April 11, 2012
Transformational Thought
When I argue (because, obviously, I’m too mature to fight) with my wife or daughters, I hurt, because they’re my family and I care so deeply for them. We are related in a much stronger way with our brothers and sisters who are fellow believers in Christ. I’ve experienced this incredibly strong tie during mission trips, becoming connected to and caring for someone I recently met, might never see again, and have seemingly little in common with, except for the fact that we are bonded through Christ.
All through the Bible, we find “one another” Scriptures that instruct us in the kinds of caring actions and attitudes that ought to characterize our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ. God clearly defines what kind of relationships we should have … and yet we often fail to develop the type of relationship that He desires for us. And when we fail, we not only add unnecessary stress to our lives and the lives of those around us … but we also fail to illustrate the love of Jesus to unbelievers who may be observing us.
Our natural instincts are to be independent, not trusting or collaborating with others. Our goal is “what’s in it for me?” as opposed to, “what is the greatest good of the team?” Satan is always trying to accentuate the hurts of relationships to encourage a “me-first” attitude. We struggle to overcome that outlook, and we need to so that we can bond and serve with others. Remember that we are on the same team and Satan is the enemy. As Satan tries to pit us against each other, we forget he is even in the game, let alone that he is the enemy.
God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents and placed us within a body of believers who have also received a variety of gifts. As we live with each other in harmony and love, focused on God’s plan, we can impact the world so much more if we pool our unique talents rather than each trying to do our own thing. Along the way, we will also develop relationships that we can count on—relationships built on a foundation of God’s love.
Do you see yourself as part of God’s team? Are you and other Christians in your church … and in other churches and ministries in your community … working together in harmony? Are you stuck focusing on differences … or on God’s bigger plan?
Today, ask God to show you what you can do to improve your relationship with a specific brother or sister in Christ. Perhaps it’s someone you have criticized … or someone you feel as though you are competing against. Maybe you have bickered about theology or passed judgment on another’s behavior. Ask God to help you relate to this person in love and harmony and build His kind of “one another” relationship. Relationships are your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know there are times when I let personal feelings and differences interfere in my relationship with other believers. Show me the barriers of insecurity and pride that interfere as I engage with others. Please forgive me and help me have the “one another” relationships described in your Word. Even though I might be in some minor conflict with another, help me know that Satan is the enemy, and he is just trying to use others to derail me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who completes my joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
Philippians 2:2
Showing posts with label Enemies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Enemies. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: “Love One Another”
Transformational Thought
I went to a Kenny Loggins concert yesterday … my favorite recording artist of all time. Before the doors opened, people were just milling around. I noticed a particular young man who was covered with tattoos … and wondered why a guy like that would be at a Kenny Loggins concert. He actually had large fangs tattooed on his lower lip and chin with blood dripping down. My first thought …”this guy scares me.”
A few minutes later I found myself standing right next to him, and when our eyes met, he offered the most genuine smile … and today’s scripture came into my mind. I began asking him about his tattoos … and then we talked about Kenny Loggins. Like me, this young man loved Kenny’s music. He was kind, polite and very reserved. When I asked which tattoo was his favorite, he pointed to a little Christmas tree on the top of his hand. Even with his fangs tattoo, he was no longer scary to me. Now I certainly don’t know his story … but I do know one thing … like you and me, he needs attention and love.
The Scriptures offer a multitude of “one another” commands concerning relationships with others … encourage one another, be devoted to one another, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, accept one another, instruct one another, serve one another, forgive one another … and on and on. “Love one another” is at the core of all of them.
In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. Of course, Jesus’ love is greater than we can ever imagine … but He is telling us to follow His example. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He wants us to love others unconditionally … not based on personality or looks or behavior or even feelings. Unconditionally. Now that doesn’t mean we give them all they want, but our actions should be based on their needs for growth, not ours.
Jesus loved with His actions, humbling Himself, coming to earth as a baby, and growing and living among us ... suffering the indignities and torture of the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love in ways words could not begin to explain. Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. To demonstrate love through action … even when we don’t “feel” like it.
Today, ask God to help you see this person through His eyes. Ask Him to help you love this person even if he or she doesn’t “deserve” it. And then step out in faith and love through your actions. As we in the family of God demonstrate our love for each other, even as Jesus demonstrated His love for us, others will “know we are His disciples.” Our love for one another can help draw them to see and accept the perfect love of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to love others in the way You love me. Help me to love unconditionally. Help me to demonstrate my love with action … even when I don’t feel like it. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for demonstrating your love in such marvelous ways. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who loved through his actions, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
I went to a Kenny Loggins concert yesterday … my favorite recording artist of all time. Before the doors opened, people were just milling around. I noticed a particular young man who was covered with tattoos … and wondered why a guy like that would be at a Kenny Loggins concert. He actually had large fangs tattooed on his lower lip and chin with blood dripping down. My first thought …”this guy scares me.”
A few minutes later I found myself standing right next to him, and when our eyes met, he offered the most genuine smile … and today’s scripture came into my mind. I began asking him about his tattoos … and then we talked about Kenny Loggins. Like me, this young man loved Kenny’s music. He was kind, polite and very reserved. When I asked which tattoo was his favorite, he pointed to a little Christmas tree on the top of his hand. Even with his fangs tattoo, he was no longer scary to me. Now I certainly don’t know his story … but I do know one thing … like you and me, he needs attention and love.
The Scriptures offer a multitude of “one another” commands concerning relationships with others … encourage one another, be devoted to one another, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, accept one another, instruct one another, serve one another, forgive one another … and on and on. “Love one another” is at the core of all of them.
In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. Of course, Jesus’ love is greater than we can ever imagine … but He is telling us to follow His example. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He wants us to love others unconditionally … not based on personality or looks or behavior or even feelings. Unconditionally. Now that doesn’t mean we give them all they want, but our actions should be based on their needs for growth, not ours.
Jesus loved with His actions, humbling Himself, coming to earth as a baby, and growing and living among us ... suffering the indignities and torture of the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love in ways words could not begin to explain. Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. To demonstrate love through action … even when we don’t “feel” like it.
Today, ask God to help you see this person through His eyes. Ask Him to help you love this person even if he or she doesn’t “deserve” it. And then step out in faith and love through your actions. As we in the family of God demonstrate our love for each other, even as Jesus demonstrated His love for us, others will “know we are His disciples.” Our love for one another can help draw them to see and accept the perfect love of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to love others in the way You love me. Help me to love unconditionally. Help me to demonstrate my love with action … even when I don’t feel like it. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for demonstrating your love in such marvelous ways. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who loved through his actions, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
Friday, April 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: “One Another”
Transformational Thought
When I argue (because, obviously, I’m above fighting) with my wife or daughters, I hurt, because they’re my family and I care so deeply for them. With fellow believers in Christ, we’re brothers and sisters, related in a much stronger way than blood relatives. I’ve really experienced this incredibly strong bond on mission trips where I am so connected and care so much for someone I never met, might never see again, and have seemingly little in common with. Except for the fact that we are bonded through Christ.
All through the Bible, we find “one another” Scriptures that instruct us in the kinds of caring actions and attitudes that ought to characterize our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ. God clearly defines what kind of relationships we should have … and yet we so often fail to develop the type of relationships that He desires for us. And when we fail, we not only add unnecessary stress to our lives and the lives of those around us … but we also fail to illustrate the love of Jesus to unbelievers who may be observing us.
Our natural instincts are to be independent, not trust or collaborate with others, and to have a goal of “what’s in it for me?” as opposed to, “what is the greatest good of the team?” Satan is always trying to accentuate the hurts of relationships to encourage the “me-first” attitude we struggle to overcome so we can bond and serve with others.
God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents and placed us within a body of believers who have also received a variety of gifts. As we live with each other in harmony and love, focused on God’s plan, we can impact the world so much more if we pool our unique talents rather than each trying to do our own thing. Along the way, we will also develop relationships that we can count on—relationships built on a foundation of God’s love.
Do you see yourself as part of God’s team? Are you and other Christians in your church … and in other churches and ministries in your community … working together in harmony? Are you stuck focusing on differences … or on God’s bigger plan?
Today, ask God to show you personally what you can do to improve your relationship with a specific brother or sister in Christ. Perhaps it’s someone you have criticized … or someone you feel as though you are competing against. Maybe you have bickered about theology or passed judgment on his or her behavior. Ask God to help you relate to this person in love and harmony and build His kind of “one another” relationship.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know there are times when I let personal feelings and differences interfere with my relationship with other believers. Show me my barriers of insecurity and pride that interfere with my engagement with others. Please forgive me and help me have the “one another” relationships described in your Word. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who completes my joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
Philippians 2:2
When I argue (because, obviously, I’m above fighting) with my wife or daughters, I hurt, because they’re my family and I care so deeply for them. With fellow believers in Christ, we’re brothers and sisters, related in a much stronger way than blood relatives. I’ve really experienced this incredibly strong bond on mission trips where I am so connected and care so much for someone I never met, might never see again, and have seemingly little in common with. Except for the fact that we are bonded through Christ.
All through the Bible, we find “one another” Scriptures that instruct us in the kinds of caring actions and attitudes that ought to characterize our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ. God clearly defines what kind of relationships we should have … and yet we so often fail to develop the type of relationships that He desires for us. And when we fail, we not only add unnecessary stress to our lives and the lives of those around us … but we also fail to illustrate the love of Jesus to unbelievers who may be observing us.
Our natural instincts are to be independent, not trust or collaborate with others, and to have a goal of “what’s in it for me?” as opposed to, “what is the greatest good of the team?” Satan is always trying to accentuate the hurts of relationships to encourage the “me-first” attitude we struggle to overcome so we can bond and serve with others.
God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents and placed us within a body of believers who have also received a variety of gifts. As we live with each other in harmony and love, focused on God’s plan, we can impact the world so much more if we pool our unique talents rather than each trying to do our own thing. Along the way, we will also develop relationships that we can count on—relationships built on a foundation of God’s love.
Do you see yourself as part of God’s team? Are you and other Christians in your church … and in other churches and ministries in your community … working together in harmony? Are you stuck focusing on differences … or on God’s bigger plan?
Today, ask God to show you personally what you can do to improve your relationship with a specific brother or sister in Christ. Perhaps it’s someone you have criticized … or someone you feel as though you are competing against. Maybe you have bickered about theology or passed judgment on his or her behavior. Ask God to help you relate to this person in love and harmony and build His kind of “one another” relationship.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know there are times when I let personal feelings and differences interfere with my relationship with other believers. Show me my barriers of insecurity and pride that interfere with my engagement with others. Please forgive me and help me have the “one another” relationships described in your Word. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who completes my joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
Philippians 2:2
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Stepping Stones: Persecution is Draining
Transformational Tip
I grew up in a home with a lot of negativity, judgment, and frequent efforts of emotional manipulation. I would get so angry and so much energy....physically, emotionally, psychologically... went into and was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where it was coming from, attempts to avoid it, "why me" attitude, all sucked so much life out of me that enjoying childhood was a difficult task for me. Many of us have people in our lives who have or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words, manipulation, to lies, cruelty, vindictiveness, and all the way to physical abuse or worse. You have to ask yourself the questions...why me?, how do I make them stop?, what drives them? who are they serving?...who are they trying to make happy? Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in trying to defend ourselves and/or possible counter attack and retaliation or "getting even" efforts.Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and responsibility to address our enemies, but we go overboard. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. Remember, Satan is the real enemy, not the person. They are just getting used like you are at times by Satan. Pray for them and be on guard... put on the armor for the real battle. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered and being attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My human natural reaction is for revenge...for getting even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to "make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away"Help me Lord to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from you, distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44
I grew up in a home with a lot of negativity, judgment, and frequent efforts of emotional manipulation. I would get so angry and so much energy....physically, emotionally, psychologically... went into and was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where it was coming from, attempts to avoid it, "why me" attitude, all sucked so much life out of me that enjoying childhood was a difficult task for me. Many of us have people in our lives who have or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words, manipulation, to lies, cruelty, vindictiveness, and all the way to physical abuse or worse. You have to ask yourself the questions...why me?, how do I make them stop?, what drives them? who are they serving?...who are they trying to make happy? Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in trying to defend ourselves and/or possible counter attack and retaliation or "getting even" efforts.Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and responsibility to address our enemies, but we go overboard. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. Remember, Satan is the real enemy, not the person. They are just getting used like you are at times by Satan. Pray for them and be on guard... put on the armor for the real battle. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered and being attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My human natural reaction is for revenge...for getting even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to "make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away"Help me Lord to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from you, distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44
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