From the heart

When you enjoy what God has given, your life is fulfilled and complete. 

Ruth chapter 2 verse 11.

And I also know about all the love and kindness you have shown your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you left your father and mother in your own land and have come here to live among strangers.

There are generous people, there are people who will give but are quick to judge and then there are the people who do not like to help at all. Generous people do not think at all about the cost or the fears involved in helping others. They freely give of their time and will help financially if they can. 

   People who are willing to give with hesitation are also quick to make a judgement about the situation. Their hearts want to help but maybe their hesitation comes from past experiences of thanklessness, from non-reciprocating people who will take but not give back, and keep coming back to demand more. With a little nudging and maybe having Christ's heart they freely give and and accept that there will be nothing in return.

   Then there are people who just do not help others in any way. They like to keep to themselves and do not want to get involved. There could be many reasons for someone to be like this, from mental illness to years of abuse with alcohol or drugs.

   My wife and I are opposites and it is said that opposites can be good for each other. She has a huge generous heart and I am more reserved. She has helped me to see past my selfishness and to be more receptive of the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the feeling you get of wanting to help and all other feelings are from your own inhibitions. 

   1 John chapter 4 verses 9-13 says; "God showed us how much He loved us by sending His only Son into this wicked world to bring to us eternal life through His death. In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God, but His love for us when He sent His Son to satisfy God's anger against our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too. For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us and His love within us grows ever stronger. And He has put His own Holy Spirit into our hearts as a proof to us that we are living with Him and He with us."

   It is only by loving others that we can reflect the love of God. So hold tightly to the words of the Bible, walk in the presence of God and give praise to Jesus, our Lord and savior. By doing this you will be prepared for those times when your patience is tested. You are also ready to receive the promptings of the Holy Spirit who gives us the right words to speak, humbling yourself with Jesus in a world of temptation, attitudes and desires. 

   Our old ways will nudge us in the wrong direction, but our new life no longer wants those old habits. You prefer God and you love what God did for Jesus and has done for you, so now you reflect the joy of God's touch upon your life, ready to help others find their way with God also. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. You changed everything. The world and our lives are a beautiful place to be because of Jesus and Your love. 😊   

    

James chapter 2 verse 21.

So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts. 

James chapter 2 verse 27.

The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father's point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord---not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world. 

James chapter 1 verse 9.

A Christian who does not amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord's sight.