EXTREME KINDNESS
~Arthur Jackson- "Fast-food restaruant worker Kevin Ford hadn't missed a shift in twenty-seven years. After a video surfaced showing his humble gratitude for a modest gift he received to commemorate his decades of service, thousands of people rallied together to show kindness to him. 'It's like a dream, a dream come true,' he said when a fundraising effort brought in $250,000 in just over a week. (Google image, Fast Food)
Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah, was also the recipient of extreme kindness. He'd been incarcerated for thirty- seven years before the benevolence of the Babylonian king resulted in his release.'[The king] freed him from prison. He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon' (Jer. 52:31-32). Jehoiachin was given a new position, new clothes, and a new residence. His new life was fully funded by the king.
This story pictues what happens spiritually when, out of no contributions from themselves or others, people who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection are rescued from their estrangement from God.
They're brought from darkness and death into light and life; they're brought from darkness and death into light and life; they're brought into the family of God because of the extreme kindness of God." (ODB 9/4)
Father, thank You for Your forgiving kindness. 'Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.' "
Let's Pray-
Father, one of our stories today pictures what happens when, out of no contributions from ourselves, we who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection are rescued from utter estrangement from You.
We're brought from total darkness and death into the Light and Life of Your Son, Jesus. We're welcomed into Your family because of Your extreme kindness!
Because of this, we give our heartfelt thanks and praise today! In the name of Jesus, we come, asking for Your Spirit to have free reign in our daily lives. Amen.
"Let’s be honest. Aging is difficult. It means the loss of someone (a friend or a family member) or the loss of something (job, mobility, eyesight, hearing, memory), and I’d like to avoid it. Wouldn’t you? We can’t. No matter how much make-up we wear, we can’t erase the wrinkles. No matter how much we pretend, we can’t disguise the truth. Aging happens. To everyone. Don’t despair!
How can we flourish as we age? We pursue righteousness. We remain in the “house of the LORD. That involves staying attached to others in the Body of Christ, where we receive encouragement, gentle correction, and accepting love. We remember and rely on Jesus, who is our Rock.
I received Jesus when I was a child. Throughout the decades of my life, the Holy Spirit has been growing me to become more like my Lord. He’s been my Rock in tough times of illness, disappointment, and loss.
He often awakens me with a song or a poem. As I remain connected to him, I continue to flourish. You can, too.
The Spirit may not give you a poem or a song. It could be a word of encouragement, a gift of helping, or perhaps even a gift of receiving help and showing gratitude. Most importantly, you can pray."
Recommended Reading:
When we are ready to risk everything for God, we can count on Him to do anything for us!
Upcoming posts:
The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15
You can view past services too.
Sermon listing:https://www.
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