Kindness was the topic of last week and of course I will ask you how it encouraged and challenged you to grow in that area. I feel like there is always room to grow when we compare ourselves to Jesus and the Father in the prodigal son story!
When we see the father of the prodigal son again we see generosity. First of all he gives the son an inheritance he does not deserve. Then when the son comes back he gives him an expensive robe and a ring and he throws a big party for him. That is again generosity undeserved. We see the same in the life of Jesus. He is generous with his gifts. If it was in healing people, or by bringing new hope through an uplifting word he was always generous. Or remember the story of how he feed the huge crowds with fish and bread, that is also pretty generous. He also was generous with his time by investing in people one and one. And then with giving his life he showed the greatest generosity of all to give all of us the opportunity for undeserved eternal life. Its amazing the generosity he showed.
So how can each one of us do that every day. First of all we need to understand that generosity is not just when it comes to our wallet. Its in every part of our life time etc. So we could start by being generous with our time by helping someone across the street when they need it. Maybe help someone to get the groceries in the car at the store. Buy a coworker lunch or just bring an extra lunch to share with someone. Be a listening ear to someone who lost someone. Maybe give an extra tip to the waiter or buy someone a coffee in the line behind you. Give towards a worthy cause in your community and be the first one who helps someone if they need help. These are just a few examples of how to do it, but you just have to apply it to your situation! So 1.2.3 and GO!!!
Hey our friend
How was your week? We are back! Our time in Jamaica went well! Many people got encouraged and empowered. When we got back we had a bay area ywam meeting with the leaders of all the other bay area ministries. It was really encouraging but also a bit sad since 2 of our really good friends are leaving. Pray for them in the transition process while they get ready for further oversee missions in the future. All our normal events went well too. It’s a blessing to see everyone again.
So don’t forget 1.2.3. Generosity!!!!
God bless you
Markus and Jen
Today we want to write about Kindness. What always struck me about the Father in the Prodigal son story is his kindness. He showed kindness after the son asked for his inheritance early. That was a very dishonoring thing in that time, because it was pretty much saying you are dead to me. But the father didn’t respond with hate or anything, no he showed kindness. He did not agree with the decision the son made, but again he showed kindness. It even shows till the end when the son comes home. The Father never says anything about his bad decision; no he runs towards him, wraps his arms around him and puts an expensive coat on him and the family ring on the finger to establish him back. After all the son did, the father never gave what was deserved, no he always gave kindness. During the life of Jesus we see the same thing. He always showed kindness to people that nobody would treat kindly, think about the lepers. These were people that were rejected by society; the only way they could make a living was through begging. But Jesus doesn’t walk away or ignore them; no he shows kindness and brings healing. Or think about the children that came to Jesus. Children didn’t have a very important position in society and were more seen as an annoyance. But Jesus said let them come to me! He extended Kindness.
Last week we had a video of the father in the prodigal son story and how it was so important that the son knew that the father is good to actually come home. We want to write some more about that Father and also some of the character trades Jesus had and we need in our life. To make a difference in the world, the world has to see Jesus in the way we live our lives!
We just started into 2018 that’s why we start off with a video blog with the topic You will only run towards good if you know good! Be inspired!
Do you remember that feeling: You get an email for a free product and you get excited about it. But then you start reading the fine print and the free product ends up being not so free anymore and the initial excitement is gone.
First of all Happy New Year!! We hope you had a wonderful celebration with friends and family!! The San Francisco firework and our celebration was really fun! We are excited for this new year and the things God will do! Its every year exciting to see what happens. Be excited for the year and the things you can experience together with Father God!