Scripture: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Corinthians 12: 26)
Observation: This is so true on so many levels! It's easy to relate to. For example, physically, if my sciatic nerve pinches, my entire body is rendered useless. Within my family, if Paul gets a promotion, everyone (my parents, his parents, all the siblings, etc.) is happy.
Application: The body of Christ is just that-- a body. We are all one unit. I believe I am a compassionate person by nature, but am I spiritually compassionate? It's easy to rejoice with one another, but am I doing my part when someone is suffering?
Prayer: Lord, I need to do more. I have compassion and empathy, but I don't think I'm doing enough within the Christian community. Meaning, if a friend needs help, I do everything I can outside of the spiritual. I'm not doing enough within Your world, especially spending time in prayer. And I mean deep prayer, not just the simple one-way conversation that I normally do with You. So now that I know what I should be doing, please guide my heart into really doing it. Amen.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
No message today...
So I have to be honest, Paul and I forgot to do our Life Journals yesterday. So I read yesterday's chapters, but nothing is speaking to me. Am I just not quite "in the moment"? What's going on here?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Be Helpful
Scripture: "If you see your brother's ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him." (Deuteronomy 22:1)
Observation: It seems so simple. Help others, be concerned for others.
Application: It should be easy to help friends and family in need. But how about helping strangers? Just today, an old lady had dropped her compact on the floor and didn't realize it. I pointed to it and Paul picked it up and handed it to her. It was a very small gesture, but she seemed to really appreciate it. Simple acts of kindness to strangers should be a part of every day life. Because even strangers can be brothers.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm pretty good at helping others. I don't think I turn my back on those in need. However, please help me not to judge others that are not this way. I can only control what I do, not what others do. Amen.
Observation: It seems so simple. Help others, be concerned for others.
Application: It should be easy to help friends and family in need. But how about helping strangers? Just today, an old lady had dropped her compact on the floor and didn't realize it. I pointed to it and Paul picked it up and handed it to her. It was a very small gesture, but she seemed to really appreciate it. Simple acts of kindness to strangers should be a part of every day life. Because even strangers can be brothers.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm pretty good at helping others. I don't think I turn my back on those in need. However, please help me not to judge others that are not this way. I can only control what I do, not what others do. Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Next Generation
Scripture: "Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time." Deuteronomy 4:40
Observation: I worry about raising my son well. But as long as he is a Christ-centered man and I instill that in him, the rest should fall into place. God will be with me, helping me raise him.
Application: I need to "keep his decrees and commands" so that I may pass that along to my child. I need to set a good example for him. How can I expect him to be Christ-centered if I'm not? My grandma is my inspiration in this regard and I should strive to love Christ the way she did. Her focus and drive to be nearer to God was exceptional.
Prayer: Lord, Grandma was, to me, the ultimate Christian. She was such a good role model for me and I can only strive to be like her; to be as close to You as she was. I pray that I may be that kind of person for my son. That he may look to me and want to be close to You because I draw close to You. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I will be a successful mother as long as he loves You.
Observation: I worry about raising my son well. But as long as he is a Christ-centered man and I instill that in him, the rest should fall into place. God will be with me, helping me raise him.
Application: I need to "keep his decrees and commands" so that I may pass that along to my child. I need to set a good example for him. How can I expect him to be Christ-centered if I'm not? My grandma is my inspiration in this regard and I should strive to love Christ the way she did. Her focus and drive to be nearer to God was exceptional.
Prayer: Lord, Grandma was, to me, the ultimate Christian. She was such a good role model for me and I can only strive to be like her; to be as close to You as she was. I pray that I may be that kind of person for my son. That he may look to me and want to be close to You because I draw close to You. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I will be a successful mother as long as he loves You.
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