Life Can Get Crazy

Life can get crazy, even painful at times. More than once I’ve found comfort in the following passage of scripture, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17

The first part of this verse promises that the sea of sorrow we swim in will one day be gone. The second half of the verse begs the question: What is God’s will?

Jesus answered this question for us in the book of Matthew, Chapter 22. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I believe Jesus is saying we cannot love God without loving each other. A professed love for God without love for people usually leads to cold legalistic religion. And, love for people without a love for God and His Truth almost always disintegrates into narcissistic self-love.

PRAYER REQUEST: Port Orange Counseling Center needs a licensed professional counselor. Please pray that His will is done and that if it is His will He sends one to us.

“Father, thank You for teaching us how to love You and each other. Let us never forget that this world is temporary and that You are in control. We turn our lives over to You. In Jesus name we pray.”

Blessings,

Earth Day

This week the United States, and I assume many other countries, will celebrate Earth Day. What a beautiful space God has created to let His and our stories unfold . . . or is it just one story?

Scripture tells us that “. . . the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth . . .” (Num. 14:21). That, " The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."(Psalm 19:1). And, " . . . the earth is full of his unfailing love." (Psalm 33:5).

I challenge you to plant a tree this week. How about in a neighbors yard. Wouldn’t someone be shocked to wake up with a tree in their lawn. :)

As you plant the tree, think about the world our Lord has created. Think about that tree. Over the years what conversations will take place as people walk by? What laughter will float up through its branches? What tears will mingle with its fallen leaves?

Then think about this. -- Long after that tree falls to the ground and turns to dust, the tender God who cares for you more than a mother does a child; the same mighty Father who fights for you like a Warrior fights to rescue His son or daughter . . . The One who created the Earth will still be loving you, walking with you, and caring for you. Awesome.



“Father, I am humbled, amazed, to know that You love us so much. Father, I pray that you open the hearts of those among us who do not yet know how to recognize Your Love and Glory as it is revealed by Your creation. Help us to focus our lives on helping our brothers and sisters in pain. Let Love and Truth be our tools. Send Your Spirit to guide us. In Jesus name we pray.”



Have a blessed week.

Just Listen

Greetings Prayer Circle,

Yesterday, a grief support group I’m helping lead met for the second time. There was so much love, sorrow, confusion, and faith all mixed together in the room where we gathered.

The people there talked . . . and more importantly . . . just listened to each other.

Romans 12:15 commands us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those that mourn.” We are meant for God, but also for each other.

Be an answer to someone’s prayer today. Don’t worry about solving their grief, words are not necessary, just hold their hand or be in their presence. Our Father will be there, too.


“Father, thank you for the awesome privilege of sharing in the lives of those around us. Command our spirits to be conduits of Your awesome love. In Jesus name I pray.”