Wellspring. Karen Moore
is very precious in God's eyes.
—1 Peter 3:3-4
If God were to create a magazine with all the beautiful people in it, who would we see there? More than likely we'd see the images of people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr. We'd see the caretakers, the peacemakers, the givers and the generous. We'd see the ones who knew what beauty really was as it emanated from within. We'd see those who have gone before us with peaceful hearts and kind souls.
You're precious to God. You're beautiful too. As you walk through today, imagine yourself on the front cover of his magazine. You're already in his book. May your heart leap with joy at the very thought.
In the Flow
Lord, sometimes I forget what beauty really is. I'm grateful that you see me and love me just as I am. Amen.
January 29
Watching Out for the Other Guy
Everything is permitted, but everything isn't beneficial. Everything is permitted, but everything doesn't build others up. No one should look out for their own advantage, but they should look out for each other.
—1 Corinthians 10:23-24
We're inclined to think that we can do whatever we want as long as it doesn't hurt someone else. That may not be a bad rule of thumb, but it doesn't help us become more caring for others. Paul's comments to the Corinthians were aimed at getting them to be more mindful of one another, to make it a practice to watch out for the other guy.
We all appreciate it when someone takes us under her or his wing and takes care of something we need, offering us a helping hand, a gift of food or a place to stay. The outcome is that both people benefit, the giver and the receiver.
As you go about your life today, pay attention to those in your care, who need what you do for them, who benefit from your attention. The more you offer them a hand, the more God will bless your efforts. He sees your heart and applauds the good things that you do.
In the Flow
Lord, help me be more aware of the needs of those around me. Help me open my heart and my hands and let me genuinely minister to the needs of others. Amen.
January 3 0
Finding the Superhero in You
Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us.
—Ephesians 5:1-2
Don't you love watching children at play when they are pretending to be superheroes? The superheroes don their capes and vow to protect the innocent, always ready to defend and fight for the right. They definitely make the world a safer place.
We can't really pretend to be God, but we can imitate those traits that we recognize as being a part of his holiness. We can follow the examples that we have recorded in Scripture of what it means to love others as we love ourselves. We have biblical heroes who serve the people of God and who serve as examples for us to follow.
Today, "pretend" to be a little kinder, a little more generous, and a little more conscious of God's great love than you were the day before. Chances are, it won't be long before it's not a pretense at all, but the truth of who you are.
In the Flow
Lord, help me today to try to walk further in your shoes. Help me lean into you so much that I can show your love and your light to everyone I meet. Amen.
January 31
A Matter of Contentment
I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.
—Philippians 4:12-13
How often do you find yourself feeling fully content? You send your children off with love, do your work in peace, and take what comes with calmness and ease. It's a wonderful place to be in.
Sadly, it's a difficult place for most of us to achieve. We stay out on the skinny branches all alone wondering if we can survive or if wolves will come and tear us apart. We're always slightly on edge.
Paul reminds us that we don't have to be. He says that he doesn't let what is going on outside affect what is happening to him on the inside. He's free to find the good in every opportunity. He's able to see that he is not alone. He sets his focus on Jesus and accepts the strength that he then receives.
As you look out at the world today, remember, you have the option of giving your day over to the One who can provide the strength to sustain you and bring you contentment.
In the Flow
Lord, strengthen my steps today as I look to you. Help me trust and to lean on you for all that I am. Help me breathe in the peace that only you can give. Amen.
February
Above all, show sincere love to each other,
because love brings about the forgiveness of
many sins.
1 Peter 4:8
FEBRUARY 1
This Thing Called Love
May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone in the same way as we also love you.
—1 Thessalonians 3:12
Love is such an awesome concept, it's often hard to defi ne. Sure, we think we have a grasp of what it means to love. After all, we love our spouse and our children and others in our family. We have a reasonable sense of love.
But it may be time to turn up the heat. What would it take to increase your real understanding of love?
Like most things, love thrives on attention. In fact, it often demands attention. It grows with genuine interest and effort. It takes shape through good times and bad times. James Bryden said, "Love does not die easily. It is a living thing. It thrives in the face of all life's hazards, save one—neglect."
God is interested in how we experience love, and he does not want us to neglect it. His love for us is steady and strong and he wants ours to be like that with others and with him.
Love is a living thing, and you and God share a love that is a match made in Heaven. Today, pour on the love everywhere you go.
In the Flow
Lord, your love for me and others is beyond me, beyond my understanding. I know it's real, though, and I know that more than anything I want our love for each other to grow. Please help me embrace all you want me to know about love. Amen.
February 2
Keep Your Heart Pumping!
May the love cause your hearts to be strengthened, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his people. Amen.
—1 Thessalonians 3:13