“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 Our reflections in the mirror often tell us more than we want to know. When we look at ourselves, do we like what we see? When we look in our… Continue reading God’s Masterpiece
Apples of Gold
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11 All of us appreciate a word kindly spoken, whether it’s a simple, “I appreciate you” or a “You did a great job today.” Affirmation and recognition are key components for a well-functioning society. In short bursts, we are… Continue reading Apples of Gold
Just Because
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:32 Isaiah 46:4 says, “…even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear;… Continue reading Just Because
Call Them Beloved
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed… Continue reading Call Them Beloved
Speak Hope
“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:15-17 Children—you gotta love them,… Continue reading Speak Hope
Look Closer
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16 Too many people in our world today have thankless jobs, working long hours with little gratitude directed their way. This ought not be so, for it is only in the collective work of… Continue reading Look Closer
Be Known, Be Loved
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10 It’s human nature—we are drawn to others who are like us. We tend to hold to our cliques because of the safety and security they provide. Who, after all, doesn’t want to have close friends to journey life with, friends… Continue reading Be Known, Be Loved
Extended Love
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” – Matthew 6:26 God’s intimate connection with creation is undeniable. Consider the beauty in every flower, the sound of the early morning cry of the bluebird, or the smell of… Continue reading Extended Love
Seeds of Love
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 Many of us will consider bringing a meal to someone experiencing a time of crisis or significant change—the birth of a baby or the death of a… Continue reading Seeds of Love
Give your widow’s mite
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly… Continue reading Give your widow’s mite
The greatest among you
So how can we express our thankfulness to those who serve us today?
What can you sacrifice today for another?
“Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.” – Matthew 26:6-7 When you hear the word ‘sacrifice’, what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps you… Continue reading What can you sacrifice today for another?
Love well
In a world where you can be anything be kind.
Smile and say “Hi”
The power of a simple word and smile has been shown to transform a person’s day. And it doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Unplugged Attention
Our world tells us that a quick 10-second “Praying for you!” post on social media or asking someone how they are as you pass them by is a thoughtful gesture of love. We have subtly come to believe that as long as we do something, we were ‘present’, and that is enough. But present doesn’t simply mean ‘in person.’
The BE LOVED Challenge • Week 10
How many of us look back on our days, our weeks, and wonder where the time went? The urgency of our days seems to overtake our best-laid plans to intentionally live into each moment and each relationship.
