The Art of Being

Our Friday Devotion comes to us from Council Member, Charlotte:

What I am about to share with you today, I have had in my desk drawer at work for quite some time, probably ten years or more. When I used to prepare our Church newsletter, I would simply clip out and save little Christian pieces that I found interesting, from various sources, hoping I might share them at "just the right time". The one that follows, "The Art of Being" was from a Christian publication whose unnamed author had submitted it from Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, Saratoga, California. I had always liked this, which I why I stored it away but, I thought it needed just a little something to add that "special touch" that can only come from God's Word. So, I've added a Scripture reference ,in parenthesis, just to BE sure that the "real authority" for these thoughts will BE the "real author" and finisher of all things. Hope you will BE empowered by these little reminders as you go about your days.

The Art of BEing

BE understanding of your enemies. (Prov 11:12)
BE loyal to your friends. (John 15:13)
BE strong enough to face the world each day. (Eph 6:10-11)
BE weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone. (2Cor 12:10)
BE generous to those who need your help. (1Tim 6:18)
BE frugal with what you need for yourself. (Heb 13:5:6)
BE wise enough to know that you do not know everything. (Pro 3:7)
BE open enough to believe in miracles. (Heb 2:3-4)
BE willing to share your joys. (Heb 13:16)
BE eager to share the sorrows of others. (2Cor 1:2-6)
BE a leader when you see a path others have missed. (Jam 5:19-10)
BE a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty. (Pro 3:5-6)
BE the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds. (Php 2:3-4)
BE the last to criticize a colleague who fails. (Rom 15:1-2)
BE sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble. (Psa 27:23-24)
BE sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way. (Matt 6:20-21)
BE loving to those who love you. (Heb 13:1-2)
BE loving to those who do not love you, and they may change. (Matt 5:44)
But, above all, BE yourself. (Jas 1:22-25)

Prov 11:12 - “A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his brother”. Eph 6:10-11 - “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 2Cor 12:10 - “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 1Tim 6:18 - “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Heb 13:5-6 - “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Pro 3:7 - “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Heb 2:3-4 - “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord was confirmed by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” Heb 13:16 - “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.” 2Cor 1:3-4 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” James 5:19-20 - “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” Pro 3:5 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” Php 2:3 - “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.” Rom 15:1-2 - “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and to please ourselves.” Psa 37:23-24 - “If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Matt 6:20-21 - “Do not store up for yourselves treasurers on earth... but store up for yourselves in Heaven. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Heb 13:1-2 - “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Matt 5:44 - “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.” Jas 1:22-25 - “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he look like.”

Hope that this was “just the right time” and that there was someone out there really needing to hear and be ministered to by at least one of these. BE blessed this weekend and in the upcoming week.

Charlotte, BElieving in Him

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