Consistency in Love

Proverbs 3:3 ESV

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

*Sometimes it can be difficult to show love consistently. You may be annoyed with someone, having a bad day, you may not like someone, or you may be a person who believes love must be shown to you first in order to be given. However, none of these thoughts better a situation or show consistency. God wants us to show love to others no matter the circumstance. Of course He will give you wisdom, if you ask, on how to do so; however, the act of showing love is meant to be consistent and continuously worked on. What you give out will be deposited back into you one way or another...Why not allow the deposits to be consistent and continuous, even if it is supplied from someone/something other then who you are depositing it into. Besides, you win more people through love then hate...

Are You Handling Things Correctly?

Matt. 7:1-4 (NIV)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

Food 4 Thought:

The first step is not calling out the flaws of others, but it's changing your heart and mind set to teach them how to communicate with you and love them to provide reassurance, which depicts the quality of your communication...We ALL need to improve, but it's quicker for some to highlight the faults of others b4 dealing with their own, or not hearing others out...#DontBeTheProblemOr #PlaceYourMouthOnIt #BeTheSolutionOrResolution

Interaction Encouragement

The most trying relationships are with those who we allow to be close to us...Vulnerability creates opportunity to be hurt or misunderstood, but it can also spur growth and the ability to practice long suffering. Remember to love with an open mind and heart, which can lead to open communication and outward change...

Live in His Light

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

*Dare to be different for Christ's sake, love the way He loves you, and think outside the box to show people how God works vs following the norm. God gives us many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others and our own, but it is up to us to explore those many options or be confined to the limitations of this world...How will you live your life?

All Knowing and All Powerful

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.

*Many times we have expectations set on how things will be carried out, what we believe is best, or we may even be bold enough to make plans. However, things that we believe should happen, or the way in which they should occur may not be the same process that God has in mind. This is why it is important for us to consult with Him on EVERYTHING, and not make plans or decisions on our own...especially those that are solely based on feelings. Feelings are temporary, but God's truth and guidance will last a life time...After all, His word will never come back to Him without producing results (Isaiah 55:10-11). It is a contradiction for us to say we love God, but do not include Him in our thought process or plans. I would even venture to say it is a mistake to do so, and will definitely cause more toil and hardship. Let's stop what we are doing and uncover what is the Father's will for your life, and how He wants us to conduct things. He is all knowing...Wouldn't you want guidance from someone that knows the beginning and the end, versus going with the flow of the moment or what you personally think is best at that time?

Spread the Love... Consistently

John 15:12-14 (ESV)

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

*What you dish out to others is what you will receive. We cannot expect love and understanding from people when we don't bother to provide the same. God made this a commandment for a reason...Not just for the sake of what you can receive, but He knows the road can be hard and days can be tough. Therefore, He is emphasizing the major need for each other and how close we SHOULD be...However, too many people are afraid to open up, only stick with who they know vs who God is leading you to, or they are inconsistent in this area. Today, let's reflect on how much we say we love God and ask ourselves is that same love applied to His people? How many times do you desire God's love and assistance, but treat those created in His image with inconsistent behavior that rarely emphasizes love?

Give for Him to Help Yourself

Psalm 50:14-15 (ESV)

14 “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

*God wants us to teach us the importance of giving an order for us to be delivered from a situation, or give to receive a desire. He also wants us to rely on Him and look to Him first be it for a good or bad at scenario. It isn't that God needs your sacrifice/offering. He owns it. He desires a relationship with you, and to obtain your willingness to let go and let God. He just wants to show u how to help others, think beyond yourself, understand sacrifice to wrap your mind around how He sacrificed Jesus for you, and He stands by His word that what you sow is what you will reap. Open your hand to give for His sake, and you will have room to receive what you desire and more...