A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
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to this ministry"Kindness"
"Love is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4). "Be kind to one another" (Ephesians 4:32). "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" (Proverbs 12:25).
Brooksyne and I recently attended an open house at our daughter's school. We spoke to Ester's teachers regarding her progress and met several other parents as well. In one of her classes a boy was with his mother and I asked him if he knew Ester. He gave me a knowing nod. Then he smiled as he said "She's my best friend." I wondered what this type of response might mean! I had never even heard Ester mention his name.
When
we got home I told Ester what the young man said and asked her if she
knew why he would say that. She told me that the other kids, even her
good friends, make fun of him. Apparently he has some annoying habits
that can get on other people's nerves including hers. But she tries
to be nice to him and help him with his schoolwork.Well you can be sure that this made our visit to Ester's classroom extra special! We are so pleased when we see our kids demonstrate a Christ-like characteristic. Due to her heart disease and various setbacks Ester has limitations on her giftings, but if she can go through life being an encourager I am more than pleased.
An anxious heart weighs down people all around us. Kind words have such power to cheer others. Can you recall when this last happened to you? When was the last time you gave out a kind word? Today may we all be dispensers of kindness. Henry Drummond wrote "The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children." Let us cheer the anxious hearts around us today.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, thank you for the assortment of clothing I have as I open my closet to select appropriate attire for the day. Because I am chosen by God, I also want to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Help me to bear with others and be quick to forgive their offenses. May the virtue of love be like a cloak that brings harmony to the beautiful wardrobe that I receive by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May all I do and say bring glory to Your precious Name.
Brooksyne's Note: Due to the snow storm the church where Stephen has been serving as interim pastor cancelled the service so we attended our local church. Pastor Bob shared an illustration that reflects the devotional today. He told of a woman who, prior to becoming a Christian, had been involved in the occult where she dealt a lot in the spirit world and had the ability to see the giftings or power of other people. She claimed she could tell, even from quite a distance, when she spotted a Christian because of the level of power that would emanate from them. He used this story to illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I paraphrased some of Col. 3:12 in my prayer today in light of the above illustration. I really have no interest in purchasing name brands such as Versace and many other famous brands, most of which I'm unfamiliar with. I've never been into showing off what tag is on my shirt or slacks. But I do want people to see, even from a distance, that my spiritual attire reflects the Maker of Heaven and Earth!
Yesterday we received a big storm that affected much of the east coast. Here in Lancaster County we got as much as 20 inches though we didn't get that much where we live. A neighbor showed up in time Sunday morning to clear our driveway so that we could get out to church. Here are several photos from our neck of the woods.
The snow was beautiful in our backyard from our dining room.
Barely visible is a cardinal in the center of the photo.
"The Greatest Thing in the World" by Henry Drummond (An online booklet of a great Christian classic)
Recommended resource for marriages:
The Four Seasons of Marriage: Which Season of Marriage are You in? By Gary Chapman
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552