"KEGS" OF LOVE AND PRAYER
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
It’s February! And tomorrow is Valentine’s Day – a specific day when we express our love to family and friends. When I was a kid, I LOVED the big party we’d have at school – bringing valentines for everybody. Every student would give and receive valentines and sweet treats. No one was excluded.
God does that to each of us too, doesn’t he?
He excludes no one and loves us ALL! John 3:16 begins “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” He’s set the bar pretty high!
I once heard a saying “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.” But how about those who aren’t so nice? The unlovables in our lives . . . mean neighbors, difficult family members, grumpy colleagues . . . who are your unlovables?
In John 15:12, Jesus says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Yikes – that’s hard! And not just to say it or use words, but act on it! Remember, Jesus modeled this perfectly for us.
Here’s an acronym that can help us show love: KEGS (and I’m not referring to drinking beer).
Below are reminders from God’s Word on how He dumps KEGS of love on us! “KEGS”: (Practicing) Kindness, Encouragement, Generosity, and Smiling!
K: KINDNESS
“’In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,’ says the LORD your redeemer” (Isaiah 54:8).
“Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you” (Psalm 63:3).
This is our response to His kindness! And when we show kindness, the rewards are awesome.
E: ENCOURAGEMENT
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This verse is so empowering and when we encourage others, it empowers them too. They feel great and so do we. Encouragement brings joy!
G: GENEROSITY
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
This may sound self-serving, but it’s true. When we give our time and resources, it makes our hearts happy and it blesses others. We can’t out-give God but when we’re generous to others, He pours out more blessings on us! He even wants us to test Him on this – check it out at Malachi 3:10.
S: SMILE
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Proverbs 15:13).
Smiling is a simple thing to do yet means so much and can brighten someone’s entire day. Let Jesus’ love for you shine through your smile to others.
Pouring out KEGS of love is so awesome. Now bathe it all in prayer and make it even sweeter! Pray in thanks for what God has done for, in, and through us, by His love. Pray His love is poured out of you, as you share His love with and for others. Pray for the Palau Association too as pouring God’s love out is what Luis, Andrew, and the rest of the team do every day.
As you read this, Andrew, Wendy and the team are heading home after pouring out KEGS of love in Egypt this last week. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and pray for the thousands that made decisions to follow Jesus after hearing the Good News of Jesus’ love for them.
Open the reports below and pray for God to open KEGS of love through each of us and LPA as they reach our world for others to experience God’s love and grace for eternity!
Praying with Love in Jesus Name,
Gail Stockamp
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
PRAYER REPORTS
Please enjoy opening the regional updates below and keeping them in your prayers:
Africa | Update on Andrew and Wendy Palau in Egypt | Report
Asia | Schools of Evangelism in Myanmar in March | Report
North America | Space Coast CityFest in Florida in March | Report
Europe | Momentum building for 2020 festivals | Report
Latin America | Pastors conference in Argentina | Report
Caribbean | Opportunities in Cuba | Report
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“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).