1 John 4:8 - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
As we grow closer to God everyday, He will perfect us and open hearts to love more. To love extravagantly. To love unconditionally. Just as He loves us.
It can be difficult for me sometimes to love some people. The human nature in me would feel much more content being anything but kind and caring and loving. But that is false content.
Paul tells in Philippians that we should be abounding in love, and that our love for each other would overflow more and more (Phil. 1:9). That's what God wants for us. That's what Jesus taught us. Love each other more than we love ourselves.
God sent His only Son into the world to die for us, so that we could be redeemed back to Him. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. Because He loves us that much. That's love. That's agape love.
Dear Lord, thank You so much for loving me. I know that I am a work in progress, and You are perfecting me to be more like Jesus every day. I know I struggle often, but I want more of You so I can be more like Jesus. So I can love like He does. I trust Your plan and Your path for me. Fill me with You spirit of love, so I can show it and share it with everyone whose path I cross. I pray for those that are struggling to see Your love in everything. Life can be so hard without inviting You into our hearts. I pray that their hearts will be opened up today, and they will accept Your free gift of salvation, and start to know what love really is...You. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
His Calling
Acts 20:24 - But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Paul's passion for teaching and sharing the Gospel is so intense. He boldly states that without this calling on his life, without serving God's purpose, his life is meaningless.
Have I embraced the calling on my life from the Lord? Yes I have. Do I find meaning and purpose in what I do? This can be difficult sometimes, especially since I know God is calling me to other things down the road. But I know God has me right where He wants me to be right now, and I have to embrace that purpose. I have the opportunity to serve His plans and His people in a great way.
Dear Lord, thank You for putting me where You want me, and giving my life meaning by serving You. I am so blessed by Your love and grace, and I look forward to more opportunities to share it with others. I pray for those that have not heard Your call for them yet. I pray that they will stay closely connected to You in prayer so that they will hear Your voice when You are ready for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Paul's passion for teaching and sharing the Gospel is so intense. He boldly states that without this calling on his life, without serving God's purpose, his life is meaningless.
Have I embraced the calling on my life from the Lord? Yes I have. Do I find meaning and purpose in what I do? This can be difficult sometimes, especially since I know God is calling me to other things down the road. But I know God has me right where He wants me to be right now, and I have to embrace that purpose. I have the opportunity to serve His plans and His people in a great way.
Dear Lord, thank You for putting me where You want me, and giving my life meaning by serving You. I am so blessed by Your love and grace, and I look forward to more opportunities to share it with others. I pray for those that have not heard Your call for them yet. I pray that they will stay closely connected to You in prayer so that they will hear Your voice when You are ready for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching
Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
God's currency of love is what we have to be focused on. The paper stuff we keep keep in our wallets is just that - paper. It has no real value and we're not going to take it with us in Heaven.
Living our lives the way Jesus has instructed us, by loving God and others will give us eternal wealth in Heaven. The love we sow, we will reap because we are storing it in the Big Bank above. These "treasures" we do take with us.
When discussing with an acquaintance awhile back about my plans for continuing my education after I finish my Bachelor's Degree, he asked what I wanted to do with it. He asked if my intent was to find a lucrative career and make money. He obviously doesn't know me that well. I have never been driven by that. If I was, I would have gone back to school a long time ago, and pursued something that would lead to a big payday. My intent is to serve God and His people in whatever way He would have me do it. I trust God will provide for my basic physiological needs, and I am fine with that.
Am I keeping my eyes focused on the eternal prize of God's Kingdom in Heaven, or have I been losing focus lately on what I can do with my education in serving God and His people?
Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunities You have afforded me in regards to my education. I trust Your plan for me, and I am excited for where You will lead me when the time comes for me to put it all to use. I pray that I keep my focus on You and don't go down the dark path of trying to serve two masters. I pray for those that are struggling with this issue. I pray that they will see that they cannot be devoted to two masters and choose the right one (You). Please work on their hearts, and heal them Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God's currency of love is what we have to be focused on. The paper stuff we keep keep in our wallets is just that - paper. It has no real value and we're not going to take it with us in Heaven.
Living our lives the way Jesus has instructed us, by loving God and others will give us eternal wealth in Heaven. The love we sow, we will reap because we are storing it in the Big Bank above. These "treasures" we do take with us.
When discussing with an acquaintance awhile back about my plans for continuing my education after I finish my Bachelor's Degree, he asked what I wanted to do with it. He asked if my intent was to find a lucrative career and make money. He obviously doesn't know me that well. I have never been driven by that. If I was, I would have gone back to school a long time ago, and pursued something that would lead to a big payday. My intent is to serve God and His people in whatever way He would have me do it. I trust God will provide for my basic physiological needs, and I am fine with that.
Am I keeping my eyes focused on the eternal prize of God's Kingdom in Heaven, or have I been losing focus lately on what I can do with my education in serving God and His people?
Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunities You have afforded me in regards to my education. I trust Your plan for me, and I am excited for where You will lead me when the time comes for me to put it all to use. I pray that I keep my focus on You and don't go down the dark path of trying to serve two masters. I pray for those that are struggling with this issue. I pray that they will see that they cannot be devoted to two masters and choose the right one (You). Please work on their hearts, and heal them Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
It Doesn't Matter Anymore
Philippians 3:13 - No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Paul's single-minded vision is inspiring. It can be so hard to not think about the past, and reflect on the mistakes we have made. Paul knew that he was a sinner, and that he didn't deserve anything from God. But he also knew that now that he had been saved and redeemed, his only focus was on knowing Christ. Nothing else mattered anymore.
Am I peeking back over my shoulder to see what may be gaining on me from my past? Or am I focused on pressing towards the goal of knowing Christ more and reaching the Heavenly prize that Christ has called me to (verse 14).
Dear Lord, thank You for forgetting my past. I ask for the peace of mind and heart to forget about it myself and keep my heart and my thoughts focused on You daily. On serving You and Your people daily. On praising and worshiping You daily. I pray for those that struggle with this. My prayer is that they will learn to forget whatever they may have done and forgive themselves, as You have forgiven them, and move on towards Your Heavenly prize that You are calling them to. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Paul's single-minded vision is inspiring. It can be so hard to not think about the past, and reflect on the mistakes we have made. Paul knew that he was a sinner, and that he didn't deserve anything from God. But he also knew that now that he had been saved and redeemed, his only focus was on knowing Christ. Nothing else mattered anymore.
Am I peeking back over my shoulder to see what may be gaining on me from my past? Or am I focused on pressing towards the goal of knowing Christ more and reaching the Heavenly prize that Christ has called me to (verse 14).
Dear Lord, thank You for forgetting my past. I ask for the peace of mind and heart to forget about it myself and keep my heart and my thoughts focused on You daily. On serving You and Your people daily. On praising and worshiping You daily. I pray for those that struggle with this. My prayer is that they will learn to forget whatever they may have done and forgive themselves, as You have forgiven them, and move on towards Your Heavenly prize that You are calling them to. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Knowing Him
Acts 17:23 - "For as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about."
The Athenians were not far from knowing the one true God, they just needed proper teaching and guidance. It was no accident that Paul showed up when he did. Nothing happens on accident.
While Paul was speaking here, he makes a great comment that God is not far from any of us (verse 27). He tells the Athenians that God's purpose is for us to seek Him and find Him. Doesn't sound too hard does it? Sometimes it can be.
Not all of us had the blessings of being taught about Christ at a young age, and coming to know God early on. I sure didn't. But that wasn't an accident. I found God when He was ready for me to find Him. Like I said earlier, nothing happens on accident. Even though it would have been nice to know and serve Him many years ago, God wanted me to be a little more refined and open-minded before He made me ready for Him. He needed me to be ready to seek and find Him. I am fine with that. He knows much better than I do (MUCH). When I was ready, He put the right teachers in my path so I could learn about Him and come to know Him. And I have been beyond blessed because of Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for working on me through those years when I didn't acknowledge You. Even though I didn't know You, I believe You were still working on me and preparing me for my service to You and Your Kingdom. You opened my heart and eyes to You at the perfect time. I pray for those that haven't found You yet. I pray for those that haven't started seeking You. I pray that their hearts and eyes will be opened to Your love and grace so that they can be a part of Your Glorious Kingdom, and I trust that it will all happen in Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen!
The Athenians were not far from knowing the one true God, they just needed proper teaching and guidance. It was no accident that Paul showed up when he did. Nothing happens on accident.
While Paul was speaking here, he makes a great comment that God is not far from any of us (verse 27). He tells the Athenians that God's purpose is for us to seek Him and find Him. Doesn't sound too hard does it? Sometimes it can be.
Not all of us had the blessings of being taught about Christ at a young age, and coming to know God early on. I sure didn't. But that wasn't an accident. I found God when He was ready for me to find Him. Like I said earlier, nothing happens on accident. Even though it would have been nice to know and serve Him many years ago, God wanted me to be a little more refined and open-minded before He made me ready for Him. He needed me to be ready to seek and find Him. I am fine with that. He knows much better than I do (MUCH). When I was ready, He put the right teachers in my path so I could learn about Him and come to know Him. And I have been beyond blessed because of Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for working on me through those years when I didn't acknowledge You. Even though I didn't know You, I believe You were still working on me and preparing me for my service to You and Your Kingdom. You opened my heart and eyes to You at the perfect time. I pray for those that haven't found You yet. I pray for those that haven't started seeking You. I pray that their hearts and eyes will be opened to Your love and grace so that they can be a part of Your Glorious Kingdom, and I trust that it will all happen in Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Let God Work
Exodus 14:13 - But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again."
While the people were beginning to panic as the Egyptians were gaining on them, Moses reminded them that they only had to trust in God. He had promised to deliver them, and He always came through.
This is something I have to be reminded of regularly. When things aren't happening fast enough for my liking, how often do I try to play God and speed them up, or do I let go and let God work? While I have gotten better about trusting Him and letting Him do His great work that He has for me, I still need to work on this.
How often do we all try to orchestrate things so they work in our favor, faster? If it's not happening yet, it's because of two reasons: Either God doesn't want it for us yet, or He has something much greater planned for us. Either way, we need to let Him work in and through us and watch how He delivers in amazing ways.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your love and patience with me, especially when I am impatient with the way things are happening. I know You have only great things planned for me. Please help me to remember to get out of the way and let You work. I pray for those that are struggling with trusting in Your will for their lives. I pray that they will remember that You have promised to deliver them into great and mighty things. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
While the people were beginning to panic as the Egyptians were gaining on them, Moses reminded them that they only had to trust in God. He had promised to deliver them, and He always came through.
This is something I have to be reminded of regularly. When things aren't happening fast enough for my liking, how often do I try to play God and speed them up, or do I let go and let God work? While I have gotten better about trusting Him and letting Him do His great work that He has for me, I still need to work on this.
How often do we all try to orchestrate things so they work in our favor, faster? If it's not happening yet, it's because of two reasons: Either God doesn't want it for us yet, or He has something much greater planned for us. Either way, we need to let Him work in and through us and watch how He delivers in amazing ways.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your love and patience with me, especially when I am impatient with the way things are happening. I know You have only great things planned for me. Please help me to remember to get out of the way and let You work. I pray for those that are struggling with trusting in Your will for their lives. I pray that they will remember that You have promised to deliver them into great and mighty things. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
All The Same
Acts 15:11 - "We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus."
When the arguments started to come up about the conversion of the Gentiles, some of the people weren't happy about it. There was obviously some dislike towards the Gentiles, and they wanted to make it harder for them to be saved.
Peter, certainly being no stranger to receiving grace from Jesus, spoke up and reminded them that it doesn't work that way. We are saved by God's grace alone. No one is required, or should be, to jump through hoops to earn it. It can't be earned, bought, or sold.
Reading about this reminds me of Jonah. He didn't want the people of Nineveh to be spared because of his dislike for them, and tried to run from God. God was obviously speaking through Peter to remind everyone that they didn't have to do anything to be saved, and neither would anyone else. They just had to believe.
Am I accepting of everyone I meet that has been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ, or am I reserving my love for them because of past issues? If the person I have the most issues with came up to me and told me they accepted Jesus Christ into their heart and life, would I keep them at arm's length or hug them and welcome them into the family?
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder that we are all the same. We are all loved by You with and unfailing love and compassion that cannot be bought or sold. We are saved by Your grace, through our faith and trust in Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray for those that haven't been saved yet. I pray that their hearts will turn toward You and they understand and accept Your free gift and don't try to run the other way because they think that it isn't, shouldn't, or can't be for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
When the arguments started to come up about the conversion of the Gentiles, some of the people weren't happy about it. There was obviously some dislike towards the Gentiles, and they wanted to make it harder for them to be saved.
Peter, certainly being no stranger to receiving grace from Jesus, spoke up and reminded them that it doesn't work that way. We are saved by God's grace alone. No one is required, or should be, to jump through hoops to earn it. It can't be earned, bought, or sold.
Reading about this reminds me of Jonah. He didn't want the people of Nineveh to be spared because of his dislike for them, and tried to run from God. God was obviously speaking through Peter to remind everyone that they didn't have to do anything to be saved, and neither would anyone else. They just had to believe.
Am I accepting of everyone I meet that has been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ, or am I reserving my love for them because of past issues? If the person I have the most issues with came up to me and told me they accepted Jesus Christ into their heart and life, would I keep them at arm's length or hug them and welcome them into the family?
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder that we are all the same. We are all loved by You with and unfailing love and compassion that cannot be bought or sold. We are saved by Your grace, through our faith and trust in Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray for those that haven't been saved yet. I pray that their hearts will turn toward You and they understand and accept Your free gift and don't try to run the other way because they think that it isn't, shouldn't, or can't be for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
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