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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Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Some say the rich may not be able to understand the struggles of the poor. Some on the other hand say the poor do not understand the discipline and hard work required of the rich. The Bible tells us that the best way to manage society’s problems are through neighbor helping neighbor.

Proverbs 19 explains that giving to the poor or needy is like lending to the Lord and an investment that will be rewarded. A rich person may try to buy friends but in the long run integrity is more valuable than wealth.

This morning my thoughts are about hurricane Harvey last September. In Texas, the faith based groups outpaced the federal government in help from the devastating floods. Many citizens used their fishing boats to rescue their neighbors from the floods. People contributed their time and money to help their neighbor in need of basic necessities like food, water, and clothing. The rescues were amazing – the kindness and love of fellow neighbor was apparent.

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A few meaningful qualities from this chapter that need to be a part of our life include integrity, discipline, enthusiasm, and kindness. Examples of all these qualities can be found in God’s Word. We need to find these treasures in God’s Word and follow the instructions. Then teach our children to also follow the Way. What we make happen for others will be given back to us so when we give, a gift will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others.

This day with You Lord, inspire in our heart to be charitable to the needy, treat others fairly, respect the aged, and love our neighbors. Give us ideas in ways to carry out these qualities by planning out action steps. We pray that Your purpose prevails. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Proverbs and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Proverbs 19
* What is your attitude toward the rich? Toward the poor? How can you be kind to the poor or needy today? What meaningful qualities from this chapter need to be a part of your life today?

Proverbs 20
* What are the different categories of proverbs within this chapter? In what ways does each category reveal wisdom? How can we apply the message from today’s passage?

 

Believe that God has a great plan for you.Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

 

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Stepping On Cancer

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The fight against cancer
Started years ago.
Inspired by a player
Who never went pro.

Freddie Steinmark
Is the players name
On the sixty nine
UT team of fame.

Six days after the
“Game of the Century”,
X-rays revealed
A brutal enemy.

A bone tumor caused
Leg amputation.
Twenty days later
He inspired the nation.

There on the sidelines
At the Cotton Bowl
Lifting up his team
And nation as a whole.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-05-2018
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This poem was inspired after watching the movie “My All-American” which is the true story of the University of Texas football player Freddie Steinmark who played on the national championship team in 1969. Six days after the “Game of the Century” against Arkansas, x-rays revealed a bone tumor in his leg. His leg was amputated but twenty days later, he was on the sideline with his teammates as they…

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Keeping the Name of the Lord

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
   The righteous run to it and are safe.

One of my favorite takeaways from the study of Proverbs 18 and posted in “The Power Like a Strong Tower” is that our words have the power of life and death. By keeping the name of the Lord in our everyday living, we not only have power in our own life but also give power to those around us as we encourage them.

Keeping the name of the Lord shelters us like a fortified tower providing safety from the wind and high ground above the floods. As pointed out in the song Strong Tower by Kutless, keeping the name of the Lord provides strength when we are weak and courage if afraid. When the storms of life rage, the Lord is our strong tower and His mercy sets us free.
 

 

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