LOVING THE UNLOVELY

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34, 35 ESV) It's a very simple thing that has been asked of us - to love one another. Yet, it seems that reading about love is easier than actually doing it. For the most part - I get along with everyone as I'm a people person and love being with and interacting with those around me. However, if the truth be told - there are some people who absolutely grind me to the core and I have to dig deep to show love to them. (Just keeping it real!) it's at those moments that I have to go to God and see them through His eyes and look past my petty feelings. It is then that I must ask God for the strength to love inspite of my hurts and wounds. This passage reveals that when we love - it is a true sign that we are disciples of Christ - that we are His true followers. I pray that you would ask God today to fill you with His love and that the people who are "unlovable" in your eyes would be so loved by you today. May God richly bless you today! Amen!

FINDING GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV) Our destiny was carved out for us before we were even in our mom's womb - before we were even born. It is our responsibility to find and discover God's thumbprint on our lives by acknowledging how God wired and made us. As we go about living our lives we will naturally be drawn to certain things and situations that we enjoy doing and have a certain "gifted-ness" in doing. As we begin to do those things - God's will and purpose begin to unfold before us. Often we're just waiting for God's will to be dropped on our laps when we should be doing something with what we've already been given which in turn will help reveal God's perfect will for our lives. Get up and do something for God now and you will then find the place where you belong in life!

GOD IS LIKE OUR PARENTS

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV) There is something to be said about the role of parents in our life. Ideally, No matter how bad it is - we should always be able to go home and receive comfort and encouragement from the stress we all go through. They should be our cheerleaders and motivators to keep trying and reaching for your God-given dreams. As I look at this passage about God - in a way, He's like that in our lives - nurturer - protector - motivator - cheerleader. He is on the sidelines of your game saying, "You can do it, you can do it. Hang in there!" He's like the parent who shouting up in the stands - "That's my boy, that's my girl.". God, your God is proud of you today and wants the very best for you. He loves you enough to be tough on you at times and He loves you enough to push you that you might be able to do your very best for Him. He so wants to sing over you with joy today. Don't push away from Him but rush to Him and be safe in His arms today.

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.(Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV) I used to go backpacking a lot in the Olympic mountains in the state of Washington. On one of my first outings - I learned a valuable lesson that has spiritual applications for us today. While I was sleeping in the tent I heard some noises outside the tent. I quickly unzipped the tent just in time to see a mountain goat take off with my boot up the mountain. I jumped out of the tent and began chasing him - barefooted. Without any effort he was halfway up the mountain - unfortunately with my boot. God promises to make our feet like the hind feet of a deer as we learn to be people of praise. You might be in a difficult situation today - you might be facing some daunting task. Be a person of praise today and be the person who lifts God up - no matter what and God will enable you to experience victory today. PS... I eventually got my boot back after a steep hike in my bare feet.

THE LORD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, (Nahum 1:7 NIV) I've been a Christian a long time and have seen many highs and even many lows. But without reservation, I can say again today - God is good - all the time. There might be seasons and times that I don't understand but at the end of the day God's way is always the best way. As you go about this day today - speak a word of thanks to God by saying, "Thank you God for being so good to me and my family. I give you praise today."

JUST LIKE MY FATHER

Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. (John 5:19 NIV) The old adage "Like Father, like son," comes to mind as I read this passage this morning. Jesus did nothing without the Fathers father's glance of approval. He only ministered as He was led by His heavenly father in all matters of life. I love to watch how a young boy will emulate his father and try to be just like him. The young boy sees how his father acts and looks and tries to follow in his footsteps. We should have this attitude in regards to our relationship with our heavenly Father. We would save a lot of time and energy if we would keep our eyes focused on God's purpose and plan for our lives - that we would do nothing without our Father's approval and blessing on us. Like Jesus, we should be able to say "whatever the Father is doing - I'm doing also."

PRAY FOR EVERYTHING

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24 NIV) Here's a little challenge for you today - take everything to God in prayer. Some people only pray when they eat or just before they start their day or when some crisis comes upon them. 1 Thessalonians encourages to pray without ceasing. This is learning to pray as you go about your day - on the way to work - at work - on the way fom work - at home, etc. Here's the thing... Even though God knows our needs - HE LOVES TO HEAR YOU PRAY. The Bible says that your prayer is like a sweet smelling savor. He enjoys hearing your voice and He enjoys answering your prayers. Take everything to God in prayer today - He's waiting for you right ow.