Make Them Glad
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Good morning, Lord
Verse of the Day: Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
Memory verse: Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Today's reading: PSALM 94-96 ROMANS 15:14-33
Make Them Glad
My grandson is starting school. "You always want for other people to be glad when they see you coming", I tell him. "Be kind and happy, and they always will".
Fear is such a liar, though...folks are afraid of the threat of someone new. The nature of the beast, or sin dwelling in us-Romans 7:17, is to always look for a threat-to be ready to defend self-self-preservation.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Witnesses say that a man lost his life to another after exchanging threatening glances at a convenience store-one looked at the other 'the wrong way' and one died in the fight. Why? Fear, threat-absence of sane thought-whatever-it is so tragic.
I tried to teach all my children that you 'disarm' the fear, the beast, in folks by extending a hand with a smile and welcome. Some may think you are crazy but at least they will know you are not a threat.
Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I know that there is quite a distance between praising God together and just meeting someone at the convenience store but that should always be on our minds. You may shake hands with someone you later introduce to Jesus. If you never see them again, they have at least seen the love of Jesus in you.
Put someone's mind at ease today. Think about it. Ease someone's anxiety-you can actually do this-yes, you can.
The enemy is always looking for a fight or a reason to argue. Christ in us removes all reason for that behavior.
Make them glad to see you. Smile and put on Jesus and walk out to shake hands with the world and know that Jesus has already taken all the insults and given you what you need to be the one He wants you to be in His love.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me my fear and strengthen my will to face anyone with a smile and in Your love. Keep the lost on my heart and get me off my mind.
Merciful and gracious redeemer!
In the name of Christ Jesus,
Amen
