How Are You?

9/12/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Source: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Small-talk-108390039
Talk about the small things. Ask someone how they are going, and wait for their answer.

I was at the post office the other day. No one else was around. As I came to the counter, I felt that the lady serving me was not happy, so I said, "You seem a bit down - are you OK?"

She looked at me and said, "Thank you for asking. I am very worried about my daughter..." She shared why and the concerns she had.

When she had finished telling her story I quietly asked, "Can I pray for you?"

"Yes."

I offered a simple prayer, right there, in a soft voice with my eyes open: "Dear Lord, please bring peace to this family and this situation, amen."

She thanked me and I went on my way. It is amazing what happens when  you ask someone how they are when you are actually willing to listen and respond to what they say. 

- Sally
This is such a simple yet touching act of kindness. Being an introvert, I find it difficult to do such a thing. But I know that it's no excuse for me not to do these kinds of things. I do pray to the Lord that He will give me enough strength and courage to do what is pleasing in His eyes ceasing every opportunity to help others, to love others and to show God's love to them. I pray to be fearless to do the right things according to God's statutes and standards. Amen.
0 Comments

God and War

9/9/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I've just read an article about God and war. It's about a commentary about how the US Congress considers military action in Syria.

First of all, I am not fond of wars. In fact, I am strongly against it and I fear that with one offensive war, another comes after. Then another.

Also, I am not that really interested in wars, but I know that this is something that concerns everyone especially if a world-scale war will occur. So here's my take on it.

It's a bit hard to comment on this kind of topic. If you read the Old Testament, there are parts that talk about destroying other cities and nations and not sparing the women and children. And to think that this were God's commands in those days. It may perhaps be partly the reason why some people stray from the Truth because they find it contradictory to a loving and merciful God or perhaps they don't fully understand it and picture a God that causes war.

Well I've done a bit of research because I, myself wanted to know more about it and well, one thing led to another. I found this great article about "Does God harden people's hearts so they won't be saved?" and I think some parts of it gives explanation about the wars in the Old Testament. But other than that, it also answers a more difficult question of does God harden people's hearts. It provides great insights. Quite a bit hard to swallow but great insights. I got into this because I didn't quite understand what the verse in Isaiah 6:10 was saying. But now, I think I know a bit of it and that I know God doesn't harden people's hearts and that He doesn't want anyone to perish.

I digress but with regards to the current situation, I don't think that this military action against Syria is a good idea or that it speaks of what God would want to happen.

In the mean time, just as the closing paragraph of the article is saying, "Pray for our leaders to seek and follow God's leading in these challenging days."
0 Comments

Polite Civilities

9/4/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Source: http://www.deviantart.com/art/a-helping-hand-103120876
Remember the joy of polite civilities. Offer to help with something -- a shopping bag, a door, a dropped set of keys. The possibilities are endless...

The week before Easter, I was standing in the check-out line at a supermarket - just listening to those around me. You see, I had gone into the shop on purpose, looking to engage and maybe even help someone that day. I heard a conversation at the next checkout that went like this:

Assistant: "I'm sorry. You are 80 cents short. You don't have enough money for all these items. You are going to need to put something back."

There was a pause. The customer said, "I guess I could put back the chocolate."

Instantly that conversation had my attention - no-one should have to put back chocolate! So I reached into my purse and pulled out a dollar. Reaching across to the checkout assistant, I gave the dollar to her and said, "No one should have to give back chocolate."

The customer was so surprised and she thanked me, but all I said was, "Happy Easter!"

- Ruthmary

Lord, help me have a heart that joyfully gives and joyfully helps. I have been so fearful and so cautious that they have hindered me from helping others. Even my family and friends. I can sometimes be outright mean and unreasonable. Please help me to be gentle and to be understanding with the people around me. Sometimes I can be a hypocrite in that I always want to be understood but then I failed to understand others. Help me Oh Lord to have an understanding and giving heart. Be my strength and courage when someone needs my help and provide me strength to offer help even to those who have not directly asked for it even to those who do not know me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
0 Comments