Live The Love

I Corinthians 13:3-7(MSG)

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere.  So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

(What is love, anyway?)

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,


Father~Daughter Walk

Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

I'm interrupting my regular postings from Psalm 119 to bring you Paul's definition of love on this Valentine's Day, 2013.  In a world where the word "love" is tossed around like a hot potato, it is good to remember what loving someone is truly about.....

Lord,
Thank you for providing in Your Son the ultimate example of what love is.  May You empower us through Your Holy Spirit to love in the way You intended.
In Christ's Name,
Amen

 

By Faith

Psalm 119:60(MSG)
I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow Your orders.

I spied this Blue Herring waiting to pounce on breakfast.
He must believe there are fish in there, huh?!

 

What a beautiful observation to see someone following the direction the Lord has given them.  I am ashamed to say that in times of confusion in my life, I have thought..."Well, if I had the writing on the wall as it's described in the book of Daniel (Daniel 5:5-7), I would certainly do what God told me to do, too.  I mean if He would just send some words on the side of my living room wall written by an armless hand to direct me in the way I should go, (including every detail...of course), I would certainly be 'up at once' to follow His instruction."  Pretty sad, huh?  I am so thankful for a gracious God who puts up with me!

The message delivered by my pastor this past Sunday reminded me that faith is NOT about seeing first, but rather it is about believing first!  At the point that I trust in the transforming power of Christ and yield my life to Him and His direction, then and only then, will I truly see God moving in my life.  It isn't necessary for the Lord to write on my living room wall in order for me to follow His plan for my life.  He has given me plenty of instruction in the Word of God.  I don't have to see, I just need to muster up enough belief to follow Him into action!

Hebrew 11:1-2~Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.

The book of Hebrews (chapter 11) goes on to describe each of those "ancients" who "by faith" sprang into action for the Lord despite not having a complete picture of how things would turn out.  The common denominator present in each one was their belief that God was in charge...even if they couldn't understand or see the outcome.

Father,

I'm asking for faith to believe You in every area of my life today.  Teach me to rely on You more and to step out in action wherever You call.  Help each of us to do great things for you...by faith!

In Christ's name,
Amen