Be Helpful!

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16

I have read several Facebook posts lately of people going out of their way to help others. While that warms my heart, and makes me feel good about those doing these random good deeds, my mind, which tends to seek out such questions, pondered why these good deeds seem to be the exception instead of the rule?  I mean, if these good deeds were a given, then we would not need to point them out.  But we, as a culture, are very quick to do and point out the negative, thus making the positive on occasional gesture.

Start THIS week by doing good for others, even if they don't return it to you.  Always remember, someone will see it and will be grateful.

THINK BEFORE TALKING!!!

Think before you speak,
    and be careful about what you say to God.
God is in heaven,
    and you are on the earth,
    so say only a few words to God.
The saying is true: Bad dreams come from too much worrying,
    and too many words come from foolish people.

If you make a promise to God, don’t be slow to keep it. God is not happy with fools, so give God what you promised. It is better not to promise anything than to promise something and not do it. Don’t let your words cause you to sin, and don’t say to the priest at the Temple, “I didn’t mean what I promised.” If you do, God will become angry with your words and will destroy everything you have worked for. Many useless promises are like so many dreams; they mean nothing. You should respect God.

 Ecclesiastes 5:2-7

I like to observe people.  People are fascinating to me.  Especially those who have some quirks.  But one of the quirks I have noticed becoming more and more prevalent is talking without thinking.  Let's face it, people like to talk.  Let's also face the cold hard truth that people don't like to think.  Whatever is on their mind is coming out like a bull at a rodeo!

Sadly, many of those who speak without thinking seem to be pretty proud of that fact.  One person I recently spoke with boldly told me, "I'm straight up saying what is on my mind and if people don't like it that's THEIR problem, not mine!"  Hmmmmm.......so by that logic, I can destroy someone's reputation because I say whatever is on my mind....and that's okay?  I can ruin someone's marriage because I say whatever I am thinking....and that's not MY problem?

But what we say IS our problem!  Why?  Remember the very words of Christ recorded in Matthew 7:12: "Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets."  If you don't want it said about you, then don't say it about anyone else!!!  How difficult is that?  

God created us with a brain.  That brain is more than just a way to keep our ears apart!  That brain is to be used to think about what we are saying or doing and how that will hurt or help others.   But we like to blame everyone else when we are the ones who caused the damage because we spoke without thinking.  

Speak truth!  Not the "truth" we want others to believe, but the clear truth before God!  If you were standing before God and He would render the verdict as to the truth of your words, would your words meet HIS standard?

And yet all it takes is THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!  

Ask yourself, is what I am about to release from my mouth:

•  Helpful?
• Encouraging?
• Uplifting?
• Truth?

If not, then is shouldn't be spoken.  Remember, if you don't want it said about you.....

Humbled...There's Just No Other Way To Say It

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?

~Psalm 8:3-4

The last several days have shown how destructive water can be; and how it can destabilize roads, homes, lives, communities, and even states and regions.  But I have seen a miracle during this time that I never thought I could see...in this time of distress, people are, for the most part, not concerned about themselves as much as they are concerned about others.  I have seen First Responders work themselves to the point of exhaustion and still push themselves to do more.  I have seen Utility Crews work feverishly to restore power and water, and they have gone far beyond expectations.  I have witnessed an overwhelming show of support from places not effected as much by the rain and flooding as South Carolina has been.

I spent a lot of time just listening and talking with people over the last few days.  And I have been humbled!  People who were displaced by the floods were not only grateful for the communities reaching out to help them, but many were more concerned for people other than themselves.  But the one event that broke my pride came when I gave a young boy a bottle of water and he handed me his teddy bear because he said I looked like I needed a hug. 

Tonight, as I look into the sky and give God thanks and praise for His love for us, it will be with a very humbled heart.  Why should God care about us when we have been so hateful and hurtful toward each other for so long?  In my opinion, He probably shouldn't.  If I were in His place, I would probably tell humanity: "Ya'll are on your own! I tried but ya'll just can't seem to get the fact that I love you so much that MY ONLY Son paid for your mistakes.  I'm out!"  But that's why God is God and I am not.

God not only put all the stars in their place and called them by their name, he put each one of us in place and called us by name.  He has recorded and collected all our hurts and tears.  He has counted every hair.  And He loves us and provides for us in the most remarkable ways through the most remarkable people.

I am humbled...there's just no other way to say it.  

Thank You to all who came to the aid of others in their time of need.  THANK YOU!!! And I thank God for each of you!