I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
God Gives Good Gifts
There are seasons in our life when we are more discouraged than encouraged. It is inevitable that all of us will experience those moments, and it is often in the face of insurmountable grief or negative experiences that this happens.
But Romans 15:5 reminds us that there are three things that God gives to those who believe in Jesus. The first is that God gives endurance. When we begin to grow tired of doing good things, or living our life for God, it is often because we are living with the wrong motivation.
True motivation comes from living for God, not ourselves. It is God who gives us the endurance through the Spirit to make good choices and live for Him.
The second thing God gives us is encouragement. In seasons of discouragement when we feel let down by people, God gives us lasting encouragement. He reminds us that we are loved. He reminds us that we are being transformed. We don’t need to strive for approval or acceptance because we’re already sons and daughters of God.
The third thing that we can pray for God to give us is unity of mind toward each other. This means that we consider others how Jesus would consider them. Instead of seeing their flaws or mistakes, we see them as people loved and cared for by God. We should work towards unity with each other rather than division.
All three of these things are worthy of spending time in prayer, asking God for: endurance, encouragement, and unity with each other. If you’re feeling tired and want to quit, ask God for the endurance to continue doing good for those around you.
If you’re feeling discouraged and down, ask God for encouragement that only He can give. And above all, ask God for the same heart and mind of Jesus that brings us together in unity rather than division.
A Look in the Mirror
As humans, our default setting isn't exactly selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking in the mirror.
But Jesus calls us to live differently:
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NLT
Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain.
Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:
WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU...
Think: Have you ever hurt someone, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you long for grace and a second chance?
To the extent that we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if, today, we give others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that ...
