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Waiting is hard. We have a nature that wants to see things happen now, to make things happen now, to get things done and move on. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s often a good thing.

It doesn’t always work that way. Maybe most times it doesn’t work that way. Whether we are learning a new sport, to play a musical instrument, trying to develop a good habit or break a bad habit, or learning skills to be a better person, it takes practice and time.

There are times when we desperately need God. A sickness, a loss of job, a child in trouble, a financial need, a big decision we need to make, changes that happen sometimes where we have some control, sometimes where we have little or no control.

In those times, minutes can seem like days, days can seem like years.

We seek God. We pray for deliverance. We wait.

Though it is hard to do, in those times, remember God is in control.

Here are some words of encouragement and wisdom from Darlene Miller, drawing on her decades of following Christ:

“God’s timing is perfect. His plans will never go wrong. He has every detail set in place, ready to go into motion. His motives are good. His power is precise. He never underestimates, and he is never caught off guard. He has everything you need. All he is waiting on is for you to trust him. All your worries and all your fears have not solved your problems. Trust God. He is everything you need.” – Darlene Miller

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear – Isaiah 59:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
– Psalms 46:1

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

God loves you and cares for you. Wait upon the Lord.

 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,(Ephesians 3:20)

What a powerful verse. All scripture is inspired by God, so it’s God speaking to us. What He tells us is unlimited and almost beyond human comprehension.

It would have amazing if He had said:

He is able to do that we ask.

But He went so far beyond that.

He is able to exceeding. Both exceeding and abundantly. And not just exceeding abundantly but also above. And not just exceeding abundantly above, but above “all”.

Notice it’s not just something better than we could ask for, but He says, it’s better than we could even think.

Sometimes we need help and cry out to God, it’s like just give the bare minimum to get by, to get out of this circumstance. Help us to barely get by. Just tolerate; just endure; just eke by so that we can continually struggle

We would be so astounded and appreciative of that. God is so much greater than that.

Then there are times when most of us can ask some big things. So big we might think do I dare to even ask. God is so much greater than that.

Most of us can think some might big things, some great dreams, aspirations, wishes, dare to hope against hope. God is so much greater than that.

How is it that He able to do much much bigger, greater and better than we can even think?

God always wants the best for us. He has plans for us bigger than we can know, greater than we can know. Better than we can know.

Surrender your whole life and your whole will to Jesus Christ. Give Hin your fears, anxieties, worries, disappointments, sadness, and your hopes and dreams.

Can you believe today? Can you accept His word to you? That He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

 

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind. Part II discussed that self-righteousnes can cause us to not be kind. Part III talked about other human limits which may cause us to be unkind. Part IV explored who we should be kind to. Part V looked at some ways we can be unkind and some ways we can be kind. This final part, part VI will discuss some rewards of being kind.

What are the rewards of being kind:

Foremost, when we obey God, He will reward us.

God knows our heart, and He will reward. It might be in ways we don’t expect, or in ways we don’t recognize, but He will reward our obedience.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Next, when we give kindness, we will receive kindness. It may not be immediate, but it will be.

“whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” – Galatians 6:7

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” – Luke 6:38

Being kind makes us feel good. This is true even if the person we show kindness to doesn’t return the kindness. It make us feel good to know we have done what is pleasing to God. It makes us feel good if we see that the kindness is a blessing to the other person.

Conclusion:

Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

 

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind. Part II discussed that self-righteousnes can cause us to not be kind. Part III talked about other human limits which may cause us to be unkind. Part IV explored who we should be kind to. Today we will look at some ways we can be unkind and some ways we can be kind.

What are some ways we are unkind.

There may be innumerable ways. Being too harsh. Not showing respect. Not showing love. Saying things that dimmish others. Reminding other of the weaknesses a person has. Similarly, contributing to rumors about another person that will dimmish that persons reputation

What are some ways we can be kind.

Our relationship with God will determine our inward attitude, which then determines our outward actions and behaviors. When we want to obey God by being truly kind, it will manifest in our actions.

Most of the time, kindness can be provided in simple actions.

Kind words. It’s astonishing how much good kind words can do. Do you remember kind words a family member or a friend spoke to you? Maybe the encouragement was all you need to get through the day or the week, or to realize that there are many wonderful characteristics that you have. Maybe those kind words have helped you have confidence in yourself, pursue your dreams, a career, or an activity you truly enjoy.

Kindness may be a smile, a nod, a handshake, a hug.

Think of all the ways you can give kindness.

Conclusion:

Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind. Part II discussed that self-righteousnes can cause us to not be kind. Part III talked about other human limits which may cause us to be unkind. This Part IV will explore who we should be kind to.

Who should we be kind to:

”As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

We are to be kind to all. Be kind to those closest to us, to our family, to  friends, to enemies, to relatives, to coworkers, to neighbors, to those who deserve it and to those who don’t deserve it, to the good, and to be bad.

Sometimes it hardest to be kind to those closest to us. They know us so well, our strengths, weaknesses, our wonderful behaviors, and our sins. We can’t hid from them. And we know them too, they can’t hid from us. It may be that our true hearts are shown to those closest to us. We fail. Let’s seek God that His Spriit will teach us to be kind to those closest to us.

Conclusion:
Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

What are some reasons we may not be kind?

Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind. Part II discussed that self-righteousnes can cause us to not be kind. This Part III will talk about other human limits which may cause us to be unkind.

III. Other human limits

It’s so easy to not be kind!

We are in a physical body, which at times gets tired, hungry, stressed, in pain, pushed to our limits. These can cause us to be harsh to others as we deal with our own issues. In these times, pause, remember you belong to God, He is in control.

Sometimes we may be careless. We may forget how our words or actions impact someone else.

Sometimes we may be in a hurry. We focus on tasks and forget the needs of others.

When others are not kind to us, our human nature is to respond by being unkind to that person.

Being unkind can often take place quickly. A harsh comment, an angry countenance. Being unkind can occur when we don’t intend to be unkind. People tend to be more unkind when they are stressed, tired, frustrated, or disappointed.

Many times we realize after the fact that we have not been kind. It may be that we don’t even realize that we are becoming unkind until after the fact.

Sometimes we don’t even realize we are being unkind

Sometimes we are much more unkind than we intend. We are harsh, then we justify it, or try to disguise it. Don’t do that. Acknowledge it, and then turn from it.

Kindness does not always come easy. We may be tired, maybe a lot of irritating things have happened to us, maybe some disappointments. The first chance we get, we might lash out at someone.

Honor Him by seeking to be kind, even in your discomfort.

Consider:
Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

What are some reasons we may not be kind?

Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind.

This Part II will discuss another reason we may be unkind to others – self-righteousness.

We may think that we have done very good in the sight of God, and that others have done very bad, or less good than us, that we have a right to be unkind to them, to put them in their place with unkind words or actions, so they will acknowledge our righteous, and be more like us.

Many, especially Christians, including pastors and church leaders, like to think they are more righteous than others. The Bible teaches us that our righteousness is not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ.

“They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalms 14:3)

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10)

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 4:21)

God has been kind to you even in your unrighteousness, so be kind to others even in their unrighteousness.

Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.

1. Sometimes we let our ego cause us to be unkind.

We believe we are better than the other person, so we have a right to be unkind. Maybe we think we have better manners, better hygiene, better social skills, more friends, more education, a higher social class, better clothes, a better house, a better car, or more wealth. It may be that you feel like you are doing them a favor by being unkind, so they and those around you will understand that you are not like them. You are better. You are superior.

When we exalt ourselves above others, it is sin. It violates the commandment “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 12:31) And “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth (Proverbs 14:21)

When we think we are superior to others, It’s as if think we have somehow made own self, and take the glory from God.

“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;” (Psalms 100:3) And, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” (2 Corinthians 3:5) And,  ”But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

To be unkind because of our ego is a sign of feelings of inadequacy and disregard of others. God doesn’t like it, you shouldn’t either. Work on having a healthy self-esteem, which can show itself in service and humility. You know who you are and don’t have to prove it.

Conclusion:
Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.

Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.

God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.

 

 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 5:33

This amazing verse in the Bible is about how God knows our heart, and wants our love and fellowship with Him. The verses before this are taking about prayer and about all the things we need.

Jobs, houses, cars, money, relationships, respect, honor, and other material things are things we need or want.  It’s easy to get weighted down with all the needs we have, and all the wants we have. There is nothing wrong with needs and wants, we are made to have them.

Sometimes seeking things overwhelm us. They can discourage us and make us anxious and worrry. When we realize that what we most need to do is seek God, it brings us peace.

The verse above tells us to put God first, and seek Him and His ways above seeking all the other things. The Bible says God knows we have need of all these things.

When we put God first, He is going to provide all we need.

Trust God today, and seek His kingdom and righteous above all else.

We are in the final few hours of 2023, and ready to start the adventures of 2024.

It’s a great time to reflect. How was your 2023? What are the things you can give thanks for? What are the lessons you learned in 2023?

Renew your spirit and your mind:
²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. – Ephesians 4:23-24

Forgive those who have wronged you. Not because it doesn’t matter, but because God knows and He will take care of things.
³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
³² And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:31-32

Let go of the past. Don’t dwell in it. Enjoy the memory of the good times, learn from the bad times, but don’t dwell in the past. Move on. Enjoy life now. As it is. Not as it could be or as it should be. Enjoy life now.

It’s also a good time to commit yourself to a fresh start. What could you do that will make your life better in 2024?

To paraphrase something Jordan Peterson has said: Sit on your bed and ask yourself, What is something I could do, that I can do, that would make my life much better? If you will ask honestly and be open, an answer will come to you.

Expect God to guide your paths and direct your steps.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. – Proverbs 3:5-7

Follow God’s direction. Move toward your goal. Even small steps are important as you make small improvements toward your goals. Accept that  setbacks may be a part of the process of moving toward those goals.

Make your commitment and start your adventure. Your life will be better. You will make the world a better place.

May your 2024 be filled with the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Ghost of God.