Love Dare #23
Love is Patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 12:4-8
This is not a suggestion or a love letter or even a poem. This is the Truth. This is the very definition of love as designed by God. It is something to be taken literally and seriously. Commit this day to meditate on this scripture daily until this kind of love overflows from your heart.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Love Dare #22
Love Dare #22
Devote this day to the Lord. Throughout your day think of specific areas that you have not sought forgiveness for. Specific thoughts, actions, attitudes, words that are not of Him. Ask Him to forgive you and break down any walls you have erected that separate you from a more intimate relationship with Him. Seek His Word for guidance and peace. Give it all to Him this day and forever. Your relationship with Him is more important than any other relationship you will ever have. Nurture it and commit to Him all you do. I love you and prayer for you continuously.
Commit to the Lord Whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Devote this day to the Lord. Throughout your day think of specific areas that you have not sought forgiveness for. Specific thoughts, actions, attitudes, words that are not of Him. Ask Him to forgive you and break down any walls you have erected that separate you from a more intimate relationship with Him. Seek His Word for guidance and peace. Give it all to Him this day and forever. Your relationship with Him is more important than any other relationship you will ever have. Nurture it and commit to Him all you do. I love you and prayer for you continuously.
Commit to the Lord Whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Love Dare #21
Love Dare #21
Sacrificial Love. Do you love sacrificially? Or is everything contingent on how you feel, are affected, or what you will receive in return? Jesus loved us sacrificially- He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16.
The love that we give should not be out of selfish ambition. Be it your spouse, your parent, close family member, or dear friend, does someone close to you need your sacrificial love today? Could you help in such a way that would alleviate some pain, stress, burden, or pressure from their lives today? Do it! Do it today and do it with a humble, happy heart!
Sacrificial Love. Do you love sacrificially? Or is everything contingent on how you feel, are affected, or what you will receive in return? Jesus loved us sacrificially- He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16.
The love that we give should not be out of selfish ambition. Be it your spouse, your parent, close family member, or dear friend, does someone close to you need your sacrificial love today? Could you help in such a way that would alleviate some pain, stress, burden, or pressure from their lives today? Do it! Do it today and do it with a humble, happy heart!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Love Dare #21
Love Dare #21
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2
It's always someone else's fault. It is very hard to find someone with enough character and conviction to take responsibility for their own actions and short comings. If we're late, we blame it on the traffic, which we should have planned for. If we have a bad attitude, we excuse our rude and unnecessary behavior by blaming it on our hormones or circumstances or events that lead up to that point in your day, instead of preparing for our day by meeting with Jesus and asking for the Holy Spirit to permeate every fiber of our being, clothing ourselves in His righteousness. If a relationship fails or struggles, it's the other persons short comings and actions that is the cause, after all, we did everything right, right? Oh, boy, this is a tough one to hear. It's also tough when God reveals to us that a lot of what we blame and judge and disagree with in others, is a part of who we are also!
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5
I never realized I was a judgemental person until I was treated in the same way that I had been treating others. I thought I was 'helping' my friends and family. They obviously didn't know the right way to act and live. So it was my responsiblity to ridicule every decision they made in parenting and relationships and life. I felt the need to tell them what worked for me and that they should be doing the same. When God showed me this, I was mortified and ashamed. Although it had been some time since I had done these things, I began one by one calling up my wounded friends and family members and apologizing for my wrong behavior and hurtful words. There is still a bit of resentment on their part at times, because you see, when you treat people in this way there is a defensive wall that goes up. They think of you as the opposing team looking to tear them down unlike a teammate who builds up. It take a long while for them to let you back in and take down their protective wall.
In life and relationships we MUST take responsibility for our own actions, attitudes, and short comings. That is the only thing we have the power to change. WE CANNOT CHANGE OTHER PEOPLE. Nor does God want us to. It is not our responsibility to point out every wrong thing someone does in our eyes. We are all very different people. God intended it that way. Different people, fill different roles here on earth to bring glory to His kingdom. If there is something inside a person that concerns us, we are to pray for them, and love them, and listen when they need an ear, and offer words of encouragement, and give good, Godly counsel if it is asked of us- God will do the transforming.
So the big question is, have you been covering up your own wrong-doing and short comings by judging others and pointing out their every fault? Have you neglected to do a self-examination of your own heart and words and actions. Are you constantly pointing the finger at the other person(s), gossiping, placing yourself above others? Search your heart today and ask God to show you if these things are in you. Repent and pray for the nerve to contact those you've offended and judged to ask their forgiveness. Pray for a sweeter spirit and a heart that more resembles Christ than the world. Be an example to others by the way you act, speak, respond, and carry yourself- choose today to not be a stumbling block any longer.
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13
But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt. 16:23
A Simple Guide for Behavior
Matthew 7:1-5 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. *Taken from BibleGateway.com
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2
It's always someone else's fault. It is very hard to find someone with enough character and conviction to take responsibility for their own actions and short comings. If we're late, we blame it on the traffic, which we should have planned for. If we have a bad attitude, we excuse our rude and unnecessary behavior by blaming it on our hormones or circumstances or events that lead up to that point in your day, instead of preparing for our day by meeting with Jesus and asking for the Holy Spirit to permeate every fiber of our being, clothing ourselves in His righteousness. If a relationship fails or struggles, it's the other persons short comings and actions that is the cause, after all, we did everything right, right? Oh, boy, this is a tough one to hear. It's also tough when God reveals to us that a lot of what we blame and judge and disagree with in others, is a part of who we are also!
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5
I never realized I was a judgemental person until I was treated in the same way that I had been treating others. I thought I was 'helping' my friends and family. They obviously didn't know the right way to act and live. So it was my responsiblity to ridicule every decision they made in parenting and relationships and life. I felt the need to tell them what worked for me and that they should be doing the same. When God showed me this, I was mortified and ashamed. Although it had been some time since I had done these things, I began one by one calling up my wounded friends and family members and apologizing for my wrong behavior and hurtful words. There is still a bit of resentment on their part at times, because you see, when you treat people in this way there is a defensive wall that goes up. They think of you as the opposing team looking to tear them down unlike a teammate who builds up. It take a long while for them to let you back in and take down their protective wall.
In life and relationships we MUST take responsibility for our own actions, attitudes, and short comings. That is the only thing we have the power to change. WE CANNOT CHANGE OTHER PEOPLE. Nor does God want us to. It is not our responsibility to point out every wrong thing someone does in our eyes. We are all very different people. God intended it that way. Different people, fill different roles here on earth to bring glory to His kingdom. If there is something inside a person that concerns us, we are to pray for them, and love them, and listen when they need an ear, and offer words of encouragement, and give good, Godly counsel if it is asked of us- God will do the transforming.
So the big question is, have you been covering up your own wrong-doing and short comings by judging others and pointing out their every fault? Have you neglected to do a self-examination of your own heart and words and actions. Are you constantly pointing the finger at the other person(s), gossiping, placing yourself above others? Search your heart today and ask God to show you if these things are in you. Repent and pray for the nerve to contact those you've offended and judged to ask their forgiveness. Pray for a sweeter spirit and a heart that more resembles Christ than the world. Be an example to others by the way you act, speak, respond, and carry yourself- choose today to not be a stumbling block any longer.
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13
But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt. 16:23
A Simple Guide for Behavior
Matthew 7:1-5 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. *Taken from BibleGateway.com
Monday, March 16, 2009
Love Dare #20
Love Dare #20
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25-26
The sin of unforgiveness also separates us from God. If we hold resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness for someone in our hearts, it is taking up a space that God should fill. Don't let this sin keep you from the most intimate relationship you can have with your God.
Seek God's guidance today in forgiving those you have unforgiveness for. This is a huge step that should be bathed in prayer. But it must be done! Give it to him and let go of these worldly troubles so you can serve your God wholeheartedly.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25-26
The sin of unforgiveness also separates us from God. If we hold resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness for someone in our hearts, it is taking up a space that God should fill. Don't let this sin keep you from the most intimate relationship you can have with your God.
Seek God's guidance today in forgiving those you have unforgiveness for. This is a huge step that should be bathed in prayer. But it must be done! Give it to him and let go of these worldly troubles so you can serve your God wholeheartedly.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Love Dare #19
Love Dare #19
What do you lust after? Material Possessions? A higher position? Someone on the computer screen, at work, at church, or the corner store? *Lust is in opposition to love. It means to set your heart and passions on something forbidden. And for a believer it's the first step out of fellowship with the Lord and with others....Lust always breeds more lust. Lust will make you dissatisfied with [what you already have]. It breeds anger, numbs hearts, and destroys marriages. Rather than fullness, it leads to emptiness. "What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you?" (James 4:1).... Lust is a misguided thirst for satisfaction that only God can fulfill. Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you. When your eyes and heart are on Him, your actions will lead you to lasting joy, not to endless cycles of regret and condemnation. .....Are you tired of being lied to by lust? Are you fed up with believing that forbidden pleasures are able to keep you happy and content? Then begin setting your eyes on the Word of God. Let His promises of peace and Freedom work their way into your heart. Daily receive the unconditional love He has already proven to you through the cross. Focus on being grateful for everything God has already given to you rather than choosing discontentment.
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it . Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed-today-and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love. *
* Excerpt taken from The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick
What do you lust after? Material Possessions? A higher position? Someone on the computer screen, at work, at church, or the corner store? *Lust is in opposition to love. It means to set your heart and passions on something forbidden. And for a believer it's the first step out of fellowship with the Lord and with others....Lust always breeds more lust. Lust will make you dissatisfied with [what you already have]. It breeds anger, numbs hearts, and destroys marriages. Rather than fullness, it leads to emptiness. "What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you?" (James 4:1).... Lust is a misguided thirst for satisfaction that only God can fulfill. Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you. When your eyes and heart are on Him, your actions will lead you to lasting joy, not to endless cycles of regret and condemnation. .....Are you tired of being lied to by lust? Are you fed up with believing that forbidden pleasures are able to keep you happy and content? Then begin setting your eyes on the Word of God. Let His promises of peace and Freedom work their way into your heart. Daily receive the unconditional love He has already proven to you through the cross. Focus on being grateful for everything God has already given to you rather than choosing discontentment.
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it . Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed-today-and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love. *
* Excerpt taken from The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Love Dare #18
Love Dare #18
"Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump. Matthew 5:29-30
Temptation is all around us. We can not fool ourselves into thinking that we will never give in to temptation. More than likely you are dealing with an area of temptation right now.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1Peter 5:8-9
Prayer and God's word are the only way to combat temptation.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Just as Caleb did when he smashed his computer, remove anything that is hindering your relationship with Christ, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from Him.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
"Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump. Matthew 5:29-30
Temptation is all around us. We can not fool ourselves into thinking that we will never give in to temptation. More than likely you are dealing with an area of temptation right now.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1Peter 5:8-9
Prayer and God's word are the only way to combat temptation.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Just as Caleb did when he smashed his computer, remove anything that is hindering your relationship with Christ, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from Him.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
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