Category Archives: Love & Works

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April 14, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

What’s Written on Our Hearts?

Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. [2 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)]

Paul wrote these words to the people of Corinth, but they still hold true today. What is written in our hearts? Does the way we behave reflect our faith? Do people know we are followers of Christ, not just by our words, but by our actions? Let’s be sure that what people read in our behavior is true to the word of God.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-by and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds. [James 2:14-18 (NLT)]

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March 26, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Promises, Love & Works, Temptation & Sin, Today: Make it Count

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. [Galatians 6:7 (NLT)]

This verse from Galatians makes me think of the character Larry David plays in the HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Easily aggravated by the pettiest of annoyances, he inappropriately expresses his irritation at the drop of a hat. He can make a molehill into a mountain and will stop at nothing to prove his point. Having no filter and little consideration or compassion for others, he manages to aggravate and alienate nearly everyone around him. Inevitably, the person he has offended is exactly the person from whom he needs something later in the episode. That kind of behavior may make for good comedy but it is not the way to live our lives. What we sow in our actions, we will reap. Just as good deeds can bring a harvest of blessings, bad conduct brings a harvest of weeds. Let’s never get tired of doing what is generous, kind and good.

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [Galatians 6:8-9 (NLT)]

 

         

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March 21, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Spiritual Gifts

Each in HIs Own Way

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. [Romans 12:6a (NLT)]

Some of us are like Martha, busy doing for others, and some are like Gideon, reluctant servants. Some are like John the Baptist, loudly exhorting, and others are like Martha’s sister Mary, quietly listening and worshiping. Some of us are leaders, like Peter, and others are like Thomas, searchers for the truth. Some, like Paul, are dedicated evangelists and others, like Solomon, have great wisdom. Isaiah had the gift of prophesy and John had the gift of love.

Thank you, Lord, for the variety of gifts you’ve given to us, your children. May we never fail to use our gifts to your glory and may we always respect the way that other people serve you.

Just as our bodies have many special parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. [Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)]

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February 26, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works

Are We Ready, Willing and Able?

Father, guide us so that we are truly able to celebrate the success of others, even when our lives aren’t going smoothly. Help us to show empathy and concern when there are people who need our compassion and understanding, even when we would prefer having a sympathetic ear for our own problems. May we always be willing to listen (and respond) with love.

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. [Romans 12:13a (NLT)]

 

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February 11, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Prayer

All the World is Not a Stage

Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. [Matthew 6:1 (MSG)]

Guide us, Lord, so that our actions speak louder than our words; let our hearts speak loudest of all. Keep us humble and our motives pure so that neither words nor actions are ever used to impress you or other people. May we be more faithful, loving and generous in private than we ever are in public.

And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? [Matthew 6:5 (MSG)]

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February 4, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Word: The Bible, Love & Works

Be an Example

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. [1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)]

One of my Bible translations is called The Living Bible. The real living Bibles, however, are you and I. After all, we may be the only Bible some people ever read! When we’re opened up, what do they see? How does our faith translate in our daily actions? Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we always live in such a way that people will be able to see Christ within us.

Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. [St. Francis of Assisi]