In today's society we want it all and we want it now. That is the American dream and it is great for our economy. That attitude creates jobs & wealth, but at what cost to our souls? Many squeeze church into their busy schedules while a growing number want nothing to do with organized religion (the church). An even larger number believe there simply is no God. Our love for "stuff" and the "pursuit" to obtain it controls our lives, but without God we often do not realize just how much this is affecting us. This eats away at our soul creating an empty uncaring heart. This is reflected in our educational system where God has been replaced supposedly by scientific facts and cold analytical logic. So we are indeed at war with the devil in the physical world in which we live. Out of the deepest love God comes to us in word, in Jesus and in His Spirit. It is only when we allow Him free reign of our heart & soul do we receive the promised blessings. His word clearly tells us what gifts will come to anyone who is filled by His Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
Every day is a struggle and we will fail, but if we are not constantly asking for forgiveness, learning God's ways through the Scriptures, and bringing about real change in our lives then maybe it is gut check time. Are we trying to take a shortcut to heaven by simply acknowledging Jesus as our Savior and continue to live our lives as always? Are we truly born again in Christ? God doesn't want us for just an hour on Sunday He desires to be a part of our daily lives. To slow us down and give us His perspective on how we are to love and treat one another. To value life above all else and to strive to honor and glorify Him in all that we do. The better we can do this the more clearly the blessings of His Spirit become.
So let the Spirit change you by putting Him in control. Get your group together and head out to busy places in your community and start showing the love and grace of Jesus to everyone through simple surprising acts of kindness. Tell the recipients you are simply sharing God's love with them today. The message of God's love and grace that comes through Jesus is on the small Christian Kindness Card that you hand to the recipient of your kindness. On the back of the card you invite them to your church, school, youth group activity, and so on. A warm smile and an unselfish (practical gift given or helpful service rendered), totally free of charge or donation, serves as a reminder to all that God's gifts cannot be earned or bought at any price. A very easy and effective way to sow the seeds of the Spirit for all ages and faith levels. Because you put Jesus at the center of every loving act of kindness you will witness some very powerful and unforgettable God moments that will serve to seal your faith.
The P.A.C.K. (Planned Acts of Christian Kindness) program is totally free so please join with believers in 109 countries who are already sharing Jesus and growing both faith and Kingdom through simple acts of kindness. Here is the sign up link: www.acts18.org/christian-kindness-program. There is no catch and no spam - just loving encouragement as we so desperately need more love, kindness and JESUS in our lives! God bless.