Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

God’s Love Is the Only Thing that Will Stop the Hate

The media wants us to believe hate is winning and we need to be afraid but the truth is God's love is greater and with His help, we can stop hate. #RacialEquality #LoveYourNeighbor #ChooseLove #God'sLove #EndHate #StopHate

I had another post written for today but…

Yesterday morning after church, my Bible study time included 1 Corinthians 13.

If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

v. 2–3

All I could think about was the shooting in El Paso, Saturday morning.

I was at our local Wal Mart at the exact time that shooting was taking place in Texas.

The store was mobbed with people. I couldn’t even maneuver my cart down the school supplies aisles as parents and children were preparing for the new school year while taking advantage of Tax-Free Weekend.

And I found myself smiling my way through the store. 1. Because I remember the angst and excitement we felt as our children prepared for the year ahead. 2. Because I love my community. People of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds smiling and chatting with each other.

No, I don’t live in some small town where everyone knows each other. I live in an eastern suburb of Kansas City.

I feel safe here.

But the people of El Paso felt safe as they started shopping too. And the people of Dayton felt safe as they went out with friends Saturday night.

Until they weren’t.

And my heart is breaking!

I believe with God’s help, people are better than this! However, if you watch the news or listen to the presidential candidates all you hear is how much hate there is in this country!

They say we need to stop hate but…

The problem is, for the most part, people are pointing fingers and blaming others.

And the other problem is their solutions won’t change anything!

Because hate is a heart issue that comes from fear and those who talk about it the most are doing everything they can to continue to stoke fear.

The only thing truly able to stop hate and fear is God’s love!

The media wants us to believe hate is winning and we need to be afraid but the truth is God's love is greater and with His help, we can stop hate. #RacialEquality #LoveYourNeighbor #ChooseLove #God'sLove #EndHate #StopHate

This is what the Bible says about love…

God is love!

1 John 4:8

This is how much God loves humanity…

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

1 John 4:9–10

And this is how love looks…

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

This weekend’s events happened after a personal spiritual high we experienced just the day before.

Friday morning, Rev and I had a visit with Matt, from Samaritan’s Purse. We sat for over an hour and talked about the ways we have seen God at work in our lives. We talked about ministry and the ways God is pouring out His love through people around the world.

Matt is back in the states after serving with Samaritan’s Purse at relief and refugee centers in Hanoi, Afghanistan, Greece, and a few others I can’t remember.

He told us about homes being rebuilt and lives being changed, encouragement and support being offered to refugees and military families, and shoeboxes that give children not only a moment of happiness but hope and faith through the message of Jesus.

And many of these things are happening both internationally and domestically.

Then on Friday afternoon, we went to the closing program for Camp Kanakuk, Kamp Out! Day Kamp, to celebrate with our grandson. We watched more than a hundred children enthusiastically bubble over with the love of God.

The following is from Kanakuk’s about page:

KampOut! is a 1-Week high energy, non-stop excitement, traveling Christian day camp experience from Kanakuk for 5 to 12 year olds! Every KampOut! Kamper will see and hear that God is a loving Father and wonderful Creator who loves them and desires for us to love others. 

And that is the truth!

God is a loving Father and wonderful Creator who loves us so much He sent Jesus and desires us to share that love with others.

Love that is patient and kind! Love that never loses faith and is always hopeful! A love that is able to stop hate!

And that is my message to myself and to you today!

I refuse to become fearful! I will stand on the truth of God’s Word and believe that God’s love is more powerful than the hate the enemy is trying to grow. Friend, he has already lost the war … Jesus is the victorious Lamb of God seated on the throne.

And yet today, until He returns—the spiritual battle is real. But even in the battle, I will choose to remember…

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!”

2 Kings 6:16–17

May the Lord open our eyes to see and know…

  1. He is with us.
  2. He is fighting for us.
  3. His love never fails.

Will you please pray with me?

Father, our hearts are hurting. We grieve with the families and communities touched by these senseless acts of violence. Please be their Comforter. Hold them close and surround them with Your love.

Lord, please forgive us. Our country needs You.

Your Word says,

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Please forgive us. We call evil good and good evil. We have taken our eyes off of You and looked for worldly answers for soul problems. Please heal and restore us through Your love.

Help us to see every person we meet as a person who is dearly loved and precious to You. Remove skepticism and fear and fill us with Your love. Help us see people as You see them.

Father, give us eyes to see what You are doing. Make us aware of the wonderful ways You are working in and through Your children every day. We are not alone! You are with us … guiding and helping.

Jesus said,

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Fix our eyes, our thoughts, our hearts on Jesus … the One who began our faith and who gives us everything we need to live with love today and every day until we see You face to face.

In His name. By Your grace and for Your glory, I pray. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

You Need to Know You are More Than An Avatar

You are more than an avatar. You are more than the sum of your gender, race, religion, income, and education. You are unique and precious to God. #Avatar #Unique #BeautifulPeople #OneofaKind #Believe

If you are a writer or blogger, I have a question for you.

Who do you picture as you write?

In writing courses, this imaginary person represents your ideal reader or customer.

Some call it writing for your “avatar.”

You create this imaginary person by determining your ideal reader’s…

  1. Goals and values.
  2. Sources of information.
  3. Age, gender, religion, family status, education, and location.
  4. Needs and areas where they need help.
  5. Habits, hopes, dreams, and values.

Now it’s possible that I just have a lousy imagination but this has always been hard for me. I’ve never been able to picture some fictional character created by a generic list in my mind when I’m pouring my heart out in a post.

An avatar just isn’t personal enough for me.

Which is one of the reasons I love receiving your comments and prayer requests. You see, I want to picture you when I’m writing … just a couple of good friends, sitting at our favorite coffee shop, talking and praying about life’s challenges.

I want to know you!  

I want to talk with you, not at you.

Because that’s how friendships grow.

One on one! One conversation at a time!

But this isn’t just a truth for writing; this is a truth for life!

You are More Than an Avatar

You are more than an avatar. You are more than the sum of your gender, race, religion, income, and education. You are unique and precious to God. #Avatar #Unique #BeautifulPeople #OneofaKind #Believe

Jesus told His followers He was giving “a new commandment” when He said:

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

So, I decided to take a closer look at the way Jesus “loved” people.

True, He taught multitudes, healed crowds, and fed thousands. And those things showed us a great deal about His love in general.

But the moments that grab my heart most when I study Scripture, are Jesus personal interactions with people. The one on one, look them in the eye ways He loved the individuals around Him.

Jesus saw persons over people.

Uniquely created human beings in need of…

  • forgiveness.
  • healing.
  • comfort.
  • peace.
  • encouragement.
  • hope.
  • love.

Whether they were His followers or not … Jesus loved souls.

One account that always touches me is – The Rich Young Man in Mark 10:17–31:

He came to Jesus with a question?

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus responded by reminding him of the commandments and the young man replied…

“I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Then as if there was a pause in the action … Jesus didn’t correct him. He didn’t put him in his place. He didn’t give him a quick run down of all the ways he had fallen short … although He could have done so easily.

His reaction to the young man’s foolishness and pride was…

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.

v. 21

Genuine love!

Love asks questions and listens to answers and gently and respectfully offers a better way…

“Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Jesus loved him enough to gently invite him to give up his pride and dependence on things that cannot last … t0 follow Him, the One who could give a treasure that lasts forever!

And although Jesus already knew how the young man would respond, He lovingly offered the best He had to give.

I’m also inspired by the account of The Woman at the Well in John 4.

This woman was 1. a Samaritan, a mixed race hated by the Jews 2. known for having had several husbands and she’d moved on to living with a man to whom she was not married 3. women didn’t talk to men with whom they were not related in public.

Based on the expectations of the culture – no respectable Jewish man would have stopped to talk to her.

But Jesus did.

And once again, He asked questions. Listened to responses. And offered hope-filled life-giving truth, when He said:

I am the Messiah!

v. 26

And through their conversation, an entire community came to know Jesus.

“Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Jesus didn’t preach at some ideally imagined avatar.

He talked to young and old; men and women; Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles; Temple visitors and those who had never even entered synagogue; sick and healthy, rich and poor … anyone who would talk with Him. And each time, He asked questions. He listened and He lovingly and gently spoke the truth.

Friend, you are so much more than an avatar!

You are uniquely and wonderfully made.

You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.

Psalm 139:13–14 (VOICE)

The Lord knows everything about you.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

Psalm 139:1–4 (NLT)

And He loves you!

For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us.

Since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Romans 5:5–6, 10–11
You are more than an avatar. You are more than the sum of your gender, race, religion, income, and education. You are unique and precious to God. #Avatar #Unique #BeautifulPeople #OneofaKind #Believe

And because He loves you and me and everyone else so much, He has called us to love each other not simply look at each other as avatars.

I understand that politics and marketing are in the business of defining and labeling us. People who want us to buy what they are selling, benefit when you and I define each other by gender, race, religion, income, and level of education.

But when we believe that those labels define a person, we ignore the unique physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of their make-up that have molded them into the extraordinary one-of-a-kind soul God loves. A soul God wants you and me to get to know and love as well.

I can’t tell who or what broke your heart by the color of your skin. I won’t know what stresses you out or frightens you by the level of your education. I will never know what you’re passionate about by your gender alone.

I can’t know if you lost your job, lost a child, or if you struggle with the pain of rejection. I don’t know if you are fighting a chronic illness or if the doctors recently gave you a frightening diagnosis. And I can’t see whether you’re having a great day or if today you just want to pull the covers over your head and hide.

Your gender, race, religion, income and education will never tell me your personal story … your past hurts, the people who helped and encouraged you, your successes, joys, hopes, and dreams. Those are things unique to you … and I want to know you.

So, I have not created my ideal reader avatar and I never will.

It’s okay if you have. Every blogging course I’ve ever taken has recommended it.

But maybe, for just a moment, you and I can stop in person and online and get to know each other as individuals. We can stop for a bit and ask questions, listen, and share the Truth that gives life.

For people who know and love Jesus, it’s not about selling a product or point of view. It’s all about inviting people into a forever relationship with the One who created them, who knows the number of hairs on their head, who loves them so much He gave His life for them, who cares about their wants and needs, their regrets and fears, their hopes and dreams today … just as much as He cares about their eternal futures.

Friend, you are more than an avatar. You are uniquely and wonderfully made. You are loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are precious to Him and so is every other person on the planet.

So, whatever your gender, race, religion, income, or level of education … I want to get to know you. Please tell me your story. Leave a comment or a prayer request. So I can picture you sitting across the table from me at our favorite coffee shop as I tell you about Jesus, the One who transformed my life and set me free.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Powerful Reasons Why It Is Good for You to Be Kind

It's important to be kind because kindness not only benefits the one who receives it ... kindness benefits the one who gives it. #BeKind #Kindness #Blessings #Friendship

Shh. I have a secret to tell you. Not something I’m proud of but if I’m being honest…

Some days I just don’t feel like being kind.

Some days I just want to focus on myself and give in to impatience, frustration, and annoyance.

There are the days I don’t feel great or I’m anxious about a problem or potential problem. And well, there are even days when I want to succumb to being self-indulgent and self-absorbed.

I know. Remember I said … it’s not something I’m proud of.

The truth is it’s hard to set aside my feelings and emotions in a constant effort to remain encouraging, and kind … and it’s especially hard with people who are selfish, cranky, and irritable.

Am I right?!

Go ahead, you can admit it! You’re safe here!

The thing is, it may be that being kind “matters” most … when it is hardest to give.

I know … that is not what you wanted right now. Not really what I was looking for either.

But whether you and I like it or not…

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

Colossians 3:12–13

The word “must” doesn’t give us other options, does it?

But there is good news!

God put a blessing in being kind.

Because kindness not only benefits the one who receives it … kindness benefits the one who gives it.

Here are some truths I’ve learned…

Powerful Reasons Why It Is Good for You to Be Kind

It's important to be kind because kindness not only benefits the one who receives it ... kindness benefits the one who gives it. #BeKind #Kindness #Blessings #Friendship

Be Kind – It makes you happier.

Did you know being kind boosts your serotonin and releases endorphins?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which contributes to a sense of well-being and feelings of happiness. Endorphins are “chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress.”

Kind words are like honey … sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Proverbs 16:24

Be Kind – It helps you notice people over things.

Life feels like it’s moving so fast and distractions are everywhere. I’ll admit, I can get so lost in the doing that I miss wonderful moments with the people I care about.

Reminding myself to be kind, helps me see people and look for opportunities to help. And seeing and caring for the people God puts around me is a beautiful way to love like Jesus.

Kindness is a way I can give from the outpour of grace I have received.

Grace has to be the loveliest word in the English language. It embodies almost every attractive quality we hope to find in others. Grace is a gift of the humble to the humiliated. Grace acknowledges the ugliness of sin by choosing to see beyond it. Grace accepts a person as someone worthy of kindness despite whatever grime or hard-shell casing keeps him or her separated from the rest of the world. Grace is a gift of tender mercy when it makes the least sense.

Charles Swindoll

Be Kind – It helps cure loneliness.

I know of so many people who are lonely “in real life” even though they have hundreds of “friends” on social media. I shared 5 Psalms to Pray that will Help When Feel Lonely just the other day.

I’m learning it’s impossible for me to feel lonely when I’m doing something nice for someone else.

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Mother Teresa

Be Kind – It reduces stress and anxiety.

People who make kindness a priority consistently have 23% less cortisol, which is the stress hormone.

A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts
of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant
increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.

University of British Columbia Study – RandomActsofKindness.org

Random acts of kindness can bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. Try to do at least one each day this week.

Vee Freir, Learn To Stress Less 

Be Kind – It can lead to deeper conversations.

Kindness speaks with gentleness and respect. Kindness listens.

A gentle caring word and listening ear can open up a conversation and help us do a better job of understanding each other.

But deeper conversations take time – so an important part of being kind is slowing down long enough care about the hurting person behind the person in front of you.

Sometimes the person who is hardest to be kind to is the person who needs it most. You never know how much the person beside you is suffering.

“Speak in such a way as others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way as others love to speak to you.” ~Author Unknown

Be Kind – It might become contagious.

Don’t you love pay-it-forward stories?

One kind act inspires another and then another. I love how often people will pay an act of kindness forward. It’s possible you and I can start an endless chain reaction of kindness that goes on and on without even realizing it.

“A purposeful act or extension of kindness to another is never wasted, for it always resides in the hearts of all involved in a chain of love.”

Molly Friedenfeld
It's important to be kind because kindness not only benefits the one who receives it ... kindness benefits the one who gives it. #BeKind #Kindness #Blessings #Friendship

You and I have a choice…

I’ll admit, it’s easy for me to get self-absorbed and selfish. It’s even easier for me to be responsive and treat people the way I feel they’ve treated me.

That’s not what Jesus said, He gave us The Golden Rule…

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” 

Matthew 7:12

The thing is…

People are watching us. You and I are representing Christ Jesus wherever we go and those watching us are making decisions about Him based on what they see in us.

Friends, family, acquaintances, or even strangers . . . everyone benefits when you and I choose kindness.

So, with God’s help, I’m making it a priority to be kind. I want to practice it until it becomes a habit.

And the crazy blessing given to us by our awesome loving God is when you and I are kind to others it is actually good for us. How cool is that?!

One final quote with a few ideas to inspire us…

“One of the most spiritual things you can do is embrace your humanity. Connect with those around you today. Say, “I love you”, “I’m sorry”, “I appreciate you”, “I’m proud of you”…whatever you’re feeling. Send random texts, write a cute note, embrace your truth and share it…cause a smile today for someone else…and give plenty of hugs.” 

Steve Maraboli

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

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Jesus is the One Who Can Unite People in a Call Out World

Is it okay to call out all the people with whom we disagree? What about other Christians? I've challenged myself to find out what the Bible says. #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #SocialMedia #CountingMyBlessings

Eight years ago, I spent the months of June and July updating my passport, getting the required vaccines, and trying to figure out what in the world I should pack. Each day spent getting ready to travel to Bolivia as a member of the World Vision Bolivia Bloggers Team.

I was considerably older than the rest of the team’s members and I definitely had the smallest platform … I’m still in awe of the ways God worked to graciously allow me to go on this life-changing trip.

If you’re curious about the trip itself … you can learn more here.

The trip itself is not the reason for this post.

You see, the reason I’m writing this is … I met Rachel Held Evans that week.

I chose not to speak out while she was ill and following her death. But recently, I’ve felt the Lord’s nudge to share some thoughts with you.

Not as much thoughts about Rachel as thoughts about the rest of us.

You see, I struggle with being judgmental. There is something self-righteously satisfying about stopping to call out the people we deem”false teachers.” The people we believe are doing or say “it” wrong. Whatever we decide “it” is.

Honestly, I caught myself being guilty again just the other day.

So, I’m definitely not here to preach at you. Like you, I’m on a journey of faith … honestly sharing the things the Lord lays on my heart. They are things I need to hear and so I wonder if you might need them too.

Back to Bolivia and meeting Rachel…

Rachel and the others in the group were the ages of my children. Their life experiences differed from mine in almost every way. Although, I probably shared my thoughts with them more than I’d like to admit … I hope I asked lots of questions and listened intentionally because several of their ideas were new to me and I wanted to know more.

Rachel was in the middle of writing her book – A Year of Biblical Womanhood.

The following is the first paragraph of the book’s synopsis on Amazon.

Strong-willed and independent, Rachel Held Evans couldn’t sew a button on a blouse before she embarked on a radical life experiment—a year of biblical womanhood. Intrigued by the traditionalist resurgence that led many of her friends to abandon their careers to assume traditional gender roles in the home, Evans decides to try it for herself, vowing to take all of the Bible’s instructions for women as literally as possible for a year.  

I smiled as I read those words because I don’t remember Rachel, as being strong-willed, although I’ll admit I only spent a week with her.

What I do remember about her is her smile and willingness to laugh, her kindness, and her passion for the children and families we were visiting and her heart for the ministry of World Vision.

Did I agree with everything that was said that week? No.

But I cared for and about everyone on the trip … including Rachel. When I heard she was ill, I prayed and prayed and prayed that God would heal her. And it broke my heart to learn she had died.

There was something else that broke my heart…

People using that heart-breaking time to say cruel and hateful things about her on social media because they disagreed with what she wrote.

Jesus is the One Who Can Unite People in a Call Out World

Is it okay to call out all the people with whom we disagree? What about other Christians? I've challenged myself to find out what the Bible says. #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #SocialMedia #CountingMyBlessings

So, why am I writing about this now weeks later?

Last week, the Lord tapped me on the shoulder as I was read the following in Jonah and 1 John…

Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh.

Why? Because Jonah hated the Assyrians and believed they deserved God’s judgment. Jonah had judged them and believed they deserved whatever God’s punishment.

So, when God asked him to go and “deliver the message” … Jonah took off in the opposite direction.

Which is how he found himself in the belly of a big fish.

God graciously and mercifully turned him around and gave him a second opportunity to obey. Which he did.

Jonah went to Nineveh and gave them God’s message:

“Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!”

Jonah 3:4

And do you know what happened?

The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.

Jonah 3:5

But Jonah was not happy…

“Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.

Jonah 4:2

As I sat there pondering my own judgmental attitudes, I turned to my New Testament reading in 1 John 2:

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before.

1 John 2:7

So, my heart was hearing … don’t judge people—love them!

I kept reading…

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.

1 John 2:9

The Life Application Bible Notes say:

John’s words focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants, competitors, or enemies. Christian love is not a feeling but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with people’s well being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection toward them.

And I would add, whether or not we agree with them.

The LAB Notes also say:

Love should be the unifying force and identifying mark of the Christian community. Love is the key to walking in the light.

Friends, you and I are representing Jesus to the world. Why would anyone want what we have … when we publicly ridicule, condemn, and call out those with whom we disagree.

When we don’t agree, you and I are called to speak the truth in love.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.

Ephesians 4:15

Maybe we need to be more focused on love because too often we forget that part, choosing to speak the truth with a sledgehammer.

What if speaking the truth in love looked more like…

Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

1 Peter 2:15b–16

What if we did a better job of humbly telling our own broken stories that share the transforming power of God’s love!

What if we just told people about Jesus, the One who not only knows the truth but who is the Truth and the Way and the Life.

You see, He’s the One who prayed..

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, You have given me Your name; now protect them by the power of Your name so that they will be united just as we are.

John 17:11

He prayed for us to be united by His love and I want to honor Jesus’ prayer.

So, I’m asking God to give me eyes to see everyone as a soul desperately in need of His love. I’m asking Him to make me gracious and merciful in the way I treat others. I’m asking Him to help me listen more and call out less.

Because…

I don’t want people to know the truth according to Deb. I want people to know Jesus and experience the power of His transforming love.

1 John 4:8 says:

God is love!

Overwhelming love! Love who never gives up … who mercifully and patiently seeks out people and transforms lives.

Love who can unite people in a broken and sinful world. Love who can heal hearts and relationships. Love who has promised us LIFE!

I want to care more about people and less about being right. I want to treat everyone with caring kindness and compassion. And I want to be silent when I’m tempted to call out.

I’m praying with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do a better job of loving like Jesus.

Is it okay to call out all the people with whom we disagree? What about other Christians? I've challenged myself to find out what the Bible says. #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #SocialMedia #CountingMyBlessings

Will you please pray with me?

Father, thank you for faithfully showing me Your grace, mercy, and love. Please, please forgive me for failing to extend the same grace, mercy, and love to others. Please help me realize that I don’t have to agree with someone to be respectful, caring, and compassionate. Help me to be a better example of Your love in my home, at work, at church, in my community, and online. Unite us, Father, by Your love. In the name of Jesus. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

Take the Philippians’ Challenge and See What Happens

If divisive rhetoric is wearing you out, making you anxious, and maybe even depressing you ... take the Philippians' challenge and see what happens. #BlessingCounter #Faith #Hope

You know the feeling…

You can’t put your finger on it. In general, things are pretty good. You’re not dealing with a major life crisis, but you feel like you’re that cartoon character who walks around with her own personal storm cloud hanging over her head.

I started questioning whether I was fighting another season of anxiety and depression when the Lord lovingly and gently gave me another explanation.

You see, I became interested in politics and current events about 10 years ago. It’s made for great conversations at our house. I keep Rev up to date on what’s going on in the world and he gives me the history buff perspective that keeps me grounded.

But friends, it’s gotten so ugly!

And it doesn’t matter what side you’re on or who you voted for … both sides are guilty.

The vitriolic words coming out of the mouths of everyone, be it a political leader or a news personality, is awful. And don’t you be blamin’ the other side. I’m tired of hearing “yeah but they started it!” I’m a mom and a grade school teacher … been there heard that a thousand times or more.

The truth is, my neighborhood doesn’t look like what these people are telling me.

The people in my neighborhood come in all shades, shapes, and sizes and we all live together rather well! People are cordial, caring, and kind. They look out for each other and I don’t even know where they stand politically.

When I go out into my community, I see people who look very different from me. Some are dressed in ways that indicate they have different religious beliefs … yet, we smile at each other and say hello and we try to help wherever we can.

And no, I haven’t died and gone to heaven already.

I still live in a community in the United States of America.

I’m guessing that many of you live in communities a lot like mine.

As I sat down to read my Bible this morning, I asked God to point me to what He wanted me to read … and He led me to Galatians 6.

It starts this way…

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. v. 1

Did you see that?

“Humbly and gently.”

And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. v. 2

Friends, we may not be able to change what others say and do but we can with God’s help, love like Jesus.

Later, Paul wrote…

So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. v. 9 – 10

And I personally believe, that if we ever want those who are outside of the family of faith to become part of the family of faith … we need to “do good” to them also!

Jesus said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34–35

And in Galatians 5, Paul wrote…

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. v. 13–15

I’ll admit it, the biting and devouring I’m seeing when I turn on the news, is hurting my heart. So, I’m going to do something I probably should have done a while ago…

If divisive rhetoric is wearing you out, making you anxious, and maybe even depressing you ... take the Philippians' challenge and see what happens. #BlessingCounter #Faith #Hope

Take the Philippians’ Challenge and See What Happens

I’m turning off the news channels and hiding all that is divisive and agitating on social media.

And I’m going to take to heart Paul’s words to the people in Philippi…

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

There is so much good happening in the world.

We went to the Mercy Me Concert in KC last week and stood for hours with 7,000+ fellow believers praising, worshipping, and lifting high the name of Jesus. (And 7,000+ more gathered to do the same the following night.)

Rev has visited two different homeless shelters in our area … where servants of Christ are making a difference every day in broken lives.

Countless people are working to help the people who lost everything along the Florida Panhandle.

Families are doing foster care and volunteering. They are sponsoring children around the world and right here in our community, there are people who go into homes to take care of widows each week.

And every single day, I see you encourage each other online through social media, blog comments, and personal texts and messages.

Friends, there is so much good happening. So much of the life going on around us is … true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

And I want to focus on that.

Maybe you do too. Or maybe, you’ve been doing it all along. I can be a slow learner who is thankful for God’s grace and patience.

Whatever the case …

If divisive rhetoric is wearing you out, making you anxious, and maybe even depressing you ... take the Philippians' challenge and see what happens. #BlessingCounter #Faith #Hope

♥ I’m inviting you to join me in a Philippians’ challenge this week. 

  1. Take a fast from the news and from your Twitter feed until after the mid-term elections.
  2. Grab a journal and make a list of things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable each day.
  3. Invite your family to have good news conversations at dinner each night.
  4. Do one small act of kindness every day.
  5. Pray for our nation, our leaders, and for the upcoming election.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4

Because we have God’s promise…

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

God is good! He loves us! And He’s given us a beautiful Truth, Jesus, the One who is able to change hearts and minds … who transforms lives.

So, I’m taking the Philippians’ Challenge, turning off the junk and practicing the presence of God this week. If you’re in … let me know in the comments. And to help get us started, share something good you see happening in your community.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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How to be a Better Listener When You Just Want to be Heard

It's important to know how to share your opinions well. It's even more important to know how to be a better listener when they share theirs. #Listen #Blessings #Community #Jesus

Last week, I told you that I have opinions … lots of them.

I’m also a Sanguine talker.

Combine those facts you might assume that it’s taken me a long time and more than one bloody tongue to learn that I don’t need to share my views on everything with everyone. And you’d be right!

Something I’ve learned from my bloody tongue experiences is that as much as I feel the need to be heard and want to change the opinions of the people around me … my relationships benefit and I’ve actually learned a thing or two when I’ve shut up and listened!

At a time when more of us are talking than listening, I thought it might be helpful for me to honestly share my journey … because in all honesty, I didn’t get here easily!

6 Ways to be a Better Listener

It's important to know how to share your opinions well. It's even more important to know how to be a better listener when they share theirs. #Listen #Blessings #Community #Jesus

♥ Listen without Assumptions

It’s so easy to assume that we know how someone thinks based on their skin color, gender, religion, or where they live. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made by God.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Psalm 139:13–14

Each person is dearly loved by God and precious to Him.

You are a child of God, you are wonderfully made, dearly loved, and precious in His sight. Before God made you, He knew You. There is no one else like you. ~Unknown (based on Psalm 139 and Col. 3:12)

It takes time to get to know people individually but it’s important … really important.

♥ Listen without Judgment

Everyone you meet has a story and every story has its painful broken chapters.

I’ll admit, I’ve had more times than I care to admit when I was quick to judge people whose lives were a mess. Back when I was doing everything I could to be a “good girl” and “do life RIGHT,” I was quick to assume that life’s messes were caused by personal bad choices.  Although that’s true sometimes … it’s not true always!

Boy, was I humbled when my mess was exposed to public view and I felt the scrutinizing judgment of others.

God allowed me to learn a huge lesson the hard way…

“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36–37

You and I can give the gift of listening with kindness and compassion. We can make it safe for people to share their stories of brokenness by showing them the love of Jesus.

♥ Listen to Understand

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The collective monologue is everyone is talking and no one is listening.” ~ Stephen Covey

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we really listened and asked questions to understand before we replied to people?

Everyone looks at life through a lens of their own personal perspective … a lens that takes years to shape and polish. They have well-developed long-standing reasons for their beliefs.

I want to do a better job of listening to understand by asking “why” and “please help me understand” questions. I want to keep conversations going and learn the reasons behind the beliefs and opinions people hold.

♥ Listen to Learn

I still have so very much to learn. In fact, the longer I live and the more I learn … the more I realize just how little KNOW.

Sure my wise mentors and teachers have taught me tons but I’ve also learned a lot by listening to hurting friends and the heartfelt stories of complete strangers.

God is at work in lives, friends! When you and I listen to each other with a desire to learn, we benefit from His work in every life.

Tell your story and encourage the people you meet to tell you theirs!

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. Proverbs 22:17

How to be a Better Listener When You Just Want to be Heart by Deb Wolf @ Counting My Blessings #Listen #Blessings #Community #Jesus

♥ Listen Respectfully 

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interest but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4

Whew, we could go a long way in the respect department at the moment, couldn’t we?

Truthfully, those other people really need to do a better job of being respectful! (Sense my sarcasm?)

If you’re like me, it’s easy to point fingers and blame those who disagree with us. But aren’t we really just trying to get that speck out of the other guy’s eye before getting the log out of my own.

“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4

Respect begins with me and it starts at home. Help us, Lord!

♥ Listen Intentionally

 I don’t know whether I have ADD or I’m just easily distracted, but it’s hard for me to sit in a restaurant and not have my eyes dart around the room like I’m watching bumble bees in a garden.

I love people watching. But because I want to listen intentionally to the people I’m with … I sit with my back to the activity so I can focus on the people with me.

I also sit near the front in church or any place I want to avoid distractions.

If you and I want to listen intentionally we need to avoid distractions, put down our devices, and look at each other! Then listen without interrupting. (Yeah, that one’s hard for me too.)

I want to be a better listener! 

Friends, there are so many emotional subjects on the table right now. Feelings are frayed. And sides have been taken.

But I believe you and I can make a difference. Jesus showed us a better way.

He listened. Really listened to people.

At the end of the day, which will matter more…

That people know our opinions on the most recent political conversation or social issue or that they feel the love and compassion of Christ?

Will you and I ever do it perfectly this side of heaven?

No, probably not.

But I’m not willing to quit trying to be a better listener.

And believe me, I’m a work in progress. I’m still just trying…

The other day, we had a tech repairman visit because we were having problems with our cable box. As he asked me to try a variety of solutions, all of which I’d done earlier, my replies became more agitated and impatient.

Then I had one of those Holy Spirit moments of conviction. I had not listened well nor had I been respectful or compassionate.

But this time…

I caught myself and apologized. We ended up having a good conversation.

Now I need to work on my responses to the poor people who happen to pick up my phone call at the end of a long phone tree. Yep, like you, I’m still a work in progress.

And the truth is we’re all agitated, some say they’re even frightened. Everyone believes they know the truth and want to be heard.

This may just be the perfect time for you and me to make a difference by being a better listener even when we just want to be heard.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

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The Unexpected Life Lesson of the Honor Flight

It was late at night when my phone rang … a facetime call inviting me to join the experience.

I answered immediately.

I’d been thinking about him all day – since his first call had been just after sunrise that morning.

He was tired and emotional after having spent the day with 73 other American Veterans on their “Final Mission” (I tear up every time I see those words) to Washington DC.

Their ages spanned several decades, branches of the military, and calls of duty … each one sacrificing on other shores because they chose to serve on behalf of others … for love of country and countrymen.

Collier – Lee County Honor Flight

Collier County Honor Flight’s mission is to transport local Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.

Ten days ago, Collier Honor Flight #16 honored those brave military warriors with a day of respect and recognition.

My dad, the cute guy in the cap and a World War II Veteran, was one of those honored!

My dad and nephew, Ryan, in Washington DC with Collier Honor Flight for Veterans

Throughout the day, they visited the memorials on The Mall and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetary.

Collier County Honor Flight makes it a mission to transport local Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.

I will always remember when I answered his 9 PM call, my dad didn’t want to talk about the monuments or the changing of the guard at Arlington … all he could talk about was the people. The kindness of the Collier Honor Flight Team who saw to every need with joy and enthusiasm.

As we talked again the next day, He teared up when he told me about the reception they received … especially as they returned to RSW Airport in Fort Myers.

My dad served in the Navy in the mid- 1940’s. It’s been a long time since anyone has thanked him for his service to the country, and yet on May 5th, hundreds of people came out late on a Saturday night to salute and applaud individuals who had quietly returned to civilian life decades earlier carrying countless memories in their hearts and minds.

My dad said the thing that overwhelmed him most throughout the day was the JOY! Not the joy of the veteran recipients … but the joy exhibited by those who made the day possible.

The Unexpected Life Lesson of the Honor Flight

The JOY of serving others

Dad and I have talked about it several times this week and he tears up every time. How special they made each person feel! How every need was met! How hearts were encouraged and blessed!

And my dad said…

“Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have that attitude in the church!”

And I would add … in our communities.

Is it possible that finding joy in serving others could be the uniter of our culture divided by ideology, stereotypes, social identities,  etc?

My dad went on an Honor Flight and came home with a powerful life lesson!

What if we looked at one another with kindness and got to know hearts before we judged and dismissed?

What if we looked up from our devices and saw faces?

What if we made serving one another with joy a priority?

And what about our churches…

What if every visitor to our churches were greeted like those we invite into our homes – with joyful hospitality?

What if every church was full of people worshiping with joy – like they meant it?

What if loved and served each other before we disagreed and divided?

What if?

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans…

 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17

 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:10

And to the people in Philippi, he wrote…

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4–5

I don’t believe the Holy Spirit would have inspired Paul to write these words if we weren’t supposed to make serving one another with joy a goal.

My dad went on an Honor Flight and came home with a powerful life lesson! #CollierHonorFlight

I know, you’re overwhelmed! You already have too much to do!

But the truth is, you don’t have to add one thing to your schedule to start serving with joy today!

Here are just a few ways to add joyful service to your day:

In Your Community…

  1. Look everyone in the eye and smile at them.
  2. Open doors for people.
  3. The next time you text a friend ask them how you can pray for them.
  4. Pay attention to the people around you and stop to help where you can. (I’m tall. I love reaching things off the top shelves at stores for those who can’t reach them.)
  5. Look behind you when you go through a door and hold it for the person behind you.
  6. Pass the first shopping cart to the person who came in behind you and take the next one,
  7. Pray and ask God to show you where He wants you to serve with joy!

At Your Church…

  1. Look everyone in the eye and smile at them.
  2. Say hello to someone you don’t know.
  3. Offer to help a mom with restless children.
  4. Praise your pastor and members of the music team.
  5. Look for things to love rather than things to criticize.
  6. Participate – Worship with joy!
  7. The same as #7 above – PRAY!

Think about ways you can add joy to serving your family, at work, or online. We’re going to do many of these things anyway … so let’s add some joy and make it more fun for everyone.

Can you imagine how much better you’ll feel if you add a little joy to what you’re doing already?!

I believe we can do this!

And…

I believe our joyful service shows people the love of Jesus. It may just be the thing that opens a door to someone wanting to know more about Him.

Remember the early church…

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:46–47

They Served Others with Joy! We can too!

A huge shout out and thank you to everyone involved with the Collier Honor Flight #16. A special thank you to Rick Wobbe, for his kind interactions with the vets and their families and Mamie Blue for sponsoring this flight. Our family thanks you all!

Also, a thank you to my nephew, Ryan, who graciously took the time to travel with and serve as guardian for his grandpa for the flight!

One last thing…

Yesterday, May 13th, was my dad’s 93rd birthday! We are so very thankful for him. If you have a minute – stop and wish him a Happy Birthday in the comments below.♥

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2 Members – 1 Church – Helpful Truth You Need to Know

The church is full of all kinds of people - what kind of church member are you? #LoveGod #Faith #Blessings

It’s been years, but I can still picture them well.

They were members of our small church in St. Louis.

For my story today, I’m going to call them members A and B.

Member A –

A was a slightly built man with a wisp of silver hair. He had a huge smile and a bear hug that wrapped around you and well, you just knew he meant it! Both A and his wife were humble servants … faithfully doing the unheralded jobs that few others wanted to do. They were always there early and they stayed late.

I picture A standing near the entrance welcoming everyone who walked in with a handshake or a hug and the following simple sentence:

Do you know how much Jesus loves you?

Rev remembers how he would bring his 5’8″ frame right up to his 6’6″ one, grab him by the collar, look him in the eye and say, “I pray for you every single day!” And we knew he did!

Member B –

Member B was a taller more distinguished-looking man. He always held leadership positions and knew how the church should run. He liked tradition and was outspoken and unhappy about most changes. He served that church and gave generously. He was doing it right and felt it important that he should help others “do it right,” too!

I remember one exchange with B’s wife …

Rev and I had struggled with secondary infertility for 7 years. One particularly bad hormone swing day, I shared with her that I was hurting and sad. She stepped in close, shook her finger in my face, and told me I should be ashamed of myself. I was blessed with two healthy children and I should stop feeling sorry for myself and be thankful.

I was thankful for my children! Very thankful. I just had an exceptionally powerful mom gene! And at that moment, more than anything I wanted and needed love, kindness, and compassion.

Two members – One Church

One full of love the other full of self-righteousness.

I believe A and B and their wives loved Jesus and that they were trying to follow Him to the best of their abilities.

I also believe there is a little A and B in each of us.

The church is full of all kinds of people - what kind of church member are you? #LoveGod #Faith #Blessings

I wrote the following as part of Mondays’ post…

God selected Abraham and his descendants as His chosen people not to exclude the other nations but because He wanted to draw all people to Himself through them. Had the Israelites followed God’s will they would have shown surrounding nations the blessings of living as God’s children.

God wanted His people to be “holy” or “set apart” … to look different from everyone else because as He blessed their obedience, others would want what they had.

Then on Tuesday morning, I read the following in Ezekiel…

 I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them. And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy. Ezekiel 20:11–12

Decrees and regulations so they could find life.

A day of rest as a sign of the covenant … that they were set apart as His. A day to refocus their priorities and remember all He had done for them.

Why?

Love!!!

God gave His commands and the Sabbath out of love. He knew obedience would make their lives better.  And He set them apart so the people around them would see the blessings of living in a relationship with the one true God.

And yet, time and again, like you and me … God’s people failed to trust and obey completely.

They chose idolatry, power, prestige, popularity, and personal comfort over obedience. They wanted what the non-believers had. It looked good. It sounded good. It felt good.

It was self-focused and selfish.

I want to be like Mr. and Mrs. A! I want my love for Jesus to bubble out of me all over everyone who meets me. I want to serve humbly as an offering of gratitude for all God has done for me.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:7

Unfortunately, I recall times when I’ve been more like Mr. and Mrs. B than I’d like to admit. Times when I was critical and judgmental, and yes, maybe even a little self-righteous.

So today, I asking God to forgive me. I’m also asking Him to help me keep my focus on Jesus.

Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1b–2a

I’m asking Him to help me love Him through obedience … not to win His pleasure or gain His blessings but to glorify and thank Him for all He has given me and done for me through Jesus.

Two Members - One Church - Helpful Truth You Need to Know by Deb Wolf @ CountingMyBlessings #Blessings #Faith #Church

John the Baptist said, “He must become more important while I become less important.” John 3:30

I like to say it this way…

Less of me! More of Jesus!

I want people to see Jesus in me. I want them to want what I have. I want them to love the One I love!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Practical Things to Do When You Just Can’t People

Some days it's hard to love your people well ... days when you feel like you just can't people today! These practical tips are here to help! #LoveOthers #FaithBlogger #CountingMyBlessings #SeekGodFirst #MentalHealth

What do you do on those exhausted days when the last thing you want to do is deal with anyone?

Nope, you just can’t people today!

Most days are full of people.

You have your family, they’re your HAVE TO people. Your coworkers. The people with whom you do ministry and the random people you cross paths with when you’re out running errands.  People are everywhere!

What do you do on those days when you feel like it’s too hard to deal with people.

Nope, you just can’t people today!

Most days are full of people.

You have your family, they’re your HAVE TO people. Your coworkers. The people with whom you do ministry and the random people you cross paths with when you’re out running errands.  People are everywhere!

If you’re like me, you have days when every one of them is getting on your last nerve. Those are the days I wish I could stay in bed and avoid people altogether.

Yes, I have them too!

Days when I’m in a mood and I find everyone frustrating, annoying, agitating, and just plain exhausting.

Admit it, you know you have those days, too!

What do you do when you can’t people? Can’t … nope, you got nothin’ for nobody.

I have to admit it’s not really what I want to hear on my “I can’t people” days but Paul wrote:

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12–15

Yep, like me, you’re thinking … that is so not what I needed right now!

You might even be thinking . . . that’s easy for Paul to say, he didn’t have to put up with my people!

If you’re having one of those days where tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness,  and patience feel impossible, I’d like to offer some practical to-dos that will help you through today and maybe even give you some hope for tomorrow.

Some days it's hard to love your people well ... days when you feel like you just can't people today! These practical tips are here to help! #LoveOthers #FaithBlogger #CountingMyBlessings #SeekGodFirst #MentalHealth

Practical Things to Do When You Just Can’t People

1. PRAY

I know, it’s always the first thing to do. Isn’t it a blessing to know that God welcomes our prayers even when we’re whining about the annoying people in our lives.

He’s not surprised. He knows about your yesterday and what the rest of today looks like. Oh yeah, tomorrow and the next day too. He knows. Talk with Him, be honest, and get ready to listen. Confess your frustration. Admit you’re exhausted. Ask Him to give you strength and help you love like Jesus. AND ask Him to help you find peace in your chaos.

2. Be Honest

I’m guessing your people love you! Tell them you’re having a bad day.

I like to give Rev fair warning when I’m cranky.

People can’t tell you’re struggling if you don’t tell them and I’ve always believed it’s better to “use my words” than it is to express my full-blown emotions.

It’s okay to ask for help. You might be surprised at the people who would love to help you if they knew you needed a reprieve.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.Galatians 6:2

3. Be Thankful

Even if you don’t feel like it! Your people are your people for a reason … even when they’re annoying you.

I remember a time early in our marriage when Rev neglected to do something I’d asked . . . again. It wasn’t a big deal. It was just annoying. I was pregnant, hormonal, and very irritated. As I took care of the truthfully unimportant task myself with full-blown annoyance, I heard God’s quiet whisper. “Would you prefer he wasn’t here?”

It wasn’t a threat. Just a question. What’s more important the relationship or being right? It’s a question that still blesses our marriage.

Some days it's hard to love your people well ... days when you feel like you just can't people today! These practical tips are here to help! #LoveOthers #FaithBlogger #CountingMyBlessings #SeekGodFirst #MentalHealth

4. Forgive Yourself – Forgive Your People

Ask God to forgive you for your less than loving attitude, forgive yourself and then, forgive your people!

I can’t do this one on my own. I need God’s help. When I remember the countless times God has forgiven me and think about the many times my family and friends have forgiven me … even when I don’t feel like it, I can choose forgiveness.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

5. Do Things to Fill Your Emotional Tank

I am always more easily agitated when I’ve strayed from my normally healthy diet and fail to get enough rest. I also notice that too many hours at the computer makes my body ache.

All those things make it harder for me to be loving and kind.

So, I’m keeping a list of tank-filling things I love to do. Things like: listening to great music, reading a good book, taking a walk, playing with the dog, etc.

What do you do to fill your emotional tank?

Finally – Thank God for His Help

Isn’t it awesome that you and I don’t have to deal with people alone?

God wouldn’t ask us to be merciful, kind, and loving if He were not willing and able to help us.

I love knowing I don’t have to be strong on my own. God promised His all-sufficient grace for every trial. We can lean into His abundant supply any time we need it.

O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59:17

Do you ever wonder if there were days when Jesus got tired of dealing with people?

We don’t know.

What we do know is Jesus took time to be alone with His Father, trusting the Father to strengthen Him and give Him everything He needed to accomplish what He came to do.

So, I’m ready. 

Even when I feel like I just can’t people today…

With God’s help, I can do this! And you can do it, too!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!