Morning Cuppas With Glenys : salvation

Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts

He is risen!

So many years ago, the earth saw a miracle that blessed humanity for all time...

The earth that saw Jesus' birth 33 years before, drank in the Blood that flowed freely.... freely running, freely given, freely pardoning, freely saving unto eternal life anyone who would only believe in Him.

The same earth that is Gods' footstool, trembled at the cross alongside the centurions and soldiers and those few of Christs' followers who remained or who watched from a distance....

Unable to withstand the magnitude of atonement and celestial grief, it swayed in its power, reeling as someone in shock...

And utter darkness covered the earth as it shook, highlighting the terror as God turned His Face away from His Son, unable to look upon the sin of mankind that His Son had taken upon Himself...

It violently heaved in the aftermath of a crucifixion that saw the greatest gift of redemption the earth would ever know, releasing resurrection power to many who had died and tore the Temple veil in two.

Then hastily the earth swallowed the body of Christ into its maw of hewn rock, as it had done to men since Abels' untimely death until this day.... yet no ashes to ashes or dust to dust: no decomposition...

And another Sabbath passed, not shrouded in joy and welcomed since the birth of the Jewish people, but bringing with it a desolate cloak of disbelief, shock and despair that threatened to engulf the little band of believers who had trembled at Christs' words... unaware that triumph was already His. And theirs.

Beneath, the earth reeled as Christ stripped Lucifers' hopes of victory against a God Who now presented Himself King of Kings and Everlasting God.- Light of Light, Holder of the Keys of the Kingdom, destroyer of death and sin.... and Lucifer and his minions trembled.

The earth marvelled at the intensity of the Power of Resurrection... molecules and atoms infused with Life, vibrant in a way it vaguely remembered at its birth so many aeons ago.... magnificent creative force, God breathed life and Power.... Pulse of God.

Was ever there a time like this as Creation remembered Diety's Touch, revelling in His Footprints as His pierced Feet swung from the burial ledge, and His Hands that held the weight of the world folded the shroud so hastily bound around His lifeless Body 3 days ago?...

An almost forgotten thrill caused the earth to shudder as the Power of Gods' angels rolled away the enormous stone that blocked the burial chamber....

And it sang in ecstasy as the Feet of its' Creator once again walked amongst men.... victorious King, conquering Saviour, merciful God, everlasting to everlasting Prince of Peace.....

"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:6-7

It's a sacrifice!

You'll be eternally glad you did!

Is your figurative boat taking in water? Have the rations nearly been depleted and the water low? A storm is coming and it looks like your boat is going to sink...

If you want to become a Christian, all you have to do is have a change of mind and turn around from doing things your way and going His Way!

Today is the Day of Salvation. Make your choice today and live forever!

Come aboard the good ship "Salvation" which will never ever sink. You'll be eternally glad you did!

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

Of salvation and love glances

Over the past 44 years of my walk with the LORD, it never ceases to amaze me that He has always been attentive to my needs.

Before I was born again, I know He wooed me, calling me to Him by His Spirit. He rejoiced over me when I accepted Him as my LORD and Saviour and He spoke to me in my worship times. He corrected me in times of temptation and graciously pardoned me when I fell.

There were dry seasons when I didn't feel His Presence. Even felt alone, but it was always me who had moved away- never Him. He was and is and is to come, and He responds to me lovingly no matter how far I may have fallen or doubted or panicked. He hovers constantly by His Spirit and strengthens me when I cannot even formulate sentences. And there have been many times over the years I have just shot up an arrow prayer: help! And He has!

There were times that I felt His compassion as I cried in pain from surgeries to remove kidney stones and lay with 9lb weights on my legs in traction for spinal problems, and I can testify that He has heard, for at my most vulnerable of times physically and emotionally, He has always sent someone- be it nurse or doctor or even patient, who has exuded compassion and concern. And even prayed for me.

Having had a rather sad life up until I met Chris, I can tell you that God keeps His promises to be with us and never leave us. He has been with me in my lowest of times and has given me that peace that surpasses all human understanding and I am humbled and grateful.

In happier times, I have shared a laugh with the LORD- something that was just for me and He to get and I tell you, there's nothing better than to laugh in the Spirit. You actually bubble up with happiness and joy in the pit of your stomach and it makes your eyes glisten with tears of mirth. There's nothing like it...

People are so wrong when they say Christians have got religion: loving Christ is not a religion- it's a relationship. God is love and He loves us with an everlasting love.

And talk about God being the Lover of our soul: He is most attentive to His Bride for He arranges things that only I will see and which He knows will delight me. I call them Love Glances. He causes me to see so many beautiful things that could easily be overlooked... and I love Him all the more for it.

I am sharing this with you not to say that God will live out your and His relationship exactly the same way as He does with me. We are individuals. But He will be faithful and true and would have died for even *you* alone if He had to. He loves *you* that much.

If you want to love the LORD in a deeper way, just tell Him. He will be there immediately. Start your new walk by developing gratitude for what He has already done for you: He has saved you from sin and has promised eternal life with Him. When you start being grateful for what He has done, you will see more and more what He is doing and you will believe more strongly in what He will do in your life.

I don't know how people can cope with some of the things we face in the world, especially now- without God. But if you believe in Him and what He has done and you have accepted Him as your LORD and Saviour, you will never have to face it in your own strength.

If you don't know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour but want to click on here. Time is short now and it is time for the Church Age or Age of Grace to end. Jesus is coming for His Bride- believers. This is known as the Rapture. Those who stay will have hell on earth. Literally.

Why not accept the LORD'S offer of salvation now and enjoy your life as a Christian with us? Eternity could be seconds away and the decision you make now is one which will spell out your eternal end.

The Spirit and the Bride say "Come!" Today is the Day of Salvation and tomorrow's the Day of your own Love Glances!

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

God has broad shoulders

With all that is happening in the world today, even the strongest of Christians are feeling some fear. Disease, corrupt politics, change, unknown unchartered waters- all contribute to an underlying anxiety in most of us, if we are honest.

Some of us pray yet even so, fear remains and we feel hopeless and helpless. We cannot plan much in advance: everything is so uncertain.

We have been buffeted about by the secular powers that be: herded into our home, our children denied school attendance, jobs either lost or in doubt, and threats of punishment for those who do not comply.

There is hardly a person alive today who hasn't been touched by Covid rules or who doesn't know of someone who has been physically touched by it. It seems that the whole world is swamped with it.

Justice and righteousness have been thrown aside, except for those with enough courage or opportunity to stand against evil people intent on bringing down democracy and freedom.

At times this seems surreal, with no end in sight and we are feeling depressed and helpless. We see everyone masked, and we wonder once again- is this for real and how long will it last. We are feeling bombed out and on the verge of despair.

With social distancing, and lock downs, even not being able to see people's faces because of face masks, we are feeling isolated and lonely.

When feeling like this, it is important that we withdraw and run into Jesus's Arms. We need to pray and confess our fear, read or listen to the Word and worship God. Worship lifts us up.

We need to run to Jesus for is a good Father. He says He is a strong tower and we are safe when we run to Him.

Do not leave His Presence without feeling His incredible Peace which passes all human understanding. We need this Love, this assurance, this peace.

Until you feel refreshed and assured and strong again, don't leave. No matter how many times a day or night we come to Him. God welcomes us with open Arms.

Remember you are His Child and that He is with us until He comes for us, then for eternity.

God is not a man that He would tire of His children's need of comfort and peace and renewal of faith. Come to Him. As often as needed. God has broad shoulders.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

A personal God

I have been thinking about heaven and meeting Jesus. How every eye shall behold Him and how He is omnipresent and is not subjected to the laws of time... I am thinking because He is in all and He holds all together, maybe He will greet us all personally in Heaven at the same time, yet we will feel like He and we are the only people who matter at the time...

After all, millions of believers worldwide will be raptured along with the dead in Christ and it would seem plausible that a supernatural God like ours could minister to each at his or her designated time in the clouds... on a personal relationship basis...

Likewise we would all be at the wedding feast of the Lamb yet feel totally connected to Him and each other because there would be the Spirit of God indwelling us all at the same time... I can hardly wait... just thinking brings a longing for Home....

I am also basing my thoughts on the fact that the indwelling Holy Spirit leads us all simultaneously yet personally all the time. We feel Him in a uniquely personal way...

Whatever transpires, I am sure it will absolutely spot on and miraculous for us all on a deeply personal level... Maranatha!

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together -Colossians 1:17

Through troubled waters to Home

We are now almost at the end of 2023 and I was considering how fearful some of us were as the New Year approached and I was comforted to realise that God has got this! There is no need to fear.

How can we have the peace we need as we face yet another year of uncertain times? By remembering Who is our Backstop, our Guide and our Comforter..

Jesus has brought us through every day until now... He guides us through each day through His Holy Spirit... He comforts us as we travel through this world on our way Home with Him.

He is able.

He is.

And was.

And will be....

Emmanuel-

God with us.

Not far from us.

Here.

Now.

A very present help in trouble...

Let us join our hearts and hands united in faith, and not fear the future. We are in very good Hands... and may God give us His Peace and guide us through troubled waters to Home....

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

If you are not sure where your eternal Home will be, please read this link. Don't go another day without assurance and peace that comes with salvation...

So that we wouldn't have to

To be honest, in my 43 years as a Christian, I have found many Christians exuding a superior attitude. Proud of the fact they are saved and therefore in their mind, better than the unsaved.

We have no reason to be superior. We couldn't save ourselves and could not be so without the Saviour spilling His precious Blood in our place.

There's no place for pride in the Christian's life. Humility is the way of the Christian and if there's any pride, it should be in our Saviour Who drank the cup of God's wrath so that all believers won't have to...

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Get on the Ark and get saved now.

Scripture tells us that we will not know the day or hour that Jesus comes to take His Bride- the

Church home with Him. We who are looking for His glorious appearing and being with

Christ for eternity are longing for the Day. And so we should be.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven

or the Son himself. Only the Father knows" Matthew 24:36

Many of us are experiencing our own tribulations as the world is cast into the shadow of

the great Tribulation, and we are tired of living in this sin-filled, ungodly world. We need

to keep not only our eyes looking up, but our hearts.

As in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the final days before the Rapture also known

in the Bible as the Harpazo and Rapturo. (Yes it is mentioned in the scriptures).

We need to keep the faith, keep fighting the good fight and keep our spirits and heart

in longing for our Beloved to come for us. And He is coming!

What can we be doing as we wait for Jesus to take us Home?

I believe we should be in prayer for those people suffering under authorities such as the Taliban and for all those Christians who are in danger.
We need to intercede for the Ukrainians who are being invaded as we speak.

We should be praying for those who are still unsaved.

Keeping the faith can be difficult for some, especially as the world gets darker. We need to pray for ourselves too.

How can we overcome the anxiety and depression these end days bring?

We should bring our thoughts and minds under the control of the Holy Spirit by focussing on good things that are still here

We must remember that Christ is in control, no matter how bad a situation becomes.

We must bring everything we see, hear and read in to the light of the Word and we must remember that all these things, though disturbing, are temporary.

We must maintain an attitude of gratitude for all things in our life and dwell on God's goodness.

We simply must be a person of worship and praise.

We must be in the Word.
We must remember that Jesus has promised to take us Home before the Great Tribulation. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth- Revelation 3:10

The end is in sight and we are tired. We long for Jesus to take us to be with Him. We are continuing to fight

the good fight. We are running the race and our Saviour cheers us on.

We are being His faithful servants even in the end days.. whilst watching and waiting. Even so,

come Lord Jesus! Maranatha! There's not much time left, my friends. Get on the Ark and get saved now.

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth- Revelation 3:10

You must make a choice

In life, we don't have a say how we were born, or who our parents are, but in death, we do have a say. Either we will be in Heaven or hell. Either our Father will be God or the devil.

Based on how we want to live forever, and the decision we make to that end, we have a say- a very important choice of whom we will serve. We have to make that choice- either we serve God and live with Him or we choose Satan and suffer with Him forever.

Make the choice to love God and live for Him. And remember, your indecision and silence means you remain in your sin, a child of the devil. You cant be half-Christian... you are saved or not.

Make the choice to be a Christian today. The end of your life here demands a choice. Get saved today. Jesus or the devil. You must make a choice.

Thank God it's Jesus!

There are many things in life that can break us. Illness, loss, grief, depression, divorce to mention just a few. But often it is sin that breaks us the most: and unlike some other things that break us, time does not make it easier. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19

That is why repentance is so important. We need to repent as soon as the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, for if we don't, we give a foothold to the evil one. He takes great delight in making us feel estranged from God and hopeless. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Of course, God is not distancing Himself from us- we do that when we are conscious of sinning. So it is imperative that we come to Christ and confess our sin immediately and partake afresh of His Grace. There is nothing like the fragrant aroma of Grace as a balm for our sin when there is true repentance and forgiveness...

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:15

But after repentance and forgiveness, we often find that there are those who still judge us and who remind us of our sin constantly. They call that which God sees as clean, unclean...

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. Luke 7:39

But where can one go when judging fingers point out our repented sin? We go back to Jesus. We take His Word that He has forgiven us. we renounce the judgers as being used by the evil one, and we get back on our feet, and continue in the Spirit..

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God... 2 Corinthians 10:5

Often the one who has sinned the most will arise forgiven and serve God in a passion and newness bought through the cleansing of the Blood of Christ, and in gratitude for His sacrifice for us...

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:12

I have noticed many times over that people who have been broken and whom God has restored, often serve Him with passion and a zeal that others don't match. The greater the sin, the greater God's Grace...

"Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Luke 7:47

As for those who judge us, we should remind them that the Blood of Jesus has washed our sin away and that they should not ever call unclean what God has called clean..

Save Jesus Christ alone

When we once moved house, we had an introductory chat with our new neighbours. I was delighted to learn that the whole end of our street were Christians. This was an answer to prayer because I had been hungry for fellowship.

Whilst we were chatting, my new neighbour told me of the people next door. They were of a different denomination to them. She told me they considered their denomination the *only* real church and that they came across as feeling superior to them. She then went on to discuss the other denominations represented in the street who happened to speak in tongues. They too felt superior to other denominations and Christians who didn't have the gift of tongues or the Baptism of the Spirit. In fact in the next 10 months we were there, they didn't even acknowledge us in the street!

In looking for a new place of worship, we discussed her Baptist Church. I felt that I would like to check it out until she mentioned the factions within about introducing charismatic practices. Sadness flooded over me.

Denominations, factions and superiority ought not to be within the Church. Unfortunately, we all know it is... we all have done it at some time or another. No sooner does one learn that one is a Christian than the judgment starts to raise its ugly head.

Christian, Catholic, Baptist, Spirit-filled, Charismatic, speaker of tongues, christened or baptised by immersion all juggle for precedence in our estimation of a Christians' worth and suitability to befriend and have fellowship with. When in fact, all that should matter is that the person is truly born-again and sees Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Him crucified. There has to be a common bond for Christians and that bond is Jesus.

Because judgments of a persons' church and worship preferences so colour our fellowship, I prefer to see myself as a Christian rather than as a Baptist, Protestant, Charismatic or whatever. Without that willingness to accept each other firstly as Christians, we aren't going to have true fellowship! I mentioned that to my new neighbour and she agreed. So there is still the possibility of ongoing fellowship with her.

Judging Christians by their denomination or manner of worship short-circuits all possibility of developing strong bonds in the Body of Christ. If we do not accept each other purely on the basis of what Christ is and has done, we rob ourselves of the opportunity of fellowship and live outside the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

Let's choose to see nothing else but Jesus Christ and what He has done for all of us. Surely that would be a very firm foundation to build a friendship on whilst strengthening the Body of Christ. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

The verse that comes to mind for this post is simple: Jesus wept. John 11:35

When your closed eyes reopen, where will they be?

In life, we don't have a say how we were born, or who our parents are, but in death, we do have a say. Either we will be in Heaven or hell. Either our Father will be God or the devil.

Based on how we want to live forever, and the decision we make to that end, we have a say- a very important choice of whom we will serve.

We have to make that choice- either we serve God and live with Him or we choose Satan and suffer with Him forever. Make the choice to love God and live for Him.

And remember, your indecision and silence means you remain in your sin, a child of the devil. You cant be half-Christian... Make the choice to be a Christian today. The end of your life here demands a choice. Get saved today.

When your closed eyes reopen, where will they be?

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

I couldn't live with myself

I have been grappling with writing what's on my heart lately. As a deep thinker, I ponder daily on what I feel God wants me to write about in this blog. I try to encourage and edify, but I know that sometimes what I speak of upsets some people.

As I looked at myself in the mirror today, I saw a woman whose life is spent mostly on studying the Word of God, praying and blogging in between bouts of chronic illness. It's all I can do now.

Writing's been a passion of mine for the last 30 years after three separate pastors at different services prophesied over me, saying that God has appointed me to be a spokesperson- actually the word was "mouthpiece" for Him throughout the world.

I really took this to heart and started writing Christian personalised verse and self published a book of poetry called "In Spirit And In Truth". It sold at various Christian bookstores, but somehow this didn't seem the way that I was meant to go...

With the advent of the internet, I started blogging and that and writing for various Christian magazines have become my form of service to God. As the blogs and articles circulated, I realised that that was where the "throughout the world" part of the prophecies were coming from...

Apart from obeying God by writing, I realised that I burn with the desire to see the lost being saved and that I do indeed love people. Christian or not. Coloured or not.

As I combed my hair, I realised that I must write more of Christ and His offer of salvation than focus on our many illnesses and the Corona Virus. Times are short.

I know some who read may take offence, but please recall that I do so out of love and nothing personal to gain. I want you to be saved from the imminent wrath of God for people who prefer to live in their sin than to repent and serve God.

This world is getting darker and very soon Jesus will be taking the Church- His Bride, to be with Him. This is known as the Rapture and only believers will go.

My prayer is that you will go with us and not be left on this earth which is going to be hell on earth. I need to say it, before it's too late.

I don't want you to be offended, but saved. God doesn't want anyone to go to Hell, and neither do I. Times are short as I said and we have millenia of prophecies that have come true to uphold this.

One must be saved or born-again to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only way and that choice must be made personally and voluntarily. Either we accept Jesus and go to Heaven, or we go to Hell.

I have written this post for those who as yet aren't born again, because if I didn't warn you, I couldn't live with myself.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Today is the Day of Salvation.

It makes sense that the Bride of Christ will not suffer even a nano second of the Tribulation. We are the Body of Christ. It makes no sense to believe that God's wrath would include His Son Who is God....

Jesus took all the wrath on Himself once and for all... in our place. No man hates his own body but cherishes it... how much more would God cherish the Body of Christ in His Bride?

It makes no sense, knowing what we do about the Nature of God, that He would punish us along with the unbelieving and unsaved when we have devoted our life and service to Him in faith and imputed righteousness?

To my mind, to believe that we will be here for the Great Tribulation negates the whole gospel... we are not destined for wrath for we have been saved... by the Precious Blood and the Love of our Saviour for us.

I am getting impatient listening to the rubbish about us being here to endure punishment when what is happening in the Tribulation has nothing to do with us... it is the Time of Jacob's trouble. I simply don't believe that our faith is in vain as God never lies...

If you want to be with Christ for eternity, click here on how to get saved and what it means...

We believers are getting our inheritance soon. Come with us... today is the Day of Salvation.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?- Numbers 23:19

I'll just leave this here

Most nights I don't remember my dreams unless they are nightmares. But last night I dreamt that the Rapture was imminent and I was approaching strangers, asking them if they knew Jesus as their Saviour.

It wasn't scary by any means, but I felt all the angst, as I desperately tried to present the Good News of salvation to people. The urgency was intense.

I woke up hyperventilating and took a trip to the bathroom. When I returned to bed, I was sure that I wouldn't dream about it again. But I did.

The second time was more urgent than the first time, and I was rapidly presenting the path of salvation to someone and was desperate that they be saved.

When I woke from the second dream, I prayed and asked the LORD what did all this mean and if it meant something that I needed to do, then let me know and I would do it.

It was no mistake that I got a link to a You Tube vlog of the imminence of the Rapture and all the prophecies that are being fulfilled daily now. Time is short.

I had my answer- and so, to whoever is sitting on the fence, get saved now. You do not want to spend eternity in hell and Jesus is the only way of salvation.

Because of the intensity and realism of the dream, I feel compelled to reach out and talk to you. You need to be saved because there isn't much time. Jesus is coming back for His church- the believers.

The world is going to be in a horrible state after this and you do not want to be left behind. God loves you- all of you who are still on the fence. I don't know you, but He does. He wants you to trust Him.

Whoever is sitting thinking about the future, know that the future is Hell if you are unsaved, but eternal life and joy in Christ for those who are saved-and you need to make a decision to trust Him and get saved now. The Age of Grace is nearly over.

Jesus knows who you are and you know where you stand in this matter. I have heeded my dream and done as I must. I'll just leave this here.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

Prince of Peace

So many years ago, the earth saw a miracle that blessed humanity for all time...

The same earth that is Gods' footstool, trembled at the cross alongside the centurions and soldiers and those few of Christs' followers who remained or who watched from a distance....

Unable to withstand the magnitude of atonement and celestial grief, it swayed in its power, reeling as someone in shock...

And utter darkness covered the earth as it shook, highlighting the terror as God turned His Face away from His Son, unable to look upon the sin of mankind that His Son had taken upon Himself...

An almost forgotten thrill caused the earth to shudder as the Power of Gods' angels rolled away the enormous stone that blocked the burial chamber....

And it sang in ecstasy as the Feet of its' Creator once again walked amongst men.... victorious King, conquering Saviour, merciful God, everlasting to everlasting Prince of Peace.....

"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:6-7

God is gracious

We know that God is described as "gracious" many times in the Bible, but what exactly does it mean?

To be gracious means 'to favour,' to show kindnesses to an inferior, and to be compassionate. In the Old Testament of the Bible, this adjective applies to God, indicative of His favour and mercy, His long-suffering and general inclination of favour and kindness. This was originally written by Erickson and Millard. from a publication called Christian Theology, pages 320-321.

God's favour towards us is the epitome of Grace. Salvation is by Grace alone. God's abounding Grace is deeper than the largest sin.

This Easter Saturday, may we reflect on the Grace of God that has saved us. Without salvation, no one can stand.

What a wonderful God we serve.. Gracious. Kind. Just. Loving. Righteous. Holy. Merciful. Fair.

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

A world we don't want to live in

My friend wrote on Face Book. "Acting out of wholesome and compassionate intentions won't magically prevent us from confronting the slings and arrows of life’s misfortune....on the contrary - it can make you a target in this world of 'spiritual warfare'"

Yes, kindness is often seen as weakness, love is made into a cheap word, forgiveness is for fools and good manners are often regarded as flirting...

So given that it is difficult in this world to be pure of heart and kind without people misconstruing our motives, how should we act?

We must emulate our Saviour.

We must remember that the very things that annoy the world delight God.

We must keep in mind that the very fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control...

We must keep in mind that because of this, the world is going to be contrary to it and react adversely.

We must keep growing in the Spirit and emulating Jesus

We must also remember that we are the salt of the world and must remain flavoursome...

Kindness is an attribute of God and is a fruit of the Spirit, and as such, is highly regarded by Him. Being kind is something we should all aspire to be as Christians. And it often requires being strong in spirit. It means being forgiving. Loving. Selfless. Sacrificial. It includes purity of heart, mind and speech. It imparts grace.

The King James Bible speaks of kindness 43 times, and from that one can see the importance of being kind in all its' aspects. Many verses exhort us to be kind and they extol kindness's virtues.

Choose to be kind even if that person doesn't deserve it, because that is what God has done for us all: saved and unsaved. That takes strength and prayer. Be kind. Because a world without kindness is a world none of us would really want to live in.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.-Galatians 5:22-23