Kindness and Gentleness - Summer Break pt. 4
This is part 2 of a mini series on learning to shift our thoughts, our way of thinking to the way of God’s Kingdom way of thinking through discovery of a few simple tweaks we can make. In this mini series, we continue looking at the story of Moses and how the Isrealites took decades to enter God’s promised land but their attitude left them wandering in the wilderness for decades. Let’s not get lost in the chaos and confusion of a bad day, situations we can’t control and circumstances that may not be all that easy to go through. We can’t run from them, but God can give us the strength and grace to get through. And that is what He was trying to give to Diana and to the Israelites But with just a shift, we can empower ourselves to have better days! So, are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Diana’s Notes
Welcome to the summer series of Heartfelt Conversations with Diana!
Last week we chatted a bit about being more thankful and by learning to be more thankful we would have more ability to be able to offer more kindness to others around us.
And - Last week we talked about going from Grumbling and Complaining to Kindness and Thankfulness.
Today, let’s chat a little about shifting our focus from Grumbling and complaining to: KINDNESS
Around the year 2000, I believe that I had a breakdown of some sort. I certainly did not behave like me and this awful spirit of selfishness got in me. I made choices I would not have normally made, but I became so self- righteous and so self-focused and so self-justified that all I saw was me and what I needed or wanted. I went from one extreme to the other in a shot. It was really a lifetime of pain and tragedy that I was running from that finally caught up to me. We can’t run, but God can give us the strength and grace to get through. And that is what He was trying to give to me and to the Israelties ,but they wanted everything easy. Handed to them. As for me, I was tired of being a victim and when that last straw broke for me, I went from a victim to venomous. I was just plain not nice when I wanted to be. No one was going to push me around anymore. The problem was not in me drawing healthy boundaries, it was in my attitude and actions which caused all the destruction I left behind.
Last week I mentioned that - What complaining, grumbling, and murmuring really does is cast a negative aroma around our attitudes ( little black cloud that follows us around wherever we go). For the day, for the week, for our lives if we don’t train ourselves to watch for it.
Just remember to tell yourself that - Complaining is a distraction that will keep us from focusing on what really matters. It will keep us from growing, flourishing, having creative flow and energy, and from having all of the Good Life God has in store for us.
This week let’s shift our hearts from grumbling and complaining, to KINDNESS AND THOUGHTFULNESS. Let’s be “do unto others” people!
The Message Bible reads it this way: Matthew 7:12
Here is a simple rule-of-thumb guide for behavior, are you ready? This is really tricky. LOL. Its “basic” as Pastor Beth would say but vital to our own empowerment and happiness - here we go with the rest of it -
Basic rule- of - thumb for our behavior - Ask yourself, what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them -
WOW - That is a great basic behavior go to rule to simply but drastically change our lives.
So, let's focus our thoughts on Kindness and Thoughtfulness this week by meditating on Matthew 7:12 from the NIV version of the Bible
VERSE: So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
And add to that another verse to help out this week when you do start to feel burned out, stressed out
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
In other words, don’t be stressed out and uptight all of the time. Whatever has you troubled, take it to God in prayer and petition Him to give you strength, wisdom, comfort whatever you need so long as it doesn’t go against His character and He will hear you. But don’t grumble, don’t whine or complain, go with a grateful heart letting Him know that you know He has already done so much for you. Let Him hear how thankful you are and see if you do not receive joy back from Him in your heart. You just feel lifted up. At least I know I do.
So, shift your mind from not believing you can do this - to knowing in Christ you can do all things, and you have a Spirit-empowered life with our foundation verse
Romans 8:11 is going to be a foundational verse because we need to know, WE CAN! We can do “it” whatever “it” is!
Everytime you think you can’t relax and remember your Helper is with you to strengthen you supernaturally.
If you have received Jesus as your Savior this is a part of that gift, another gift, a Helper, A supernatural Helper
Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you. “
So this week, we are shifting our actions and attitude to Thoughtfulness and Kindness and full of gratitude!
Let’s focus our hearts and minds on beingKind and Thoughtful as we enjoy this amazing life and summer!
May God strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand!
God Bless! And see you next week!
Songs to inspire you
Crowder - Grave Robber (Music Video)
Crowder - Higher Power (feat. Hulvey) (Lyric Video)
Scriptures from this week's Podcast
Matthew 7:12 NIV
So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. In Christ you have the same power living in you that rose Jesus from the grave! How amazing is that child of God!
Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Chrisr Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you. “
Additional Resources
Prayer of Salvation
Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born again, child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This prayer and the comment above, were taken out of the book:
Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart
By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti
If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:
PO Box 29469
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946
Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand new christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ.
Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana and we will pass along your information for you.
Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you!
Diana’s Home Church:
Valley Family Church - Pastor’s Eric and Alexa Jones
www.valleyfamilychurch.org
Other recommended Jesus-centered churches who teach the True Word of God:
Elevation Church - Steven Furtick
https://elevationchurch.org/
Joseph Prince Ministries - Joseph Prince
https://www.josephprince.org/
Joyce Meyer Ministries
https://joycemeyer.org/