Tag: Blessings

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Hope and Love in a Season of Grace

Proclaiming hope and love in a season of grace is one of our most critical missions as Christians. This Christmas season can be highly stressful for many people.

Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, set free those oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Urgency

These words carry a sense of urgency and purpose, a call to action that feels especially relevant in a year marked by chaos and challenges. Amid the dysfunction, God’s voice remains clear, challenging us to proclaim His favor and glory to all who cross our paths.

“Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.” – George McDougall.

This season, my plea is simple yet profound: reach out to hurting people. Extend not empty platitudes but genuine love. Quiet desperation is a silent killer, an emotion that suffocates the soul.

As we enter this season of celebration, I urge you to reach out to hurting people and offer them a lifeline. Don’t aim to cheer them up or solve their problems—love them. Many people battle quiet desperation, a stifling emotion that isolates and burdens. While we are not the ultimate solution, God can work through us to bring light to their darkness.

Fortune

For those fortunate enough to recognize God’s blessings, this season is a time to reflect with gratitude.

Psalm 100:4-5: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

We celebrate relationships, opportunities, and the hope of a brighter future, grounded in the knowledge that God has given us the choice to embrace hope in this moment.

But not everyone experiences this season with such gratitude. For some, the holidays are a stark reminder of what they lack. Broken relationships cast long shadows, opportunities feel distant, and the future appears uncertain. Their thoughts swirl with regret over what might have been, and their hearts grow heavy with grief. Life for them is not a glass half empty; it’s a glass that feels too small to hold anything at all.

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

These words remind us of God’s nearness to those in despair and call us to embody His compassion by extending love and hope.

Seasons of Darkness

Having faced my seasons of darkness, I know the despair that can rob a person of hope. For some, Christmas is not a celebration but an escape—a time to forget pain rather than reflect on joy. The light others see as hope can feel like the oncoming glare of despair. For those without Christ, peace feels unattainable, and the promise of salvation seems like a distant dream. I have been there, praying for the pain to end, longing for peace that seemed out of reach. Yet, peace without Christ is an illusion, and our true destination without Him is one we dare not desire.

Matthew 25:45: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Celebrate

This Christmas, I urge you to invest in someone else’s life. Don’t try to fix their problems; instead, be a source of hope. Walk alongside them in their journey. Let them see God’s love through your actions and presence.

Be the one who brings light to another’s darkness, the one God rejoices over. This season, choose love, hope, and be a vessel of God’s grace to those who need it most.

May His love be poured out upon you, and may you be filled with His love this Christmas. May the true meaning of Christmas bring you great joy, peace, comfort, and many other blessings.

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Right Where God Meant You to Be

You are right where God meant you to be. In darker moments, that is hard to comprehend; in lighter moments, we forget it is not serendipitous.  

Ephesians 2:7: “Now God has us where He wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.”

Wherever You Are Intended

 Wherever you are today—whether it feels like a mountaintop of joy or a valley of uncertainty—remember this: God circled this spot on the map for you. The 12th-century Persian poet Hafiz foretold this: “The place you are right now, God circled on the map for you.”

Where does this season find you? Are you surrounded by family and friends, basking in love and warmth? Or are you navigating unexpected detours far from where you hoped to be? Life has twists and turns, but moments are filled with purpose wherever you stand today.

Ephesians 1:3-10, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

This passage reassures us that before the foundation of the world, God chose us and poured out every spiritual blessing in Christ. He has a plan, even when life feels chaotic or off-course. There is no perfect job, relationship, or life—only perfect moments. Don’t miss them by chasing what isn’t meant to be. Instead, lean into the now, trusting the Author of your story.

You Are Meant to Greatness

Consider Paul, stranded in Malta; Esther, serving a pagan king; Jonah, in the belly of a whale; and Joseph, betrayed by his family. Each one found themselves exactly where God had written them to be, their detours transforming into destiny. The shepherds meant to find the King of Kings in a palace but instead found Him in a humble stable. Your journey is no different with its peaks and valleys—it’s all part of God’s perfect design.

Romans 8:29: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Every action, every step, is an opportunity to worship. Even in failure, there is glory. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life is a powerful reminder. Though his earthly plans ended at the gallows, his unwavering faith became a testimony that lives on. What some might see as failure, God glorifies.

Becoming

Like Jonah’s journey through the deep or Moses’ exile to the wilderness, your path has meaning. It’s not about where you are but about who you are becoming. Will you worship in the waiting? Will you find joy in the journey, trusting that God works all things together for good?

Matthew 12:30: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

This moment—right here, right now—is your chance to praise the One who created you. Will you acknowledge His hand in your life, triumph, or trial? Let your worship shine, becoming a light for those around you.

Christmas

Every day is Christmas—it is meant to celebrate the love, hope, and redemption born through Christ. As 1 Peter 3:15 urges, always be ready to share the hope within you with gentleness and respect. Let today be a day of gratitude and worship, no matter where you are. This moment is not random; it’s a divine appointment.

Seize it.

1 Chronicles 16:23: “Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”

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Are You Missing the Blessings

How many of us are missing the blessings given to us by Christ? We pray for an outcome that never arrives, or maybe it does. The fast pace of life focuses so much on our needs and wants that we do not see what God is doing. We have a plan, and God is part of that plan, and we expend all our energy and time living that plan.

Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

“Roughly half of Jesus’ miracles were interruptions. He had a plan, he had a destination, but he was interruptible. I wonder how many of us miss what God is doing because we hold too tightly to our plans.” – Mark Batterson’s book “The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears.”

God Interrupts Us With Blessings.

God interrupts us with the unexpected. I was once hiking with a new friend. I walked faster than he did. He commented on his perception that I was so busy hiking I did not take in or appreciate what I was hiking through. He was right. I planned to get from point “A” to point “B.” I didn’t appreciate all the beautiful gifts God gave me along the way, missing the blessings created by Him. Seeing them was not part of my plan. Hiking in the woods was about an accomplishment, not an experience.

Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Most people live in this action-constrained bubble where cause and effect rules our decisions. We get an idea that immediately germinates an action plan with multiple possible paths. We are then fixated on outcomes. Each outcome produces another potential path or even numerous paths. We lose track of intent. The idea that created the activity becomes lost in the execution. God may have initiated the original idea, but then somehow became just one of the elements required for success. We focus too much on future outcomes and their potential to live in the moment.

The present is the only moment where time touches eternity. – C.S. Lewis’s book “Reflections”

Life is Moments

God lives in the moment. With God, what we experience in the moment dictates the future. He blesses us in the moment. We may not experience the culmination of the blessing until some future point, but God delivers it at the exact time and place that he has chosen. If we fixate too much on the outcome, we may lose what God is doing in the present.

Numbers 6:24: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

God wrote our story. He knows every chapter and verse. We live it word by word. Because we can not see the future, we mitigate risk by creating elaborate plans to deal with unexpected occurrences. Then, we tend to manage our expectations based on that plan. Because of this, we may miss a blessing God is bestowing on us today because of a future event that He is aware of. That event is not part of our current plan.

Capturing Blessing

I suggest taking the time and effort to see how God works in your life unexpectedly. Finding the unexpected will require intentionality. You must look for the unexpected. Do you consider your opportunities, friends, experiences, and time a blessing? Let me give you a couple of examples. Imagine you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, standing in line at a coffee shop. A stranger ahead of you notices and offers a kind smile or starts a lighthearted conversation. Do you see it as God speaking to you?

In another scenario, a stranger might help you in a moment of need, like picking up something you’ve dropped or giving directions when lost. Did God intervene?

Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Such encounters are blessings. They are part of God’s plan for your life. Do you acknowledge them in the moment? Acknowledging the little things makes the big things more palpable. Knowing God cares about you daily gives you strength during uncertainty or turmoil.

James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

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The Legacy of Time

The legacy of time. All of us leave a legacy; it can be good or bad. The definition of legacy is something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past.

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Legacy versus Tradition

The thought that keeps going through my head is not how many seeds are in an apple, but how many apples are in a seed? That question goes to legacy. Most people evaluate the number of people they affect through evangelism as their legacy. That is the definition of how many seeds are planted. What is forgotten is that each seed has the potential to be an apple tree, not just an apple. That apple tree will produce many apples over many years. Each apple has many seeds. Some seeds will fall to the ground, become planted, and germinate into another apple tree, producing fruit. A small portion of the apple seeds from that tree will fall to the ground, be planted, and production will continue. That I see as a legacy.

Luke 12:33: “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, and no moth destroys.”

That planting of the first seed is good works. It is the temporal activity of good Christians. It may take years for that seed to grow into a tree that can sustain fruit. That tree may not see that some seeds fell on fertile ground and started to grow. Because we cannot know the future, every seed planted is important. Good works eventually produced a good legacy.

Fleeting Legacies

Most of what we consider legacy is more in line with temporary, fleeting, or transient. We create traditions and cultures that last a few generations and then dissipate. We give material goods that are soon forgotten or replaced. Creating a true legacy is about permanence, rippling through time, separate from ourselves. True legacy does not require or even promote self-awareness. Your family name on a building or a non-profit in your honor is fleeting at best.

Luke 12:20-21: “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night, your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

A legacy isn’t confined to years, decades, centuries, or even millennia; it transcends time and touches eternity. It is about fundamentally shifting the trajectory of humankind, inch-by-inch. This concept may sound too big for it to be achievable. But it is not; you’re planting apple seeds. It is not for you to carry the legacy to a conclusion. You should start with a few seeds and then let God do His thing.

I love this quote: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”, by Edward Everett Hale. It is the essence of leaving a great legacy. It is about apple seeds, not apple orchards, apple trees, or even individual apples.

Johnny Appleseed

1 Corinthians 3:8: “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.”

There is already one man who has gone before you. Johnny Appleseed (born Johnathan Chapman; September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845) was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced trees grown with apple seeds (as opposed to trees grown with grafting) to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario, as well as the northern counties of West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance that he attributed to apples. He was also a missionary for the Church of New Jerusalem of Manchester, England. Orchards attributed to him still produce fruit today.

Johnathan Chapman left a limited legacy through his distribution of apple seeds and an eternal legacy through his missionary work.

Colossians 3:1-3: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

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Reflecting

Reflecting on the upcoming holidays and their meaning to me through the years has brought me to a story.

Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

As we move through this season, we naturally reflect on gratitude. Thanksgiving draws us to consider our blessings. Christmas invites us to show love and appreciation to others, including those whose struggles we might not personally know. Then comes New Year’s, a time for renewal, as we commit to becoming the best versions of ourselves. Gratitude, love, and hope—these themes call us to live with purpose.

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

I started remembering one of my most cherished memories and how powerful gratitude can be when shared.

A Story

“That’s because sympathy identifies with the problem, but compassion gets up, looks up, and says, I need to do something about this.” – Brian Houston, Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet to Come!

Years ago, I attended the Dogwood Art Festival in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. The spring weather was flawless, with blue skies, cotton-candy clouds, and dogwoods in full bloom. Artists displayed their passion through beautiful creations, and I was content simply soaking in the scene.

As I sat on a picnic bench, a woman joined me. She was unremarkable in appearance but soon revealed a life marked by struggle. She mentioned how she could live for a year on the cost of some of the art displayed. Her comment opened a door to a deep conversation.

She shared her story: a life of hardship, poor decisions, and broken opportunities. She was living in a halfway house after being released from prison, striving to rebuild her life. Her dream was simple—to live a normal life with work, friends, and stability. Yet, she felt the weight of her past holding her back.

Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

A Choice

God has a way of placing people in our paths at just the right moment. I shared with her about God’s plans—plans not to harm, but to prosper. I encouraged her to surrender her plan for His, to find a church where she could grow, and to join a group of believers who would walk alongside her.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

During our talk, her demeanor changed. She sat taller, her face softened, and her eyes brightened She admitted she had heard of Christ’s love before but had always put off exploring it. She resolved to connect with a nearby church where she knew some members who visited her halfway house.

I don’t know how her story unfolded, but I trust in God’s timing. I was just one part of her journey—perhaps a small catalyst in God’s grand plan for her life.

Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

A Moral

This experience reminds me that sharing God’s love is more than an obligation—it’s a privilege. By sharing the richness of His blessings in our lives, we allow others to see His transformative power.

1 Corinthians 9:10 affirms: “Whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.”

May this season inspire you to live with thankfulness, share God’s love with others, and embrace the peace of Christ in your heart.

Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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Whose Life are You Going to Change?

Whose life are you going to change? I heard this as part of a discussion about the Oregon Ducks commemorating fallen players. As they hiked up the mountain trail, the coach asked them to remember those who helped them become who they are. On the return trip down the mountain, the coach asked them to think about those they would impact to change their lives in much the same way.

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Life

“I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will” ~ Edward Everett Hale.

We all leave a legacy. That is not a choice we get to make. It is an artifact of our existence. As we go through life, we leave our fingerprints on everything we touch. The real question that comes to mind is: Are we approaching this with intentionality? Do we acknowledge that we will leave a legacy and have a plan to make it meaningful?

I firmly believe that God created each of us unique and perfect for his plans. We cannot be someone else, and they cannot be us. As people, we can value the characteristics and achievements of others, but we were not created to duplicate them. We each have our own path through life.

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.” ~ Hans Urs von Balthasar

Change

Planning at the macro level, with blue-sky objectives and lifetime bucket lists, is admirable, but it doesn’t prepare you for your impact on the lives God sends through your life. These people will be imprinted by your presence, good or bad. Every interaction brings a person closer to Christ or pushes them further away. No interaction is neutral. When we acknowledge that every moment and every interaction is essential to God’s plan, that is when our royal legacy takes seed. Through the acceptance that we matter to God and, therefore, everyone we encounter also matters to Him, actions start to germinate.

Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

So often, we pass through life thinking that our immediate reaction won’t matter in the long run. God will forgive a momentary relapse to our old self. We can even go to the offended party and ask for forgiveness, but other eyes are watching, people we may never have direct contact with. These are the hidden lives God sends our way—people unprepared for direct interaction but still need encouragement. In that hidden moment, they may decide that Christianity does not offer the solution they seek.

Judgment

Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”

In Revelations, the Bible talks about the White Throne of Judgement. Christ will judge the living and dead. Christians will not be judged for their sins; Christ has already forgiven them. They will be judged for their actions for Christ since they knew Him. Don’t let these moments slip away. Be intentional. Ask God for opportunities. Make a plan, rehearse your approach, be open to opportunities, and obey. We are not all destined to do great things, but we all can be great to someone.

Revelations 20: 12, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

Attending church, Bible Studies, praying, and mission trips prepare you for God’s plan for your life. But your true glorification of Christ is through expanding His Kingdom here on earth. You accomplish this by changing the lives of the people God puts in front of you. At that moment in front of the White Throne, you don’t have to have done anything; your salvation is assured. But I don’t think I would want to defend the position that my lifestyle, financial security, social position, or personal insecurity were more important. I could have had an impact for Christ; I just didn’t.

Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Homecoming

Homecoming should be a celebration. We should look forward to it. If you are a little trepid about explaining what you have done for Christ since you accepted Him as your personal Savior, maybe you need to rethink your plan. It is never too late to start anew. Leave a legacy, change a life. Make your homecoming a party to look forward to.

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. “

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Purpose and Meaning, Aspiration, Not Occupation

Can we find true purpose and meaning through aspiration, not occupation? In today’s world, people often associate their identity with their careers or vocations, believing that their worth and purpose are tied to what they do for a living. However, Christianity offers a different perspective: true purpose and meaning come not from occupation but from godly aspiration—seeking to live out God’s calling and aligning our lives with His will.

“View yourself as a precious vessel He crafted for a unique purpose.” – Patricia Ennis.

The Power of Aspiration

In Christianity, aspiration is about more than personal dreams or ambitions. It reflects a desire to glorify God and live according to His purposes. When we aspire to love, serve, and reflect Christ’s character, we tap into something far more significant than worldly success. This change in thinking can take many forms: fostering compassion, spreading the Gospel, advocating for justice, or cultivating spiritual growth. These aspirations serve others and bring us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His divine plan.

Isaiah 43:7, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Occupation vs. Aspiration

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.” – Hans Urs von Balthasar.

While jobs provide necessary structure and support, they do not define us in God’s eyes. Many people feel unfulfilled in careers that do not align with their faith or deeper values. This discontent stems from the realization that work alone cannot fulfill the soul’s longing for meaning. The Bible reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.”

Whether we are teachers, office workers, or stay-at-home parents, it’s not the job itself that gives meaning but how we use it to serve God’s purposes.

The Transformative Journey

“You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense.” – Rick Warren

Even mundane tasks take on new significance when we focus on godly aspirations. Teachers may see their role as educating and shaping young minds for Christ. An office worker might find purpose in being a beacon of integrity and kindness in their workplace. By centering our lives on Christ and aspiring to live out His love in every action, our daily experiences become opportunities to witness and serve.

2 Timothy 1:9, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

Cultivating Aspiration

“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

To embrace this Christian view of aspiration, we must seek God in prayer and reflection, asking Him to reveal His plan for our lives. The Bible encourages us to set our hearts on things above, not earthly matters.

Colossians 3:2, “Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth.”

We discover our true purpose by nurturing aspirations that align with God’s will—loving our neighbors, spreading the Good News, and growing in faith. Surrounding ourselves with a faith community that encourages spiritual growth can help us stay focused on what matters eternally rather than temporally.

Conclusion

In the Christian pursuit of purpose, it’s essential to remember that our worth is rooted in being children of God, not in our jobs or worldly achievements. When we nurture our aspirations following God’s will, we unlock a more profound sense of meaning that transcends occupation. This perspective enriches our lives and enables us to fulfill our higher calling—to serve God and impact the world for His glory. Embrace your aspirations in Christ, for they are the accurate compass guiding you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

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We have met the enemy, and he is us.

“We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Walt Kelly popularized this statement in the comic strip Pogo in 1971. Walt Kelly used the modified version of Commodore Perry’s comment, suggesting that humanity itself is responsible for many of the problems it faces.

The quote is a play on the famous line from the War of 1812: the United States Navy defeated the British Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie. Master Commandant Oliver Perry wrote to Major General William Henry Harrison, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”

We are our own worst enemies. We allow negative thoughts to enter our minds and forget that we are sons and daughters of the Most High, who created us perfectly for the plan He has in store for us.

Humility

Surprisingly enough, this is about humility. Being humble is extremely hard. A line of thinking in psychology claims that all human actions are ultimately self-interested, even when they appear altruistic. According to this view, people help others because it makes them feel good, brings social approval, or avoids guilt. Most who believe that humans can be altruistic focus on the lack of need for worldly gains from their efforts. Then, there is the thought that merely intentionally trying to be humble is an act of pride. I’m getting a headache; let’s return to the original thought.

God commands us to be humble.

1 Pete 5:5b, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Humility is giving God and others the stage.  – Cortney Defoe, “In This House, We Will Giggle.”

Going Too Far

What happens when we take humility too far? What happens if we start to believe that we are somewhat inferior to others and, therefore, are not being humble but truthful? In his sermon about humility, Mike Browne suggested that self-incrimination is a form of pride that manifests in false and exaggerated humility. Much of our negative self-talk is about focusing on our weaknesses with an expectation that we should be better than we perceive.

“You cannot practice humility by just being humble. You must practice humility by finding safety and security in God that anchors the weaknesses that God actually wants us to display.” – Jackie Hill Perry.

We all have weaknesses. That is part of the story God wrote about you at your inception. You are unique and perfectly made for God’s purpose, including your weaknesses. Your weaknesses are part of your testimony.

God created you perfectly. God does not make junk. This exaggerated form of humility starts with the perception that we do not measure up. We set a standard for ourselves based on the performance of others. Somehow, we conclude that God gets this perverse joy in watching us compete with each other. That is a lie progressed by social media and human pride.

We are Unique

“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man, he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.

Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.

If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

You can not be someone else, and no one can be you. God planned it that way. Be confident that God will support you in all your efforts if He is first. God will turn your weakness into a strength. Don’t ask God to take it away; ask Him how He wants you to use it. We have met the enemy, and he is us.

Don’t think less of yourself; think of yourself less. – Ken Blanchard

Philippians 2:2-4, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

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The Scene of the Crime is in Your Mind

Mind in BondageThe scene of the crime is in your mind. What misdeed we discuss doesn’t matter; human behavior starts with a thought. Given the fertilizer of attention, that thought grows into a preoccupation, which in turn bears fruit.

Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

“By the Grace of God, we are highly favored. His Grace is bigger than what our minds can ever comprehend.” – Gift Gugu Mona, Daily Quotes about God: 365 Days of Heavenly Inspiration

Behavior

Behavior is an intricate reflection of the mind’s inner workings; every action we take, whether consciously or unconsciously, originates in the vast landscape of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that reside within us. In this sense, the “scene of the crime”—whether noble or destructive—occurs in the mind long before it manifests outwardly.

Proverbs 16:9, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Our thoughts act as the architects of behavior. A single thought, however fleeting, can lead to a cascade of actions that ripple through our lives. When negativity takes root, it can distort our perceptions, fostering actions we may later regret.

Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

But the mind is also the birthplace of acts of kindness, empathy, and courage, beginning with recognizing that God first loved us. When we choose to foster thoughts of compassion, we align our actions with values first demonstrated by Christ.

The mind is the battlefield where good and evil forces wage war. To change our behavior, we must first build a fortress of sound theology. Upon this foundation, we can build on the hope and joy God has promised us.

The Mind Battle

The human mind is a complex and mysterious place where the forces of good and evil clash daily. This internal struggle is universal, transcending culture, time, and place. It is the essence of what it means to be human, and it often defines the choices we make and the paths we walk in life.

Philippians 2:2, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Good and evil are forces that are not external agents acting upon us but internal impulses that we navigate within ourselves. They are the by-product of a fallen world. Every thought, emotion, and decision is part of this ongoing battle. On one side, spiritual qualities such as kindness, empathy, compassion, and honesty are the fruits of goodness. It is that which we do to glorify Christ.

Conversely, evil manifests as selfishness, anger, greed, and deceit. It is an action opposed to Christ. It tempts us to act in ways that harm others or serve only our immediate desires.

This battle is not always clear-cut. The mind is a place of nuance, and good and evil often intermingle in complex ways. Satan is the master of the half-truth. Positive behavior centered around selfishness is more harmful than painful actions done with compassion.

Mind Over Matter

At the heart of this battle is the concept of choice. We are powerless in and of ourselves to conquer evil. It is only Christ that can give us this power. Our thoughts and actions shape our daily choices—whether to react with patience or anger, help someone in need, or turn away. This constant decision-making must be grounded in scripture.

Romans 15:6, “So that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ultimately, the struggle between good and evil is not about achieving perfection but striving to be more like Jesus. It reminds us that we are responsible for our actions; despite the challenges, we have the power, through Christ, to choose the light over the darkness.

Thus, the saying holds: crime and redemption begin in the mind.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

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Love Without Words

Acts of Kindness

Love without words is the most challenging love of all; It requires the person expressing their love to understand the recipient’s love language and to take physical action. “I love You” is easy to say even when you don’t mean it. It is difficult when it connotates weakness or vulnerability. Determining what a person needs to feel loved requires attention to detail. Showing love without words isn’t about saying what you think is loving, but doing what they need to feel loved. To do that, you must take the time to understand and care.

1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Words and Speech

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.” – Frederick W. Faber.

Kind words do heal. They bring peace to the weary. Kind words should never be used sparingly. They are the suave to the wounds of life. We should always try to communicate with love and compassion. The world is full of trouble; we should not add to it.

Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

But it is easy for Christians to talk. We placate people with words, quote scripture, and offer prayers. Prayer is always good and should precede every action, but it is not enough. Scripture is fundamental to understanding what God wants us to do, but it is not the doing.

The use of words when action is needed paints Christianity as hypocritical. Jesus modeled what He taught. He demonstrated what He said through His actions. We need to be doers of the word, not just sayers.

James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

What would it be like to sit quietly listening, then wordlessly act, meeting a need without being asked or receiving praise? When all you do is give advice, console, be empathetic, and then move on with your life, you have done more harm than good. You have provided evidence of your shallowness and the shallowness of being Christian, harming the one you speak to, and grieving the Holy Spirit.

Titus 1:16, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

Action and Deeds

2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

For what they have done, an action word. It does not say we will receive judgment for everything we say, but what we have done. I would argue that saying without doing it sometimes does great harm.

James 2:17, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Faith without works is dead. That is not hard to understand. One of the most rewarding things a Christian can do is to help someone in need without being asked. The joy of seeing a need and then using the resources God has put at your disposal to meet that need is overwhelming. To do it anonymously, praising God for the opportunity, is even better. God loves that we acknowledge that He, and He alone, makes it possible. He loves that we act according to the gospel, redistributing His resources. There will always be an opportunity to witness to that person after their need is met. But meeting their need opens the door to that conversation.

James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

Random Acts of Kindness

When a stranger walks into someone’s life without provocation and does something to help, it leaves an indelible mark. People will not remember what was said, but they will remember the act of a stranger. Giving generously of your time is more extravagant than giving generously of your money.

Plan “random” acts of kindness that embed a gospel presentation.

Train yourself to be ready to give, serve, show love, and act in every season or circumstance.

Become the sort of person for whom Jesus-like acts of kindness become natural.

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Randon Acts:

      •  Mail a gift card to someone going through a rough season (not text or email)
      •  Mow your neighbor’s lawn
      •  Rake your neighbor’s leaves
      •  Shovel your neighbor’s driveway and/or walkway
      •  Weed your neighbor’s flower garden
      •  Take out your neighbor’s bins on trash day
      •  Leave an encouraging note on a car windshield in the parking lot
      •  Offer to babysit so a couple you know can have a date night
      •  Offer to babysit the kids of a single mom so she can go shopping or have a few hours to herself (make this a regular thing!)
      •  Mentor a young adult.
      •  Offer a free class to kids (or beginner-level adults) on a topic in which you are skilled or knowledgeable: crochet, history, meal planning, budgeting, soccer, art, photography, woodworking, car maintenance, etc.
      •  Help someone move
      •  Talk to someone on the street. Buy them a meal, hang out with them, give them a hug or an affirming touch.
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