Category Archives: Do what’s right

Blessings, Caring, Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Gratitude

Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – Remember Others

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“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s Use Your Gifts to Change Your World Wednesday! What will you do? Making a difference doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. It can be something as simple as a hug.

Today, a lady I worked with shared how she took her mother to the hospital late last night, because her mom was very ill. On the way home after her mother was discharged, she met up with her niece and the niece’s friend. They asked for a ride home. After my colleague agreed, she wound up driving to another town to take the niece’s friend home. Rather than becoming angry, she made conversation with the young man, who was 17 and supporting his entire family. The young man was working and attending high school. He was excited to share that he will be the first person in his family to graduate from high school. While my colleague was tired, she made a difference in this young man’s life, as well as, providing help to her mother and an example for her children.

Never forget to help others. May God bless you.

https://youtu.be/qR8_ROGud1c

Blessings, Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Gratitude

Forgiveness Thursday – On Premeditated Sin

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“And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the Lord shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s Forgiveness Thursday and a great time to forgive yourself and others.

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Have you ever known something was wrong and did it anyway?  Was the temptation just too much at the moment, even though you knew what the right thing to do was? It could be something as simple as not taking care of your body by overeating or choosing not to exercise.  After all your body is the temple of God.  Maybe it’s a temptation to have an affair or take something illegally?  We all have temptations and if you haven’t ever made the wrong decision on purpose at some point in your life, you are definitely in the minority.  Does that mean that it it’s okay?  No.

My husband and I were talking this morning about the story in Joshua, where Achan did not follow the instructions given to him and hid the silver.  His entire family was killed.  How much worse it would be to watch your family be killed, than to die?  This is the kind of crime we see in movies and real life.

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I’m so thankful that Jesus paid the price for us.  It is simple to ask for forgiveness.  Yet, how many times do we make the same mistake repeatedly?  Is that okay?  No.  We need to make a conscious effort to live a life that is pleasing to God.

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday.  God bless you.

 

Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Gratitude

Tell Me Something Good Monday – God is Always Here

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“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

Happy Monday!  It’s a great time to celebrate all the good in our lives!  The highlight of my weekend was my sweet grandson.  Unfortunately for me, I don’t know all the super heroes.  Landon came running up to me saying “I’m Cat Boy and you’re the Flash”.  I was excited to know which ones he was talking about.  Then, he announced “change, you’re Blue Beetle”.  Hmm  Blue Beetle?  I didn’t know that one.  So, I started pretending to be a beetle in what was pretty strange, I must admit.  That’s when Anna announced, “silly Bebaws, Blue Beetle has swords”.  Okay, I thought.  I can do this.  So, I began using my arms as swords, when I was told I still didn’t have it quite right.  I opted for my superhero name they have given me at work, “the Shadow”.  I still haven’t figured that one out.

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Isn’t it amazing how God is always understanding when we are struggling and trying to figure out what to do.  Psalms 37:4 tells us that when we take delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart.  Have you ever wondered what the desires of your heart truly are?  We all have seasons in our life, where we are haunted by our mistakes.  Sometimes we may want forgiveness, but are not ready to change.  Despite all of our short comings, God is still here with all the answers.  Even when the answers aren’t what we want to hear.  That’s when we need to rely most on His strength and comfort.

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I hope you have a wonderful Monday. Trust in God.  God bless you.

 

Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Family, Work, World

Forgiveness Thursday – Be Humble, Part 2

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“You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Happy Thursday!  It’s a great day to forgive others and yourself.  It is easy to hold a grudge when we have been hurt or have experienced difficulties due to another person’s actions.  In Colossians 3:13 we are reminded that we need to be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us.  Unforgiveness can weigh us and others down.  I heard a C12932C7-7E71-425C-8872-73FE978F1D73story of a supervisor who wouldn’t hire a past employee based on the woman previously taking a leave of absence.  In this case, the woman had a dying parent, but was otherwise a good employee.  Taking a leave of absence during a busy season can be hard to deal with, especially when the staff is small.  However, if you put yourself in this employee’s situation, you might find she had no other choices.  Remember your staff and coworkers are people too.  They have families and sometimes illnesses.  Let go of past situations and give people a chance.

Today, our previous discussion on being humble continues.  It’s a little difficult to wrap our minds around at times.  The verse above talks about “haughty eyes”.  The Hebrew word for “eye” is ‘ayin (pronounced ah’-yin) which can be used literally as eye or figuratively as conceit or resemble.  The Hebrew word for “haughty” is ruwm (pronounced room) which means exalt or magnify.  It appears in this context to DF9E39AB-2D2E-44D7-9F23-CF4D46155323mean one who is conceited and exalts or magnifies himself above others.  This definition seems to meet at least some of the definitions of proud.

A humble person never exalts himself above others, but builds other up.  For example, If you were responsible for a project at work that had a good outcome.  The world teaches to toot your horn and let everyone know how wonderful a job you have done.  However, God has a different lesson.  Make sure those above and below you are magnified for their responsibility in the process.  This can be difficult if you feel like your efforts are often overlooked.  Never outshine your supervisor.  Make him or her shine better than ever.  While you are at it lift up your employees.  It gives them confidence in themselves and buy-in into the project.  People with haughty eyes see themselves as smarter than everyone else.  This pitfall is one you never want to fall into. You might ask how will anyone know what you have done?  God knows and so do others.  If you follow God’s teachings on being humble, you will find your whole life falls into place.  The rewards are beyond measure.

I urge you to try magnifying others today.  God bless you.

 

Blessings, Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Family

Try Something New Tuesday – The Use of Gentle Language

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“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Happy Tuesday!  It’s a great time to try something new!

This morning I am very mindful of the events of September 11th, 2001.  Most Americans remember what they were doing when targets in the United States came under attack by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group known as al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out a suicide mission.  It is estimated that 2,996 people were killed that day.  I remember watching in shock and horror.  Last year I had the opportunity to visit the 9-11 Memorial in New York City.  It was an experience I will never forget.  The day was real again for me and many others.  I sat near a lady who was crying uncontrollably.  While it is never good to  dwell heavily on these types of events, it is important to remember.

This morning I am also conscious of how many wars and fights have been fought brother against brother.  Is it really worth it?  Do we need to see bloodshed to prove a point?  Most of the time we find out that it was just a simple misunderstanding that led to loss of life.  How many times have you been upset or upset someone else over a simple misunderstanding?

James 1:26 warns us about keeping a rein on our tongues.  When we think of bridles with horses, steering and stopping comes to mind.  Pausing before speaking is a good habit to have.  Yet, I think there is much more here.  We should be gentle in our language.  I’m referring to words and tones.  Even in correction of subordinates and children, we can use language that is loving.  Every person is different which complicates the matter, so try to consider individual personalities and speak gentleness with all  you meet.  Of course, none of us are perfect.  Whenever you make a mistake, be quick to ask for forgiveness.  However, some things cannot be undone easily.  I heard a lady say that when you squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube, it’s not as easy to put it back in.  The damage is done. So, try to learn from your mistakes and avoid repeating them as much as possible.  Change begins with individuals.  Each person makes a difference.

I hope your Tuesday is wonderful.  God bless you.

Christian Living, Do what's right, Expecting, Family, Gratitude, Journey, Make a difference, Praise, Prayer

Forgiveness Thursday – 490 Times? Really?

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Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:21-22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Good morning and happy Thursday.  It’s a great time to forgive others and yourself.

F168A70A-19F2-4DAE-8BE7-6AA84DF7079DAre you having trouble forgiving someone?  Do you find yourself facing the same old aggravating stuff with that person all the times?  Have you thought to yourself, how many times do I have to put up with this mess?  When Peter asked Jesus how many times, I feel pretty certain he wasn’t expected to be told 490 times.  It makes me chuckle to think of this conversation taking place,  because I know I’d being saying “What?”.  Yet, how many BD18DBDA-E5BC-4570-908F-55091F2272CCtimes has God forgiven us?  For me it has been more than 490 times.   In fact, it’s been more that 4,900,000 times.  It’s so nice to be loved and forgiven.  It is important to treat others well, even when there is something that really aggravates you.  It is equally important to forgive yourself.

Have a wonderful day.  God bless you.

Blessings, Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Gratitude

Spread the Love Friday – How Do You Live Your Life?

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We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance. Arrogance and pride—distinguishing marks in the wicked— are just plain sin.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:2-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Happy Friday!  It’s a great day to spread God’s love.

Have you ever considered your actions as a way to spread God’s love?  If you accidentally walked out of the store without paying for a pack of gum, would you go back?  If the cashier gave you back too much money would you go back?  Would you consider living with your partner rather than getting married to avoid paying taxes?  Do you look for ways to cheat or get around laws, to receive undeserved benefits because you feel you deserve them more than others?  Do you drive a brand new SUV and receive government subsidies for food, housing and other living expenses?  What are your motives behind your actions?

 

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Your actions speak loudly about who you are, and they affect others.  For example, the cashier who gave you too much money back may have lost a family member today and now could lose her job because of the mistake she made.  It was her mistake, but do the right thing.  Whenever we mistakenly or purposely steal items in the store, the prices go up for everyone.  The store has to cover the loss, and sometimes stores close because of their inability to absorb losses.  Don’t do it on purpose, and if by mistake you walk out with something, go back.  Your actions will let others know what type of person you are.  One day it might matter if you are falsely accused.  Someone will remember your honesty.  Plus, you will be able to sleep well at night and feel good when you stand before God.

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Finally,  if you are a person who cheats the government or works the system for a better lifestyle with little to no effort, know that someone is paying for your actions and someone who needs the assistance may not be able to receive what they need due to your greed.   Nothing is free.  Proverbs 6:6 says “[g]o to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise”.  Proverbs 14:23 tells us that “[i]n all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads to poverty”.  God expects us to work hard and prepare for the future.  Nothing is gained by cheating the system.  Someone else is carrying your load.  We are also supposed to take care of people who need assistance.  So, remember to help those who need help.  Your motives say it all.  When we live with clean motives, have faith in the Lord, and work hard, our lives will be far better now and when we see God.

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Having said all of this, please know that you should not compare yourself to others.  Live your life as an example and leave the rest to God.

Have a great day.  Spread God’s love through clean living!  God bless you.

Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Family

Try Something New Tuesday – How Do You Treat People?

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I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
‭‭JOHN‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Happy Tuesday!  It’s Try Something New Tuesday.  What will you try?  I asked a friend, and she said she had tried Coke Zero.  Sounds a little silly, but it helps her with a health goal.  As my coach told me this week, if you are doing the best you can, you are making progress.

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Has anyone verbally or physically attacked you unjustly?  Do you want to avoid going certain places or being around certain people?  How do you treat people who have mistreated you?  Your reaction or decision not to react, says quite a bit about your character.  Sometimes our pain runs deep and it’s hard to move forward.  In these times, I think of Jesus.  He did not treat people according to how they treated him.  He showed love, patience and forgiveness to all. He kept living and moving forward no matter what he faced or came up against. It’s hard, but we can take the high road too.  We all have work to be done for the Kingdom of God.  Don’t let others steal your glory.

So as you go out today, put on the love and attitude of Jesus.  God bless you.

Blessings, Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Family

Tell Me Something Good Monday – Take Time Live Childlike

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For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:2-5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Good Morning!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Please share your wonderful experiences.

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As I continue leading the multigenerational Sunday School class, God teaches me.  Last week we had about 30 members in attendance from children to Senior Citizens.  So, when I was preparing the class I prayed about my dilemma of involving the children while keeping the adults engaged.  I spent some time planning the class, which involved all types of activities where the adults could assist with leading songs and teaching hand games to the children.

When it came time for Sunday School to start yesterday, there were 8-10 adults and no children.  I explained my dilemma to the class and moved forward. God is so awesome.  The class was about “Christian Family”.  Who knew the adults would enjoy making the church and steeple with their hands, and singing “Have You ever Seen a Lassie” with different words for the occasion?  We had a meaningful discussion of the scripture followed by a cooperative game with a beach ball.  They seemed to have fun.  One member told me repeatedly how much he enjoyed the class and one said we should play with the beach ball every week.  I had fun too.  I called my daughter and asked her to bring Landon over.  He and I played like lifeguards in the pool saving imaginary animals and had a blast!

Sometimes we are so busy running from here to there and keeping up with all our electronic devices that we forget that we need to just be “childlike” and enjoy life.  What a blessing God showed me yesterday.

I hope you have a fantastic Monday!  God bless you.

Blessings, Change the World, Christian Living, Do what's right, Forgiveness, Goodness

Light of the World Blogger Award

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I’m truly honored to have been nominated by Joe of Lighthouse Devotions and T. R. Noble of Inside Cup  for the Light of the World Award.  I strive everyday to let God’s light shine through me and find this Award to be a blessing to my ministry.  Thank you Joe and T. R. Noble.  Take a few minutes to enjoy both blogs.  You will walk away feeling blessed.

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Light of the World Award

The Apostle Paul said, “Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due”.  Romans 13:7

“I believe that true believers and followers of Jesus Christ are actually like lighthouses for God. For this reason and because Jesus Himself said that we are the ‘light of the world,’ I decided to create The Light of the World Award to honor authors (bloggers) whose presence on the web serves as a shining light for Christ and His Gospel of salvation.”  Joe Rodriguez, Award  Creator (Lighthouse Devotions)

My Answers to Joe’s Questions

  1. What three words would you use to describe your blog?  Inspirational, Healing, Blessings 
  2. In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ? We all have God given gifts.  Each person’s gifts are different.  When Christians use their gifts and strive to live like Christ, we shine for Christ.  No one is perfect, but people are always watching.  It’s important that we make good decisions and have good attitudes, especially when we are having a bad day.  As we walk with Christ, others will be drawn to us and we can share our beliefs.  Never let an opportunity pass.  It may be the only chance you have to shine in that person’s life for Christ.
  3. What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world? For once you were darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]
    ‭‭EPHESIANS‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭AMP‬‬
  4. What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available.  I have a couple of favorites.  First So Will I (100 Million X) by Hillsong UNITED.  The lyrics begin “God of creation there at the start before the beginning of time with no point of reference you you spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light . . .” 

https://youtu.be/oLURTvUQoTM

—I also enjoy listening to the upbeat song called Start a Fire by Unspoken.  

Lyrics
This world can be cold and bitter
Feels like we’re in the dead of winter
Waiting on something better
But am I really gonna hide forever?
Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need
Start a fire in me
 You only need a spark to start a whole blaze
It only takes a little faith
Let it start right here in this city
So these old walls will never be the same
Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
They need to know
I need to go
Spirit won’t You fall on my heart now
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So…

My Nominations

  1. Faith Love Soul. Yamina strives to help people to live their personal best life.  Her tips are great and will uplift you along the way.
  2. New Creation Ministries .  There are many ways to shine your light, and Ellie is does it with nutrition.  I’m so thankful for posts that are helpful in living a healthy life.
  3. GodInspiredArt&Quotes.  Tammy shines God’s light through her bubbly personality.  I always enjoy chatting with her.  Her blog features God inspired art.
  4. Dr. Charles Earl Harrel   What a blessing it has been to get to know Dr. Charles Earl Harrel, minister and author.  If you haven’t already picked up his book The Greatest Moment, do so right away and visit his blog.  God’s light shines through his work.
  5. Taking Up My Cross this young writer inspires me with his knowledge.  He uses every day situations to teach God’s word.
  6. I’ve recently discovered Walking In God’s promises.  The author uses delightful life stories to share how God is at work in our lives daily.
  7. Tonya Batterson LaLonde touches my heart with her encouraging posts.   Visit her blog and see how God’s light is shining through her

The Rules

  1. Save and add the award image (pictured above) on your blog.
  2. Create a page/post to mention the award nomination and thank the person/blog that nominated you. Make sure you provide a link to their site.
  3. Give credit to the creator of the award (Lighthouse Devotions) and provide a link to the site as well.  (http://www.Lighthousedevotions.blog)
  4. List the rules.
  5. Answer the next four questions on the same post:
    1. What three words would you use to describe your blog?
    2. In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ?
    3. What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world?
    4. What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available.
  6. Nominate 7 or more people/blogs to receive the award. Briefly explain why you think they should receive it and provide a link to their sites.
  7. Contact them and let them know that you nominated them.
  8. Provide them with a link to the Rules page.
  9. Say a prayer thanking God for His light and ask that He continue to shine it through you and your blog.
  10. Keep shining the light of Christ wherever you go and in whatever you do!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14 (NAS)