This was a good topic the past two weeks. I hope I have come to the place that I don't have to think about or work at kindness but that it just comes as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, and therefore opportunities show up because of my openness. It is easier for me to be the helper than to receive help. Right now we're at a phase that we might need help from time to time as Keith goes through this health challenge and we have to be comfortable with asking and accepting it. But that doesn't eliminate the chance to help others along the way and connect with other people who might be going through similar challenges. There are so, so many needs in the world today and my prayer is that God points me to the ones I am able to meet in His name.
Encouraging and helping others is and has always been a passion for me. As God leads, He provides different ways for me to show His loving kindness to others per their time of need. I'm attending a women's bible study group on Tuesday mornings right now. The bible study is centered on the book of Isaiah. It certainly has been powerful. I've learned a lot and have made new friends while connecting. We not only learn, but we also get to give the gift of friendship and sharing with one another. It's truly a blessing. Yesterday, in fact, I felt God urge me to gift someone something going through a real health challenge, then in a totally unrelated event, God gifted me to receive a kind word from someone thanking them for how something I had written was encouraging them. To hear that helps me to stay the course and is the greatest blessing and gift God could grant. A kind word goes a long way. I pray for God to open doors to the opportunities He wants me to pursue and give so that I can remain obedient to His will and calling and fully recognize when He nudges me to step in to it.
In the past, receiving a thank you, help, or a gift from someone else, I was not that good at. Mainly because I didn't think I was deserving of it. Yes, good ole pride as you say. I believe giving or receiving should be done through God's mercy and unconditional agape love. I'm learning a lot more now growing in my journey of faith to be accepting of a kind word, etc. God has truly worked on me through His Word, prayer, and others to be more obedient to Him.
Since God knows me better than myself, I'll try and remain open and obedient to His will for me to open my heart to the giving opportunities as He presents them to me. Donny, you are definitely a giver with these prayer walks each week. You give of yourself, your time, and humble yourself in obeying God's will to let His words be exemplified through you as His vessel. Please know not only I but all of us truly thank you and really appreciate you in doing your best to answer the God's calling on your life. God bless you Donny!
Giving is something I love to do. Receiving I’m not good as much. I guess when someone gives to me I’m surprised and go to the thought of why? God is working on me for that. My giving last week was in more subtle ways, like going to a book signing to support a friend, ordering another book by another friend to give the book away. Buying a gift I want to give because of a need that person might have and won’t ask for help. I’m working on my attitude to be as open as I can. I have noticed that giving things to you is a challenge. I know I’ve seen your humble side and that is why you hesitate.
God knows me heart. Please know that when God places someone on my heart I will do what He inclines me to do. My prayers are listed. You and a dozen others are also on that list. That’s the greatest gift I can give those I love.
Oof....this hits a little close to home. I love to give but definitely have a hard time receiving. I never looked at it as a prideful thing even though I think it is now that you pointed it out. I've always felt undeserving. Love your perspective and this week's prayer walk.
No, we are all deserving of being loved the same in our heavenly Father’s eyes. It is those false beliefs or the thoughts that don’t come from God but are believed that can make some feel undeserved. But I do think pride can be an issue on both the giving and the receiving end depending on the motives of a person’s heart and the willingness to be vulnerable with themselves and others.
I love this topic Donny as I love serving others. We were gone for 8 weeks and our little people “ our grandchildren “ move in the day we arrived.
If we’re honest, most of us would rather be served than serve others. We’d rather feel special than ordinary. We’d rather feel important than insignificant.
And though God has made us special, important, and created in His image—His children cannot be above serving, because Jesus was never above serving.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 NLT
If the King of kings and Lord of lords didn’t come to be served, but to sacrifice His life for the sake and salvation of others, we should pay attention.
Jesus warned against doing impressive things just to be seen, praying extravagant prayers merely to be heard, and taking the highest-ranking positions simply to be known. (See: Matthew 6 and 20.)
Instead, Jesus engaged the outcast, fed the hungry, healed the sick, helped the hurting, stopped for the broken, washed dirty feet, and laid down His life—even though He was innocent—so that even the “worst” of sinners could discover that they are never far from His love.
As you think about what it meant for Jesus to die in your place and erase your mistakes, what does it trigger inside of you? Worship? Gratefulness? Are you compelled to go and tell others? Today, ask God to show you how you can serve others like He has served you.
I have been trying to be kind and helpful for while now. I notice (in my life anyway) that if I pray in the mornings for opportunities to "show God" to people that I am more open to see these opportunities. But, if I don't pray and ask God to show me these blessings, that I won't see many chances. God tells us to do good deeds to the household of faith
But, we have to also show love to those who need to see God. I have provided gift cards to those who are struggling with loved ones in the hospital. And, I have written little encouragement notes (some to random people) and others to specific needs.
This topic has put me into thinking mode. I feel as though I am a kind person, helping as needed. I take care of my mom and mother-in-law, I am a teacher and spend the day trying to demonstrate to my students what it means to be kind. But, then I thought about your words on this walk - now I am not sure that is what I am actually doing. I am not someone who seeks out attention I much prefer to be in the background of things, l don't need praise for just doing what you should do as a human being. Does kindness have to be the big gesture, paying for the meal or building the fence? Shouldn't kindness be reflected in your smile or greeting? Integrity is how I look at kindness, what will you do when no one is looking? There can be no ulterior motive to kindness.
God has given me a beautiful gift of helping others. I’ve work as a Medical Assistant for the last four years. Prior, to that I was certified nursing assistant. I’ve always loved helping people. It gives we great satisfaction that I can make someone feel better just by either giving a good ear to listen or just taking care of them in general. I know that some days they are not easy the work is hard. But with Gods help and teachings that God provides I’m well equipped in doing acts of kindness. Do I fail at times yes. Though I try to do my very best the next day.
Now receiving is something I have to work on as well. It’s something I feel very awkward about. I feel that it’s supposed to be me giving not me receiving. I can’t really explain it it’s just something I have always felt I needed to do. I want to thank you for all you do Donny you sometimes have a lot on your plate. And I want you to know how much I appreciate you doing the prayer walks. And I can’t wait till your Bus is done so you can spread the word of God. I’ll be praying for you and supporting you for as long as you need or when God says other wise. Blessings to you Donny have a blessed evening.
I've been meditating on Isaiah 58 since last week, and with each reading I'm seeing lessons that I didn't see before. This is fantastic, as it shows how much God's word is alive and speaks to us according to His time and will.
I am on a sabbatical year, and Isaiah 58 speaks of rest on Saturday as a period that involves total surrender and complete trust in the Creator and Redeemer God.
That has been my main goal, to enjoy intimacy with God. It seems to me that the text presents Sabbath "rest" as part of true spiritual fasting.
Another objective I have during this break from paid work is to work in evangelistic-social mobilizations. May 4th, I will be in a needy community, where we will offer medical, dental, legal and psychological services, and along with these actions, we will be looking for opportunities to talk about the good news of Jesus.
You know that in actions like these there is a real spiritual war - Please, pray for us and for all the services we are going to perform, and especially for lives to be reached and brought to the Lord Jesus.
As for "receiving" for me it has never been comfortable, but I am renovating my apartment and I had to leave the house, it is certainly God putting me to experience the hospitality of others.... It has been a time of growth and acceptance of the kindness of others ...
Anyway, I'm going to stop writing, but I have experienced many small kindnesses, some intentional and others that are a true affection from God towards me (both in receiving and giving).
Thank you for the walk, once again I thank you for bringing this biblical passage (verses 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are promises and blessings that I long to receive and I pray that I will be a channel for these same blessings flow to others).
Thank you for sharing Angela. I am praying now that God will bless the efforts of you and everyone else that is going out to spread the good news of Jesus. God speed
What strikes and CONVICTS me is the times (countless) that I recognized I literally have tried to barter with God! Reminding Him of what a sacrifice I’ve made for Him and question why He didn’t make the exchange I expected! Oh how disgusted I can get with myself!
This was a good topic the past two weeks. I hope I have come to the place that I don't have to think about or work at kindness but that it just comes as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, and therefore opportunities show up because of my openness. It is easier for me to be the helper than to receive help. Right now we're at a phase that we might need help from time to time as Keith goes through this health challenge and we have to be comfortable with asking and accepting it. But that doesn't eliminate the chance to help others along the way and connect with other people who might be going through similar challenges. There are so, so many needs in the world today and my prayer is that God points me to the ones I am able to meet in His name.
Encouraging and helping others is and has always been a passion for me. As God leads, He provides different ways for me to show His loving kindness to others per their time of need. I'm attending a women's bible study group on Tuesday mornings right now. The bible study is centered on the book of Isaiah. It certainly has been powerful. I've learned a lot and have made new friends while connecting. We not only learn, but we also get to give the gift of friendship and sharing with one another. It's truly a blessing. Yesterday, in fact, I felt God urge me to gift someone something going through a real health challenge, then in a totally unrelated event, God gifted me to receive a kind word from someone thanking them for how something I had written was encouraging them. To hear that helps me to stay the course and is the greatest blessing and gift God could grant. A kind word goes a long way. I pray for God to open doors to the opportunities He wants me to pursue and give so that I can remain obedient to His will and calling and fully recognize when He nudges me to step in to it.
In the past, receiving a thank you, help, or a gift from someone else, I was not that good at. Mainly because I didn't think I was deserving of it. Yes, good ole pride as you say. I believe giving or receiving should be done through God's mercy and unconditional agape love. I'm learning a lot more now growing in my journey of faith to be accepting of a kind word, etc. God has truly worked on me through His Word, prayer, and others to be more obedient to Him.
Since God knows me better than myself, I'll try and remain open and obedient to His will for me to open my heart to the giving opportunities as He presents them to me. Donny, you are definitely a giver with these prayer walks each week. You give of yourself, your time, and humble yourself in obeying God's will to let His words be exemplified through you as His vessel. Please know not only I but all of us truly thank you and really appreciate you in doing your best to answer the God's calling on your life. God bless you Donny!
Thank you for the kind words and support Anne I appreciate you.
Giving is something I love to do. Receiving I’m not good as much. I guess when someone gives to me I’m surprised and go to the thought of why? God is working on me for that. My giving last week was in more subtle ways, like going to a book signing to support a friend, ordering another book by another friend to give the book away. Buying a gift I want to give because of a need that person might have and won’t ask for help. I’m working on my attitude to be as open as I can. I have noticed that giving things to you is a challenge. I know I’ve seen your humble side and that is why you hesitate.
God knows me heart. Please know that when God places someone on my heart I will do what He inclines me to do. My prayers are listed. You and a dozen others are also on that list. That’s the greatest gift I can give those I love.
Thank you for your prayers and support Lucinda, you are appreciated.
Oof....this hits a little close to home. I love to give but definitely have a hard time receiving. I never looked at it as a prideful thing even though I think it is now that you pointed it out. I've always felt undeserving. Love your perspective and this week's prayer walk.
Thank you for sharing Amy.
Underserving? Does that mean some people are deserving? If so, on who's scale are we being measured?
No, we are all deserving of being loved the same in our heavenly Father’s eyes. It is those false beliefs or the thoughts that don’t come from God but are believed that can make some feel undeserved. But I do think pride can be an issue on both the giving and the receiving end depending on the motives of a person’s heart and the willingness to be vulnerable with themselves and others.
I love this topic Donny as I love serving others. We were gone for 8 weeks and our little people “ our grandchildren “ move in the day we arrived.
If we’re honest, most of us would rather be served than serve others. We’d rather feel special than ordinary. We’d rather feel important than insignificant.
And though God has made us special, important, and created in His image—His children cannot be above serving, because Jesus was never above serving.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 NLT
If the King of kings and Lord of lords didn’t come to be served, but to sacrifice His life for the sake and salvation of others, we should pay attention.
Jesus warned against doing impressive things just to be seen, praying extravagant prayers merely to be heard, and taking the highest-ranking positions simply to be known. (See: Matthew 6 and 20.)
Instead, Jesus engaged the outcast, fed the hungry, healed the sick, helped the hurting, stopped for the broken, washed dirty feet, and laid down His life—even though He was innocent—so that even the “worst” of sinners could discover that they are never far from His love.
As you think about what it meant for Jesus to die in your place and erase your mistakes, what does it trigger inside of you? Worship? Gratefulness? Are you compelled to go and tell others? Today, ask God to show you how you can serve others like He has served you.
BEAUTIFUL thank you for sharing Lucy. Great questions and a great reminder.
I have been trying to be kind and helpful for while now. I notice (in my life anyway) that if I pray in the mornings for opportunities to "show God" to people that I am more open to see these opportunities. But, if I don't pray and ask God to show me these blessings, that I won't see many chances. God tells us to do good deeds to the household of faith
But, we have to also show love to those who need to see God. I have provided gift cards to those who are struggling with loved ones in the hospital. And, I have written little encouragement notes (some to random people) and others to specific needs.
I like the gift cards and notes of encouragement ideas 🙂
This topic has put me into thinking mode. I feel as though I am a kind person, helping as needed. I take care of my mom and mother-in-law, I am a teacher and spend the day trying to demonstrate to my students what it means to be kind. But, then I thought about your words on this walk - now I am not sure that is what I am actually doing. I am not someone who seeks out attention I much prefer to be in the background of things, l don't need praise for just doing what you should do as a human being. Does kindness have to be the big gesture, paying for the meal or building the fence? Shouldn't kindness be reflected in your smile or greeting? Integrity is how I look at kindness, what will you do when no one is looking? There can be no ulterior motive to kindness.
Great questions Robin.
God has given me a beautiful gift of helping others. I’ve work as a Medical Assistant for the last four years. Prior, to that I was certified nursing assistant. I’ve always loved helping people. It gives we great satisfaction that I can make someone feel better just by either giving a good ear to listen or just taking care of them in general. I know that some days they are not easy the work is hard. But with Gods help and teachings that God provides I’m well equipped in doing acts of kindness. Do I fail at times yes. Though I try to do my very best the next day.
Now receiving is something I have to work on as well. It’s something I feel very awkward about. I feel that it’s supposed to be me giving not me receiving. I can’t really explain it it’s just something I have always felt I needed to do. I want to thank you for all you do Donny you sometimes have a lot on your plate. And I want you to know how much I appreciate you doing the prayer walks. And I can’t wait till your Bus is done so you can spread the word of God. I’ll be praying for you and supporting you for as long as you need or when God says other wise. Blessings to you Donny have a blessed evening.
Thank you Shari for your kind words and support. I appreciate you.
I've been meditating on Isaiah 58 since last week, and with each reading I'm seeing lessons that I didn't see before. This is fantastic, as it shows how much God's word is alive and speaks to us according to His time and will.
I am on a sabbatical year, and Isaiah 58 speaks of rest on Saturday as a period that involves total surrender and complete trust in the Creator and Redeemer God.
That has been my main goal, to enjoy intimacy with God. It seems to me that the text presents Sabbath "rest" as part of true spiritual fasting.
Another objective I have during this break from paid work is to work in evangelistic-social mobilizations. May 4th, I will be in a needy community, where we will offer medical, dental, legal and psychological services, and along with these actions, we will be looking for opportunities to talk about the good news of Jesus.
You know that in actions like these there is a real spiritual war - Please, pray for us and for all the services we are going to perform, and especially for lives to be reached and brought to the Lord Jesus.
As for "receiving" for me it has never been comfortable, but I am renovating my apartment and I had to leave the house, it is certainly God putting me to experience the hospitality of others.... It has been a time of growth and acceptance of the kindness of others ...
Anyway, I'm going to stop writing, but I have experienced many small kindnesses, some intentional and others that are a true affection from God towards me (both in receiving and giving).
Thank you for the walk, once again I thank you for bringing this biblical passage (verses 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are promises and blessings that I long to receive and I pray that I will be a channel for these same blessings flow to others).
Thank you for sharing Angela. I am praying now that God will bless the efforts of you and everyone else that is going out to spread the good news of Jesus. God speed
What strikes and CONVICTS me is the times (countless) that I recognized I literally have tried to barter with God! Reminding Him of what a sacrifice I’ve made for Him and question why He didn’t make the exchange I expected! Oh how disgusted I can get with myself!