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How To Show Kindness to the Unkind– 2 Samuel 9:1

April 25, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Encouragement, Rejection, The Hurting World with 0 Comments

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Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 50-53, 31-48; 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”   –2 Samuel 9:1

The king of Israel was just sitting around thinking about who he could be kind to…amazing!

When’s the last time you (or I) thought about showing kindness to someone?

Where can time for “Holy Spirit Led” kindness fit in our list of priorities for the day?

We say we want to be used to bring glory to the Kingdom of God, but do we really mean it?  What if it means spending time with someone who may not be that “kind.”

David could have given Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth his grandfather’s inheritance and sent him on his way. But David didn’t just throw money at the need, he invited a bitter and crippled stranger, Mephibosheth to eat at his table for the rest of his life.  Now that’s kindness.

Showing Kindness = Showing Value

Showing Kindness=Making Someone Feel Special

Heavenly Father, stir my heart today.  Show me who You want me to show kindness to.  Teach me how to love like You love.  Help me to make other people feel valued and special.  Remind me as many times as it takes,“it’s not about me!”

Thank you for David’s example!

It’s your kindness that leads us to repentance oh Lord!

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9

Your Heavenly Father’s Advice on Rejection–1 Samuel 8:4-8

April 10, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Depression, Divorce, Encouragement, Failure, Family, Tough Times with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 4:12-8:22

Rejection.  We all know what it feels like, but for some of us rejection defines us.  It’s the common thread in the tapestry of our lives.

Our Heavenly Father understands:

Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”

Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance.  “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment.  Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” –1 Samuel 8:4-8

Friends, do you hear the message?

Do you get it?

EVERYONE including the God of the universe gets rejected.

Your Heavenly Father understands your pain.  He’s felt it. He still feels it.  People are still rejecting Him.

Think about it, the cross is the perfect symbol of rejection.

Whether it’s rejection from a spouse, parent, family member, friend, employer, or church; God shows in 1 Samuel 8:4-8 the way to deal with it.

Here are two New Testament scriptures that expand on God’s message to Samuel:

If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. –Matthew 10:14

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace. –1 Corinthians 7:15

Friends, if someone doesn’t want you, let them go.

Open your heart, open your hands.  Release them.

Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who are experiencing the pain of rejection.  Comfort them Lord.  Help them to release those who have rejected them.  Remind them that you understand. Guide and direct them.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25

“God, Do You Care About My Misery? –Judges 10:11-16

April 3, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Encouragement, Jesus, Judges, Parenting, The Hurting World, Tough Times, Trials with 0 Comments



Today’s Scripture Reading: Judges 9:22-11:28

The Lord replied, “Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites?

When they oppressed you, you cried out to me for help, and I rescued you. Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore.  Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!”

But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, “We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.”  Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the Lord. And he was grieved by their misery. –Judges 10:11-16

The love of God…

A-m-a-z-i-n-g!

How many times did the Israelites worship anything and everything

other

than

the

One

True

God?

I’ve lost count.

But He was still grieved by their misery.  He still heard their cries of repentance.  His heart was still touched by their pain.

How much more must God be grieved when we are in misery because of a seemingly senseless tragedy or when “bad things happen to good people?”

In John 11:35, Jesus, Son of God wept at the death of his friend Lazarus.

God cares about your misery.  He sees your sadness and pain.  You are not alone.

Heavenly Father, help my friends who feel like they can’t go on.  Make a way for them to make it through the day.  Comfort them as only You can comfort.  Weep for them and with them Lord.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges 11:29-15:20

It’s Too Hard. I’m Quitting! –Joshua 17:16

March 27, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Encouragement, Family, Friendship, I can't, Joshua, leadership, Obedience, Tough Times, Trials with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 15:20-17:18

“It’s too hard, Nana.”  “I can’t do it!”  How many times have I heard one of my grandchildren say these words.

Forget the kids, how many times have I said these words?

“It’s too hard!”

“I can’t do it!”

“I can’t live like this.”

“I’ll never get this debt paid off!”

“This marriage isn’t going to work!”

“It’s just too much to ask.”

The descendants of Joseph responded, “It’s true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of Jezreel. They are too strong for us.” –Joshua 17:16

The descendants of Joseph were complaining that they needed more land because there were so many of them, but they didn’t want to have to work and fight to win the land.

Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” –Joshua 17:17-18

Sometimes we need to say to our children, grandchildren and ourselves, “I don’t care how much you whine or complain, you can and will do it!”

Friends, let’s be careful when another friend says, “I can’t do it; it’s too hard.”  The easiest thing to say is, “You’re right, it is hard.  Don’t worry about it!

Let’s be a real friend and say, “No, you can and you will do it!”

If you are tempted to quit today, here’s my advice: “Don’t quit, don’t give up–You can do it.

For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:13

Heavenly Father, it’s normal to be a quitter these days, but You have not called us to be normal.  Help us to see that finishing what we start is the right thing to do.  It sets us apart.  It speaks louder than words.  It’s shows our character.  Not giving up could be our greatest witness in these troubled times!  Jesus, give us supernatural strength and determination to finish what we start!

Heavenly Father, use us for Your Glory today!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 18:1-19:48

How “Not” to Comfort Someone Who’s Grieving–Job 5:8

January 20, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Encouragement, Friendship, Job, The Hurting World, The Power of Words, Uncategorized with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Job 5:1 through Job 7:21

Have you ever had someone say to you, “If I were you, I would…?”

Have you ever gone through some type of tragedy, loss, or difficult time and had someone say, “I know how you feel,” when you knew they didn’t know.

It just does more harm than good doesn’t it?

“If I were you, I would” is exactly what Job’s friend Eliphaz said to him (Job 5:8). There was no “I’m sorry for your loss”, “this is such a tragedy”, “I have no idea how you must feel” or “what can I do to help you?”

Nope. There was nothing but condemnation and “If I were yous.”

Have you ever been an Eliphaz to a family member, friend, or co-worker?

Have you ever been an Eliphaz to someone in your church family?

I’m sorry to say that I certainly have. There have been times when I have kicked someone when they were down–put my foot in my mouth and swallowed it! Most of the time I didn’t do it on purpose; I just didn’t realize how my words were affecting them.  There were way to many times when I didn’t say anything but I sure had Eliphaz thoughts.

So many times we completely avoid people who are grieving because we don’t know what to say. I sort of think it would have been good for Eliphaz to have stayed home and avoided Job that day. He certainly didn’t encourage Job.

Job said it best in chapter 6, verse 26:

Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?

Job needed someone to…

  • Cry with him
  • Acknowledge his pain
  • Connect with him at the heart level
  • Grieve with him
  • Help him rebuild his life
  • Comfort him
  • Encourage him
  • Let him talk

Job did not need someone to…

  • Preach at him
  • Criticize him
  • Tell him what to say to God
  • Say silly clichés like: “your loved ones are in a better place,” “God must’ve needed them in heaven”, etc
  • Accuse Job of sin

At the church I attend, Niceville Assembly of God, our Foc[US] statement addresses our desire to NOT be an Eliphaz…

Our commitment to love, acceptance, and forgiveness allows God to bring people to wholeness through restoration and spiritual formation.

Eliphaz was trying to bring Job to wholeness. While his intentions may have been to help, he actually did more to push him down than lift him up. All Job needed was someone to grieve with him. God and God alone is the only one who can bring us to wholeness.

As I bring this post to a close, my prayer is that I never become an Eliphaz to you as we take this journey. The fear of making that mistake could have kept me from starting the journey. But with the urging of the Holy Spirit, I stepped out on faith! My desire is to encourage you and lift you up in your relationship with Jesus Christ!

Blessings!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Job 8:1 through Job 11:20

Thank You Noah! –Genesis 6-8

January 3, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Encouragement, Genesis, My story with 5 Comments

Today’s Reading: Gen 7:1-10:5, 1 Chron 1:5-7, Gen 10:6-20, 1 Chron 1:8-16, Gen 10:21-30, 1 Chron 1:17-23, Gen 10:31-32

I would like to publicly thank Noah and his family for saving the human race!  They made a huge sacrifice for us!  I don’t think I could have done it! I probably would have jumped overboard after a week!

I just don’t think I could have survived!  From my calculations (don’t quote me because I’m not very good at math), Noah and his family were on that boat for twelve and a half months.  Twelve and a half months with…

  • No baths (I couldn’t make it one week without a bath)
  • All those animals (poop, urine, slobber…can I say stink!!)
  • Reptiles (frogs, lizards, and snakes) I would have had a heart attack
  • No privacy (just think about it.  There were young, hormonal men on that boat)
  • He said, she said/meow-meow (can you imagine how they must’ve gotten on each other’s nerves)
  • (SAD)Seasonal Affective Disorder (12.5 months with no sunlight and no Prozac—the animals were probably as depressed as the people)

Can you imagine how they must have felt the day they walked off that boat?

Most of us would have probably kissed the ground, but not Noah; he immediately built an altar to his Lord.  God was pleased with Noah’s offering and made a promise that is still in effect today:

“I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood.  I will never again destroy all living things.  As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” –Gen.8:21-22

The next time you see a rainbow, take a minute to remember the covenant that your Heavenly Father made with Noah and you. Because of the rainbow neither Noah nor anyone since has had to worry that God is going to destroy the earth with water.

Can you imagine the first time it rained after Noah and his family got off the ark?

They probably thought, “Where’s the boat?  Here we go again.” Our all-knowing God knew they would be afraid, so He gave them a sign-a rainbow.  That’s just amazing!

I remember a time about 15 years ago when I was going through a difficult time financially.  I was literally wondering what I was going to do and if God had forgotten me.  One Saturday there was a knock on the door and a friend from my church began to unload $200 worth of groceries.  I had said nothing to anyone about our need.  For me that was a sign from God that He was with me, He knew everything that was going and that with His help,I could make it through.  It was also a sign to my children that God cared about us.  I will never forget that day.

Has there ever been a time when God knew you would be afraid so he gave you a sign so that you could make it through?

Praying for you!

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 11:1-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27; Genesis 11:27-14:24

Who Are You Motivating? Hebrews 10:24

December 19, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Encouragement, Hebrews, leadership with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Hebrews 8:1-10:39

We all enjoy being around inspiring people.  I have loved attending motivational classes and workshops, since my first experience at a Mary Kay meeting, twenty-seven years ago.  In today’s reading, the Lord tells us that we’re to think of ways to motivate one another.

 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.–Hebrews 10:24

Does this surprise you?

Christians are supposed to think of ways to motivate other Christians to acts of love and good works.

Isn’t that the preacher’s job?

When I look around the average church in America, most people walk through the doors like a cement statue, daring the pastor to “move” them. Today’s Christian looks to the church and the pastors to meet their needs and if they don’t, they quickly look for a place that does. It’s quite different from what the writer of Hebrews instructed.

How do we motivate another person?

By inspiring them to take action.

I think there are two ways to do this:

  1. Give inspirational and instructional messages
  2. Live a life that inspires

The greatest leadership principle I’ve ever learned is the importance of leading by example.  Most of us aren’t gifted to inspire with words, but everyone can inspire by example.

If all the world were just like you, would there be acts of love and good works taking place?

Heavenly Father, help us to realize our purpose on this earth is bigger than just having a comfortable life.  Help us to realize other people need us; other people need our example.  Use us for Your Kingdom today.  Fill us so that we can motivate others to acts of love and good works.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-12:29

It’s the Most “Difficult” Time of the Year –2 Timothy 3:1-5

December 16, 2012 in 2 Timothy, 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Christmas, Depression, Divorce, Encouragement, Failure, Family, Fear, Finances, Forgiveness, Living a Life that reflects the Son, The Hurting World with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 2:1-4:18

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” How many times have you heard this song in the last month?

I love it, but as I talk to people this Christmas season and look into their eyes their song sounds more like “it’s the most difficult time of the year!”

What do difficult times look like in 2012?

…people out of work and more expected to be laid off next year, rising costs of food and health care, foreclosures every where we look, life-threatening health issues, stress, exhaustion, addictions, rage, suicide, a crazy person shooting up  an elementary school…the list could go on and on.

In today’s reading Paul warns Timothy of difficult times in the last days.

In the last days there will be very difficult times.

People will…

  • love only themselves and their money
  • be boastful, proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful
  • consider nothing sacred
  • unloving and unforgiving
  • slander others and have no self-control
  • be cruel and hate what is good
  • betray their friends, be reckless, puffed up with pride and love pleasure  rather than God
  • act religious but reject the power that could make them godly

Friends, Paul was talking to Timothy, a young leader of the church of Jesus Christ.  These were problems with religious people, not atheists.

Do any of these “signs of the times” look familiar in those around you?

Do you see any of these signs in your heart?

Heavenly Father, help us to be on the lookout for “heart changes” in these difficult times. This is our finest hour to reach out to the lost and hurting. If Paul’s description is a description of us, we will be no value to Your Kingdom. Help us to see ourselves as you see us.  Jesus, break our heart for the things that break Yours.  Send us into the hurting world this Christmas season to show Your love in these difficult times.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 4:19-22, Hebrews 1:1-4:13

Are You Window Shopping in Another Person’s Life? —Acts 23:11

December 3, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Acts, Christian Living, Encouragement, Holy Spirit with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading:  Acts 21:37-23:35

Do you ever look at someone’s life and say, “I want that?”

Maybe it’s…

  • their special family
  • their material possessions, such as a home or car
  • their physical beauty
  • their strength
  • their youth
  • their education
  • their career
  • their wisdom
  • their influence

Window shopping in other peoples’ lives can get you in trouble…

God told us in the Tenth Commandment:

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” –Exodus 20:17

…but as I read Acts 23:11, I found myself saying, “I want that!”

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”

I want the Lord to…

  • appear to me
  • encourage me
  • tell me what I’m doing well
  • tell me what to do next

The funny thing about wanting what others have is we don’t usually want to do what others did to get there.

Paul sacrificed EVERYTHING to be obedient to God, be His witness and serve Him for the rest of his life.

In these turbulent times there’s something more valuable that material possessions, education, and physical attributes—

It’s being comforted, encouraged, and led by the Holy Spirit.

Friends, the good news is, we can have what Paul had. Paul said it himself, God does not show favoritism. –Romans 2:11

But we have to do what Paul did:

When God spoke, Paul…

  • Stopped (Acts 21:7)
  • Listened  (Acts 21:7)
  • Asked, “What should I do, Lord?” (Acts 21:10)
  • Immediately began to do what God told him to do (Acts 21:10-11)

Are you like me?

Do you want a relationship with God like Paul?

Let’s make time today to…

  • STOP-get alone with God, away from the noise of our day
  • LISTEN for Him to speak to us either through His Word or to our spirit
  • ASK God what we should to, just for today
  • JUST DO IT!—be about the day’s assignment!

What’s God saying to you today?

Heavenly Father, I give myself and my day to you today?  Speak loudly Lord.  Use me deliver Your joy, peace, and comfort to someone today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Acts 24:1-26:32

I Wish I Could Pray Like _________ 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

November 17, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Encouragement, God Speaks today, My story, Prayer, Word of God with 2 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18, Acts 18:4-23

I wish I was a better at praying.  I have friends who seem to touch the throne of God with their prayers, each word sounds so beautiful and “godly.”  My prayers seem pretty plain.

Don’t get me wrong, I know God is more concerned with our heart than our delivery but I would love to verbally express my love, devotion, and faith in the God who changed my life forever, in a way that He deserves.

The Apostle Paul sure had a way with words when he prayed.  Here are a couple of prayers he prayed in Thessalonians:

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.  God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. –1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.  Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. –2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

The things that Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, I want in my life:

  • Make me holy in every way
  • Keep my whole spirit, soul and body blameless until Christ comes again
  • Enabled me to live a life worthy of His call
  • Give me the power to accomplish all the good my faith prompts me to do
  • May the name of Jesus  be honored because of the way I live
  • I will be privileged to be honored when Jesus is honored

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

Now that’s a pretty powerful prayer!  Those are definitely things I need and want in my life but have trouble finding the words.  I don’t have to; I can use Paul’s words.

If you’re struggling with knowing how to pray or finding the words to pray to convey your heart, use the scriptures, we can turn just about anything in the Word of God into a prayer.

I’ve done this many times.  I like to write them out and add my name, my family’s name, or someone the Holy Spirit has brought to my attention.

Over the years God has prompted me to write prayers of encouragement to people I’ve met along the way, using this method.  Those prayers were straight from the Word of God; so I was just sending a prayer or love-letter for God, I was His delivery agent!

If you’re like me and you wish you were better at praying, go straight to the Word of God.  Your Bible is your greatest guidebook for prayer.

Knowing God more through His Word, means knowing how to pray powerful, heart-felt prayers!

I’m so glad to be on the Journey with you!

Sending Blessings Your Way!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Acts 18:24-19:20, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23

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