Inspired Hearts

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12

The study written about in the post “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” gave some meaningful qualities that need to be a part of our life.

Our kindness to our fellow neighbor starts with the amazing kindness God first showed to us when He sent Jesus to die on the cross. It is highlighted in today’s song Kindness By Todd Agnew and has inspired the following poem.   

God’s love opened up

the skies of mercy

for His love reigned down

to take away worry.

Keep falling down on us,

amazing grace like rains

with a cleansing stream

washing away the stains.

Better than life itself

is the kindness of the Lord

and His favor that blesses

so keep on reigning Lord.

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The Golden Rule

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

In the post “Loving Our Neighbor”, some ideas were discussed and the thought came out that if these ideas were applied in each person’s life, there would be no need for laws because no commandment would ever be broken.

For most of us the concept is easily understood but the application of it is extremely difficult. The key is to use the lessons from the Bible and follow the “Golden Rule” by letting love from the Father overflow from our heart to those we meet.^*

In many parts of society, hate has taken over but the song Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman offers an idea to set things right.

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*Ramsdell, Steve. Sermon 8-12-2012. FUMC Waco. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org>. 

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Within the passage Exodus 22:1-15 as written about in the post “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” are penalties for deliberate theft and negligence. This passage elaborates on the Eighth Commandment in which the instruction is to not kill or steal but to show genuine concern for your neighbor.

In order to manage society’s problems, we should each show concern for our neighbor’s possessions and alert authorities if a theft or crime is taking place in our neighborhood. As in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, we should have the courage to make a stand against those who take advantage of others.

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Two Are Better Than One

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The post “Walk by the Spirit” has some thoughts and ideas towards blessing others. I also remember a while back when our church did a Mobile Pack Event for Feed my Starving Children. It was a fun event for adults and children. There were jobs for everyone to help get all the food ingredients into 100,000 food pack meals that was sent to various places where it was needed around the world.

We all need the help of others from time to time in life. We can all find comfort in knowing that God is big enough to get us through and He provides many believers to pick us up. Be inspired by today’s song called How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin.

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The Boomerang Effect

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. - Proverbs 11:17

As highlighted in the post “Invite God in so Kindness Begins”, there are benefits to being observant to the needs of others and reaching out with acts of kindness. It has what is called the boomerang effect!

Paul was observant to the needs of those on the island of Malta and in return was given the needed supplies to complete the journey as they set sail for Italy. He was committed to doing God’s work and his acts of kindness went a long way to open up doors. As we go through this journey called life, let us be observant to the needs of our neighbor.

What we make happen for others because of our kindness has a way of coming back to us so this day with God, make it a point to offer an act of kindness; give a smile or invite someone into a conversation. If we do, there is a strong possibility that a smile or affirming thought may be returned.

When we invite God into our presence to help with our caring actions towards our neighbor, there is strong possibility that we will receive blessings in return. As we celebrate today, here is a great song to inspire our actions: The Invitation – Rachel Belman.

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Power within Us

The post Empowerment gave one example of God empowering Peter to give healing to a crippled beggar. There is power in Jesus’ name and with this power, we can passionately believe in improved tomorrows.

Let nothing hold us up in our work for Him and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible because God empowers His people. Let us praise the people who help us and remember to praise God. Here is today’s video to inspire us towards sharing our story: Life and Favor – John P. Kee.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us - Ephesians 3:20

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Love Beyond Measure

In the post “The Third Day”, we are told that the women went to the tomb of Jesus on the third day after the crucifixion and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They were told that Jesus had risen!

Our mood can always be lifted by the positive affirmation God gives us through His Son. Today, we are made aware that Jesus demonstrated love beyond measure and this inspires us to return this love unconditionally to others. Enjoy today’s video Love Take Me Over – Steven Curtis Chapman.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34  

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Focus on the Lessons Taught by Jesus

The lessons taught by Jesus never change and are applicable today just as they were during the time He walked in the flesh on earth. The way to get to heaven is to accept Jesus as Savior; to be connected to and internalize these guiding principles taught by Christ. Then noticing those in need; being the hands and feet of God to assist with their needs. Here’s a video that inspires these qualities: Fix My Eyes – King & Country.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrew 12:1-2

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Invite Everyone to Feast in His Kingdom

Several lessons are taught in Luke 14:1-24 of which I wrote some thoughts in the post Being Inclusive. One of these lessons is that we should include everyone to feast in the kingdom of God. Some will let us down and not come but others will surprise us and come. Here’s an inspirational video that also expresses this thought: Jesus Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

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Law’s Requirements for Eternal Life

Some examples were studied the last few days of the law’s requirements for eternal life and written about in the post Love the Lord and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.

The first example is the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the other is At the Home of Martha and Mary.

When we love the Lord, we care about His people. Here is a video that demonstrates how caring for others and being kind is like a relay in which we pass the baton to a teammate: Kindness Returns.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27

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Celebrate the Risen Christ on Easter Tomorrow

As we celebrate the risen Christ on Easter tomorrow, remember the type of love Jesus showed. As my Pastor talked about in his message on Palm Sunday, May we all follow the example of Jesus who showed us what the world can be like when there is love of God, love of our neighbor, and we serve the needs of each other. Enjoy today’s video: You Are I Am by Mercyme – Fisher of Men.

Have a Happy Easter my friends!

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.