THE SUPREME ACT OF KINDNESS

“…God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”   (Ephesians 2:7 NLT)

Jesus is God’s kindness, God’s big gift of kindness that came in a small package of swaddling clothes, a baby sent to save us. God is so kind that Jesus did not count equality with God as something to be grasped and therefore emptied Himself of His place in heaven (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus became flesh (John 1:14). His very enfleshment personified kindness.

Jesus represents the kindness of a God who became one of us. Religions have famous teachers and prophets. Religions have teachings about God. But only the Christian faith professes that God became flesh as the supreme act of kindness toward His creatures. He came to us so that we could come to Him. God’s loving gift of Jesus to you is a miraculous act of kindness that sets the tone for your life.

In fact, that is what Jesus does. He shows you God. In order to help you become the-best-version-of-yourself, Jesus will guide you home. He will embody in Himself who and what you are called to be. He is the Word of God made flesh, living right here among us.  

-- Allen R. Hunt in “Nine Words: A Bible Study to Help You Become the Best-Version-of-Yourself” 

#6032

UNMASKING MYSELF

Many years ago I read an article in a denominational newsletter that referred to "the Masking Disciples 2000 Leadership Team." While "Masking" was a typo and should have read "Making," it made me wonder if that isn't what we in the church might be doing sometimes.

We go out as good people doing good things in the community to make it a good place to live so that we can make good people feel good. That is masking, or covering up, what we really should be about. We are followers of Jesus Christ who are called by Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." (Matthew 28:19-20a NLT)

What I need to be about is unmasking myself and letting the world know that the good that I do is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, not because I'm a good person. Jesus said, " Let your light shine before [others] in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 AMP)

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#6031

NO COMPARTMENTALIZATION

“Blessed is the one
     who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
     or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
     and who meditates on His law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
     which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
     whatever they do prospers.”  (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)

The story of God doesn’t make room for compartmentalization. It doesn’t speak of moments of being influenced by the Word, but having our imaginations fixed on it, meditating on it day and night. It doesn’t speak of producing for God in separation from Him. Rather, living a life being planted in Him. Jesus doesn’t say, apart from Him we can’t do religious things very well. He says apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5)…

When the psalmist says “whatever they do prospers,” I don’t think he means “whatever religious activity they do.” The story that God is inviting us into changes everything. From the heart, to the home, to the church, to the city. The more you dive into God’s story, the depth and breadth of His grace begins to tear down any divides that could lead to compartmentalization. He wants your all. 

-- Excerpted from Lo Alaman in “Wake-up Call” 

#6030

EQUIPPING THE CHURCH FOR MINISTRY

“Christ Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;…”  (Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV)

The task of the ministry is, not to undertake some specialist activity from which the rest of the faithful are excluded, but to pioneer in doing that which the whole church must do.  And the ministry itself is no originator, but receives its task from Christ.  The ordained ministers only exercise the ministry which Christ Himself has first exercised, and which He continues to exercise through them, and through their activity in the whole church also.

 -- Anthony T. Hanson (1916-1991) in “The Pioneer Church” 

#6029

ENGAGING IN MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

This verse beautifully captures the essence of mentoring. Just as iron sharpens iron through friction and contact, mentoring involves a mutual process of growth and improvement.

When we engage in mentoring relationships, we not only impart knowledge and wisdom but also receive insights and perspectives that refine us. It's a dynamic exchange where both the mentor and mentee are shaped and strengthened.

In the context of faith, mentoring is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and for making disciples of Jesus Christ. It allows us to share our experiences, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable. Through these interactions, we become better equipped to navigate life's challenges and fulfill our God-given potential in Christ.

Remember, mentoring is not just about teaching; it's about walking alongside someone, offering support, and being open to learning from them as well. As we invest in others, we too are sharpened and enriched, reflecting the transformative power of God's wisdom in our lives. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6028