What does love mean to you? Love is…[fill in the blank]. I am sure it means something different to each of us, yet at the core love is simply love. Volumes could be and have been written about love so what I will share is just a snapshot.
In looking up definitions of love I found almost a total inclusion of sexual attraction. So you could deduce that in the world love is often confused with lust. Of course in a committed marital relationship sex is a component but it surely is not the total take. Loving someone in a
Never underestimate what someone else carries. You only see an infinitesimal snapshot of what is their life and what are their challenges. Plus, you see what you see through your own filter which is skewed by your own life experiences.
It is always a heart issue. What do you harbor deep in the recesses of your heart? What is in your heart will determine how you perceive your world and the world of another. If you harbor bitterness, rejection, anger, unforgiveness and the like, you will see all things through a negative lens. You will operate from a place of
Sometimes as you continue to journey with the Lord, He will reveal something to you about someone. First of all, test the spirit to make sure it is the Holy Spirit and not some divisive spirit just trying to stir things up. Never forget that the enemy roams around just looking for a way to trip you up and eliminate you from your Kingdom assignment!
Second, keep the information to yourself. Do not share it with anyone else to include the person about whom you may have had this revelation. Most often you are simply to pray for that person.
A young man told me not so long ago that he could be angry with God for his situation. However, he went on to say that he took full responsibility as his choices had clearly led him there.
It is so rare that I ever hear anyone take personal responsibility for anything these days. Blaming everyone else, to include God, is more the norm. Never looking at how their actions and choices may have led them to where they are is sadly more common place. It appears easier to attack everyone else’s character, life situation, etc. as the reason for
Life changes on a dime. People come and go in and out of your life. Some are like family and their loss is deeply felt.
Cherish those good people in your life today whether right next door or at a distance. Call and let them know you appreciate them. Such people are truly a gift.
For it is written:
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
How do you see your life-intrinsically good or bad? Are you a victim? Do you overthink things? I know I do at times.
In the end, God is in control. You can decide to do it your way but I have found that does not always end well. Rather than looking at all that may be wrong, start focusing on all that may be right in your life.
Live by God’s moral code. Be thankful. Stop complaining and ruminating about things you cannot change. Change the things you can beginning with your focus and attitude!
Over the last two weeks several people in my life have passed away. Whether expected or suddenly, death is so very final. There are no more conversations. There are no more connections.
You never know the time that you or another will pass away. Pettiness, anger, resentment, bitterness and the like are such a waste of your time. They are a detriment to your heart (and it is always a heart issue). If you have any unsettled issues with someone, do your best, within reason, to bring resolution. If that is not possible person to person then clear your own
The change in your life begins with you. Take an inventory. Release what no longer serves your God given vision. Add what will enhance and grow your life in a positive direction. You only pass this way but once. Be quite selective about whom you invite to make this journey with you. Not everyone can go forward with you to where God is taking you now.
Let the old fall away as He directs. Some are in your life simply for a season. Do not hold tight to what or whom He may be releasing from your journey. Move forward.
God redeems the time. It is really amazing! Just as a new mother forgets the long wait and the travail of birth when she first holds her baby, so it is in many life situations. All the waiting, the long hard journey and the travail of birthing a vision gives way to such promise that the time that could appear wasted or lost is redeemed to become a time of joy. There is then little remembrance of the pain that went before.
If God has given you a vision, especially if it seems impossible in the natural, hold fast to
It is not always all about you. Things happen in life…some good…some not so good. Often what is perceived as a personal slight has no personal intention behind it. You could never know what another is dealing with in their life. A careless word or action could be just that. Forgive often. Pray for the person and move on with your life.
For it is written:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
