"You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others."
Colossians 3:12 TPT
Compassion for others is a key trait needed by the mature Christian. Christ was compassionate to everyone He met, even those that would persecute Him.
In today's world, non-Christians perceive God they way they see the Christians they interact with. If we don't show them love and understanding then they don't feel that God would show them that either.
I believe we all need a healthy fear of God the Father, but I also feel that my Heavenly Father loves me with all that He is. Show others some love and compassion, let them see God through you, so you can Be Blessed!
At the Kitchen Table... is a simple blog about life, through its ups and downs and recently my journey to become closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as I study His word 'at the kitchen table.' Hope you enjoy my thoughts.
Friday, April 30, 2021
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Integrity...
"Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy."
Daniel 6:4 NLT
Daniel had integrity! Integrity at work and at home. You could depend on Daniel to get the job done, honestly and faithfully.
Do you have integrity at work? Are you honest in your expense reports? How about leaving work pens and office equipment at work? Even the small things can compromise our integrity.
Let's strived to be honest, faithful, responsible and trustworthy at home and work, so we can Be Blessed!
Daniel 6:4 NLT
Daniel had integrity! Integrity at work and at home. You could depend on Daniel to get the job done, honestly and faithfully.
Do you have integrity at work? Are you honest in your expense reports? How about leaving work pens and office equipment at work? Even the small things can compromise our integrity.
Let's strived to be honest, faithful, responsible and trustworthy at home and work, so we can Be Blessed!
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
No compromise...
"But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods."
Daniel 1:8 NLT
Daniel stood up for his beliefs, he made no compromise! And in the end, he proved that his faith to God was the right choice.
Do we make compromises against our faith and beliefs? At work, our social group or even at home? Even little ones, say watching that "not so bad movie" or listening to that dirty joke.
Let's strive to be more like Daniel, no compromises so we can Be Blessed!
Daniel 1:8 NLT
Daniel stood up for his beliefs, he made no compromise! And in the end, he proved that his faith to God was the right choice.
Do we make compromises against our faith and beliefs? At work, our social group or even at home? Even little ones, say watching that "not so bad movie" or listening to that dirty joke.
Let's strive to be more like Daniel, no compromises so we can Be Blessed!
Sunday, April 25, 2021
He is my Rock...
"I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies."
Psalms 18:1-3 NLT
Who do you turn to? Your wife, your best friend, a parent? Who is your rock?
My God is my rock, He has always been there for me and always will! Take a minute to thank Him for saving you this morning and Be Blessed!
Psalms 18:1-3 NLT
Who do you turn to? Your wife, your best friend, a parent? Who is your rock?
My God is my rock, He has always been there for me and always will! Take a minute to thank Him for saving you this morning and Be Blessed!
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Three old men...
"Learn to generously share what you have with those who ask for help, and don't close your heart to the one who comes to borrow from you.""
Matthew 5:42 TPT
As I sit at the picnic table by my camper this morning I reflect on this verse. Yesterday our camper broke and the slide could not be opened. Our whole week would be ruined.
But 3 generous old men, in the site next to me, came over to help. They crawled on the ground. Tugged and pulled and help me find out the problem. In the end, we got the slide out and the weekend was saved. They didn't ask for anything in return, just a handshake and a thank you.
That is the way God wants us to treat others, be generous, help each other out of kindness and open your hearts to them. I truly was Blessed by 3 old men!
Matthew 5:42 TPT
As I sit at the picnic table by my camper this morning I reflect on this verse. Yesterday our camper broke and the slide could not be opened. Our whole week would be ruined.
But 3 generous old men, in the site next to me, came over to help. They crawled on the ground. Tugged and pulled and help me find out the problem. In the end, we got the slide out and the weekend was saved. They didn't ask for anything in return, just a handshake and a thank you.
That is the way God wants us to treat others, be generous, help each other out of kindness and open your hearts to them. I truly was Blessed by 3 old men!
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Thinking of others..
"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3 NLT
What a novel idea! Put others before yourself. It is really a simple concept. Take a moment out of your busy day to do something nice for someone else.
Jesus set the example and put others before himself. Ultimately He gave his life for others.
What could you do today to put others before yourself? Take a moment so you can Be Blessed!
Philippians 2:3 NLT
What a novel idea! Put others before yourself. It is really a simple concept. Take a moment out of your busy day to do something nice for someone else.
Jesus set the example and put others before himself. Ultimately He gave his life for others.
What could you do today to put others before yourself? Take a moment so you can Be Blessed!
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Put it into practice...
"Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:9 NLT
We can read the Bible all day long, and sing praise songs till our hearts content. But God tells us to put into practice all the things we have learned.
Be like Jesus, love on the sick and the sinner. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless.
What good is being a Christian and knowing the Bible cover to cover if you don't act it out in your daily life.
Be Gods hands and feet so you can Be Blessed!
Philippians 4:9 NLT
We can read the Bible all day long, and sing praise songs till our hearts content. But God tells us to put into practice all the things we have learned.
Be like Jesus, love on the sick and the sinner. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless.
What good is being a Christian and knowing the Bible cover to cover if you don't act it out in your daily life.
Be Gods hands and feet so you can Be Blessed!
Monday, April 19, 2021
You are that man!
"Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man!"
2 Samuel 12:7a NLT
How many times do we look at others people's sin and want to call them out? But we never see our own sin that we have committed. David was doing just this, he saw another man's sin and was furious until Nathan told him: "You are that man!"
I love this verse and every time I read it, it reminds me to look at myself, to see my own sin before I see others. It is not my place to judge others but I can change what I see in myself.
So look in the mirror and say: "You are that man!" Then examine your life and see where you can improve so that you can Be Blessed!
2 Samuel 12:7a NLT
How many times do we look at others people's sin and want to call them out? But we never see our own sin that we have committed. David was doing just this, he saw another man's sin and was furious until Nathan told him: "You are that man!"
I love this verse and every time I read it, it reminds me to look at myself, to see my own sin before I see others. It is not my place to judge others but I can change what I see in myself.
So look in the mirror and say: "You are that man!" Then examine your life and see where you can improve so that you can Be Blessed!
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Fight the good fight!
"Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses."
1 Timothy 6:12 NLT
Sometimes life is a struggle, we get tired and beat down. But remember we are fighting for the eternal life! This world is but a blink in the path of eternity.
As Christians get persecuted more and more, we will be challenged, we will have to stand our ground. But remember what your fighting for: and eternity with our Lord.
Fight the good fight and bring as many people to heaven with you as you can! Be Blessed!
1 Timothy 6:12 NLT
Sometimes life is a struggle, we get tired and beat down. But remember we are fighting for the eternal life! This world is but a blink in the path of eternity.
As Christians get persecuted more and more, we will be challenged, we will have to stand our ground. But remember what your fighting for: and eternity with our Lord.
Fight the good fight and bring as many people to heaven with you as you can! Be Blessed!
Friday, April 16, 2021
His plans...
"O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them."
Isaiah 25:1 NLT
Did you know that God had a plan for you before time began? He loved you before you existed.
If He put so much time and thought into the plans for your life, then don't you owe it to Him to let Him work out His plan? When His plan is accomplished in your life, you will praise Him. For His plans are better than ours.
Honor and praise Him, trust Him and you will Be Blessed!
Isaiah 25:1 NLT
Did you know that God had a plan for you before time began? He loved you before you existed.
If He put so much time and thought into the plans for your life, then don't you owe it to Him to let Him work out His plan? When His plan is accomplished in your life, you will praise Him. For His plans are better than ours.
Honor and praise Him, trust Him and you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Prayer...
"But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly."
Matthew 6:6 TPT
I have to admit, I am not good about this. I don't have a separate prayer time to just be alone with God. Although, I can see that this type of relationship is very important. Just like spending alone time with your spouse.
Our Heavenly Father wants "alone" time with you. He wants to intimately know you. Do you spend alone time with God?
Let's all do better with our "alone" time so we can Be Blessed!
Matthew 6:6 TPT
I have to admit, I am not good about this. I don't have a separate prayer time to just be alone with God. Although, I can see that this type of relationship is very important. Just like spending alone time with your spouse.
Our Heavenly Father wants "alone" time with you. He wants to intimately know you. Do you spend alone time with God?
Let's all do better with our "alone" time so we can Be Blessed!
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
A marathon...
"As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us."
Hebrews 12:1 TPT
Do you ever just "mess up"? I do and I did today. Lost my temper to a cashier, no fault of hers.
But I know my God forgives me and I hope that cashier will as well. Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. I will do better next time, I will take a deep breath.
Remember, if and when you mess up, God is there to forgive you, pick you back up and get you back in the race.
Be Blessed!
Hebrews 12:1 TPT
Do you ever just "mess up"? I do and I did today. Lost my temper to a cashier, no fault of hers.
But I know my God forgives me and I hope that cashier will as well. Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. I will do better next time, I will take a deep breath.
Remember, if and when you mess up, God is there to forgive you, pick you back up and get you back in the race.
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Fact checker...
"The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word."
Proverbs 14:15 MSG
In today's world, their are a lot of "truths" out there, and a lot of "fact checkers". With media and information literally at our fingertips, we don't know what to believe these days
But one truth, for the Christian, stands the test of time, God's Word! If your unsure of something or concerned, dive into His word and check the facts with your Heavenly Father. He has never let me astray.
Be Blessed!
Proverbs 14:15 MSG
In today's world, their are a lot of "truths" out there, and a lot of "fact checkers". With media and information literally at our fingertips, we don't know what to believe these days
But one truth, for the Christian, stands the test of time, God's Word! If your unsure of something or concerned, dive into His word and check the facts with your Heavenly Father. He has never let me astray.
Be Blessed!
Monday, April 12, 2021
Don’t squander this life....
"Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all."
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 MSG
What a powerful message to the Corinthians!! Don't squander one but if this marvelous life that God has given us!!
Our work for God, must go on, no matter how beaten down we feel, no matter how defeated we think we are. Be bold, when you don't thin you can stand any longer, STAND!! Hold the line for the TRUTH in this world.
You will...Be Blessed!
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 MSG
What a powerful message to the Corinthians!! Don't squander one but if this marvelous life that God has given us!!
Our work for God, must go on, no matter how beaten down we feel, no matter how defeated we think we are. Be bold, when you don't thin you can stand any longer, STAND!! Hold the line for the TRUTH in this world.
You will...Be Blessed!
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Speak the truth...in love
"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."
Ephesians 4:15 NLT
I listened to my Pastor's message this week and he talked about the "truth". Their is only ONE truth, not your truth or my truth. Truth is absolute! Either your wrong or I'm wrong.
In today's cancel culture everyone wants their perspective to be "the truth". Unfortunately, their is only one truth, and I believe, that is the Word of God.
Now as Christians, we get persecuted fair speaking our truths, but we must speak them in love. We must show everyone love and be more Christ-like even when their truths don't line up with ours. Jesus loved the sinner, but not the sin.
Speak the truth and Be Blessed!
Ephesians 4:15 NLT
I listened to my Pastor's message this week and he talked about the "truth". Their is only ONE truth, not your truth or my truth. Truth is absolute! Either your wrong or I'm wrong.
In today's cancel culture everyone wants their perspective to be "the truth". Unfortunately, their is only one truth, and I believe, that is the Word of God.
Now as Christians, we get persecuted fair speaking our truths, but we must speak them in love. We must show everyone love and be more Christ-like even when their truths don't line up with ours. Jesus loved the sinner, but not the sin.
Speak the truth and Be Blessed!
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Life or death...
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels."
Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG
Man, I have grown up reading these verses in Ephesians but never have I looked at the Message Translation!
It talks about putting on the armor of God to be prepared to fight the devil. But the MSG gives us so much more! This is NOT a game! The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy. We must be prepared with everything that God has given us to succeed in defeating the devil!
Study His word, live it's teaching, have a relationship with your Heavenly Father and Be Blessed! Your life depends on it!
Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG
Man, I have grown up reading these verses in Ephesians but never have I looked at the Message Translation!
It talks about putting on the armor of God to be prepared to fight the devil. But the MSG gives us so much more! This is NOT a game! The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy. We must be prepared with everything that God has given us to succeed in defeating the devil!
Study His word, live it's teaching, have a relationship with your Heavenly Father and Be Blessed! Your life depends on it!
Be humble...
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,"
1 Peter 5:6 AMP
I learned the hard way, in my younger years, that being humble was a much better plan. Arrogant and boastful got me no where and led to many a downfall.
God wants you to be humble, He wants you to set aside your pride and allow Him to bless you in due time.
I still struggle with being humble at times, but I have found that God loves a humble servant. And He has always led me to Be Blessed in due time.
1 Peter 5:6 AMP
I learned the hard way, in my younger years, that being humble was a much better plan. Arrogant and boastful got me no where and led to many a downfall.
God wants you to be humble, He wants you to set aside your pride and allow Him to bless you in due time.
I still struggle with being humble at times, but I have found that God loves a humble servant. And He has always led me to Be Blessed in due time.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Every knee...
"The authority of the name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence! Everything and everyone will one day submit to this name—in the heavenly realm, in the earthly realm, and in the demonic realm. And every tongue will proclaim in every language: "Jesus Christ is Lord Yahweh," bringing glory and honor to God, his Father!"
Philippians 2:10-11 TPT
Man, that verse can stand by itself! As the old saying goes: "That can preach!"
But what do you bow to? Political correctness? Cancel culture? Your boss? I will only bow to one man! His name is Jesus!
And no matter where you are at in life, what side you lean toward, who or what you worship; you too will bow before the King of kings and the Lord of lords when the time comes!
Make sure your bowing to that Man now so that you can Be Blessed!
Philippians 2:10-11 TPT
Man, that verse can stand by itself! As the old saying goes: "That can preach!"
But what do you bow to? Political correctness? Cancel culture? Your boss? I will only bow to one man! His name is Jesus!
And no matter where you are at in life, what side you lean toward, who or what you worship; you too will bow before the King of kings and the Lord of lords when the time comes!
Make sure your bowing to that Man now so that you can Be Blessed!
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Search me...
"God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I'm walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way— the path that brings me back to you."
Psalms 139:23-24 TPT
Have you allowed God to search your heart? Or do you keep a little room in your heart that is locked off? You think that if you don't admit it, God won't find it.
Through the years, I have allowed God to search me. He shows me the things I have been hiding from the world and myself. My fears, my anxieties, my addictions: God knows them all, but He needs to show them to you so He can help you overcome them.
Open you heart, let God search you and show you; let Him reveal your weaknesses so He can help you Be Blessed!
Psalms 139:23-24 TPT
Have you allowed God to search your heart? Or do you keep a little room in your heart that is locked off? You think that if you don't admit it, God won't find it.
Through the years, I have allowed God to search me. He shows me the things I have been hiding from the world and myself. My fears, my anxieties, my addictions: God knows them all, but He needs to show them to you so He can help you overcome them.
Open you heart, let God search you and show you; let Him reveal your weaknesses so He can help you Be Blessed!
Monday, April 5, 2021
Legalism or Relationship...
"I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."
Hosea 6:6 NLT
Legalism vs Relationship: which does God want more? Does he want you in church every time the doors are open, or to say the perfect prayer, tithe the exact 10% (down to the penny)?
Or does God want you to talk to Him like you would a friend, study His word, and show His love to everyone you meet?
He prefers the relationship more than the legalism. Your Heavenly Father is madly in love with you! He wants you to know Him intimately.
Chose the relationship and you will Be Blessed!
Hosea 6:6 NLT
Legalism vs Relationship: which does God want more? Does he want you in church every time the doors are open, or to say the perfect prayer, tithe the exact 10% (down to the penny)?
Or does God want you to talk to Him like you would a friend, study His word, and show His love to everyone you meet?
He prefers the relationship more than the legalism. Your Heavenly Father is madly in love with you! He wants you to know Him intimately.
Chose the relationship and you will Be Blessed!
Sunday, April 4, 2021
He is Risen!
Our Lord and Savior is Risen!! He conquered the grave, defeated death and now He is Risen!
I hope you have a wonderful Easter and I pray that you take a moment to thank your Heavenly Father for sending His Son to die for you.
Happy Easter, He is Risen!! Be Blessed!
I hope you have a wonderful Easter and I pray that you take a moment to thank your Heavenly Father for sending His Son to die for you.
Happy Easter, He is Risen!! Be Blessed!
Friday, April 2, 2021
Better to give...
"You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' ""
Acts of the Apostles 20:35 NLT
Have you ever had a friend, do you a favor? Help you move or drive you somewhere? Usually at some point you will pay them back with a favor at a later time.
But God gave us a gift we could never return, His only Son. We could never repay that and He doesn't expect us to, that was His blessing to us.
When we serve others, we should have the same heart, not expecting anything in return. Giving to someone who can't repay you, wether it is with your time, your skills or whatever is so much more a blessing to the giver than the recipient.
Serve with a heart like Jesus and you will Be Blessed!
Acts of the Apostles 20:35 NLT
Have you ever had a friend, do you a favor? Help you move or drive you somewhere? Usually at some point you will pay them back with a favor at a later time.
But God gave us a gift we could never return, His only Son. We could never repay that and He doesn't expect us to, that was His blessing to us.
When we serve others, we should have the same heart, not expecting anything in return. Giving to someone who can't repay you, wether it is with your time, your skills or whatever is so much more a blessing to the giver than the recipient.
Serve with a heart like Jesus and you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Book of instructions...
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."
Joshua 1:8 NLT
A doctor studies for a minimum of 8-12 years before they begin practice. A nurse, 2-4 years, and both of those study and update themselves continually on new practices, procedures and medicines, to make sure their patients are getting the best care.
As Christians, we must study God's word daily even continually so that we know God's instructions. How can we progress His kingdom if we don't follow His plan. In return, God will bless you beyond measure!
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE), read it, study it and Be Blessed!
Joshua 1:8 NLT
A doctor studies for a minimum of 8-12 years before they begin practice. A nurse, 2-4 years, and both of those study and update themselves continually on new practices, procedures and medicines, to make sure their patients are getting the best care.
As Christians, we must study God's word daily even continually so that we know God's instructions. How can we progress His kingdom if we don't follow His plan. In return, God will bless you beyond measure!
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE), read it, study it and Be Blessed!
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