Thankful Thursday 5.23.19
In thinking today’s topic, relationships, I did a bit of inspiration work by listening to a podcast by John Maxwell (as I walked the dog- moving the body and the mind is good for the soul)! You can listen to it too by clicking the title. It is called Building Relationships: Working Together Means Winning Together (Part I).
The first devotion shared John 8:7 “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (You can read the Our Daily Bread devotion here.) It challenged me to extend grace and hope to those with whom I am in relation.
The second devotion offered this piercing thought: Much of our unhappiness in life is caused by people not being what we want them to be or doing what we want them to do. Far too often we impose our understanding of life on others instead of pausing to listen and appreciate how God created this other person before you. Listen to their thoughts and perspectives. You may not agree with their view on life, but you and I are called to love that person -not their view- in Christian love.
Flip Side
When I am the challenging individual, God has a plan for my life. He does not force His plan on me. God listens and appreciates who I am right now. He loves me too much to leave me where I am. Do your thoughts and actions always line up with God’s will for your life? We are human. That answer is nope!
Through the gift of free will, I choose to hear from God. Scripture speaks challenges to me to mold and shape my heart toward the fruits of the spirit. We each have the choice to move closer to God, listen to His word, and grow in goodness. Guess what? Regardless of the choice we make: He LOVES us anyway!
Blessings to you!
Experience Opportunities:
All are invited to worship this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:30 AM. If you would like to know more about these services, click here. Can’t make it to worship? Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.
