Defining love is difficult. It is emotion, action, thought, feeling all rolled together and prioritized above everything. True love like that of a parent for a child will stop at nothing to protect and care for the other.

This is what is so powerful about the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 8:38-39. He says, ” for I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So with these words from Paul inspired by God, we can know without doubt that God will stop at nothing to protect and care for us.

Dear Lord, help us truly believe and trust in Your love for us, so that we may do your will with faith and not fear. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Often when people speak about foregiveness, they talk about how we should forgive others, which we should. We also however need to remember that God forgives us when we repent, or apologize for our sins.

Some people have done things they are so ashamed of that they can’t seem to accept the foregiveness God promises. That is a mistake. The devil wants us to feel unforgivable and lead us away from the compassion and forgiveness of God.

Psalm 103:11-12 says. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” NIV

Everyone can be foregiven. With the ultimate gift of compassion, God sent Jesus to take the punishment for all our sins. Accept this gift, ask for foregiveness, and just as important, accept it.

Lord Jesus we cannot begin to understand the depth of Your love. Help us accept Your forgiveness and move forward living our lives for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you have ever studied strategy, you may have come across a few key concepts. SunTsu an ancient chinese military leader wrote the Art of War, that the outcome of  a battle is determined before it begins.  Other modern military leaders have discussed that “overwhelming force” is the only way to approach going into battle.

We must look at our daily battles in the same way. Our “overwhelming force” against the temptations of the devil is our faith in God. Paul writes in Ephesians 6. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”NIV

The devils temptations can be more than we can handle on our own, particularly the terrible temptations of addictions and psychological problems, but with faith in our Lord’s mighty power we have the overwhelming force on our side.

Dear Lord, we cannot begin to understand how powerful you are. Please help us have the faith to know that with Your help we can overcome anything. In Jesus’ name. Amen

We all have our challenges living the Christian life we desire.

One common challenge is criticizing. Many of us see all the problems with other people. How they drive (too slow in the left lane) what they wear, how they do their work. These critical thoughts interfere with our ability to experience the peace and joy that God desires for us.

In The Living Bible translation, Jesus says in Matthew 7 using, “Do not criticize, and then you won’t be criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them. And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own?”

The solution to this temptation and urge to judge or criticize others, is a mindset of love. When those critical thoughts arise, stop and replace them with conscious thoughts of love and caring for the one you were about to criticize. Remember everyone does not have the same upbringing, skills, training, education, sense of style, or awareness that you may have. A mindset or demeanor of love will change your critical perspective into one of tolerance and better yet helpfulness. You’ll be looking for ways to help those you may once have considered targets of criticism.

Give it a try.

Dear Lord help us remember to reflect the love You show to us to those we encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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