Category Archives: Love & Works

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 27, 2013

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless. Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world. [James 1:26-27 (GW)]

Lord, am I just filled with hot air or do I actually live in a way that demonstrates my words and belief? There may be no widows and orphans at my doorstep, but there still is plenty that I can do to make your world a better place. Remind me daily that I can’t just talk your talk, I must walk your walk.

You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don’t really listen. [Isaiah 42:20 (NLT)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 20, 2013

Posted under

Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, Love & Works

Faith Alone Saves Us

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace!” [Luke 7:70 (GW)]

Lord, thank you for your saving grace. It would be easier, however, if we could buy or work our way into heaven. Deeds or writing checks are over and done with but maintaining a relationship with you means work. Faith is a tough requirement, because it requires complete trust in you. We have to give you the reins to our lives. Relieve our fears so that we fully accept this beautiful gift you so readily offer.

Be a man of faith, and faith will sustain you.
Sustain a life of love, and love will embrace you.
Embrace God’s grace, and His grace will follow you.
Follow in His footsteps, and His footsteps will lead to life everlasting.
[Christine Lahee]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 12, 2013

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

Never Enough Time

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. [Psalm 143:10 (NLT)]

Lord, there just never seems to be enough time in my day! Guide me in setting my priorities and help me to release those things that are not adding value to my life. Lead me to a balanced life: one that is filled with service, joy, peace and love.

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 11, 2013

Posted under

Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works, Patience & Perseverance

The Thistles in My Garden

2013-10-11-3

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with 2013-10-11difficult people. [2 Timothy 2:24 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, I know you don’t expect me to like everyone, yet you do expect me to love them. That’s not an easy task. There are some people in the garden of my life who are like thistles. They are thorny and difficult and seem to cause irritation wherever they are. Like the thistle, they are troublesome and need to be handled with gloves. Yet, in spite of their prickly spines and pesky nature, the thistle blossoms are really quite lovely.

Help me, Lord, to see past the abrasiveness and sharp edges of the difficult people in my life so I can appreciate their beauty, too.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. [Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 4, 2013

Posted under

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

Compassion

Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. [1 Peter 3:8 (GW)]

Lord, stop me when I cross the line and my love and compassion become interference or control. Remind me to respect other people’s right to learn their own lessons, as painful as that sometimes may be for them (and me). Don’t let my compassion cripple the ones I love by sending a message that they are neither capable nor accountable. Keep me sensitive to the difference between empathizing or caring about someone and smothering, controlling or caring for that person.

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

October 2, 2013

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

Be of Service

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)]

It’s often said, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” Father, keep us mindful that the Lord helps those who help one another. By looking to the needs of others, we honor you. Today, open my eyes and give me a willing heart. May my actions serve others and glorify you.