Proof

Scripture says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” It’s our love for each other that speaks loudest to the watching world. Unfortunately, too often it’s our lack of care and our over emphasis on differences that is witnessed. I want to show the world my God by loving well today.

Smile

God loves you. A smile is contagious and ought to be shared. God’s love for us should put a smile on our face and giving away smiles to others is a way of sharing His love with them. Offer smiles to everyone today and see how many you get back it’s really fun.

Take a Break

Really, it’s okay. It’s actually an order. God created us to need rest. Not just sleep
but also what we call today, down time. The world with all of its technology
and distractions is stealing our rest. We may not always be working but we’re usually
doing. Sometimes we can even be inactive but feeling so guilty about it that it
is not restful. It’s so important to allow yourself and those around you to
rest.

Gifts of the Spirit

I want them all, not in a greedy way, not all the time but when one of them can benefit someone around me I want that one. If a word of encouragement is needed I want the wisdom to recognize the need and to know what to say and the same goes for the other gifts. I don’t need to possess them, just receive them when needed so they can be shared.

More than you can handle

Scripture doesn’t specifically say God won’t give you more than you can handle, but the concept is there. He is always the answer to whatever difficulty may befall us. With Him all things are possible, with Him nothing is impossible, so the answer is, let’s go through this with Him. When things get really, really rough together we can not only get through but flourish.

God’s Voice

My friend Jackson explained knowing God’s voice the other day. He said, “It’s like knowing my mom’s voice. I know her so well and have spent so much time with her that of course I know it’s her. Hearing God is just like that. We can know Him so well there is no doubt that it’s Him.” I admire your son Janie, he brings you honor.

It’s better to

turn to God, draw in close, listen and whatever He says, do that? That’s what Jesus always did. There is peace and rest in this approach. We don’t have to meet the expectations others have for us. Their yoke is not easy, God’s is.

Find where God is at work and join Him

The problem with this is that God is at work everywhere. Catch phrases like this can lead to anxiety from trying to figure out where God is and how you can fit in.

Of Myself

Jesus said, “I can of Myself do nothing”, if this is true for Him, how much more so for us? Jesus sought the Father in everything. He leaned in close and when The Father spoke, He did it. This is the example Christ came to demonstrate for us, it’s been God’s intent for us from the very beginning.

Joy Revisited

How can we have joy at all times, even when things aren’t going well for us? That’s where trust and faith come in. God is always at work in our lives and if we will cooperate with Him, seek Him in everything and listen for His direction we’ll be better able to approach even the most difficult circumstances with joy. If God’s love for us is perfect, and it is, then we can know that somewhere down the road we will be able to see redemption and even appreciate today’s difficulty.