Scripture

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
Prayer
Father keep me alert and focused on You. I have a lot of bumps and bruises that I acquired over the years, I’ve even had my share this year. I’ve been disappointed and hurt by people I love. Your Word says to do everything in love- so I know this to mean that even when deceived and neglected, my responses and reactions are to be in and from love.
Father fill me with the courage and strength to endure all. Give me the vision to see what is around me and before me. When something negative comes my way, hold me Father, that I might breathe and let You handle the situation.
I want to be courageous Father. I want to be able to withstand the storm. I want to be able to look in the eyes of those who would and have caused me harm, and all that they see in my eyes is Your love. All honor and praises go to You Lord. In Your name I humbly pray. Amen.
Reflection
God’s love is amazing. We love because He first loved us. In the storm we must be brave, we must know that it will pass and that God is there every millisecond. We must be comforted in this knowledge and comfortable enough to sleep on that rocky boat just as Jesus did while his disciples freaked out watching the crashing waves and lightning strikes.
Jesus never did anything out of fear, bitterness, resentment, or hate. Jesus did and said everything in love. Even when he disagreed with someone, he did so with love- knowing that God’s truth was all he needed. Jesus knew that God was always right- that He is the answer to all questions- He is the resolution to all conflict. He is the compass when we are lost. He is the anchor when our boat needs to be secured and stable.
We must do everything in love. When we know it is time to end a relationship, we must do it in love. Lovingly end it and walk away. There is never a need for ‘closure’ when you leave in love. I don’t need closure for any relationship I have ever been in because I know that I loved those individuals and that I still love them as Jesus instructed; not romantically but in Christ. Relationships that I know were not of God, I can confidently say I ended in love- without hesitation and without doubt or regret.
I am now filled with so much wisdom, I can easily discern those individuals that are merely ‘tests’ of my moral fiber; ‘tests’ of forbidden fruit that are in front of me to see whether I will ‘bite’ or lovingly walk away. The visual and emotional appeal that tugs at our gut are not messages and urges of our heavenly Father, but mortal mind- the “liar” toying with us.
It is our fear of being perceived as ‘mean’, ‘cold’, and ‘callous’ that keeps us connected with someone we’re not supposed to be with. It is our desire to fill a void that keeps us from walking away, or never entering the relationship to begin with- it is us once again trying to think like God, be like God, and do His work.
It is our desire to feel ‘complete’ using another person, instead of God- that causes us to spend our valuable time with someone He has no intention of you being with. God gives us the freedom to choose the flesh and the world, or Him. He’s patient. He believes in us when we don’t. He waits while we detour on a perceived ‘short cut’ that turns out to be the long way- and the wrong way.
We must follow God’s instruction. We must walk in faith and know that He never directs our paths to places where He is not. It is only when we stray do we find heartache, confusion, pain, and drama. It is then we must learn our lesson for as long as it takes to learn it! Why can’t we follow Him and lead a life of love, peace, tranquility and joy?
Happy Tuesday everyone. Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous and strong- and remember to do everything in love! God bless you.
Lovingly,
Natasha
Note: This Message was originally published on December 3, 2010. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.
Copyright 2010-2017. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved
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