Monday, November 7, 2011 - How to Begin a Week

"What is desired in a man is kindness." 
Proverbs 19:22

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good."

Luke 6:45

"You yourselves are taught by God to love one another." 
1 Thessalonians 4:9

How to Begin a Week (ahem):

1) Give it to God: openly, honestly, and passionately.  

"Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!"  Psalm 32: 1-2 (NLT)

2) Give yourself away to others in acts of kindness: sneakily, anonymously, coolly and matter-of-factly. 
"Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. . .  But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, Who knows all secrets, will reward you." (Matthew 6:1 and 4)
     Although they sound completely opposite, these two ways of giving go hand in hand. Have you been embarrassed by people who made a huge deal over something they've done for you? They're saying you "owe" them and telling other people how great they are.  It's the dreaded bribery/broadcast combo and God's not impressed.
   What an interesting week this could turn out to be if people caught us smiling because we'd been sneaking around the house, the office, the church, our neighborhoods and communities to perform kindnesses of all kinds in mysterious ways for the unsuspecting people in our lives. 
Father, You created us from Your great Love, to know You and to love each other. Guide us to give in creative ways. Fill us with the gifts of Your Spirit so we can't help but give and love each other. Take our eyes off of any rewards for ourselves, but let us feel the glow of Your Light brightening within us each time You're pleased.
In the Name of Jesus, Who gave everything to an unsuspecting world