1 Corinthians 13:4-7
(Tree of Life Version)
4 Love is patient,
love is kind,
it does not envy,
it does not brag,
it is not puffed up,
5 it does not behave inappropriately,
it does not seek its own way,
it is not provoked,
it keeps no account of wrong,
6 it does not rejoice over injustice
but rejoices in the truth;
7 it bears all things,
it believes all things,
it hopes all things,
it endures all things.
A very familiar passage of scripture. So familiar that I think sometimes it is easy to quote without any meaning attached to it. The other day I was asking God to speak to me about a particular situation, and He led me to these scriptures. I found it very convicting as I was feeling something slightly less fuzzy than love. But, of course, He knows what He is talking about so I stopped and listened.
Over the last few days as this has marinated in my heart, I am reminded that the opposite of love is fear. And this is why love is such a powerful thing.
Love produces patience, fear is in a frenzy.
Love is kind, fear promotes meanness.
Love has no envy, fear is crazy jealous.
Love doesn't even need to brag, fear is afraid not to.
Love doesn't get all cocky, fear needs to be noticed.
Love doesn't ever embarrass, fear will say and do things that shouldn't be said or done.
Love defers to its neighbor, fear is a know it all.
Love doesn't get mad, fear is all about anger.
Love doesn't keep score, fear remembers everything.
Love doesn't laugh over other's failures and tragedies, fear is happy when others are hurting.
Love is happy with the truth, fear will lie and try to hide the truth.
Love helps out, fear stands by in judgment.
Love sees the good, fear focuses on the negative.
Love never gives up, fear doesn't even start trying.
Love puts up with life and all it brings, fear is always complaining about it.
As I have contemplated the extreme contrast between love and fear, I feel so woefully lacking in true understanding. However, I can see where God's love is teaching me how to love, what it means, and how powerful of a weapon it is. This love,while it certainly can be applied to our romantic idea of love, is not really about that, it is about choosing. Choosing power and a sound mind over the anxiety and slavery of fear.
To me it is very clear in my outline above, you choose one. If we look at our lives, the things we do and say, and the decisions we make, we are choosing one or the other. It is not some vague idea that floats around the universe. It is not some romantic poem to insert into a valentine's day card. It is a choice we are making every moment of every day.
In Verse 8 of this chapter, it says love never fails. Love never fails. If we choose the actions of love, we will never fail. Fear cannot succeed no mater how hard it tries. The more it tries, the more it fails and ends up causing chaos in our lives. Love might take a little more effort than fear sometimes, but it is God-given and much more rewarding than fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Emotion
I will sing
unto the LORD,
because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:6
because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:6
God has been
so gracious and good to me.
His bountiful favor is more than I could ever expect.
It makes me feel emotional about Him.
So, I sing songs that reflect that emotion.
His bountiful favor is more than I could ever expect.
It makes me feel emotional about Him.
So, I sing songs that reflect that emotion.
~~~~~
The more I seek You,
The more I find You
The more I find You, the more I love You
I wanna sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hand.
Lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in Your peace, it's overwhelming
The more I find You
The more I find You, the more I love You
I wanna sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hand.
Lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in Your peace, it's overwhelming
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
The Grace Area
1 Peter 4:10
New English Translation
... serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
If the reader has perused the previous post, then you know that I am a self-confessed "all in or all out", "black and white" sort of person. I identify this as a human struggle because the basic result of this is some intolerance and, lets just admit it, sometimes stubbornness.
Well, not surprisingly, God has once again spoken to me in a clear and special way. As I was chit-chatting with a friend recently, I was explaining my struggle with the "black and white" perspective on life, and bemoaning the fact that it is hard for me to see the "grey area". I recognized that it is basic human nature and ultimately, I want to see things more the way God sees them....and that was when God helped me out.
The words came out of my mouth almost before I had time to think about it. Grace area. If I replace the "grey area" with a "grace area", it makes so much more sense to my spirit. My heart leaped for joy a little as I realized that God had shown me what the problem was. Right is still right and wrong is still wrong. I still have my opinions about things (and people), but grace can replace the grey and that causes the discomfort of differences to fade significantly.
So, I think I will no longer claim to be a "black or white", "all in or all out" sort of person. I think I will work on just being a "grace area" sort of person.
New English Translation
... serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
If the reader has perused the previous post, then you know that I am a self-confessed "all in or all out", "black and white" sort of person. I identify this as a human struggle because the basic result of this is some intolerance and, lets just admit it, sometimes stubbornness.
Well, not surprisingly, God has once again spoken to me in a clear and special way. As I was chit-chatting with a friend recently, I was explaining my struggle with the "black and white" perspective on life, and bemoaning the fact that it is hard for me to see the "grey area". I recognized that it is basic human nature and ultimately, I want to see things more the way God sees them....and that was when God helped me out.
The words came out of my mouth almost before I had time to think about it. Grace area. If I replace the "grey area" with a "grace area", it makes so much more sense to my spirit. My heart leaped for joy a little as I realized that God had shown me what the problem was. Right is still right and wrong is still wrong. I still have my opinions about things (and people), but grace can replace the grey and that causes the discomfort of differences to fade significantly.
So, I think I will no longer claim to be a "black or white", "all in or all out" sort of person. I think I will work on just being a "grace area" sort of person.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Psalm 51:10 (again)
Psalm 51:10
KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
God has been dealing with me regarding the idea of myself having a clean and right heart and spirit. You see, I'm no different than anyone else. I struggle with situations and circumstances that don't measure up to what I think they should. On top of that my personality is such that I tend to see things in black and white, not a whole lot of grey areas. And I'm either all in or all out. Not much middle ground.
When I do some self-reflecting, I realize my struggle is basic human nature. Human nature is to look out for "número uno." We deal with people and things according to how we think. Because, obviously, that is what makes the most sense.
Until we remember that once given to God, our life is not our own. His way is very much different than mine. So, if I sincerely pray this Psalm, I have to also let go of my own ideas and assessments, and let His Word guide my thoughts and actions.
Honestly, some days it seems too hard. It is literally taking one's own personality and letting it be shaped by someone else...it can certainly be uncomfortable, if not painful, at times. But the peace that comes with surrendering one's own will to His, is indescribable....it's worth it.
KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
God has been dealing with me regarding the idea of myself having a clean and right heart and spirit. You see, I'm no different than anyone else. I struggle with situations and circumstances that don't measure up to what I think they should. On top of that my personality is such that I tend to see things in black and white, not a whole lot of grey areas. And I'm either all in or all out. Not much middle ground.
When I do some self-reflecting, I realize my struggle is basic human nature. Human nature is to look out for "número uno." We deal with people and things according to how we think. Because, obviously, that is what makes the most sense.
Until we remember that once given to God, our life is not our own. His way is very much different than mine. So, if I sincerely pray this Psalm, I have to also let go of my own ideas and assessments, and let His Word guide my thoughts and actions.
Honestly, some days it seems too hard. It is literally taking one's own personality and letting it be shaped by someone else...it can certainly be uncomfortable, if not painful, at times. But the peace that comes with surrendering one's own will to His, is indescribable....it's worth it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
God's Kaleidoscope
1 Corinthians 12:12
The Voice
12 Just as a body is one whole made up of many different parts, and all the different parts comprise the one body, so it is with the Anointed One.
A couple interesting thoughts have been roaming around my brain for a few weeks. I got to thinking about a childhood toy I used to be fascinated with, the kaleidoscope. Do you remember those tubes you would shake, then look through the little peephole and see all the different patterns of colors and shapes and sizes? Then you would shake it again and there would be a new pattern. You could do this indefinitely, it seemed like, there would always be a new color combo with new shapes and sizes.
It came to me that we, as children of God, are very much like a kaleidoscope. According to 1 Corinthians, we are all the different parts of the Body of Christ. If you read further into Chapter 12, you will find that it is compared to our human body. Our body needs each member, each toe, each finger, etc. If any of us were missing any part of our body, no matter how small or how unimportant, we would notice!
So, as in the Body of Christ. We might look around and think that someone is not so important to the Body. Or maybe we look at ourselves and think that. Maybe some days you feel like the pinky toe, seemingly not all that important or useful. However, just as in our physical body, the Body of Christ would be hurting and incomplete without each and every member, no matter which member it is.
Not only is each member important, but do we even know which member we are? Think again about the kaleidoscope. The different colors, shapes, and sizes - all put together and fitting just right. Think about God looking at us as a kaleidoscope. His pattern is not by chance. And the way it looks from His view, may not be the way we view each other. We might look at someone and think they don't have much to contribute to the Body, He may see them as a color and size that is shining through more brightly than our own. You might think your own spot in His kaleidoscope is insignificant, but maybe He sees you as the bright spot. Maybe He shakes it up now and then to keep us fresh and growing. (And just think about what He sees when we try to take the control out of His hands!)
Personally, I like the thought of being part of God's Kaleidoscope. It doesn't matter to me what color, shape or size He sees, I just want to be part of the One.
The Voice
12 Just as a body is one whole made up of many different parts, and all the different parts comprise the one body, so it is with the Anointed One.
A couple interesting thoughts have been roaming around my brain for a few weeks. I got to thinking about a childhood toy I used to be fascinated with, the kaleidoscope. Do you remember those tubes you would shake, then look through the little peephole and see all the different patterns of colors and shapes and sizes? Then you would shake it again and there would be a new pattern. You could do this indefinitely, it seemed like, there would always be a new color combo with new shapes and sizes.
It came to me that we, as children of God, are very much like a kaleidoscope. According to 1 Corinthians, we are all the different parts of the Body of Christ. If you read further into Chapter 12, you will find that it is compared to our human body. Our body needs each member, each toe, each finger, etc. If any of us were missing any part of our body, no matter how small or how unimportant, we would notice!
So, as in the Body of Christ. We might look around and think that someone is not so important to the Body. Or maybe we look at ourselves and think that. Maybe some days you feel like the pinky toe, seemingly not all that important or useful. However, just as in our physical body, the Body of Christ would be hurting and incomplete without each and every member, no matter which member it is.
Not only is each member important, but do we even know which member we are? Think again about the kaleidoscope. The different colors, shapes, and sizes - all put together and fitting just right. Think about God looking at us as a kaleidoscope. His pattern is not by chance. And the way it looks from His view, may not be the way we view each other. We might look at someone and think they don't have much to contribute to the Body, He may see them as a color and size that is shining through more brightly than our own. You might think your own spot in His kaleidoscope is insignificant, but maybe He sees you as the bright spot. Maybe He shakes it up now and then to keep us fresh and growing. (And just think about what He sees when we try to take the control out of His hands!)
Personally, I like the thought of being part of God's Kaleidoscope. It doesn't matter to me what color, shape or size He sees, I just want to be part of the One.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Don't Laugh
Micah 7:8
New Century Version
New Century Version
8 Enemy, don’t laugh at me.
I have fallen, but I will get up again.
I sit in the shadow of trouble now,
but the Lord will be a light for me.
I have fallen, but I will get up again.
I sit in the shadow of trouble now,
but the Lord will be a light for me.
I literally just directed somebody else's attention to this scripture as an encouragement, and immediately I felt my own spirit jump up in recognition. Recently, I have been discouraged with myself over some things, and I am the best at knocking myself around.
I fall down. I mess up. I do and say things that I wish I could take back. Why? Because I'm human. Sometimes my legs are shaky and my feet stumble.
I always think of the "enemy" as Satan, and while yes, he certainly is, sometimes I am my own worst enemy. I beat myself up, I "laugh" at myself because of what I see as my own folly.
Enemy........Self - don't laugh - get up! The light of the Lord shines on, His light is never dimmed, the shadows disappear in His love.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Wash, Rinse, Repeat
Isaiah 53:5
The Voice
When one has a physical wound one has to take care of it, medicate it, and sometimes baby it. Our emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds are no different. When we come to God with it, the initial examination diagnoses - and just like with a physical wound, we feel some relief just knowing what is wrong. But, also just like a physical wound, then the healing process begins. This can be painful as usually the damage has to be undone before the solution is applied.
Jesus provided the initial washing of all of our wounds on the cross. His sacrifice already has healed our wounds. In the process of healing us individually, we need to let that washing repeat, for however long it takes, until the healing is complete in us. It doesn't do much good to go to the doctor and find out what is wrong, and then not go back for the treatment.
Get a check up with God. Let Him diagnose you. Then go back for another dose of His cleansing blood. Rinse your wound with your tears....and go to Him again and let Him continue to wash your wound. His supply is unending, and He will take as long as you need Him to. Wash, rinse, repeat.
The Voice
5 But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so.
Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him.
He endured the breaking that made us whole.
The injuries he suffered became our healing.
Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him.
He endured the breaking that made us whole.
The injuries he suffered became our healing.
When one has a physical wound one has to take care of it, medicate it, and sometimes baby it. Our emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds are no different. When we come to God with it, the initial examination diagnoses - and just like with a physical wound, we feel some relief just knowing what is wrong. But, also just like a physical wound, then the healing process begins. This can be painful as usually the damage has to be undone before the solution is applied.
Jesus provided the initial washing of all of our wounds on the cross. His sacrifice already has healed our wounds. In the process of healing us individually, we need to let that washing repeat, for however long it takes, until the healing is complete in us. It doesn't do much good to go to the doctor and find out what is wrong, and then not go back for the treatment.
Get a check up with God. Let Him diagnose you. Then go back for another dose of His cleansing blood. Rinse your wound with your tears....and go to Him again and let Him continue to wash your wound. His supply is unending, and He will take as long as you need Him to. Wash, rinse, repeat.
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