I press on to take hold of that
for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
One thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal
to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward
in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
Will you do this ONE THING today?
I love reading and you will notice from my last few blog posts that I am reading a number of books - and all at the same time, and all very slowly. The quotes are a few gems from the abovementioned book on the healing of the mind - a fascinating and very inspiring read. The flowers are just part of the simple joys of winter here this morning...
Love is choosing to purposefully act in uplifting and selfless ways. Love is not simply about doing what feels good.
Rather, love involves doing what is good regardless of how one feels. Doing what is in the best interests
of another and giving oneself for another, love is selfless. When we love, we live. When we stop loving, we die.
The law of love is the law of life. Even in nature when giving ceases so does life.
The pool of water that stops flowing and releasing its water soon stagnates, and everything in it dies.
When we cease to give our breath to benefit the plants we inevitably die.
It is through giving that we live. Those who accept and apply the law of love
are themselves preserved from evil.
If we stop loving and giving ourselves to others our hearts and minds will slowly harden,
become increasingly selfish and ultimately die. When we stop loving and giving
we close the heart and mind and isolate ourselves from God’s limitless love.
As we let God remove the selfishness from our minds, He will restore in us the living law of love and liberty.
Then we will once again stand as intelligent, self-governed, self-sacrificing friends of God
– as living examples of His law of love and liberty.
Love is not a feeling, but an action in spite of feelings.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phil 2:12-13
In the context that salvation is a free gift from God, in real life and according to the teachings of Scripture what does "work out" mean to you?
When I think of the word “Conversation” it brings to mind the concept of interaction with words, but to be honest it also includes tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. Only 7% to 10% of communication is verbal.
I thought that the dictionary definition was interesting too…
Definition of Conversation:
informal interchange of thoughts, information, by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk; association or social intercourse; intimate acquaintance (Obsolete - behavior or manner of living, close familiarity; intimate acquaintance, as from constant use or study)
I love how practical the Word is:
You desire unity
To stand fast in one spirit
To strive together for the faith of the Gospel
Then Only let your conversation be
As becometh the Gospel of Christ.
(Phil 1:27)
The experiences God allows in my life today are golden opportunities for me to know the power and supply of the Holy Spirit in my life today and to experience in real time the salvation He holds out to me. As I tenaciously trust Him and earnestly expect His intervention, I will not be ashamed for He that has promised is faithful! (Based on Phil 1:19-20)
The inescapable reality is that
pleasant,
mundane
or difficult,
every situation
or circumstance
is a unique opportunity,
entrusted to us
by our Father
for personal spiritual growth
and sharing Him with others
through our words,
actions
and the way we relate to life.
Our lives endlessly exert
a powerful influence
on those our lives touch.
What will your influence be today?
(Phil 1:12-14)
Journeying On...
Lord of the cloud and fire,
I am a stranger, with a stranger’s indifference;
My hands hold a pilgrim’s staff.
My march is Zionward,
My eyes are toward the coming of the Lord,
My heart is in thy hands without reserve.
Thou hast created it,
redeemed it,
renewed it,
captured it,
conquered it.
Keep from it every opposing foe,
crush in it every rebel lust,
mortify every treacherous passion,
annihilate every earthborn desire.
All faculties of my being vibrate to thy touch;
I love thee with soul, mind, body, strength,
might, spirit, affection, will,
desire, intellect, understanding.
Thou art the very perfection of all perfections;
All intellect is derived from thee;
My scanty rivulets flow from thy unfathomable fountain.
Compared with thee the sun is darkness,
all beauty deformity,
all wisdom folly,
the best goodness faulty.
Thou art worthy of an adoration greater than my dull heart can yield;
Invigorate my love that it may rise worthily to thee,
tightly entwine itself round thee,
be allured by thee.
Then shall my walk be endless praise.
(From The Valley of Vision)
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