Why is it so easy to do what is wrong? Some of us don't hesitate to tell lies and they flow off the lips effortlessly. Why is it so simple for some of us to ignore the poor we see in our communities while spending copious amounts of time paying attention to the rich and famous people we will never meet? Even for us Christians, things are no better. It is much easier to scroll on social media than to study our Bibles or watch a sermon. In that regard, we are not unique, because Apostle Paul himself admitted to such struggles in Romans 7:15 - For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity] (AMP).
Unfortunately, it is so much easier to be naughty than it is to be good. And yet, Christians are called to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 tells us "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We were therefore predestined to do good here on earth. This is why Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 1025-37). He used it to teach every believer to take pity on others and show them kindness.
But that's not all. Christians are supposed to be eager to do good according to Titus 2:14, which states, He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good (GNT). Christ therefore died to make us the sort of people who don't just do good works but are eager to do so. Think about how He didn't hesitate to heal people. He also didn't hesitate to make sure thousands were not left hungry, feeding thousands not once but twice. Then, there was his desire to ensure that the dead came back to life. He did this for Lazarus, for Jairus's daughter, and also for an unnamed widow who had lost her only son (Luke 7:11-17).
The good He did while on earth varied depending on the need of the person involved but we can learn from HIs compassion and equally be eager to do good for others. Some people need a listening ear. Another person may need funds. And then some want nothing more than prayer.
Titus 2:14 is a challenge to each of us to develop a heart that is eager to do good. Sadly, many resist this because of the fear of being exploited by those looking to take advantage of kind-heartedness. While there are risks, God's instructions haven't changed. We are to help others. Let us never forget Proverbs 11:25 - A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. And there are more promises for those who do good in the Bible. Proverbs 14:31 tells us that those who give to the poor honor God. And for those who are generous, their kindness will be rewarded for the Lord will make them powerful and respected (Psalm 112:9). Jesus is also quoted as saying, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Plus. We are told in Isaiah 1:17 and elsewhere to care for orphans and widows, and defend the oppressed, for instance.
As we begin our day, let us ask God how we can do good today. Let us look out for those whom we can show the love of God as we are called to by the Royal Law. Who can we pray for? Who can we extend a hand of help to? We must also study the Word because God will use it to teach us how best to do good works. It might not be easy at first, but by God's grace, we will grow in our eagerness to do good and thereby serve Him.
To learn more, please read these related messages:
From JIR - I give all my praise to God. His Mercy and Grace are priceless and His Love is indescribable. As I draw closer to You and get to know You better, I realize that I have to trust in knowing that Your Love for me is beyond anything I could ever imagine. You have been there for me and are still here for me through all of my hiccups in life. Thank You for encouraging me through my tough times and teaching me to not doubt and how to discern. I would be nothing without You.
You really have me under Your wing and although I am undeserving, Your Grace is so great that You accept me for who I am which is something that I have wanted all of my life. Acceptance. I don’t want to let You down and will give my all to obey and turn to You more and more each day, God willing. You are so Powerful and Almighty which is nothing to take lightly, however Your Kindness, Mercy, Grace and Compassion is nothing to take lightly either and simply amazes me. Thank You, Jesus. My life will never be the same. Glory be to God. IJMN. Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
God, You are the Mighty Conqueror. From beginning to the end You remain the same. Thank You for teaching us today that we need to be eager to do good. Help us to remember this, especially when the devil tries to discourage us. Help us to remember that despite our flaws, You love us and we must express that love through the good we do. All to Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day, Peppers! God bless you.
From T93 - Father God, I come to You to ask that You please guide me to choosing the right job for myself and my future. Not what anyone else wants for me, but what You want for me. Please make it so obvious that I do not have to second guess which career path to choose Lord God.
I also ask Father God, that You put Your hand on me and my car which was broken into the other day, please bless me with the financial means to get my car repaired as it is very high in price or if it was Your will for me to let go of this car, I ask You Father to bless me with a way and a clear path of getting a new car. No matter what God, I give Glory to You as I am faithful that whatever You are preparing me for, is far better than I could ever imagine. I ask You to also help in keeping me humble and thankful if a new car is what You wish for me to have. I've seen loved ones get new cars and humility seems to escape* them, May I continue to be someone who gives people rides and offers to help people out once I am mobile again! Thank You God in advance! IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
So, how can we do more good? There are small steps we can take that will have a big impact. Increasing our prayers of intercession, for instance. Setting aside more of our income to give to those in need, is another option. Another choice we can make is to seek someone to shower with the love of God - a smile, a kind word, a blessing... The Lord will show us the unique ways we can do even more good.
Father, Your word tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Lord, let this word be tangible in our lives. Please help us. We live in a world where the kind are taken advantage of and disrespected. Still, we want to do the good You created us for. Lord, direct us to the opportunities to do good that glorifies You. Help us to see the places and people You have called us to so that we express what You have placed in us. Help us to be givers who are eager to do good, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I am trusting you concerning helping me find the right schools for application season. I pray that you will touch the hearts and minds of desired parties to favour me. I pray that you will be my anchor from the start of the application season to the end. I pray that this time by your grace my faith will not waver no matter the situation IJMN amen. May your will be done concerning my goal this time around! Amen!
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I commit the sick and recovering into your healing hands. I pray that your healing power heals them beyond science and technology. I pray that they are made whole in Jesus Christ! Amen!
From M22 - Father I commit sis @FFJ into your hands. I pray that you will continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour and anointing of the Holy spirit. I pray that you will bless her, her family, loved ones, her business and interests! I pray that you will continue to expand her territory and continually guide her j leading this community forward IJMN amen!!!
From T93 - Father, I come to You to pray for "JL". She does not know You God and is scared to speak to You or pray for she fears judgement for her sins, as she has expressed to me years ago, yet You have blessed her in so many ways regardless. The root of her pain and fear is grief, but I know Your love and armor can break her free.
Bring her to You Lord. May she not live in vain any longer valuing what is in this world vs what is truly valuable and may she see that all she has now is because of You and Your grace. May she experience joy and peace and not only see what she does not have.
I ask You to bring her to You Father, and allow her to see that Your love and forgiveness are both unconditional. Let her see we must first believe in You God, and know Your promises are perfect and true. Allow "JL" to see that her imperfect ways can be perfected by turning to You, having faith in You, and trusting in You. Instead of judging JL, Father you have blessed me with the ability to pray for her and love her despite certain things she has said and done to myself and others. IJMN, Amen.
Great God, thank You for being faithful and true. The God who neither slumbers nor sleeps but sends His angels to lift us so our feet do not hit stones.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Lord, in accordance with your word, please help us to recognize the avenues You send to get us out of the challenging situations we face. Let our eyes and ears be set to You so we move in alignment with Your plan and thereby leave the old seasons of our lives behind, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I pray concerning my siblings that you will continue to transform, humble and renew them for your glory. I pray that they will continue to walk with you diligently and consistently. I pray that your purpose for their lives will come to pass. I pray Father that you take care of every situation that wants to take precedence before you in their lives IJMN Amen!
From M22 - Father I pray for people struggling with homelessness and poverty! I pray Father that you will turn their situation around. Father you took a lowly shepherd boy and made him King over Israel. I pray that you will supply all of their needs and open them up to the right people and opportunities that will transform their lives for the better IJMN Amen!
From M22 - Father I commit couples waiting on you for the fruit of the womb. I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that you will answer them just as you answered Hannah, Rachel and Manoah's wife. I pray that you will put an end to failed IVFs, miscarriages and difficult adoption processes IjMN Amen!
God, I stand against the spirit of poverty seeking to ensnare people. I decree in the name of Jesus that He who the son sets free is free indeed.
Hallelujah!
I declare and therefore establish freedom and sound minds that know that poverty is not the inheritance of the beloved of God. For You are able to bless abundantly, that having everything they need, they shall have enough to do Your good works (2 Chronicles 9:8).
IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Father I pray for everyone walking with you every single day. I pray that you will continue to strengthen every one of us in character and faith. Your promise in Jeremiah 29:11 says that you have plans to prosper us and for that we give you all the glory. We are grateful that our past, present and future is in your hands. We are grateful that we can rest no matter the situation IJMN Amen!
From M22 - Father I thank you for shielding and preserving children across the world from violence, intimidation and abuse. Thank you Lord for touching the hearts and minds of their caregiver and parents to instill your beliefs and values in them. Thank you Father for helping to nourish and nurture them in all aspects of their lives. Father Lord, may they fulfill your purpose for their lives IJMN Amen!
Lord, You are the Balm of Gilead. Your word makes it clear that all goodness comes from You. Thank You for being a kind and loving God whose mercies and blessings endureth forever.
Father, we lift up people who really need You to move for them as You did in the days of Abraham, Moses, and Joshua. When we read our Bibles, it is clear that You will do the incredible for Your people. In fact, the word alerts us that You will do miraculous feats even for those who don't acknowledge You as was the case for Namaan and Cyrus.
God, we know that the enemy delights in finding ways to deprive people of the full life You've apportioned, but we also know that You can do all things and Your purpose cannot be thwarted.
And so, Lord, we lift all people everywhere, who are looking to You for help. We call on You the God of Incredible Feats and pray for Your touch in these lives. It can be a first touch, a second or a third. There is no limit to the number of touches You have available.
You who will show mercy and compassion to who You will. We call on You to stretch out Your hand for good for those calling on You and we join in faith to say thank You in advance for what You've done in Your mercy and grace, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I want to thank you for every single Pepper both online and offline. Thank you for your grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, warmth and affection over us. Thank you for holding us throythe months of April. Thank you for humbling and disciplining us in character and faith every single day. Thank you Father for supplying all of our needs. Thank you for contending against those who contend against us. Thank you Lord for straightening our paths IjMN Amen!
From T93 - Goodmorning Father, I just want to say thank You. I specifically want to praise You for giving me genuine friends in my life who want the best for me and are there to talk to when I need it most and vice versa. There have been times I didn't have this and could only call on You. So I thank You for hearing my prayers for true and genuine friendships Father God.
(John 8:12) "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The more I walk in Your love and light God, the more I experience Your love working through others. I am so grateful to You for all the love I have experienced even in the darkest of moments. Thank You for protecting my loved ones and friends from adversities, protecting their jobs so they have means to eat and pay their bills, thank You for protecting their homes! Thank You Father for allowing me to experience Your love directly and indirectly, even when I didn't feel deserving. You are a loving God, a generous God, and my love for You increases each day no matter what I may be going through. Glory to You, my beloved Father. Thank You for all of your blessings, thank You for waking me up again today God, and that I am able to praise You right here and now. IJMN, Amen!
Thank You for patiently building up my faith. Thank You for kindly teaching me with each experience that I have no good reason to doubt You. Thank You for not getting angry when I neglect to remember how loyal You are to me. Thank You for overlooking my disloyalty and setting me back on Your path of righteousness each time I wander off it.
You are my God. Today, Tomorrow, Forever. Till the end of time.
Thank You, Sir!