Tag Archives: acts of kindness

Our Daily Bread — Keeping Darkness At Bay

August 23, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Matthew 5:11-16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father. —Matthew 5:16

In J. R. R. Tolkien’s book The Hobbit, the wizard Gandalf explains why he has selected a small hobbit like Bilbo to accompany the dwarves to fight the enemy. He says, “Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

That’s what Jesus teaches us as well. Warning us that we would live in dark times, He reminded us that because of Him we are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14) and that our good deeds would be the power against the darkness for the glory of God (v.16). And Peter, writing to believers in Christ who were facing severe persecution, told them to live so that those accusing them would “by [their] good works which they observe, glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).

There is one force that the darkness cannot conquer—the force of loving acts of kindness done in Jesus’ name. It is God’s people who turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and forgive and even love their enemies who oppose them who have the power to turn the tide against evil. So look for the privileged opportunity to perform acts of kindness today to bring the light of Christ to others. —Joe Stowell

Lord, teach me the folly of trying to repay evil for

evil. May I be so grateful to You for the loving acts

of kindness that You have shown me that I gladly

look to share good deeds with others as well!

Light up your world with an act of kindness.

Bible in a year: Psalms 113-115; 1 Corinthians 6

Insight

Taken from the Sermon on the Mount, today’s passage presents some of the behavioral expectations of the kingdom of God and stresses authenticity. Using the recognizable images of salt and light, Jesus tells His listeners that they cannot follow Him in secret. Salt must be salty and light must illuminate. However, we must be careful not to assume that it is goodness for goodness’ sake that is expected of God’s people. Good deeds are what bring God glory and reflect His character to the world (v.16).

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.M.R. – No Favorites

June 14, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Society often encourages you to choose a favorite: a restaurant, automobile, celebrity or television show. But God does not play favorites. He did not send His Son to die just for the Jews, or the Pharisees, or even solely for His followers. God sent His Son to die for you, the homeless guy, the drug addict, the loud neighbor, the slow driver, the rude co-worker…everyone!

In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Acts 10:35

Sometimes it’s easy to see Jesus as the Savior of just good, kind and beautiful people. But, again, God does not play favorites – and neither should you. In every neighborhood and every nation, there are hearts restless for God. They are ready to receive the gospel. But someone must take it to them.

Think about your God story. What has He done in your life? Now consider one person you know who needs to hear about Jesus Christ. Begin now to pray for that person. Look for opportunities to reach out with acts of kindness. Ask God to give you courage to share your story. Pray also that Christians across this nation would reach out and share Jesus with others in their communities.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.R.M. – Lace Up and Step Out

May 12, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Sally came to Larry and Sandra’s neighborhood Bible Study, she confessed, “I don’t know anything about the Bible!” One night Larry and Sandra shared a little booklet with Sally called Peace with God. Sally invited Jesus Christ into her heart! Soon she started sharing her faith.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! Romans 10:15

When Sally became ill and went into the hospital, she talked to the staff about God and His love. She would ask, “Do you know Jesus? If you don’t, you better take care of it right away!” Her urgent message during her time of personal urgency had an incredible impact. At Sally’s memorial service, her “before Jesus friends” sat on one side. On the other was all of her “after Jesus friends.”

You don’t have to go overseas to be a missionary. Jesus calls you to love your neighbors and there’s a vast mission field right in your own community. Start praying for those who live near you. Lace up your shoes and share acts of kindness. Then watch how God opens doors to tell them about His love. Pray also that Christians throughout this nation would reach out to their neighbors and urgently declare the love of Jesus Christ.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Continual Quality

April 18, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Leona Helmsley was a spectacularly successful businesswoman and hotelier. When she died, however, that’s not how she was eulogized. Legions of former employees remembered how she had treated them ruthlessly, berated them endlessly with vile profanities, acted vindictively and fired them unfairly. Dubbed the “Queen of Mean” by the media, Helmsley’s empire had begun to collapse before her death when she was convicted of tax fraud. The government had no trouble finding witnesses…people practically lined up to testify against her.

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness. Micah 6:8

Kindness is a rare quality in America today. This is sad – but also a great opportunity. When you act justly and show kindness to those around you, your testimony will shine and afford you openings to show others the source of your compassion. It’s okay, too, for acts of kindness to be random, but they should also be continual.

Today, pray for – and look for – ways to help others. Perhaps God will use you to spark a fire that will forever change your neighborhood and your nation! Intercede, too, for your leaders and submit to their authority, letting your goodness show in a way the best honors the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:1-3, 15-21

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