Everyone is going through an assortment of emotions during this 2020 year. COVID, elections, economy, jobs, hurricanes, fires, death, fear, etc. have caused changes in our lives and thoughts. What remains? Life continues to go on, and God is never changing, always remains true, loving, forgiving, gracious, compassionate, and present.
What must we do in the waiting of a pandemic to come to and end, and presidential results to become final? Well, I just so happen to have a few ideas/thoughts, hopefully you can ponder on them and make them a reality for you:
- Live. Live in faith and not in fear. (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 6:34, 2 Timothy 1:7)
- Respect. Respect others and their opinions. (Romans 12:10, Matthew 5:43-48, 1 Peter 2:17)
- Treat others the way you want to be treated. (Luke 6:31)
- Focus on God. Don’t just go to church on Sunday, or read one bible verse in the morning, yet ponder on Jesus and His love throughout your day. Open your eyes and put on your “God Goggles”. Fill your day with songs of praise, devotions of God’s truth, and chat with God all day. He’s not going anywhere. (Colossians 3:2, Psalm 119:105, Philippians 4:8)
- Volunteer. Volunteer your time or money to serve others. When you (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 John 3:18, 1 Peter 4:10)
- Pray. Pray for truth to shine through and for God’s will to be done. (Proverbs 12:22, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Give thanks. Count your blessings. There are blessings amongst all the chaos. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 118:1)
- Be kind. I have a shirt that says, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Amen. (Micah 6:8, Romans 2:4, Ephesians 4:32)
- Love big. We are called to love all. (John 3:16, Corinthians 16:14, John 13:34-35)
- Do not riot! https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-rioting.html
I’m sure this list can go on and on. It is my prayer that you will live for God and love big. Please pray for a spiritual awakening in our country. God is patient and wants all to come to know Him. Will you show and share God’s love with others?
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Here are all the Bible verses mentioned above. Print them out or write each on down. Meditate on these throughout your day and night:
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 NIV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 NIV
Show respect for all people. Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. Respect God, and honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 ERV
Do for other people what you would like to have them do for you. Luke 6:31 NLV
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! Luke 6:31 MSG
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV
Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take. Psalm 119:105 ERV
Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Philippians 4:8 ERV
In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. Philippians 2:3-4 ERV
My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. 1 John 3:18 ERV
God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. 1 Peter 4:10 ERV
The Lord hates people who tell lies, but he is pleased with those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22 ERV
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NASB
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB
My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! Psalm 103:2 ERV
Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!
Psalm 118:1 ERV
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 NLT
All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NASB
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ERV
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV