So here is something I am learning this week, something tumbling around in my mind, leading me to learn and yield. And, you know when I'm learning something I have to share it in hopes that someone else will be encouraged as well. It's just a weakness I have. :)
Right now the verse I am learning with my kids is I Cor. 13:4-8a....oh, the so familiar love chapter. Isn't that only for Valentine's day??
Interestingly enough as we have reviewed that verse together, and I have used it to "remind" them of behavior issues, the Lord has so used it to "remind" me of areas where I have so failed the test of His love in my life.
Two things have waved a huge red flag at me as we have studied these verses! The first thing that has stuck out to me is "love is not self seeking." I have said several times to my kids this week, "That is really being self- seeking, isn't it? Thinking of yourself, selfish gain, self focus, self worry, self thought.....and as I recognize that in my kids, I realize that so much of what I do could be self seeking, and not seeking of other's best interests. The interest of my Savior, my husband, my kids, my friends....Ouch.
When I start serving myself, or just plain think about myself too much, my plans, my hurts, my feelings, my wants...that is my first warning sign that I am off track with the Holy Spirit!
Another part of that section of scripture says, "Love is not easily angered." How often do I get impatient and frustrated with my children's behavior during the day? Giving them a poor example of kindness, patience and true love, instead of allowing His love to flow out of my heart. Then, I see the same words and frustrations coming out of them and wonder why?
Paul says it so wonderfully in Romans....the things I want to do, I don't do! The things I don't want to do, I do!! Oh, who can save me from this body of death, thanks be to Jesus Christ!!! We can be transformed and renewed in our minds. We can be led by the Spirit and say no to the flesh that rises up. We can allow His power to flow through us which gives us the courage and ability to obey Him and follow hard after His heart. We can, because His Word says we can!
So, for today, another Monday morning already scheduled with much to do....may I yield to the Lord and ask Him to fill me up this morning with His love. To lay aside selfish gain, or selfish focus, and choose to focus on others. To check my heart throughout the day and say, What is my attitude towards others? Filled with love and grace, and His heart for them? Or, just watching for how my needs can be met or my wants fulfilled? Am I allowing His words to speak life to those around me, or are my words tearing down and causing discouragement with my own frustration?
Thanks be to God, as we ask Him and seek Him first today, He will provide what we need to walk in His kind of love...perfect in every way!
Let's pray for one another on this journey of wanting to look more like our Saviour everyday! Encouraging and spurring one another on to love and good works!
Right now the verse I am learning with my kids is I Cor. 13:4-8a....oh, the so familiar love chapter. Isn't that only for Valentine's day??
Interestingly enough as we have reviewed that verse together, and I have used it to "remind" them of behavior issues, the Lord has so used it to "remind" me of areas where I have so failed the test of His love in my life.
Two things have waved a huge red flag at me as we have studied these verses! The first thing that has stuck out to me is "love is not self seeking." I have said several times to my kids this week, "That is really being self- seeking, isn't it? Thinking of yourself, selfish gain, self focus, self worry, self thought.....and as I recognize that in my kids, I realize that so much of what I do could be self seeking, and not seeking of other's best interests. The interest of my Savior, my husband, my kids, my friends....Ouch.
When I start serving myself, or just plain think about myself too much, my plans, my hurts, my feelings, my wants...that is my first warning sign that I am off track with the Holy Spirit!
Another part of that section of scripture says, "Love is not easily angered." How often do I get impatient and frustrated with my children's behavior during the day? Giving them a poor example of kindness, patience and true love, instead of allowing His love to flow out of my heart. Then, I see the same words and frustrations coming out of them and wonder why?
Paul says it so wonderfully in Romans....the things I want to do, I don't do! The things I don't want to do, I do!! Oh, who can save me from this body of death, thanks be to Jesus Christ!!! We can be transformed and renewed in our minds. We can be led by the Spirit and say no to the flesh that rises up. We can allow His power to flow through us which gives us the courage and ability to obey Him and follow hard after His heart. We can, because His Word says we can!
So, for today, another Monday morning already scheduled with much to do....may I yield to the Lord and ask Him to fill me up this morning with His love. To lay aside selfish gain, or selfish focus, and choose to focus on others. To check my heart throughout the day and say, What is my attitude towards others? Filled with love and grace, and His heart for them? Or, just watching for how my needs can be met or my wants fulfilled? Am I allowing His words to speak life to those around me, or are my words tearing down and causing discouragement with my own frustration?
Thanks be to God, as we ask Him and seek Him first today, He will provide what we need to walk in His kind of love...perfect in every way!
Let's pray for one another on this journey of wanting to look more like our Saviour everyday! Encouraging and spurring one another on to love and good works!