Agape Love - Kill Them With Kindness

For mock elections senior year of high school, I was voted "nicest" female. While this was an endearing sort of achievement for me, I'm learning that nice isn't the same as kind. Nice is a "push over" term, while "kind" is a more solid sort of nice. It has guts and a backbone. Nice is swayed by a situation, while kind holds true to what is right for the other person. Nice would listen to your four year old when they cry because they don't want the medicine, but kind would force them to take the medicine because you know it will prevent them from getting sicker. Nice protects yourself, but kind protects the other person. Kindness packs a punch, while nice takes the punch. There's a reason why people say "kill them with kindness," and why it is important for Agape Love.

We don't realize that kindness is actually a powerful tool. It is something that plants seeds for changing hearts. The word for "kind" in the context of 1 Corinthians 13 means to "show oneself useful," or "to show your mildness." It is used as a verb, not a adjective, meaning the word "kind" here is a moving word, and action word. This implies many things about being kind in showing love.

Kindness is helpful, not hurtful. In all honestly, some forms of nice mean it's also harmful, whether to yourself or to the person you're trying to be nice to. Nice isn't always honest and nice is draining. Kindness is an all around blessing that benefits everyone. You may sacrifice to show the kindness, but you are blessed through it. Kindness promotes positivity and joy. It displays something on the outside, making what is on the inside evident.

Kindness is polite. Even when you don't feel like being polite. Proverbs 15:1 says

"A soft word stirs up wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

It is amazing how far a kind word of understanding can douse a heated situation. To pour genuine kindness out in a loud, rude world reveals a greatness of love. We truly live in a world that thrives on selfishness and rudeness, with occasional acts of kindness. The louder you are the better you feel. The louder you are about your beliefs, your opinions, your stance, your situation, the more of difference you believe you make, but that is not true by this definition of love.

Love is kind. Love is being helpful. Love is mild. Not rude. Not hurtful. Not heated. How do we strive for this kind of a smell in our Christian lives? How do we douse the loudness of an opinionated world? Could you imagine if we simply showed up on the front lines to offer a helping hand, rather than making a statement? How would this change our world, indeed, because everyone is trying to make a statement right now. Let's allow kindness to be our statement.

Kindness listens and strives to understand. Kindness offers the people you don't agree with in the picket line a bottle of water. Kindness meets the need rather than feeds the greed. Kindness packs a punch of humility, rather than an opinionated pedestal. Kindness offers words that build up in what we are for, rather than arguing with words of what we are against. Kindness puts someone ahead of you, even if you don't agree with them because you know kindness makes all the difference.

Change this world with kindness. Love will shine through.

Scripture to Read:
1 Corinthians 13, Titus 3:4,

Questions to Ponder:
How has Christ shown us kindness, even when He doesn't agree with everything we do?
How is kindness a word of action?
How can you show kindness to someone you don't necessarily agree with this week?

Teaching of Jesus - Go the Extra Mile

One of the lowest times of my life actually ended up being one of the most spiritually high ones for me. After facing a medical crisis after my daughter was born (she was almost 2 weeks old), I got myself a helicopter ride and a major surgery out of it. I can't even begin to tell you the chaos that was going through my mind as I was wheeled to a waiting helicopter, leaving my newborn and husband behind, unsure of seeing them again. It was crazy how fast things changed in the matter of an hour. However, as I came through surgery and a painful recovery, I was blessed. People literally rallied around my family that I didn't even know. Cards, finances, daily gifts, child care, prayers, update web pages, rides for my husband, paying our bills, visits...I can't even remember half of them (drugs do that to you)! But my life was incredibly blessed because people were willing to go the extra mile for me and my family.

I think going the extra mile for someone not only blesses them, but it is a huge testimony. Jesus actually tells us to go the extra mile for someone:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42

The Roman law at the time Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount required anyone to carry a soldier’s gear for 1 mile if asked. Jesus however, tells you to not only fulfill the 1 mile, but to go 2 miles. I'm sure if someone were to approach you on a hot day and ask you to carry their heavy gear a mile, you would probably grumble and complain under your breath, but do it because you had to. I know I probably would. But imagine if when you get to the end of your mile, and the soldier reaches to take his stuff back, you stop him and say "no, that's ok. Let's go another mile." I'm sure this wasn't common, as the Romans weren't that smiled upon as rulers over the people.

What is the difference between mile 1 and mile 2, though? If you really stop to picture this scenario, can you see why this would be a surprising situation. Imagine the questions and conversation that would come up between the soldier and the person walking the extra mile. I'm sure the "why" question would come forth.

Apply this thought to something else today. If you just go out of your way to bless someone else and open conversations, not because you have to, but because you want to, imagine the impact or the seed this could plant. Mile 1 fulfilled an obligation, but mile 2 opened a conversation. We should never expect someone to go an extra mile for us, because then we are the ones who have the wrong frame of mind, but we should always be looking for ways to go the extra mile for someone else. Not only will this cause someone else's day to brighten, but you will be blown away by how much it will blow your mind.

Who is someone on your mind that you could bless today? It never has to be anything huge. I have been blessed so deeply by a simple card with lovely words. Go the extra mile to encourage someone. The story and testimony it portrays is bigger than you would think. There is a reason Jesus makes it a point to tell the people to do this. He knew that with kindness and sacrifice comes a relationship.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 5:38-42, Mark 12:29-31, Galatians 6:9-10

Questions to Ponder:
When has someone gone the extra mile for you? How did it make you feel?
Who is someone you can go the extra mile for? What could you do for them?
How does showing kindness go a long ways for sharing your faith and foundation?

Teachings of Jesus - Talents

I just love seeing a collaboration of gifts play out for a bigger picture. Church is an example of this, as people step up to share their various talents, from a smiling face at a door greeting, to rocking babies in the nursery, to singing in worship. It is truly something heavenly when people can use their piece to provide a means of testimony, no matter how big or small they feel their talent is. Working at camp was another example that I enjoyed seeing played out. I just loved seeing and getting to know everyone and what made them tick. I would never touch a skateboard, but we had guys (and gals) that could rock those things. And everyone of them carries a story with their talents and gifts. How they came to love this thing. How they came to use it for Jesus. How they grew from it. It's just awesome.

As Jesus shares in Matthew 25:14-30, a parable about how to give back through the resources He gives us, we can't help but cringe a little reading that story. The truth of the matter is, all of what we have has been given to us from God. He gives to us based on how well we use what we have to further His purpose, and that is Kingdom expansion. There are some things we need to take note of here, however:

Using our gifts and talents takes work on our part. If you notice in this reading, the servants who had a return on their talents were the ones who went out and did something to earn more. They doubled their starting amount and the master was pleased with how they had worked with it. The one servant, however did nothing. Yes, he kept it safe, as he justified in the passage, but he also brought nothing out of it to help his master.

The master also gave his servants a different amount of gold each. He knew what each one was capable of. Perhaps the first servant had proved before many times that he was reliable and would do what he was supposed to with his gold, thus the master trusted him with more. On the flip side, the last servant didn't get as much because he really didn't do anything with what was given to him, defeating the whole purpose of being handed a bag of gold in the first place. As we place this principal with what we have been given, would you say you are the first servant, doing what you can to use your gifts wisely to fulfill your master's purpose and mission? Or are you considered the 3rd servant, trusted with little and returning with little? This is a hard pill to swallow, but a necessary one if you truly want to grow in the mission.

Finally, we see that we work for Christ. Nothing else in this world matters, but furthering His Kingdom. That is our mission. We do that through our gifts, our talents, our resources, our love for people. He has given us what we need to accomplish this in the unique ways He created us. We can use our gifts for our own, selfish purposes, or we can do it for an eternity of good on behalf of something greater than ourselves. You will be held accountable and God will give you what you can be trusted with. How you use it is up to you.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 25:14-30; Ephesians 2:10

Questions to Ponder:
What are some gifts, talents, resources that God has given to you?
How are you using these things for His good?
How does Ephesians 2:10 tie into this concept?

Day 131: Be a Light

Day 131
Judges 19-21; 1 Corinthians 14

Sometimes, it take tragic events or desperate hardship to realize we have drifted so far from God. It is up to us as followers of Christ to be a light in those dark times. Today, we will see how terrible it is to drift from God and lose loyalty to Him. Our awakening can be quite harsh at times.

The events of the last books of Judges are quite atrocious. Because of Israel's drifting and the morels of the world at that time, we see how incredibly wicked people were. When a person drifts, a country drifts, a world drifts, we lose sight of where our standards lie, and in time, our standards come from the person next to us, or the country next to us, or the group of people who are "worse than I am". Rather than looking side to side, think about looking up for your standards. Keeping your loyalties in God is the most solid thing you can do to anchor down.

Notice that the people finally started talking to God after this tragic incident. It took something like this for them to realize that God was missing from their picture - because of them drifting and losing sight of Him. Unfortunately, this had been a pattern for the Israelites as kings and leaders came in and out of the picture of their history. The whole situation with the concubine was insane, and the matter shouldn't have even left that community. Yet, it blew up and gave people a reason to go to war, so they did. Because this matter was not handled properly, within the bounds of the community it happened in, it got carried away across the nation. How many times do we blow things so far out of proportion, that rather than letting the process handle the judgement, we rely on our emotions and "right to revenge" work ahead?

The biggest thing we can take from this, and from the entire book of judges is that we need to trust God. When we drift away, we fall out of His direction, guidance, law, light...As a result, atrocious things happen, and we want to blame Him for it, when all along, we wanted nothing to do with Him because we thought our way was better. Let Him light your way in all circumstances. He is the Light that will drive out the darkness in this world, our nation, and our hearts. Be loyal to a God Who has set the system out before us and wants the best for us.

Be a light in your church. Don't walk in asking what you can get from the church, but walk in asking what you can offer to your church and do for it. We need to remember that Paul is writing specifically to the situations that were occurring in the church of Corinth. Many were view church selfishly and wanting their way, when really, Paul wanted the people to work together as one under the One Who guides them. Many wanted to offer their opinions and make the choice on who was smartest, most gifted, wisest, etc. How often do you want to simply "show off" what you're gifted at? There is nothing wrong with showing it off, but there is a lot wrong with doing it out of selfish motive, rather than for the sake of being a light for Christ.

We are all entitled to our opinions, however, we are not to let our opinions overshadow that of God's direction. We can talk for the sake of talking and "being heard", but don't talk for only for that reason. Offer light and love to those you worship alongside of. Remember back to 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul told the people that if they speak without love they are as annoying as a gong. Don't be that person. Speak with love to further the Kingdom, for the sake of the Kingdom and bringing people to it. Don't speak with hate and intent to draw lines in the sand and prevent people who are broken like you from entering God's Kingdom because you put the sour taste in their mouth. Be light. Offer light.

Look to the Light to guide you, and be a light to the people around you. Don't allow hate and revenge to take over the love you should be offering in an effort to further God's Kingdom. His Kingdom isn't exclusive, but available to all who want it. Make sure people know God wants them in it. Walk into your church thinking about what you can give, not what you can get from it. Change your view on people you don't particularly agree with and be a light in love. They are broken like you.

Day 108: Heart Health

Day 108
Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 12:28-44

Your heart is the central part of your body that keeps blood flowing and nourished with oxygen so you can continue living. Without a healthy heart, other body parts start to suffer, and eventually your entire body shuts down. Keeping your physical heart healthy is vital to a healthy body. The spiritual heart, however, is even more vital to your life. A healthy spiritual heart is what God sees and considers. Today, we'll look at what this means and how it's done.

There are certain things you naturally do if you indeed have a heart that yearns for God. In our trading in Mark today, we encounter the greatest commandments, which are love God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, and equally as great, love your neighbor as yourself. If your heart is one filled with taking pleasure in pleasing God, you will find these to come naturally. However, we are humans, and we tend to self-sustain, self-preserve, self-indulge, self-serve more than we should. We will fall short, as Jesus was the only One Who lived perfectly. Deep down we know we should show compassion to the people who drain us, and we should speak lovingly to the people who hate us, but needless to say, it's hard. We need to get heart healthy to see them the way God sees them.

How do we do it? In Deuteronomy, we discover how the people will get to experience God's blessings in their lives versus the curses. In agreeing to obey God, they are claiming allegiance to Him, and calling Him their God. Over and over we read about the presence God had with them and the presence He wanted with them. On the flip side, we read about the people when they truly experienced God's presence and when they only wanted God to protect them and obeyed to simply stay out of trouble. It goes deeper than wanting to stay on God's good side. Our obedience to Him must be a way of life if we truly want that heart that beats for Him. Get closer to Him by obedience to Him, cutting out things that you put before Him, and spending time with Him. Want to get closer to Him. Remember, if you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him. Stay spiritually heart healthy by remaining in His presence, as the Israelites learn the blessings of it.

All of the commands we read in the Bible boil down to these greatest two, as we discussed earlier. Love God, love people. Our hearts, our whole hearts should love Him fully. If we permeate Christ through our entire being, we will live lives that are spiritually sound and full of faith. Your worries will be on His will and His way, rather than your own. 

Don't worry about how you look to the people around you. The religious leaders were out to impress with their wordy prayers, upholding the legalistic rules, and flaunting their robes. Their hearts were not right, as they self-served. Worry about what God thinks of you. If we live our lives trying to appeal to people, we will die of rejection, and the glory is going to the wrong place (you). Our performance is not what God is looking at. The motive and state of our hearts are. 

Finally, a spiritually healthy heart gives from the heart and with faith. We can hold back because we don't want to give of our time and money in fear we'll be short or burn out. However, giving from the heart will feel different. As we read of the poor widow giving all she had, Jesus points out that she gave more than the others. She gave it all. It's not bad to give a portion of your income, in fact it is advised throughout the Bible, but Jesus is pointing out the heart motives here, not the amounts. The widow had faith God would take care of her, so she gave it all. Her attitude in giving was much different than the rich. She gave willingly and out of joy, while the others gave out of obligation and reputation. Check your heart for what attitude it has.

Give yourself a spiritual heart check up. Do you long to obey God and remain in His presence? Do you love God fully with all your heart, mind, and strength? Do you care about how you look to others more than you care about how you look to God? Do you have an attitude that trusts Him in your giving? Be aware of your heart health, as that is what God sees when He looks at You. Strive to impress Him and not the people around you. 

Day 104: Worldly Yearnings

Day 104
Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 10:1-31

One of the biggest struggles for us as a culture is the need for stuff. We always want more or the next best thing we can get. Savvy electronics, fun toys, a bigger camper, a bigger house, nicer car, etc. It's hard to walk in this world and not get bombarded by the media and it telling us what we need. Because everyone falls into the trap, you too, may find yourself in the trap with them. None of these things are bad. I like my toys and smart electronics as much as the next person. However, we can't allow those things to take the place of our zeal for Christ in our hearts. Check your heart this morning and make sure that you not only know your need for Christ, but you know your level of want for Him.

The Israelites are warned over and over again throughout Moses' final words to be careful of not allowing other gods to rule in their hearts. This may sound like something of the "older times" to you, but other gods can be more than a spirit or sculpture. They can be the way we long for certain things more than we long for God. A video game. The newest iPhone. An achievement you're working towards. A Pinterest-beautiful house. A person. The idea of your future and daydreaming constantly about it. If you aren't careful, these things can completely take over your mind and cause you to not even acknowledge Christ in the center of your life. We read about these gods of that time that God warned the people about. He wanted them to have nothing to do with them. In fact, they were to burn that land to the ground. How serious are you about getting rid of something that comes before God in your life?

The flip side of this, is to give to God. Rather than obsessing about your Pinterest-beautiful home, obsess about how God would want you to open your home. Rather than obsessing about that achievement you so desperately want to earn, give God your morning, then go work on it, pray over it, and give God the glory no matter the outcome. Rather than always being on your iPhone, use your iPhone to study scripture and connect with someone that needs to know Christ through it's ridiculous features. God tells the people to bring their tithes to Him before anything else. Do you give your money to yourself, or do you give God the FIRST of it? Trust Him. Allow Him to use those desires of your heart or to get rid of them if they don't align with His plan for you.

One thing mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is that there should be no poor among the people. Could you imagine if there were no poor in your community? If we all give a little and take care of one another regardless of what we believe about poor people, the world would be a better place. We tend to jump to conclusions about the poor - like they got themselves there, or they don't deserve what you have earned, etc. We aren't called to judge though; we are called to love. Don't bother asking questions if you have the opportunity to be a light to those in need instead. Your grace towards them will be a beautiful picture of God's grace. We need to let go of this world's perception of "you deserve it all", and the entitlement of keeping what is ours. Give and give freely, to God and to others.

Jesus states something a little scary in Mark 10. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." Talk about a statement. What Jesus is getting at here however, is that you can't love money more than Him. The rich ruler loved his stuff. He had a lot of it and he didn't want to part with it or his money. If you look at all you have, including your material possessions, your money, even your family, your friends, etc., would you still love God if those things went away? This is the foundation of your heart. If you can't picture life without something or someone and still love God and trust in Him, you have a heart issue. It is a tough pill to swallow and even one that you may believe is a cruel one, but it is where your loyalties truly lie. It's hard to lose someone, or a lose a huge sum of money, but ultimately our hearts belong to God. Those things and those people He has given us also belong to Him.

What does your heart long for? Are you in a struggle between what you want and what God wants for you? Do you trust Him enough to be able to look at all of your stuff and the people in your life and truly say "yes, Lord. Those things, those people are Yours." If you were to lose everything, would you still love God? The world says we need more and greater. God says we need Him and less. You may tell God you need Him, but He wants to know that you actually want Him too. Consider this concept today and take inventory of your heart's desires, longings, and spiritual health.

Day 89: Ups and Downs

Day 89
Numbers 14-15; Mark 1

Whenever we face a high point in life and in our spiritual walks, we can usually be certain that a downward spiral isn't far behind. While this sounds scary or disheartening, we can rest assured that if we truly place it in the hands of our Father, that upward swing will come back. Today we read about instances in the lives of the Israelites and in Jesus' life of highs and lows. We also discover how important it is to keep Christ at the center and forefront of our lives to keep us in check during those swings.

As we continue to read of the Israelites' dismay at the land that is seemingly impossible to occupy. However, we need to keep in mind all of the miracles and hardships God has already pulled them through to get them there. It is incredibly generous of God to bring them to this land filled with blessing despite the grumblings and complaints of the people all along. Now, as the people continue to grumble and flat out reject the gift from God, the wrath of God pours out on them and is revoked from their generation, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua who had faith. Even after God had taken it away, the people realized they did want the land and tried to occupy it, but were chased far away.

Remember to look at what God has given you and what He has already done for you before complaining about what He is handing you. If you has pulled you out of the muck before, He sure will do it again if it is His will and direction for you. Don't look at the highs as lows in your life. Be thankful for all He has provided and don't wish for more or better. What He has given you is the best for you.

We need to make sure God is a priority in our lives each and every day. When we face those times in our lives that are high, it is easy to forget our dependence on Him and His strength, because it's not a high demand at the time. When we face those low times in life, it is easier to face when we have the relationship with Christ at our right hand, guiding us and showing us how to make it through. The Israelites had standards for coming before the Lord in their sacrifices and how they respected the Sabbath. While those standards aren't held to us and we have the freedom to come before God whenever and wherever we are, it is still important to make it a habit. Because we may not be stoned for dishonoring the Sabbath Day, life may be a little more tricky to navigate without spending time getting to know God and His voice.

Jesus experienced these highs and lows throughout His ministry. As we read about His story through the Gospel of Mark, we can see how Jesus seemed to live from a high to a low and back again. Jesus was baptized, then tempted, and his friend, John the Baptist was arrested. Then He called His disciples and began His ministry, healing many and carrying out the will of His Father.Notice, however that Jesus prays in an isolated place. Even He needed to take time to reconnect with His Father and know the direction He was going in. If Jesus set this example for us, we need to do this more than ever with each day.

One thing I'm intrigued by is the interaction that comes between Jesus and the man with leprosy. This man, who was probably feeling lower than low at the time, tells Jesus "If You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean." How often do you face something so low in life and say to Jesus "if You are willing...?" But do you know what the man did here? He gave the power to Jesus and made it His choice. He would have been fine either way, because he trusted what God was making out of his life that much. Jesus heals him, and tells him not to tell anyone else about it. However, the excitement this man had about being healed was something he couldn't keep to himself, and as a result Jesus was surrounded and followed everywhere He went. This man's low, his fear, became such a huge high and full of faith. Because he shared of his hope and his redemption, the Good News was shared.

You can be on a mountain top right now, or in the lowest pit possible in life, but know that in a blink of an eye, that can all change. How you handle your highs and your lows shares a story about Who Jesus is to you. Is His will enough for you? Don't underestimate a God Who has pulled you through before and complain about what He hands you. Don't neglect your time with Him and forget His voice when life is going well, because when you fall into that pit, you need to remember what His voice sounds like. Share the hope you have and remember to leave the choice in His hands for your life. He is creating something beautiful out of those highs and lows.

Day 81: Givers and Takers

Day 81

Psalm 36-37

If it is one thing I have learned over the last few months, there is a vibe left by those who take that completely contradicts that of those who give. I can't even tell you how broken, depressed and hopeless takers have made me, yet, Jesus warns us that those "thieves" come to steal and destroy. Rather than always thinking of the material things that are taken from us, it all became clear to me that Jesus came to seek and save us, while others who steal joy will be pushed aside. 

Our reading in Psalms today is no different in offering the hope that comes from giving, even when takers are everywhere. David is struggling with the poison that comes from that vibe of wicked people. He questions himself and feels the joy being sucked right out of his life as he continues to run from his enemies. I can only imagine how draining it is for David to be in such a situation of the feeling of constant judgement, wickedness, and hate towards him.

There are perks to being a giving, Godly person. God will lead you. He delights in you. Even when they stumble, they will never fall. (Ps. 37:23-24) I think we sometimes fear giving of so much of ourselves. This is understandable. People hurt you. People take advantage. People leech to you. It's a tough world in the one of a giving spirit. However, God's promises are that we don't have to go it alone. We never need to worry about losing anything in this life because He is the ultimate thing we need. David tells us not to worry because the wicked will fade away.

We serve a giving God. He gave us the ultimate sacrifice and He gives to us on a daily basis if we truly trust in Him. "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep." 36:5-6

His giving is endless and immeasurable. We can be a piece of that in someone's life, and continue to be filled up by Him. The readings of these Psalms tell us how we are to be and the blessings and consequences that come with each. 

 

Be someone who pours into the lives of others around you. There is a reason God placed people in your life right in front of you. Don't steal joy or cause someone to question their worth. Continue to give for the Lord in all you do. Work as if you work for Him, because even if your life and your work feels meaningless, it has purpose. Remember that the people who continue to take from you will soon fade. Do the will of God and you will have all you need. 

Day 77: Give it All

Day 77

Leviticus 23-24; Matthew 27:32-66

As we read about the various celebrations and festivals that took place among the Israelite people, we see a pattern in how they were instructed to give their first fruits, best sacrifices and Sabbath days to their God. The priority of bringing their best to Him is honestly a refreshing concept as we live in a day in age that likes to take the best for themselves before they give anything, if anything, to others, let alone to the Lord.

But, as you can probably gather here, we serve a jealous God, that demands the first, the best, the priority in everything we do. We can not have divided loyalties when we come before Him with pure hearts. Nothing in this world can do for us what He did for us, however, as you read today in our Matthew passage.

Jesus suffered utter torment on our behalf. Like the individual who was stoned in our Leviticus reading, He was also isolated, but from His Father, as He called out "My God, My God, why have You abandoned me?" Sin in the Old Testament times caused a person to be cut off from the community, whether it was for a few days or forever. Jesus did this as He took our sin on the cross. He bore that burden for us. As He died, the veil that separated us from His presence (as custom in the tabernacle) was torn in two, allowing a way for us to personally interact and grow in God. Jesus gave us this gift and made it so we don't have to face this world alone.

Jesus gave it all for us. We are to bring our best for Him. When we say "yes" to allowing Christ to rule in our lives, that is a "yes" to embedding Him in every single area of it. This is hard to do, but so freeing when you do. What part do you need to give to Him fully? Bring Him the first of your day, your earnings, your trust, your relationships, your everything. Give it all. 

Day 57 - Christ's Compassion

Day 57
Exodus 27-28, Matthew 14

The intricacies of the piecing together of tabernacle and the logistics of it is definitely an indication of how detailed and intricate our God is. This shows how detailed He is with our lives and our hearts too! He cares about every aspect of our lives, no matter how trivial and complicated our situation may seem. He knows and He wants you to come to Him.

Our reading in Matthew today is a prime example of God's heart for us, as we see the compassion, sadness, and care that Jesus shows here. As Jesus receives word that his friend, John the Baptist, was killed He tries to go find solitude to grieve. But as we read, the people follow Him and He notices the need that is before Him. Rather than avoiding the multitude of people tracking Him down, Jesus feeds them by performing a miraculous feat in multiplying the bread and fishes.

When we read of Peter walking on the water with Jesus, we can see where faith comes into play here. Jesus cares for Peter and grabs him when he falls into the water, but also reminds him that it takes faith to stay afloat. Jesus wants us to have that faith in Him and to trust that He will catch us when we fall. He wants us to grow and to lean on Him, even if that means we have to learn some hard lessons at times.

The next time you question your worth, remember how much Christ cares for you. He has every detail and every step planned for us. He cares for our needs and what we are desiring. And, He cares that we continue to grow and lean on Him in all circumstances. Remember how much He loves you - so much that He died for you, so you can spend eternity with Him!
 

Day 37-Getting Over Yourself

Day 37
Job 30-31

The pride that stirs in our culture is very evident. While pride alone isn't bad, it is where pride can lead us that causes issues. Galatians 5:3 says that "you are not too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."

I don't point this out to cause you to completely trample yourself and not find value in who you are, but to remind you of the gentle nature we are to have in a world that thrives on "being the best". Humility gives you those eyes to see the needs around you. Living in a self-absorbed bubble blurs what you see when you look out it.

Job was a man of great humility. Though he was rich, blessed and had everything he could have ever needed and wanted, he still helped others and was righteous in the Lord's eyes. Job rants on about what he has accomplished and had, but he pads that with God is God and always will be. We cannot judge the Lord and we surely can't change the way of His plan.

Our Galatians reading today tells us to bear each others' burdens, and as we reflect back to Job's friends, we can see that they didn't do such a lovely job at that. They tended to throw Job over the coals for things he wasn't guilty of, rather than simply listening and being humble towards him. As Galatians states, don't follow what people tell you to do, as they are trying to get the credit for your works, but follow what Christ is telling you to do, because our boast should be in the cross alone.

If your life is all about what you can do for you, rather than humbling yourself to help others, you have received your reward. Having open eyes and a heart for the hurting around you, and finding your pride only in Christ and what He has done for us all will put you and the ones you help on the right path."As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified and the world's interest in me has also died. It doesn't matter what you do. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation."

Day 9 - God Provides

Day 9
Genesis 20-22, John 8

The Lord provided a son for Abraham and Sarah. We also read that He provided a well and rescue for Hagar and Ishmael. Furthermore, we read that He provided a sacrifice for Abraham instead of Isaac being the sacrifice.
Abraham proved his heart was fully trusting in God when he followed orders to sacrifice his son. But after seeing how obedient and willing Abraham was to follow Him, the Lord sends a ram to be sacrificed instead.
Are you hanging onto something too tight because you don't trust in the Lord's provision? He provides us with everything we'll ever need. Mercy, grace, love...All we need to do is follow Him and listen for Him.

In John, Jesus provides mercy for the woman caught in adultery. As stated in yesterday's study, we are so quick to judge before looking at the person beyond their situation. Jesus did that. He saw this woman and He knew that everyone condemning her deserves punishment as much as she did. But He provides and out for all of us. By dying on the cross, Jesus takes our punishment and His Father's wrath, rather than us. This is the ultimate provision if we accept it.

There is more questioning of Jesus as He continues to teach. He is providing us Light and direction each day, as we read in His teaching. Jesus talks about His Father's provision in sending the message with Him to the people. But traditionalists can't let go of what they know and what they have, claiming that Abraham is better than Jesus, and that He is full of it. I think traditions and clinging to the comfort of what we know hinders us many times through life. We don't trust in God's provision, so we hoard, we leech, we try everything to look good and keep a good reputation. But this isn't what God's plan is.

What do you need to let go of in trusting in God's provision? Have you given Him your kids, your job, your relationship status, your traditions, your sins? He proves Himself to us over and over, yet we hold on to what we know, rather than what we can't see. Have faith that the Lord will provide for you in the perfect ways and in the exact moment you need it. He knows your heart and what you need. He will provide.

Day 7: Mercy Overflowing

Reading: Psalm 6:1-10

I'm sure you've had days like David. Days where words like "agony", "worn out", "grief", and "tears" seem to sum it up. David uses some powerful language here to talk about the agony he faces. He asks God when He'll hear his cries and wonders when the misery will end and his enemies taken away. But we also see that David knows that God is indeed a merciful God, and that He has heard his cries for help.
Life can sure throw some hard stretches our way. Sometimes it may feel like it will never end with bills, loneliness, health issues, and other unfortunate situations in life. But like David, we can remember that God hears us, and He is there to pull for us. Though the storm is rough, you'll come out a stronger person. Rely on God's mercy and remain confident that He hears you.


When did you face a time in life that things just seemed to go wrong, one after another? What did you do?



Looking back on that situation, how did you come out of it? How are you the person you are today because of it?



Reading: Matthew 5:43-6:24

Jesus teaches about being a person of mercy and humility. We read more from the Sermon on the Mount today, and realize more and more that God's way is not necessarily the world's view today. Jesus tells us to love those who have wronged us - something that isn't really practiced in our media and society. But we are warned that if we don't forgive those who have wronged us, the Lord will not forgive us. This may feel like a blunt threat, but if you think about it, those who truly carry the love of God in their hearts will forgive. They will display the love to others that God has displayed to them. It can be hard to forgive, and given the situation, may seem impossible. But that is the power of God's love and His mercy.
We are also told to not flaunt our faith. Praying in public and using the fancy words and babbling on and on are not what God wants. He also doesn't much care for displaying fasting and giving to those in need. When we announce to the world, or make it known that we've done these things, we get all the reward we will need right there. But when we keep it to ourselves and just delight in the satisfaction of being closer with God and growing in our faith, we will reap rewards in heaven.
A final warning we get in this reading is not to treasure things of this earth. Our true treasure and the apple of our eye should be above. When we put all of our time and energy into the things of this world that don't matter in the long run, instead of the work God has carved out for us, our hearts will be lost to that thing. We can not serve two masters, and money is a great example here. Basing our lives around the things of this world will only destroy our hearts for God. Remember why you're here and stick to what God has laid out for you - to carry out His mission and be called to a life of serving Him. The rewards for that are far greater than anything in this world can offer you!

Is there someone you need to forgive? What are you going to do about it?



What happens to true, genuine faith when it is flaunted for your own recognition?



Reading: Genesis 14:1-16:16

We see an ample amount of God's mercy in this ready. First with Lot and how Abram came to save him. We read yesterday that he got the good land from Abram, but ended up captured. God showed mercy and rescued him through Abram (and it won't be the last time). God also shows His mercy to Abram by making a covenant with him that He would give him a son. Abram believes God and he is praised for his righteousness.
Then when Abram and Sarai try to take matters into their own hands, instead of waiting on God's timing, Abram takes Sarai's servant, Hagar and gets her pregnant instead, since they wanted a son so badly. Because of this, Hagar is poorly treated out of Sarai's jealousy, and runs away. We see mercy poured out on Hagar though, as she is seen by God and remembered in her time of distress. She is blessed and returns home. We even see God show Abram and Sarai mercy in looking over the fact they took matters into their own hands, even after Abram stated his faith in God's covenant. We certainly have a merciful God.


When have you tried to take matters into your own hands, instead of waiting on God's timing? What happened?



How has God shown you mercy in a time you've felt hopeless and lost?



Mercy is a trait we can all take and use generously. God is a God of mercy, and we need to display His love to all around us by sharing that same love and mercy to not only our neighbors, but our enemies. With mercy comes humility. Both can be hard traits to grasp at times, but they are crucial in growing our faith.

Day 111: Possession Perception

Reading: Psalm 49:1-20

When we read this Psalm, it is blatant that riches and wealth are meaningless after leaving this earth and being finished with this life. Though they may gain recognition and applause from others in this life, that recognition is also meaningless. When we they and live life without God, we turn to wealth, success, riches, recognition, and reliance on ourselves. These things, however, can make live very heavy, as pressure keeps building to be the best, to get more, to have more than the next guy. Ten when life is all said and done, you are left with nothing. These things can't go to the grave with you. Putting confidence in these things is misleading.

When we put all our confidence and reliance on God, though, it's a whole different ball game. Suddenly life is lighter, and you don't need to keep up with anything. God works in and through you, and you have no pressures to succeed when you lean on Him. Making God your wealth and priority is a wise move indeed. After this life is said and done, there is an eternity of wealth with Him. 

Just today I read a status update on Facebook from one of my favorite artists, Lecrae: "There is no reward at the end of life for wealth, fame, accomplishment, or beauty. There is reward for faithfulness. Hang on." 

Don't fall into the traps of this life to get rewarded temporarily now, when there is an eternity of rewards waiting when we stand firm and faithful to God. Hang tight to His promises. 

Reading: Luke 20:27-21:4

As people living on this earth, surrounded by earthly things and customs, it can truly be hard to grasp what life in heaven will be like. When the religious leaders once again challenge Jesus in asking how a woman with seven husbands will be married in heaven, Jesus explains that those worldly customs and needs will be diminished. This concept can surely be hard to grasp and the point the religious leaders were trying to catch Jesus on was about resurrection and whether it existed, as they only focused on the legalistic side of the scriptures. Jesus cleverly talks about Moses and how he believed in resurrection, as he would call on the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Another example of clinging to worldly riches is when the widow puts all she has into the offering, as others only put in a small portion of what they have. When we cling to things of earth, we have a harder time letting go with the more we have. Our attitudes about possessions are very hard to change when life is all about acquiring stuff and keeping up with the latest. It's hard to have a mindset on heaven when we have to have more. When we have less, we have less to lose. This widow had nothing, so giving when she got a little was what she knew to do. 

Don't cling to your stuff. As we read before, it is meaningless.

Reading: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

As Moses prepares for his death in the final chapters of Deuteronomy, he blesses each tribe with comforting and encouraging words. We can follow Moses' example when it comes to pouring out your life for what God's plan is. Moses lived each day doing right by God. He started by sticking up to Pharaoh in Egypt, demanding the people be let free, then right on through crossing the Red Sea and seeing God's faithfulness as they wandered in the wilderness. Moses stayed loyal to God's commands and His directions, though the people he led at times drove him crazy and always complained. But because of the leadership and selflessness Moses displayed throughout his life, his legacy was huge. Moses never cared about riches or wealth, but about doing what God asked of him. Though he faced his own fears and falls, he still led the people to the Promised Land, relying on God the whole time.

How do you sacrifice your own path for what God calls you to do? Moses could have easily given up at anytime when he led the people to go do what he wanted, but stayed the course God laid out for him. Don't put your trust in worldly things, but in the directions God sends you. You can see the legacy it will leave in this world, but more importantly, the legacy it creates in the life to come. 

The way you look at wealth will determine the way you go all out for God. In plain text, Jesus tells us in the gospels that if we cling to our lives (our possessions, wealth, dreams, jobs, etc), we will lose them, but if we lose those things for Him, we will find ultimate life in Him. When we cling to our stuff, it's harder to live with less or with nothing, and give it to those in need. But when we have nothing, it's easier to give. Careful how you value your wealth and blessings.

Day 101: God's Heart

 

Reading: Psalm 44:1-12

Trust is what matters to God. We do not rely on our own strength, but on the strength of God. When we rely too much on ourselves, we will be run down and worn out. But putting our trust in God is highly important. When you think about your tightest relationships, whether they be with a spouse, a parent, a friend - what keeps thy relationship so strong? It is being able to trust that person no matter what. When trust is broken, the relationship is hard to fix. The same goes with God. When we put our trust in Him, we grow that relationship, and He becomes our guide. Putting our trust in Him and relying on Him will take the burden off our shoulders. It will take the pressure off of our daily living and allow Him to guide you. Where do you need to trust God more in your life? 

Reading: Luke 13:31-14:14

We read about a few things in this section that matter to God. We see an enormous amount of courage that Jesus displays when people tell Him to flee because He will be killed. But Jesus knows that if He does that, the plan of His Father could not be completed. No matter how hard it was to mentally grasp what He had to do, Jesus stuck to His Father's will and stood strong against those who told Him to run from death. We are to do the same when we face ridicule for our faith. 

We also read about the compassion Jesus had for people. Here we read about the motherly compassion He displays for Jerusalem, and a longing to rescue them. Jesus did this for all of us when He took our punishment on the cross. He longs to rescue and protect us. That kind of love and compassion is incomprehensible, but it is an example we must follow as a people longing to follow God. 

We also see how important humility is to God. When we subject ourselves to the lowest place, and stop taking the importance off of ourselves, we will be placed in honor. Taking the lowest point and allowing others to go before us is so very important to God. Humility is what Christ is all about. he took the lowest of punishments and subjected Himself to humiliation and the harshest of deaths for us. Practicing humility is what will bring you far in the faith.

Another example of what matters to God in this reading is poverty. It is said over and over again throughout scripture that we are to care for the poor. This includes the lost, the financially poor, the sick, those who are hurting emotionally. Jesus cared for all of these people, and God cares about how we care for them. 

Hold tight to courage, compassion, humility, and caring for the poor.

Reading: Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20

There is a theme of generosity and giving in this reading, that tells us just how much it matters to God. We are not to be stingy with our money and our resources, but to lend without complaint, or expecting interest. God wants us to have an open hand when it comes to giving to those in need, as all we have is actually His and comes from Him. When we are blessed with a big house, perhaps we should be hospitable to people in need of palace to stay, like traveling missionaries or those serving The Lord. When we have overflowing pantries, consider donating to the hungry. Or when you have extra money that could go towards eating out or a vacation, maybe put it towards extra tithe or a cause that helps those in need. Whatever it may be, always have a mind of generosity.

Remembering what God has done in our lives is highly important as well. We are to reflect and share our story with others so they may have the hope to get through the struggles they face, and be encouraged by God's power in our lives. God wants us to be grateful for those times, so when we face more hardship, we can proceed strongly, and in confidence that He can pull us through again. Give thanks for what He has done, and spread the wonderful news to those in need of encouragement.

Lastly, justice matters to God. When we accept bribes and payment to further ourselves and put someone else below us, God hates it. He tells us to never accept a bribe for doing evil right in this reading, and we not only should avoid it, but we should stand up against it. An example would be human trafficking, and supporting ministries that fight for that cause. Always stand for the rights of others, and allow God to have the revenge.

Doing what matters most to God will please Him greatly. We all know what matters most to us by our actions and what we spend our time and money on. But making what matters most to us about doing what matters most to God is a whole other view on priorities. Trust in Him, show compassion, display humility, have courage, care for the poor, remember what He has done for you, be generous, and seek justice.