Any Given Day: 30

Selfishness

There are those, who exist to serve their own self interests only. They wander through life meeting their own needs, bumping through life with no real sense of purpose. They pick up hobbies to keep them entertained, buy things with their extra money, spend their extra time in front of a TV or computer. Ironically, these are the folks with the most to give. They use up the valuable resources of this earth, and are charitable only when it makes them look good, or there is a tax deduction at the end of it. They lose patience for people who are tired from hard work, and look down on those who can't keep up. They have trouble relating to others who are hurting. They seem happy, but a closer look reveals shallow relationships, empty hearts, and a nagging sense of dissatisfaction that follows them wherever they go.

At the other extreme, there are those who can give of themselves tirelessly day in and day out. Some even give up everything, including their identity, and their health, to take care of others. They are run down and don't feel appreciated. They ignore their own problems to help others with theirs.

This isn't the way God intended a serving heart to look or feel, however. A servant's heart takes others into consideration while preserving what makes them unique and special. Taking care of themselves so that they may take care of others with energy and enthusiasm.

Striking a balance is difficult somedays but worth it, because anyone who has spent time giving instead of taking, knows that the reward is immediate and long lasting. Making a difference in a small way, can happen each day. Over time, lives change, people grow, and relationships with God and each other deepen. A prayer for those struggling to get past their own needs...

Lord, today may I go out of my way to assist someone who is struggling. Provide me with gentle reminders that the world isn't about me, but about all of us whom you love so deeply. Help me to find ways to use my time and energy in productive and positive ways. May Jesus, the king of all men, be my example of a humble and selfless heart. AMEN

Phillipians 2:5-8

Any Given Day: 28

Fear.

There are only 2 basic emotions: Love and Fear

All other emotions are branches that reach out from them. Happiness, joy, pride, graciousness, generosity, gentleness, self control and the like, come from a basic feeling of Love. Love for God, love for one another, and love for one's self.

On the other side, anger, guilt, jealousy, animosity, revenge, self deprecation, accusation, abuse, and similar are the products of fear.

Fear is a survival mechanism that God gave us to keep us alive. It spurs us into a defensive mode and creates a landslide of physical and emotional changes designed to protect us. Fear in and of itself is not a bad thing. How we handle it, however, can be a problem.

The inability to recognize our fear, and acting out, creates the broken relationships we see all around us. Broken relationships with people we love, people we work with, and Jesus himself.

Jesus went through the scariest time any of us will ever face. Was He fearful? Without a doubt. Did he understand what the fear was? Absolutely. Did He act on his fear? No. He took His "punishment" like a man.

Today, take your negative emotions and really look at them. Ask yourself "What am I really afraid of?" Be honest with your answers and pray this prayer:

Lord, I am fearful. My experiences and situations are creating strong negative emotions that are bleeding on to others and my actions are damaging my relationships. It is time for me to take responsibility for my fear and rely on You for my safety and security. Help me, today, God, overcome my fear, so that I may become closer to you. Help me to let go of what I can not control. AMEN

1 John 4:18

Any Given Day: 24

True Love

The word love gets thrown around a lot. We love to sleep in, we love a new song, we love the neighbors' new car, we love football, food, and fun! When it comes to loving others, it gets tricky.

Love is an action verb. Many people feel it is an abstract feeling of warm fuzzies, however that may be the end result, but it is not love itself. Love is not something you say, it is something you do! You show love, you make love, you provide love. Talking about it is icing on the cake.

A person who says they love someone, but turns around and says and does hurtful things, isn't loving anyone, particularly themselves. God is very clear on what love is and is not. Jesus loved us enough to die for us. Men and women in the military love their country enough to put their lives on the line. We give money to those who have less because we love people.

Sacrifice without compromising ourselves is Love.

Giving without thought of reward is Love.

Everything else is like at best, and manipulation at worst.

God, help me to show love today. Help me to see who truly loves me, and who just needs to have the upper hand. Keep me focused on goodness and light, and sharing it with those that I care about. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die. AMEN

1 Corinthians 4:7

Any Given Day: 1

He is a Loving God.

That's what He wants you to know today. You are His creation and you are most loved! You are made in His image with the same emotions and frustrations He has. Not only did He not kill off our species that He so lovingly created, He sent His Son to die for us!

He isn't mad at you. He wants you to turn to Him. He thinks you are beautiful! You were created for His Glory, not man's. His kindness and graciousness surround you if you know what to look for. Today, turn to Him and say these words...

"Dear Lord, You are my creator, the creator of Heavens and the Earth. Thank you for loving me enough to send your Son. I am worthy of love even in the most difficult and confusing of circumstances. Cover me in your gracious love today! AMEN

John 3:16