Bear With One Another in Love

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. — Ephesians 4:2 

As we approach February and Valentine's Day, this Scripture verse is a fitting reminder:

God calls us to love each other, just as He has loved us.

He commands us to be completely humble and gentle.

At best, I'm only partly humble.

And He asks us to be patient with others.

I'm not very patient, but God has been extremely patient with me.

God calls us to bear with one another in love.

I often have a hard time putting up with others.

Lord, please help me to follow you in showing these traits to those around me.

God Sent His Son to Save the World

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. — John 3:17 

Yesterday was our pastor's last Sunday with us. 

He will retire after Tuesday and we will miss him.

We are thankful for the many ways he has touched our lives and those of our congregation.

He has given us 13 years and has taught us well.

He has stretched us and educated us in the faith.

Teaching us how to love our neighbors in new ways.

And we wish him all the best in his retirement.

God will provide a new interim pastor for us while we search for a new senior pastor.

We pray for those people God is preparing to take a turn leading our congregation.

I Will Exalt You, Lord

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. — Psalm 30:1

I love to praise the Lord!

Today I gave Him my song during our worship service.

He is worthy of my praise.

I am not worthy of His love.

He lifted me out of the depths.

And turned my despair into gladness.

He has guided me and continues to show me the way to go when I stumble and fall.

Praise the Lord!

Put on the Full Armor of God

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. — Ephesians 6:12-13

We are only visitors to this world.

It's not our home, thank goodness.

We don't struggle agains humankind but again the spiritual forces of evil.

God has let the evil powers run rampant in our world today.

But we know the end of the story.

And He reigns supreme over earth and heaven and all creation.

When I remember to put on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, I am protected from the evil around me.

When I put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, I'm able to stand against it all.

And the full armor of God protects me but also helps me stand.

The Sword of the Spirit gives me the protection of God's Word to guide and direct my life.

Ask God for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. — James 1:5 

I definitely lack wisdom.

At times I put my foot in my mouth.

Other times I act proud or without thinking of others.

But when I ask God to help me before I speak, He helps me say the right thing.

He gives me the wisdom I'm missing on my own.

God give generously without finding fault.

He cares for me.

Thank you, Lord!

Whatever Is Right, Whatever Is Pure

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8 

God wants me to fill my mind with thoughts of Him and His goodness.

Whatever is true — to think of true things.

Whatever is noble, rather than things that fill my mind with trash.

Things that are right and pure.

Lovely things.

Like this beautiful rose.

And whatever is admirable.

Anything excellent.

Whatever is praiseworthy.

To fill my thoughts with these things.

Help me, Lord.

Watch Yourselves

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. — Galatians. 6:1 

Yesterday was National Pie Day.

Here's the apple pie I made for Thanksgiving.

I'll be making it again this weekend.

Just as an apple pie cooling in the window used to tempt the children walking by,

God warns us not to be tempted.

And to restore others gently when they sin.

I hope someone will do that for me when I fall into temptation.

Guard my tongue and my actions Lord, that they will please You.