December 20 What We Do In Love Will Last…

Affirmation: I am compassionate. I care about myself and everyone else.

“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.” (Matthew 9:27-31)
Who we come to believe depends importantly on two things:
1. Knowing the person who made the promises or spoke the words;
2. Our actions in response to those promises and words upon hearing them.
God cares about you and loves you.

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Ponder, Personalize, Practice: Personalize this command from God. Create a daily reminder in your calendar: “Love others like I love myself.” Talk to God about how to do this each day. Ask Him to help you see others as He does…those who deserve to be loved.

(Click this link for more about the 2 most important commandments: love God and love others.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/52893/day/20?segment=0)

“And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39

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Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Guidepost 1: Cultivating Authenticity and Letting Go of What Other People Think
The quickest way to NOT be authentic is to try and be the person you think you’re expected to be.
Being yourself is hard. It means leaning into vulnerability. It means you’re willing to be seen.
But it’s well worth it. When you practice authenticity, you set an example for everyone around you that they can do the same.(God created you and He loves you.)

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews The Guided Decision 

I will seek wisdom

Sometimes the questions are complicated, but the answers are simple.

Knowing that wisdom waits to be gathered, I will actively search her out. My past can never be changed, but I can change the future by changing my actions today. I will change my actions today! I will train my eyes and ears to read and listen to books and recordings that bring about positive changes in my personal relationships and a greater understanding of my fellow man. No longer will I bombard my mind with materials that feed my doubts and fears. I will read and listen only to that which increases my belief in myself and my future.

I will seek wisdom. I will choose my friends with care. I am who my friends are. I speak their language, and I wear their clothes. I share their opinions and their habits. From this moment forward, I will choose to associate with people whose lives and lifestyles I admire. If I associate with chickens, I will learn to scratch at the ground and squabble over crumbs. If I associate with eagles, I will learn to soar great heights. I am an eagle. It is my destiny to fly.

Ask and it will be given to you, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be opened to you. Matt 7:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your steps. Prov. 3:5,6

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. By Bob Goff

What We Do In Love Will Last. All The Rest Will Blow Like it Never Happened.

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8. 
The last time it snowed where I live in San Diego was December 13, 1967. There has been one other time since then when they said you could see snow flurries at 1700 feet, but it is hard to make a snowman at 1700 feet. My family always got excited when we traveled in the winter because we thought the odds for snow were improved. We would check the weather to see our chances and pack our hats and gloves in case. We were all disappointed when the flurries did not stick to the ground.

A lot of the things we do in our lives don’t stick either. We spend our time trying to get ahead in our careers so we can make more money so we can get more stuff, which won’t hold our interest for long. We use our energy trying to win the approval of people who still don’t know what it’s like to be unconditionally loved and won’t remember us. We spend most of our waking hours, trying to make life safe, predictable, and comfortable, yet what we really want is adventure. We strive and chase and spin our wheels for things that won’t last. 
Love is the only thing that will last. Instead of using our time and energy to gain more attention, control our world, or get more stuff, let’s spend it all on love. We don’t want to reach the end of our lives and realize all our efforts melted away in an instant. Leave a legacy of love. The rest will blow like it had never even happened. 
How will you invest in love these last few days of the year?~~~~~~~