May 14, 2018

Don’t Miss the Real Lesson

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

– Colossians 3:12

We didn’t have much of a Sunday School lesson yesterday. At least not officially. It’s not that I wasn’t prepared. I was. It was because some Sundays there are more important things than the “lesson.”

One of our classmates was in tears. Sadness oozed from her broken heart. Another person was in physical pain. Nothing seems to bring relief. Yet another deals daily with the impact of her son’s unwise choices. It was Mother’s Day and that special day is forever changed because of his choices.

A pastor once told me that our class was different. I didn’t fully understand what she meant until I tried to organize meal delivery for someone in another class. The couple were desperate for relief as she fought what turned out to be a futile battle against cancer. I was amazed and appalled at those who weren’t willing to step up and help on that sad journey.

Our class has taken food, provided physical support, helped clear yards, and done a multitude of other things. Yes, we tend to help one another rather than others. We are working on that. But we are a family in the truest sense. We share one another’s joys and accomplishments. And we bear one another’s burdens, holding each person near as needs arise.

One member joked that yesterday was fellowship day. Maybe it was. It’s how we’ve grown so close over the years. We don’t just bring the happy stuff in the door. We bring it all. Everyone is met with kindness and compassion, with a caring ear and, when the need is there, physical help.

Not everyone sees it that way. Isn’t that always the case? We have a few members who are all about the “lesson.” They resent anything that takes them away from the teaching I’ve prepared. They want to study Scripture and history and prayer. All that is well and good but sometimes I think they miss the point.

Jesus told us to love God first and then to love others as ourselves. How can we do that when we aren’t willing to hear their sorrows and carry their burdens? Life isn’t all about being happy. I wish it was but that’s not reality. Sometimes life hurts. Who shares that journey with you?

The hard truth is that when we shut down people who are hurting, when we refuse to make time to hear their sorrow, we push them away from God. There’s a difference between enabling and encouraging drama and self-pity and really listening to someone struggling to stay afloat. As children of God, we are to pray for discernment and, when in doubt, err on the side of compassion.

We’ll finish our official lesson next week. It’s not going anywhere. But those hearts, well, I’d like to think they’re a little lighter because of the encouragement and love they felt in that classroom.

April 7, 2018

Add A Little Gratitude

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

What are you grateful for? Really. Have you ever stopped to consider all that you have, the people who bless your life, the things that make your days easier? Or are you like the Israelites in the wilderness, complaining about everything and never being satisfied with anything?

Some people refer to this as the glass half-empty or the glass half-full. It’s how you see life. But many people who might see themselves as optimists aren’t really. How do I know? Because they complain all the time. Because they always look to the next thing to make them happy. Because they talk about their life as though the good old days have already passed on by.

What’s missing in your life? Maybe a spouse or children? How about a good job or even a job you love? Are you satisfied with your home? Your bank account? Are you longing for a vacation? Maybe the latest technology gadget? What are you so focused on that you’re missing the joy of today?

Ah, joy. Yes. That simple little word. Joy comes from the Lord. We’d just like a little extra in the form of blessings. But the thing is nothing will ever satisfy us until we are content in God. We’ll always crave what we don’t have until we realize that our worth doesn’t come from our financial assets, our social status, or our address, but rather from our status as a child of God.

There’s another way we show how ungrateful we are though we might not always see it that way. It’s when we try to control the people and events around us. Are you someone who is always trying to tell others what to do? Do you think you know better how to do just about anything than anyone else? Do others frustrate and anger you when they won’t go along with what you think is right?

It’s not about us. We know that. Most of the time anyway. But we really do want it to be about us. We are like spoiled little children, wanting to get our way all the time. We forget that the best things come when God’s children work together for His glory. If you’re not content to step back and work with others and really listen to what they say, well, maybe it’s because you need to get a little gratitude in your life. Other people are rarely as stupid as you think. Be grateful that you really don’t have to do it all alone and welcome the help of others.

Gratitude has a way of softening our hearts and changing our attitudes. It’s difficult to be upset when you truly notice all that’s good in your life. Gratitude puts things in perspective. It makes you realize what’s important.

Do you want to be happy? The next time you start to complain or lament what you don’t have, think about something you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as the roses blooming next door. Or it might be the soup you had for lunch or the child you just tucked into bed. Maybe it’s kisses from your dog or the sunshine coming down on your face. There’s always something to thank God for. Always.

February 26, 2018

Get Up and Work

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you almost must forgive. – Colossians 3:12-13

She gets so angry at the “sins” of others. She sits on her sofa, watching Fox News, and gets more and more upset about all that others have done to persecute Jesus. She goes on social media, blasting the liberals, those in favor of gun control, immigrants, those on welfare. And on and on.

She looks in the mirror and calls herself justified because she reads her Bible and prays daily. That is where her faith ends.

What is she doing to bring about change she claims to want? Nothing. Unless, of course, you count ranting and pointing her polished nail at all those she sees as wrong. All those she sees as less than acceptable.

She is a modern-day Pharisee and she doesn’t have a clue.

She is not alone. There are a great many who share her views and her lack of action. One main point of contention: “They” have banned Jesus from our schools. I agree that Jesus needs to be invited back into our schools. But are we going to use hate or love in our efforts to bring Jesus to the students?

What is she doing to make a change? What are you doing? Our town has a wonderful program called FPKids. It was started as a way for kids to meet at the flag pole at their school, share a Bible lesson and a prayer, before school begins. It is run by volunteers. Some are parents. Some aren’t. All simply love Jesus and are reaching out to kids in any way they can.

The elementary-age kids meet – with parental permission – once each week. The volunteers are amazed at the response. One school had to divide the students by grade levels because there were too many children for one group. There is a hunger there that I don’t think anyone really expected.

Is it a sacrifice for the volunteers? Of course, it is. Some must get up earlier than usual because the group meets for 30 minutes before school. Others must arrange to go to work late that day. But all believe the sacrifice of time is worth reaching children and teaching them about Jesus.

These people aren’t focused on anger or revenge. They aren’t pointing fingers at what others have done “wrong”. They’re simply loving those God has placed before them, offering up kindness and compassion with a large dose of Jesus’ love. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus.

It is so easy to forget that we aren’t called to a life of sitting on the sidelines and pointing fingers at other sinners. We are called to action. We are called to love those who aren’t easy to love. We are called to do good where we are. Sometimes that means getting off the sofa and actually working to change what we don’t like.

So what are you doing today? Are you sitting around pointing fingers and spreading hate? Or are you actively loving those God has put in your path? 

February 21, 2018

Get Rid of the Anger

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

What is your button? What instantly makes you angry? What do you have trouble shaking off, putting aside, letting go and moving on from?

We all have something. It could be a snide comment from someone. It could be an unfair judgement from a person who has no business even concerning themselves with your situation. It could be reminders of leftover anger from situations long ago.

Most anger is normal. Contrary to what some believe, anger alone isn’t a sin. The sin comes when we harbor bitterness and chronic anger. Then it overtakes us and consumes us in ways that aren’t healthy for us and lead us to sin in other ways.

Anger and resentment can’t coincide with forgiveness. We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us. It has nothing to do with worthiness. None of us are worthy of forgiveness. It is about grace and mercy.

Forgiveness also isn’t about the other person repenting and asking for forgiveness. We can’t control what other people do or don’t do. We can’t control what they say about us or how they feel about us. We can control how we react. We can forgive and walk away.

Chronic anger is a result of deep hurt. That’s what our pastor said last Sunday. There’s so much truth in that. We lash out at others. We allow jealousy and anger to take control. We sin, then use our own anger in a vain attempt to justify our sin. It’s a vicious cycle and everyone gets hurt in the end.

Some people try to put salve on their wounds by attempting to control everyone and everything around them. They want to be in charge, no matter the cost. And make no mistake, the cost is great. No one wants to be controlled by others. While they might go along for a time, eventually that will erupt into something awful. We can’t run other people’s lives. It’s that simple and that complicated.

We must exercise self-control over our own lives. We need to get rid of the anger and resentment and jealousies that consume us. It doesn’t feel natural, does it? Don’t we have a right to rise up against those who have harmed us? Not according to the Bible. God is the One who takes care of revenge when His children are harmed. We’re to forgive and move on.

How can we possibly get past it all? By giving it to God. Again and again, I might add. God sees your struggle. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to heal you and allow you to move past the ugliness in your heart. Let go of the anger and bitterness and allow God’s peace to fill your heart.

March 16, 2016

Peace From God

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. -- Colossians 3:15-17

Yesterday someone asked me where I get my peace from. I was a bit taken aback. I don’t consider myself to be a peaceful person at all. I am a bit high-strung under the best of circumstances and this last year has been anything but.

I considered his words. He was serious so that deserved a serious answer. It’s my faith. It runs deep and sure. So when life is full of turmoil and assault I can rest in God’s arms and know that no matter what anyone else says I am loved and cherished and worthwhile.

I didn’t just wake up one day in this place. This journey began under fire and continued year after year. I have failed God so many times. I have moved away from Him. I have drawn closer to Him. I belong to Him. My life is His to use as He will. Sometimes that is a hard thing.

We want to think that as believers God won’t allow anything truly bad to happen in our lives. That’s just not so. As believers, we are under attack from a powerful enemy. Sometimes God allows horrible things to happen so that we can learn and grow. Sometimes He allows it so that others can learn and grow. And all of it is to bring Him glory.

I also have found the value of surrounding myself with believers who live their faith. I’m not talking about people who show up sometimes on Sunday and then go their own way. I do know plenty of those but they aren’t the ones who will by your side in the storm.

No, I have friends who are more family than anyone related to me by blood. They are the ones who will show up, listen, sit with me, cry with me. They are the ones who drive to another town in the middle of the night to sit with me in the ICU waiting room. They are the ones who let me sob when life overwhelms me. And they are the ones who pray with me and remind me of God’s love when He seems so distant and I feel so alone.

I’m not sure what peace really is. Perhaps it is confidence that I am never alone, that God hears my cries and that His strength will carry me through any storm. It is a faith refined by fire so hot I thought I would surely die. But I’m still here. And so is He.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Forgiveness Is Hard

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -- Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is one the hardest things we’re ever called to do. We don’t want to forgive. We want retribution. We want others to pay for hurting us.

We lash out. They lash out. And so it goes, building up to something that can never end in good. We want to be right, justified. All we end up being is hard and angry and hurt.

It always seems to start with hurt. Someone says or does something that hurts our feelings. Maybe wounds our pride. Maybe they betray us. Or steal from us. Or lie to or about us. And we just can’t get past it.

The other day I mentioned a name to someone I know. This normally kind, caring person just went off. That’s the only way to describe it. As I soon found out, many, many years ago, this woman whose name I had mentioned had badly hurt my friend. She’d told lies about her and really given her the cold shoulder.

It didn’t matter that so many years have passed. Nor did it matter that the older woman has serious health problems and emotional anguish from just having to put her husband in the nursing home. This normally compassionate woman couldn’t get past her anger to forgive.

I know. The woman hadn’t repented and asked for my friend’s forgiveness. So what? God doesn’t tell us to only forgive people who apologize. He tells us to forgive everyone who sins against us -- just as He forgives us when we sin against Him.

Oh, I know. Most of us try to apologize to God when we sin. But how many times do you apologize to those that you sin against? Really. Because, honestly, most of us don’t. We just let it slide, certain others will understand our bad mood, our lapse in judgment, our little mistake. We expect others to treat us differently than we treat them.

It’s especially hard with those people who just seem to know which buttons to push. It doesn’t seem to matter how determined we are to not let them get to us. They do. We get angry. They get angry. And neither side can forgive. And on it goes. We’ve all heard it before.

Do you really want to forgive? Or does holding on to that anger feed something deep inside of you? Maybe it’s something you need to talk out with God.

If you really want to forgive, pray for the person who harmed you. Treat that person with kindness. Is it easy? Not at all. But I’ve found it really impossible to cling to unforgiveness and pray for someone at the same time. Funny how God works that out. The other person may not change at all, but your prayers for that person

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Lose The Attitude

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. -- Colossians 3:23

The other day I stopped at what I thought was a fast food restaurant. It was supposed to be. I’ve stopped there before and it always has been. But on this particular day things were not going so well for the employees.

The employees who were there anyway. Apparently they were short staffed and that had caused all kinds of problems. At least when it came to attitude. I stood and watched one woman assemble the burgers. She was incredibly slow. I could see the chip on her shoulder even before she mouthed off to another employee.

The woman in charge was determined to remain in charge. That meant, in her mind at least, that she was staying out of the kitchen. Eventually, she relented. Customer displeasure was growing by the minute and helping in the kitchen was the safer choice.

It would have been comical to watch but it was just so sad. One woman had a chip on her shoulder because she wanted help and it wasn’t there. Another woman didn’t want to lower herself to do what needed to be done. Two other employees struggled to stay out of the line of fire. And customers had the opportunity to observe something really awful.

It makes me wonder how many times you and I have done the same thing? How many times have we had an attitude about something we couldn’t control, something that probably wasn’t fair, and we used it as an excuse to not do our best?

Not you? Think about it. There are few, if any, folks who have never been in a snit because they thought something at work just wasn’t right or fair. And because we are human, it’s pretty difficult to let it go and let God take care of it. It’s hard to shove aside our displeasure and continue to do our very best, no matter the circumstances.

Maybe what we all need is an attitude adjustment. And a refocus on who we’re here to serve. Because when we do our very best, we’re doing it for God. And when we don’t? Well, that’s a reflection on God as well. Do we really want nonbelievers do see Christians as slackers or folks who have a bad attitude?

Sometimes circumstances are infuriating. We are faced with situations that are unfair and we want to strike out, in attitude if nothing else. Take a deep breath instead, and give it to God. Prayer is a wonderful healing balm and God is an amazing defender and fixer of all things bad.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Reflect Jesus To Others

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
-- Colossians 3:12

Wow, that sounds good. I want to be filled with compassion and kindess. I want to live my life in humility and treat others with gentleness and patience. Really, I do. But wanting and doing aren't the same thing. Sometimes I fail miserably.

Patience has never been my strong point. I try. Really I do. I'm even pretty good when I'm dealing with small children. They're so precious and wonderful. It's the adults that really give me fits. It seems natural to have to repeat myself to children. It's just so aggravating when having to repeat myself to adults.

I take deep breaths. I beg God to hold my tongue. I really have issues with my tongue. It tends to be short and to the point. You know what I'm talking about. Everyone gets a little irritable now and again so you might as well admit it. We won't talk about the guilt and excuses that come from that.

It's just that I know other people judge Jesus by me. It's not really fair. He is perfect and I'm far from that. But because I'm a Christian, Jesus lives inside of me. He's part of me. And it's my responsibility to show Jesus to people by the way I act and the words I say. That's a pretty daunting task for someone who has never exactly been tactful.

The Bible reminds me that God understands my flaws. He knows my heart. He knows I'm trying and struggling and trying again. And somehow that's enough for Him. I am enough for Him. Flaws and all. The strange thing is that the more I try to be like Him, the fewer the times my emotions control my actions. Maybe I can be like Paul, striving toward what I can't see but know is just ahead. I'll stumble and fall, scrape myself up and shed a few tears. But then He'll pick me up, dust me off and away I'll go again. Heading toward Him and the life that awaits at the end of the day. Imperfection made anew. How awesome is that.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Be Kind All The Time

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." -- Colossians 3:15

I heard someone comment the other day about how much nicer people are this time of year. It seems that the spirit of Christmas makes people smile more often. People seem to say "please" and "thank you" on a regular basis. They let you cut in line in front of them ... well, maybe not that nice.

It's sad, though, don't you think? We have to wait until Christmas to be nice. Maybe we're just better at faking it this time of year. We keep hearing about Jesus lying in the manger because there was no room for his folks at the inn. So we want to extend Christian charity. We want to help people and be kind to people. We overlook things. We hold our tongues. We speak nice words of encouragement and gratitude.

But shouldn't we be doing that all year long? We get so caught up in the stresses of daily life that we forget to live like Jesus all the time. We get upset about things that really don't matter anyway. Not in the long run. Not when we look at them in context -- everything here is temporary. People matter so much more than things ever could.

So take time to take a deep breath and be nice to someone who cuts in line in front of you. Smile when you don't feel like it. Use your manners and say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" on a regular basis. Give to charities as God directs you. Greet people you don't know. Make strangers at your church feel welcome by engaging them in a conversation that goes beyond a handshake and "hello." Take a few minutes to spend time with an elderly person who is all alone. Reach out to others even when you don't feel that you have the time.

We weren't called to be nice just a few weeks out of the year. As Christians, we are called to be kind and generous all the time. We are to show others that Jesus lives within us. It's amazing how that works. The more kindness and compassion we show to others, the more peace we feel inside ourselves. And the more we want to reach out to still more people.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Peace Comes From God

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." -- Colossians 3:15

I crave peace in my life. I want everyone to get along. I don't want any drama. I'd just really like things to go smoothly for a while. I know. I'm a dreamer. I also know that life rarely works out the way I'd like.

Some days are worse than others. Someone wants to pick a fight. Someone else is determined to say no to everything I suggest. I bite my tongue -- again and again. Know what I'm talking about? We've all been there from time to time.

What I'm learning -- slowly -- is that I can choose to step away. Even as I try to cope, I can focus my mind on God's Word. I pray franticlly. I silently beg God to enter the situation and calm me and everyone else. He does. Always. God never ignores a child crying out to Him for help.

My life probably will never be peaceful. Drama seems to be the rule. But I can work on myself and how I handle it. I can't control what other people do but I can -- with God's help -- learn to focus my energies away from jumping into the fray. I can step back and just let God handle it.
 
Hey, wait a minute. There's my peace. Just turn it over to God. So simple. I don't even have to know all the answers. I don't have to be able to be everything for everyone. I can do what God tells me to do and let it go. He'll handle the rest. It feels pretty good. My Heavenly Father can handle anything. I feel so peaceful. Imagine that.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Show Kindness To Others

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." -- Colossians 3:12

Today is Black Friday. The busiest shopping day of the year. Lines are everywhere, whether you're sitting in the car or waiting to pay for your items. It's easy to get frazzled and huffy over the smallest things. What are you showing the world today?

I spoke briefly with a Walmart sales clerk on Thanksgiving Day. She was scheduled to start work at 4:30 a.m. today. She wasn't dreading the time. She smiled and said she would drink a big glass of orange juice and she'd be fine. And she knew it would be a long, tiring day. She's was okay with that. What worried her? "I just hope people are nice," she told me.

It's sad that being nice to a sales clerk isn't a given anymore. Being nice sometimes doesn't seem to exist, especially when it's an interaction with strangers. I stopped at a rest stop on the way to Savannah a couple of days ago. An older woman, cell phone to her ear, literally pushed a young girl out of her way so she could wash her hands before the youngster. I don't know if she even saw the child. She was that focused on herself and her phone conversation.

I worry that we're so caught up in our cell phone conversations and our computer games that we don't interact with people anymore. I'm talking about looking somebody in the eye and speaking to them. It drives me crazy when someone in a checkout line is too busy talking on the phone to even acknowledge the cashier. I really applaud the businesses that refuse to wait on people who are on the phone.

Whatever happened to our manners? When did it become okay to be rude? The Bible tells us to be kind and patient and filled with compassion. God wasn't talking about somebody else when He put that in the Bible. He was talking to you and me. He was telling us how to behave. Obviously, many folks need a refresher course.

It's easy to get stressed out during the holiday season -- or any time, for that matter. But don't take it out on the people around you. Take a moment and see the person in front of you. Focus on someone else. It's amazing how that works. Suddenly, you aren't as stressed as you were. You might even smile. Show kindness. It'll return to you again and again and again.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Let People See Jesus In You

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." -- Colossians 3:12

Paul certaintly set high standards for all of us, didn't he? I guess he wanted us to strive to be like Jesus. That's a good thing. It's just that in order to do that we've got to understand the meaning behind those words.

What exactly is compassion? The dictionary says it's a feeling of pity that makes us want to help or show mercy. So if we're compassionate we should want to help others and, indeed, we should help them. We should refrain from hate and unkind words and instead show Christ's mercy -- just like He has shown us mercy.

Paul also calls us to kindness. Most folks probably think they're kind. They would likely insist that they can be gentle and considerate in how they treat others. Sure. Most of us can be kind. But are we? Did you let that big SUV in front of you today when everyone was merging in to one lane in that road construction area? Did you hold your tongue when the neighbor's children messed up your flower bed while they were playing ball? Did you show kindness to the waitress who mixed up your lunch order or did you treat her to an attitude? Kindness isn't just for the people closest to us. It isn't just something we do in church. Kindness matters most when we use it in how we treat all people we encounter in our day.

All that talk about attitude brings up another one of Paul's subjects: humility. The dictionary calls humility a humble condition or attitude of mind. Okay. So what is humble? Having or showing a modest estimate of one's own importance. Not being proud. Not being large or showy. Being of low social or political rank. In other words, not tooting your own horn and thinking yourself superior to others. That certainly goes against what we're being taught to do in today's world. Of course, humility might make us get along with each other a whole lot better. That could only be good.

Next, Paul mentioned gentleness. We're to be mild, moderate, not rough or severe. Another kind of gentleness is when a horse trainer gentles a colt. I would imagine we could calm a great many situations by being gentle instead of harsh. What do you think?

Paul left patience until the end. I don't know if he did it intentionally or not. Patience is the calm endurance of hardship or annoyance, inconvenience or delay. It's also perseverance. It's easy to be patient when life is going exactly like we want it to and people are doing exactly what we want them to do. Of course, when does life ever go exactly as we planned? There will always be a long line at the grocery store when we're running late. A co-worker will always need to talk when we're facing a tight deadline. The kids will always be rowdy when we've got a headache. The list goes on and on. We can't change life's imperfections. We can change how we react. We can take a deep breath, say a quick prayer and respond with patience instead of anger and frustration.

Paul gave us some pretty awesome advice. Putting it into practice on a daily basis isn't easy. In fact, I don't think it's something we could ever do alone. It's a good thing we don't have to. Jesus gave us a good example of how to live and how to treat others. He's right there beside us, guiding and strengthing us, as He walks us all the way home .

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Give God Credit

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus." -- Colossians 3:17

We all love to pat ourselves on the back when we do something nice for someone else. We can't wait to take credit for our good deed. We want everyone to acknowledge us and hold us in high esteem. We are worthy, we think.

It's all about us. Oh, wait a minute. When we do something for someone else, it's supposed to be about them. But we get so caught up in ourselves that we can't see that. Humble? Not us. We'd rather be up on that pedestal.

We were never called to be on that pedastal. We are chosen by God to do His work for His glory. When we are believers, Jesus lives within us. Our words and actions reflect Him. That's why we always have to be careful of what we say and do. We want others to see Him in us as we go about our daily lives.

When we speak a kind word, acknowledge God's love. When we give a gift, make sure the recipient knows that the gift is really from God. When we offer a helping hand, remember to mention how God has blessed us. It goes on and on.

A number of years ago there was a movie titled "Pay it Forward." Now this wasn't a so-called Christian movie at all. But that theme of a small boy wanting to do good things for people and have them, in return, do good things for others resonates throughout the Christian message. We are called to give and forgive, to show kindness and love and compassion because He first did all those things for us.

Everything we are, all the good we do, comes from Him. Give Him credit so that others might know Him too.