Good works?  Sept. 27, 2013

As I continue to read in Luke 3, we are encouraged, no commanded, to bear good fruit.  The people asked, "What shall we do then?"  He replied, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise."  Point 1:  Share with the needy.  What do I have that I can share?
Am I a selfish person?  Do I have a giving attitude?  I think I am a selfish person.  I don't know that go around wondering what I do to help you.  It's more like what can I do make myself look good. Today's goal:  to make others look good.  Smile, encourage, speak nicely about others;  keep my mouth shut when my thoughts don't lift others up.  This is going to be hard.  I have some students that are a real challenge.  Lord, I need your help.  Help me to share with others.  Help me to encourage my students, my coworkers, my husband.  Help me not to be selfish.  Guard my tongue and my thoughts.  May I exalt you in what I think, say, and do.  I can't do it without you, Lord.  

Continuing in Luke 3, the tax collectors asked, "Teacher, what shall we do?"
John's response was, "Collect no more that what is appointed to you."
Point 2:  Be content with what you have been given.  Am I always wanting more? I am not one who wants a bigger house, a newer car, or the latest toy; however, I have been dealing with smaller things lately.  I have been obsessed with looking at watches and rings on the internet.  Not that anything is wrong
with watches and rings.  It's more my attitude of not being content with what I have.  If I dwindle all my money on small unnecessary things, then how can I 
have anything to give those in need?  I don't think have to live like a pauper; but my attitude should be one of using my resources a bit more wisely, so that when opportunity to help others avails itself, I am able to do so.  Lord, help me to have an attitude of gratitude and be thankful for what You have provided for me.  Help me to use those things wisely.  Help me to help others.  Help me to get the focus off me.  Wow, I didn't realize how much I thought about myself.
Dear Lord, help me not to be so selfish.