1 Corinthians 13:3 Nothing I give will matter.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. ~1 Corinthians 13:3

Many people believe that they can give more money or take on more responsibilities that eat up their time to make a difference. The problem with that philosophy is that it is centered in the “I” not in the “them” mentality. Even taking a seemingly pure concept executed with the wrong motives negates the power of the act. The action is not taken for the purpose of meeting another human being’s need. It is not taking into consideration another person’s feelings, sadness, or despair and trying to relieve their pain. Acts done for self- promotion are empty, selfish movements in the eyes of the Almighty.

The actions that make a difference are in giving out of pure love. Giving of money to someone because they desperately need it done completely out of love for them and not to elevate your status in their eyes. Giving of your time to an event so others can experience more love or help is giving out of a God-centered heart. Even giving of yourself to sacrifice for Christ must be done not as a holier-than-thou pious act, but done out of true love for your Savior. We walk a fine line as human beings to act out of love and not out of selfishness. But the pure heart is the heart God seeks.

Further Thoughts:

1. How did Christ demonstrate a pure heart and pure motives with His life?
2. Is your present giving – whether money, time, or actions – done out of love or for self-satisfaction? Explain.
3. What needs to change in your life to give out of love?

Father, make me conscious moment by moment that my motives are not selfish, but from a heart of pure love. Amen.

I Cor. 13:1-2 Nothing I say, know, believe, or accomplish will matter.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ~1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Every man and woman desires to live his or her life to mean something. They are looking for a life of significance – one that makes a difference. But too often what they end up actually pursuing is a life of success. There’s a big difference between the two. We can be successful in our educational endeavors or our careers by man’s standards. We may have thoughts that stump the greatest minds. You may have several degrees or make a lot of money. You may have hundreds of people who answer to you and be judged successful by the world. But even with all that, you still may not be living a life of significance.

How we love is how we will determine the mark we will make on our world – at least any mark that matters. God says that we can try and try to make a difference, but the only difference He cares about is through how we love. Love is where life truly and significantly happens.

Further Thoughts:

1. In what ways was Christ’s life unsuccessful but was significant?
2. What are you pursuing – success or significance? How is your life living that out?
3. How do you love God and others? Are you building significance into your life? If no, what needs to change?
4. Find other passages of Scripture that show us that significance is measured by love.

Lord, I want my life to make a difference in the way You would want. Teach me to love for significance. Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1 The New Community Defined By Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ~1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1

The word “love” has lost so much of its true meaning. Movies, television, and reduced societal moral values has lowered the meaning to lust, like, even tolerate. But that is not the design of the word used in 1 Corinthians. God’s love is an absolute love – one that “never fails.” It’s a love not for what you can do for me in return, but one of just because you are you.

Unconditional love is not something seen very often today. We don’t even see it in every situation between a parent and a child – which you’d expect. We certainly don’t see it consistently in marriages. On rare occasions we see love demonstrated through heroic acts of sacrifice, but those are few in comparison. So to completely understand what true love is and how to live that way in community with God and others, we can only look to the love God designed and Jesus lived out. That is true love and the most important foundation to community.

Further Thoughts:

1. What has been your experience with love? Give examples.
2. Have you ever known unconditional love from another human being?
3. Do you believe unconditional love is possible for mankind?
4. How can we live in true love for those around us? What needs to change in our thought process and actions?

Father, I don’t know how to truly love You and others except by Your example and through Your Spirit within me. Fill me with more love. Amen.

Colossians 3:20-21 "Parenting With Respect"

Read Colossians 3:20-21.

"Children, obey your parents...." NIV

Ironic, once again, to be writing on this passage today when I have a deadline for our parenting book. I'm trying to set aside the writing project for time to be with the Lord first.

I really want to focus mostly on the "Children/obedience" combo. So much disobedience among our kids today. The "me" generation thinks they know best (also just a product of teenager hormones) and disregard the parent's guidance/rules/directions. They've become so handy with information that they think they've received the wisdom to go with it. Obedience teaches so much more than just doing what you were told. You learn order, authority, wisdom, reason, discipline, submission, humility. I could go on, but I won't because I need to give equal time to verse 21.

Parents often end up frustrating their child through traditional rules (the ones our parents had for us and we blindly establish in our own homes without really thinking through their validity.) We frustrate them with doing exactly what we told them not to do (i.e. we yell, "Stop yelling!") or we start seeing them as commodities/or liabilities instead of human beings.

Both mandates boil down to mutual respect. If a child respects the parent for being the authority that God has placed over them, then they will be obedient. (Of course the parent needs to be living respectably as well. More is caught than taught.) Then the parent needs to treat a child with respect. There is a difference between punishing and disciplining. Yelling, screaming and beating have very different results to calm, firm, and deliberate. Don't get me wrong, I believe in spanking. But it must be done with purpose, not anger. There's a reason for the verse, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." A spoiled child makes for a rebellious future teenager.

Create a family foundation of love and respect fulfilling God's mandates and establishing a peaceful home.

Further Thoughts:

1. Parenting can be a controversial subject - even among believers. Agree with me or disagree? Why? Do you have Scripture to support your viewpoint?
2. I was going to ask, "Does anything need to change in how you parent?" but everyone always has something that can be at the very least tweaked. What area is that for you?
3. Are you being a disobedient child? If yes, why? Is that pleasing to the Lord?
4. Who in the Bible demonstrated a healthy pattern of parenting? What can you emulate from their example?
   

Colossians 3:12-17 "Clothe Yourselves, Part 2"

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

"... clothe yourselves...." NIV

Paul continues to teach us how to live as a member of the body of Christ and in His likeness. God has really been working on me in the area of forgiveness over the last couple of years. We all have people that hurt us at many different levels. Some things we can just brush off; others cause deep wounds that leave ugly scars. The main point to remember is that I'm not perfect; God forgave me; so I should forgive others. Easy words to say, but can be very difficult to live out.

The Word says that all of these virtues should be bound together with love. Love is not an affection, but a choice. This is an agape love -- the same sacrificial love that God has for me. I must live out my life in His love.

Then out of that love wrapped around all those virtues, we can live in the peace of Christ Jesus. Paul is beginning to sound a little like he's calling us to a 60's love fest, but he's right. We can have a peace that passes all understanding. We can forgive as we have been forgiven. We can love with the love that comes from the Father. These are all promises that we can stand on. And in a world of chaos, confusion, and fear why would I want to live any other way? I am thankful that He makes all of these things possible.

So I will hang close to the body -- helping others to grow in the Word and in wisdom, and they will help me. Worshipping together. Living and loving together. All for His honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is there someone you need to forgive that you haven't yet? Now is the time. Hurt may remain, relationships may change, but forgiveness is a choice that is possible. Do it in love.
2. Peace is a relative term. Are you living in a state of peace that you have defined or are you taking into account other's perspective of peace and accommodating them? Love would look out for the others over self.
3. Twice in this passage it speaks of "giving thanks." When was the last time you gave thanks to the Father for something other than the meal you were about to eat? Take some time each day to express your thanks to the Father. We have so much to be thankful for.

1 John 2:1-14 "True Love and Devotion"

Read 1 John 2:1-14.

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."NIV

As I was reading this, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend the other day. We were talking about the way we were raised, and we both were inundated with do's and don'ts in the Christian walk. Everything was centered around if you did good. And I don't mean necessarily doing good for others, just doing good. Following every commandment perfectly and following some commandments that were man-made.

The problem with this kind of upbringing is it's getting the cart before the horse. This philosophy instills a mindset that "If I do right, I'm a Christian and God will love me." First of all, God loves us all no matter who we are -- believers and unbelievers. So there is one false belief.

Secondly, the order is not 1) Do good, 2) I will be loved by God. The priority is loving God. Then out of loving Him, I desire to follow His commands.

As I was reading this passage, I could see why it might be misconstrued to mean the opposite. But then I had this thought. In those days marriages were often arranged. Therefore, commitment to a spouse would often come before the love for that spouse. They would marry out of respect for their fathers and duty to their family. They would faithfully go about the daily actions of being married until one day they realized they love that person. I think we've brought this mentality into the Christian faith and it fights against out mentality of love coming first.

The order of events is NOT 1) I want God to love me. 2) I don't want to go to hell. 3) I will follow  all the "Christian" requirements and rules. 4) That will show God that I love Him.

If you take Christianity in this order, you will fail. There's no foundation for what you are doing. Eventually the reality of hell begins to fade; doubts come in because the enemy knows you are resting your faith on a house of cards. And you eventually stop following the "rules" because, why bother? 

The true order of events is 1) God loves me enough to die on a cross for my sins. 2) I love Him and want to surrender my life to Him as my Lord. 3) Because I love Him so much, I want to follow His commands. I know that He has my best interests at heart and created boundaries because He loves me.

Can you see how this process will last so much longer? There's a foundation that will stand and a message of hope and love. Unfortunately, I was 30 years old before I figured this one out and truly began living a victorious and productive Christian life -- one out of love for my Father, not duty to my religion.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you trapped in the wrong mindset? Have you put duty to following right before actually loving and surrendering to God?
   
2. Compare and contrast the way I was raised (and the way many people view the Church and Christianity) with the Pharisees. 
   
3. Read how Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 22:34-40. And read my blog post on this passage. Find other passages that support this same thought.
   
4. How has the Church become know for what it doesn't do rather than for what it does? How do we change this?

1 Peter 4:1-6 "Suffering For Sin"

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6.

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." NIV

Have you ever read a passage and it grabs you? You're not even sure completely what it's meaning, but you are drawn. That happens often to me as I study, and this is one of those verses -- especially the last half. I've know many people who have suffered greatly because of their sin and were glad to leave it behind. But I've known even more who even though they've suffered, don't know how to get out of the sin, have their identity in it and don't want to leave, or in some strange way enjoy the suffering.

Masking the suffering of sin is a huge job for the enemy. He wants everyone to think sinning is much more fun than not sinning. He wants to discredit a straight path as being right- wing fundamentalism - said almost as a dirty word. He wants to make life without sin look boring and useless. But he is the great Deceiver, and we as believers must expose his lie. Oh, those sins may bring a temporary pleasure, but their consequences, both here on earth and in the judgement to come, far outweigh the momentary satisfaction.

How do we expose the Deceiver? By living our lives above reproach, by loving those who are stuck in the deception, by showing them the joy and freedom we have outside of a life of sin, by guiding them out of the lie. It's sort of like being in a dark tunnel, and you are the one in the front of the line with the only flashlight. You could just face the light forward so your path is clear. But it would be so much better if you'd stop and face the light behind you so others could see how to get where you are. You may not feel like you are capable of leading anyone else because you have not gone much farther than they have from their sin, but every little bit away helps. Just seeing a glimpse of a life free from the bondage of sin may be enough to encourage someone to take steps.

Further Thoughts:

1. What are some ways you have suffered because of sin?
2. Look up different examples of Jesus shining the flashlight for people to move away from their sin? How did He illuminate the pain of the sin? In what form did He present the hope?
   
3. Is there someone around you that you need to love out of sin and light the right path? What are some ways you can show them love? How are they going to see the right path?
4. Who do you need to thank for lighting the path for you?
5. How is the Old Testament a light for us?

1 Peter 3:8-12 "Good Over Evil"

Read 1 Peter 3:8-12.

"He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." NIV

Peter speaks a lot about purity and turning away from evil. He talks about it in our relationship with God, with the authorities over us, in our marriages, and now in our relationships with each other. He admonishes us to do good, not evil. 

What are ways we can have good relationships?

Live in harmony with one another: This kind of living requires looking out for the other person more than you look out for yourself. I just finished The Shack. Although I don't agree with everything in the book, it's a great read and thoughtful concepts on the Trinity and our place in the world. But in the book, the Trinity work together so beautifully because there is no power struggle. They are each looking out for the other's interests. That is the kind of relationship we should be having with one another.

Be sympathetic: I see grace coming in here. Whether it's sympathy for someone going through a hard time and needing comforting or it's ignoring harsh words directed at us and not about us. Again, this takes not saying to yourself, "What did I do to deserve that?" But trying to see life from another person's perspective and really understanding what they are going through. This one's tough because we tend to look at life through our eyes only. But a follower of Christ saved by grace needs to be denying self and extending grace whenever possible. Sympathy for a brother's situation is the beginning of building a strong relationship.

Love as brothers: Family. The body of Christ is a family. We watch out for family. We love them dearly. Even the most distant cousin is not a stranger to us -- they're family.

Be compassionate and humble: Here is where guarding the tongue can come in. Often we want to lash out with judgment against one another's actions or attitudes. It's easy to do. When we are not in the situation, our perspective can be clearer in distinguishing God's ways from man's ways. But with compassion and humility, we guard our tongue and speak in love and gentleness to one another. It doesn't mean we never speak "truth" into one another's lives. That is needed in a family. But it is done out of love and humility, not frustration and anger. Your brother may lash out at you, but never repay "evil for evil or insult with insult, but with a blessing."

Turning from evil and doing good is not easy. Only through the power of the Father can we walk humble and pure lives for His glory. Resist the power struggle. Shun the selfish desires. Put away the "me" filter and see others the way God sees them.

Further Thoughts:

1. Every time I want to find an exemplary person in the OT for doing good and for not repaying evil for evil I always come back to Joseph. He was an amazing man and knew how to live relationships through every step of his life -- wherever he was at. (Well, once he got past bragging to his brothers that they would one day bow down to him. But he was just a naive kid then. He had to grow up fast.) Reread about Joseph and list the relationships he had and how he exemplified a holy lifestyle.
   
2. Is there someone or someones you have difficulty relating to. Pray for them and try applying the above principles for one week. Then record what happens.
   

James 1:19-20 "Purposeful Communication"

James 1:19-20.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." NIV

Oh, how many difficulties, wars, divorces, and broken relationships could have been avoided if these verses had been written on everyone's heart. We each could read this every single day, and still not get it right. Let's look at each part of the verse.

"quick to listen" - How many times do we really listen when someone is talking to us? I would adventure not real often. Most of the time we are formulating in our mind what we will say next. We just don't seem to take enough time to really listen to what people are saying - both verbally and non-verbally. What are the nuances of their speech, word choice, body language? Are we just hearing words or discerning meaning? Communication takes time and time is precious. If this person is giving up time to speak to me, then I need to give them time and really listen to what they have have to say with attentiveness and respect. I don't have to agree with them to listen. I don't have to like what they are saying or even be interested in the topic. But to show them love as a human being, I need to honor them with my attention. Besides, you may be amazed at what you will learn.

"slow to speak" - Have you ever watched a wise elderly person. They never speak quickly. They choose their words very carefully and seem to always say something profound with each breath. That is what I am always striving for and seem to so often miss. I have a friend who before she answers her phone, she will pray for the person on the other end. We should take that approach before every conversation we have. "Lord, bless this person and may I speak wisdom and truth to them." Thinking through our words; letting the Father guide our conversations. Responding in love, not reacting in haste or anger. Taking time to breathe and speak from a place of peace rather than panic. Maybe in that pause realizing we must remain quiet.

"slow to become angry" - This is probably the toughest one of all three. Our first inclination and evidence of our sinful nature rearing its ugly head is lashing out at someone who is attacking us. Or maybe its because they are inconveniencing us. No matter what, anger usually is based in selfishness. You are doing or saying something I don't like, so I have a right to retaliate because I'm being hurt; I'm being inconvenienced; I'm not happy; I'm; I'm; I'm.

So many of our outbursts of anger could be quashed if we took time to listen and were slow to speak. It's all about slowing down in love. To truly express love to our fellow man, we must give them our time. Time to hear what they have to say -- not just in words -- but in meaning and heart. Time to speak truth and wisdom back to them -- guiding them in love. And time to save our anger for the things God would be angry about, not just exploding at every inconvenience to me. Then we will be living the righteous life that God desires.

Further Thoughts:

1. Study how Jesus responds in difference situations. His words are never wasted and His anger is reserved for very specific situations.
2. Work really hard today to listen intently. What are people really saying to you?
3. Pray before each conversation. It doesn't have to be a long prayer; simply commit your words to the Lord and ask for His guidance.
4. Check your anger. Before getting angry, stop and complete the first two directives -- quick to listen, slow to speak. Take time, in love, to understand the other person before spewing venom all over them. There may be hidden meanings behind their actions or words that you need to hear and understand.

Matthew 26:57-68 "Seeing the Truth"

Read Matthew 26:57-68.

"The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.'" NIV

Okay, first I have to laugh at his question. He wants Jesus to answer the question under oath to the "living God." The living God is standing right in front of him. So Jesus needs to answer under oath to Himself. What irony.

So I was wondering what I would be thinking if I was the high priest. Would I have been one of the leaders trying to find a way to kill Jesus? Would I have put Him on trial? Now these Jewish leaders had been raised studying the prophesies about the coming Messiah. They knew what was going to happen. So why when the Truth is standing in front of them, the fulfillment of all the prophesies they have learned, can they not see Him? What hinders us from seeing Jesus for who He is and believing?

Well, Jesus has already shown in previous chapters that the religious leaders had allowed sin into their lives through greed and corruption of power. They loved being in charge more than they loved the God they were supposed to be serving. When we displace the object of our love, we miss seeing the truth. We're back to focus and priorities again. In whom will we place our faith? The religious leaders had transferred their faith from the One True God and His Word to their man-made laws and selfish ambition . It didn't matter that Jesus was fulfilling the very prophesies they had heard all their lives. They couldn't see the Truth.

When we displace our love and can't see the Truth standing right in front of us, it can disorient us when circumstances become difficult. The Jews were very oppressed during this time by the Roman rule. Here they were in their promised land that God had vowed to them so many years before, but they were living under the iron fist of the Romans. They expected a Messiah to come riding in on a white horse ready to rally an army that could defeat the Romans. Instead they get a 33-year-old carpenter's son riding on a borrowed donkey. Not exactly the valiant warrior they were looking for. But because the focus of their love had been diverted, they couldn't see that Jesus could be the Messiah. Their vision was clouded by misdirection and circumstances.

If we keep our eyes focused on the Truth, surrendered to His ways, and not allow the circumstances around us to intercept His leading, we will stay on course.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is your love focused on Jesus Christ or do you focus on self first?
2. Have you surrendered your life to His lordship?
3. Are circumstances distracting you from from God's plan? Remember, He is an out-of-the-box thinker. Don't try to place Him in a box. The "logical" answer according to our human paradigm may not be the right answer. Be open to whatever and wherever He leads.

Matthew 24:1-35 "Are You Ready?"

Read Matthew 24:1-35.

"I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." NIV

I know Jesus is talking about the temple in this verse, but as I read it tied with the end of the age, it made me wonder where I put my time and talents. What are my priorities? The bottom line is, am I investing in people or in things.

Jesus gives us all kinds of signs to watch for the end of the age, but no one really knows when that will happen. Wars? We've got 'em. Famines and earthquakes? Check. The persecution? Some are already experiencing it. But it will become worse.

So when I'm facing the escalation of these events, where will I be - spiritually - to be able to stand them. Jesus says in verse 12, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Is my love established enough to stand firm or will it grow cold? I guess that depends on what I love now. Am I living out love for people or for things and positions? What are my motives for what I do? If I am only gaining power and more stuff, when persecution takes root in America, will I stand to defend something that I know will soon all be gone? Why would I? My love has been placed on crumbling stones that will "be thrown down."

But, if I build my life and priorities on love for God and for people, then I have a reason to stand. My purposes are higher than the temporal. I'm dealing in the eternal. Interesting that this passage comes so closely after the Matthew 22:34-40 passage on the greatest commandment. If I claim to be a Christian and follow the ways of the Pharisees, my heart will definitely grow cold when facing opposition. But if I follow the greatest commandment, completely enmesh my life in loving God and people, I will be ready for whatever comes in the future.

Even though these signs of the end seem far away, I'm establishing who I am right now -- for good or for bad. We certainly can't live for self and thinking, "I'll change when I need to." The decision is now. " We are faced with a choice as the Israelite people faced when Joshua said to them in Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV), "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Joshua 24. He lead the people to make the right choice.
2. So who do you serve? Analyze your activities, priorities, where you spend your money and time.... Do you use your time in love for God and people or in acquisition of money and things? Why?
3. We are told that Jesus will come in the "twinkling of an eye." When that happens, we are either ready or we aren't? Are you ready? Why or why not?

Matthew 22:34-40 "The Greatest Commandment, Part 1"

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." NIV

Did you really think I'd skip over this passage? Of course not! These few sentences are the heart of all our Christian walk and purpose on this earth; so they are getting two posts.

Today I just want to address the loving God part. Actually, I could use 3 posts to cover heart, soul and mind; four if using Mark's version that includes strength. But I'll try to do it all in one.

This passage says that we are to love God with our entire being. He covers it in each of the parts that we are made of -- heart - emotions; soul - spirit; mind - intellect; and strength is physical body. In every area of our life, we are to live it in love to Him. How do we do that?

Heart: Where do we place our passions and priorities -- our time? Are they in activities that serve Him or serve ourselves? Scripture says that our words come out of our heart. Are my words reflecting a heart devoted to God or do they fall short? If they are not glorifying Him, why not? What in my life have I not surrendered to Him that is controlling my passions? I want my heart to be completely devoted to God and that will be shown by the words I speak and the activities I choose to invest my time in.

Soul: This is our spiritual side; the part that makes me the person that I am. My soul encompasses my personality and God-given gifts. This is the only part of me that will continue on after my body is dead and gone. It's what makes me the individual that God designed me to be. Am I loving Him back with what He gave me to be me? Do I allow my personality to reflect the personality of Christ or do I allow the enemy and sin to distort what God created? Am I using the gifts He placed within me for His glory? I don't have to be in full-time career ministry to minister. My gifts were designed to be used in any job I take so He will be glorified.

Mind: My intellect. What am I filling my mind with? Do I fill it with Truth and Thanksgiving or with lies and the filth of the world? What I read, listen to, and watch will affect my mind and determine if it is turned towards God or towards earthly passions. Another aspect of loving God through surrendering the mind is by not retaining pride in my intellect. Too often we try to figure things out on our own. We rely on education and reasoning skills and don't rely on God's leading and power in our life. That is pride -- the opposite of surrender. In following and loving God with our mind, we must follow the instructions of Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Lord, help me to guard what I put into my mind and to use it only to glorify You through surrender and trust.

Strength: My physical body and it's actions. This one is closely tied with the heart -- my actions and where I spend my time. Am I wasting my strength on things that either are of the world and against what God teaches, or just plain laziness? Or am I working diligently for Him and His purposes? Unfortunately for some, loving God with physical strength means even to death for Him. The Persecuted Church is very real in many countries. To this point, the U.S. has been spared, but our day could be coming. Will I love God with all my physical strength when my faith is put to the test? God, let it be so.

God doesn't command us to love Him on Sunday or in those times that I open my Bible or go to an occasional spiritual retreat. I am to love Him with my whole being all of the time. That is full devotion. It is not just for the church leaders or a special few to follow. He calls all of us to full devotion to Him and His purposes with our entire being.

Lord, if there is any area in my life that is not completely devoted to You, please reveal it to me so I can surrender it to You. I want every part of my being to glorify You and You alone.

Further Thoughts:

1. This is a very short synopsis of this verse. Do further studies in the Scriptures and commentaries on the heart, soul, mind, and strength and all they encompass.
2. Does God demand full devotion? Support your answer with Scripture.
3. Examine your own life. In each of these areas, how are you doing? Remember, not that every activity in our life must be centered around something spiritual. For example, working out at the gym. How can I love God with my workout? I'm taking care of the body that He gave me to use for His glory -- keeping it healthy. I can develop relationships with others in the gym -- relationships that may possibly lead to salvations. I can simply show the love of Christ to others while I am in the gym through my actions and attitude. Even in sweaty workout clothes, I can be Christ with skin on to someone who needs to see Jesus.
4. Make a list of your activities and how you can love God through them.
5. Are there areas in your life that you are not loving God? If you aren't sure, ask Him to reveal them. Then change them. You can choose to live in full devotion. Choose this day who you will serve and then do it with everything you've got.

Matthew 18:15-18 "Confrontation"

Read Matthew 18:15-18.

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." NIV

How often are we looking for a 3-5 step process in the Bible that will show us how to get out of a problem situation? But the Bible deals more with relationship than a process. Here we are actually given steps to take when sin occurs between brothers/sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, we are so much better at gossip than we are at confrontation. It just seems to come naturally to our desire for self-preservation. If we confront, we may have to deal with hostility or just someone not liking us anymore, and no one wants that. Maybe that's why God wrote down the steps so clearly.

So how are we to handle confrontation? Directly, humbly and in love. Remember, this is talking about a Christian brother or sister that you are confronting that has wronged you. We're family(which can actually make the sin more hurtful), but we must preserve that relationship at all cost, as well as, help each other out of sinful choices.

"Directly" comes from this passage. Go and show him his fault. Putting it off can only make things worse. Of course, depending on your personality, you may need a little buffer time to prepare your heart and attitude so you are acting not out of selfishness, but love.

"Humbly" is how we should approach anyone who has sinned. We must always filter our hurt through the fact that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Except for the grace of our Lord, I would be drowning in sin. I am not perfect but on a process of perfection just like my brother/sister. So with the same grace that I was afforded by our Lord, I should give to those who sin against me.

"In love" is my heart position. Love is patient, kind, ...keeps no record of wrong. Love preserves a relationship because we are united in Christ. Therefore, we should always try to mend the broken pieces of a relationship.

The reality is that the person may not be sorry for sinning against you or even believe it was a sin. (That's when you head to steps two and three.) But even though it takes the sad turn of unrepentance, you will have done what you could to preserve the relationship and their soul. This is the hardest part of all -- leaving someone to the sin they have chosen. But if we have taken the steps with a right heart and attitude, we will have done all we could do. The rest in the Lord's hands.

Further Thoughts:

1. How did David handle Saul's sins against him? Read 1 Samuel 24 and 26.
2. How did Jesus handle Judas' sin against him?
3. Is there someone you need to confront? Don't wait. Pray and then go. The Lord will give you the right words to say.

Matthew 5:43-48 "Love Who?"

Read Matthew 5:43-48.

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...." NIV

I can accept not seeking revenge on my enemies. Revenge is just stooping to their level of evil. But loving my enemies? That's a whole different level to reach and seems absolutely impossible -- until you read the rest of the passage. God puts everything into manageable perspective, doesn't He?

When I stop to consider that the world around us was created for the good and the wicked. That God sent His Son for all men and woman regardless of their state of heart. That I am a mere sinner saved by grace -- a gift I did not deserve. Then what right do I have to withhold love and forgiveness from my enemies. If I do, I am just exhibiting the same arrogance that my enemies display in doing evil. So I become no different than my enemy.

We are given a higher calling -- one that rises above the pettiness of revenge, jealousy, or evil. We are to be set apart from the world by our actions that run counter to the world's actions and set a higher moral standard. It's easy to hate those who hate you. The harder job is to love them. By loving our enemies, we are demonstrating to a lost world a better way. Christ never sets the bar lower; He always raises it to a height that we must rely on Him to achieve.

Lord, fill me with more love so I can love my enemies. I want to show them more of You and less of me and the world. Let them see You through me even in all my imperfections.

Further Thoughts:

1. This definitely calls for a rereading of 1 Corinthians 13.
2. Remember how you were once an enemy of God. Read Romans 5:1-11 and thank Him for His love for you.
3. What is the difference between hating the evil and hating the evil doer? Support with Scripture.
4. Are we hated for who we are or for what we represent? How do we separate out the two in our own minds and rise above the situation? Support with Scripture.
5. What are some practical ways to show love to your enemy? Read Proverbs 25:21-22.
6. Do you have any enemies? Stop right now and pray for them. Then ask God to direct you in how to show your enemy love. You can do it through His power.