Doing Good

Someone once said, “The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.” I like that; it’s a great reminder. In the book of Acts, Luke summarized Jesus’ earthly ministry by saying that He “went about doing good” (10:38).

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to “do good”? Jesus did good by teaching, healing, feeding, and comforting people. Using Jesus as the perfect example, His followers are called to meet the needs of others, including those who hate them: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (Matt. 5:44; see also Luke 6:27-35). They are to serve their enemies without expecting anything in return.

Moreover, as opportunity arises, His followers are to do good especially to fellow believers (Gal. 6:10). They are not to let persecution, selfishness, and busyness cause them to forget to do good and to share what they have with others (Heb. 13:16).

To be like our Savior and His early followers, we should ask ourselves each day: “What good thing can I do today in Jesus’ name?” When we do good, we will be offering a sacrifice that pleases God (Heb. 13:16) and that draws people to Him (Matt. 5:16).

From the example of Jesus,
Who went about doing good,
We are to honor our Savior
By helping wherever He would. —Hess

Imitate Jesus—go about doing good.

August 1, 2011 — by Marvin Williams
http://odb.org/2011/08/01/doing-good-2/

You are qualified!

'...The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them...' 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

'Could do better!' Ever had that written on your school report by a well-meaning teacher? Ever been told by a parent that you need to 'try harder?' Has someone called you a 'waste of space' or told you 'you're not good enough'?

It can be really difficult to walk around carrying other people's opinions about yourself. Maybe you say to yourself, 'It doesn't matter what they think, what do they know?' But truthfully we all know that words sometimes stick to us like glue and we very easily end up agreeing with them.

What do you believe about yourself today? How many negative things do you say about yourself, or worse, actually believe to be true? When people put us down or when we don't fit in with the stereotypes of perfection that the media portrays, we can start to believe that we are 'nothing' or 'nobody'. We can feel unloved, unwanted, useless, an 'it'-something of no significance.

'...The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them...' He sees you as you really are: His perfect creation packed full of potential! You are someone He has chosen. He has things only you can do-there's no one else better for the job! That's how brilliant you are to God. Look at yourself through God's eyes today-see how terrific you really are.

http://word4u2day.com.au/201008272250/You-are-qualified.html

Stop it!

'...He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.' Hebrews 10:14 NIVNIV

'I'm too fat!' 'I'm ugly!' 'I'm always getting it wrong!' 'I'm no good!' 'They don't like me'. How many times do you say those things to yourself? Well, what you need to do is STOP IT! Focus on what's right with you, not what's wrong, or you'll end up so negative you can't appreciate the gift of life. If you're always putting yourself down, or beating yourself up, you're setting a bad example to others-which no-one wants. We've all got bits of ourselves we want to improve, none of us will ever be perfect- but being negative isn't the answer. Look at the verse chosen for today. Slowly read what it says. And again. That's you it's talking about!

Max Lucado writes: 'Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving... God doesn't improve; He perfects. He doesn't enhance; He completes... I realise there's a sense in which we're imperfect... We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don't want to do...that part of us is 'being made holy'. But when it comes to our position before God, we're perfect. When He sees each of us, He sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect; Jesus Christ.'

It's ok to want to improve yourself, but take it easy! Stop and remind yourself that you're '...being made new...becoming like the One who made you...' (Colossians 3:10 NCV)

Thursday, 27 May 2010
http://www.word4u2day.com.au/201005262154/Stop-it.html

Turn your eyes upon Jesus ♫

O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.

Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.