Enjoying the Journey

7 Ways to Show Kindness Today

Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the posts about his passing I was struck, not by the many tributes, but by the vitriolic and even violent comments about his death. When “Satan,” “hell,” and other unprintable words are used about any man’s death it reveals more about their heart than his. I could weep as I read the bitter and vile sentiments. No one who knows the love of God or understand the evil of the Devil could post such things. What has happened to our society that people laugh and joke about things sobering and sad.…

Read More

The Lost Art Of Christian Hospitality

Every week I have the privilege of being hosted by wonderful Christians.  While there is “no place like home” it is also true that there is “nothing like being with God’s people.” It’s more than friendship – it’s family. Recently as I spent time with some very gracious people I was reminded of the necessity and purpose of Christian hospitality. In the ancient world to open your home was to open your heart. The Apostle Paul repeatedly referenced the kindness that was shown to him on his missionary travels. Christian hospitality is more than merely meeting human needs – it is showing the love of God. The Lord Jesus Christ was frequently hosted in homes and blessed by the kindness of…

Read More

A Mother’s Day Meditation: “The Law Of Thy Mother”

Proverbs opens with a father speaking to his son and closes with a mother speaking to her son. Children need the influence and instruction of both dad and mom. In the first chapter of this book of wisdom Solomon wrote, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8). I am thinking today of many things that my father has instructed me in. But as we approach Mother’s Day I have returned again to this beautiful phrase, “the law of thy mother.” Mother’s have laws for sure! And they know how to enforce them. Yet the greatest laws are not laid down in words but in actions. Life teaches more than…

Read More

Can You Go One Day Without It?

Enjoying the Journey blog square

Relax. I’m not going to ask you to give up something important like chocolate or coffee. I want to ask you to give up something far more destructive. A few days ago I started to say something in casual conversation to a family member. It was a thoughtless comment. A negative word about someone I did not even know. At that moment the Holy Spirit convicted me. Now, as a general rule, I am a fairly positive person. But those who know me best would tell you that when I get overly tired I can also get irritable. We all must guard ourselves at such times. One careless, critical word can do such damage. And so back to my story……

Read More

The Power of One Kind Word

The other day I wrote a short post about how the devil loves to use our words to tear others down. Permit me to share the positive side of this truth: the Lord desires to use our words to build others up! The Scripture says, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren” (James 4:11). But it also declares, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29). Yes, we are to withhold unkind and hurtful words. Yet how many days we sin against others by withholding kind and helpful words! It is not enough that we do not criticize or accuse.…

Read More

Kind People in a Mean World

There once was a school that had but one rule.  (Oh, what a wonderful place that would be!)  It is now known as Washington and Lee University and Robert E. Lee was at one time the headmaster of this institution.  During his tenure the story is told that only one rule was enforced. It was simply: Be kind. This world of sinners can be a cruel place to live.  Churches full of sinners are often no less cruel.  Meanness abounds.  Because of this, it is always refreshing when you cross paths with someone who exhibits true kindness. Kindness is not a sentiment.  It is an action.  It is the action of our loving Father and it should be the action…

Read More