Love where you are

Today, be thankful for where you are. I know, that place may not be a restful beach or peaceful mountain retreat. That place may be a tough place. No matter where you are, God is there and He has you there for a reason. You may be the light in the darkness. You may find your light in the darkness. Be the best representative of love in whatever task you do or wherever you go.

Love clothes

Every morning, the looming question...what do I want to wear today? My favorite options aren’t available during the work week, so choices must be made. I’ve tried to keep this daily decision-making simple, but no matter how organized this routine is made, the clothes must still be put on. Yes, I know. This is obvious. We all do this simple task in some form or fashion. Just as we clothe out physical bodies, we also need to put on our spiritual clothes every day...don’t start your day spiritually exposed! Cover up with Love and accessorize with kindness... “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Love abides

Love abides. What does abide mean? Glad you asked. Strong's Definitions: μένω ménō, men'-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own. The starting place is to believe you are loved by God. Once you live in that truth, loving others will come naturally. It’s all about where you dwell and Who dwells with you.

Love reminder

Here's something to meditate on today, read these words over and over, write these words down, memorize them, live knowing you are loved.

Love supernatural

The PK4 kids are learning the name of this new month. Their thoughts are already on the costumes, candy and parties, pumpkin decorating...Halloween they know...October, well...not so much. I don't care much for the Halloween focus but it seems to invade whether I like it or not. How I wish we would be as interested in the supernatural presence of God in our lives. Jesus wanted us to understand this, too. Read His prayer for you in John 17. God's love in us...flowing out to others.

Love connection

I want to get to the point quickly this morning, so let me make this profound statement...if the power cord is unplugged, there is no power. If powerless, check your connection. Let me say it this way, if there is no power in your life to love, you are connected to the wrong source. Now, check your connections. Don't get mad at me, just check yourself...properly connected...God is manifested...He is made real...His power is on display. Love is a mandate from heaven and if ever there was a time to love without restraint, it is now. Check your connection. Got love?

Love God

I love my husband, ice cream, fall, bonfires, family, friends, children, porch time, long walks, the mountains, worshipping with flags, church...the list could continue but you get the idea...your list is something like this, too. Using the word love to express the feelings for the good things of life only makes sense. Afterall, I don't love raspberries, bees, cold coffee, or commercials. We know what we love and usually have no problem showing it. We make time for what we love. We spend money on what we love. We prioritize what we love. We'd do anything for what we love. So we have lots of experience with love. As followers of Jesus, we should have no problem showing God our love. He makes it easy...He loves us...no matter what...and tells us how to love Him back. Are we as passionate about loving Him as we are the things on our love list? ““If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 NKJV http://bible.com/114/jhn.14.15.nkjv

Love is family

God created each one of us, in His image, to be His family. When sin broke the relationship, Our loving Creator had a plan to restore that fellowship, but it would come with a great cost, the sacrifice of His sinless Son to save His sinful children. That's a fathomless love. Accepting God's love, repenting of our sins, in a forever-family forged by forgiveness. Church family, family by blood, family by adoption, sons and daughters...we are family...created in His image...loved and to be love. Unforgiveness does not have to separate you from the family...forgiveness keeps the circle unbroken. Love your family. A prayer you can pray from Dutch Sheets, Give Him 15: God, I worship You for the amazing plan You came up with to create man as family for Yourself. I feel such a depth of sorrow that mankind failed You and separated ourselves from You. I feel the fathomless depth of Your love for us and it is breaking my heart! I want everyone I know to have this revelation. You sent Your son, Jesus, to make a way so our sin could be forgiven and we could be close family again! The gratefulness I feel is overwhelming! Your profound grace gave me clean clothes, new shoes, and wrapped clean thoughts around my head, like a turban. Thank you for seeing me in the image of Christ. I am forever grateful! Amen. Today’s decree: I decree that the Ekklesia will understand that we are made in the image of Christ and we are His sons and daughters – His family!

Love repents

These are not my words, this comes from today's prayer focus by Dutch Sheets. On this Saturday morning, take a few minutes to consider that you are standing in the presence of God, just like Moses...will you bend your knee to worship and pray? Love profoundly. “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped.” (Exodus 34:6-8; ESV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: * Ask God to forgive you your sin. * Pray for those you know who do not yet know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Name them by name and cry out for their souls. * Intercede for this nation and ask God to forgive our national sin – be specific and don’t be afraid of any emotion that rises up within you regarding it. * Worship and thank the Lord for His plan of salvation – personal and national. A prayer you can pray: Lord, forgive me for all of my sin. I cannot thank you enough for the grace of the cross that I get to come to daily, and moment by moment, so that I can live free of guilt and shame. You know my iniquitous bents. Lead me in righteous paths and remove those temptations to sin away from me. I pray the same for my family members and friends who don’t know Jesus yet. Save them, Lord! Forgive, as well, the sins of these United States. Forgive our murdering of millions of babies in the womb. Forgive our national bent toward racism. Forgive us for our participation in human trafficking, pornography, gambling, drug sales and use, and so many other matters of the heart. Save us, Jesus, and save our people, so we are ready for You when You come! Amen. Today’s decree: I decree that today we will bow our heads to the ground in gratefulness and worship God, even as Moses did. -From Dutch Sheets "Give Him 15" 9/39/17

Love out loud

This picture says it all...love revolution revolves around the Word! Joy unspeakable! Laugh out loud! Love out loud!

Love scent

Wrinkled up nose and a clear exclamation "That stinks!" There's no mistaking how a 4 year old feels about something, social graces and socially acceptable controls just aren't part of their make-up. That's part of the joy of being with 4s, you don't have to guess how they feel...laughter, giggles, thrust out lip in a pout, tears and cries, a face that says it all and sometimes words that say too much! Sometimes, there's no doubt how we grownups feel either, reacting to situations from emotion before allowing control to kick in. The love revolutionary will find a battle whenever strong emotions meet love. Responding in every situation through the love of Christ is what we are called to do, but sometimes, many times, more often that not...the aroma from a reaction isn't fragrant. I don't know how you are doing with this love revolution but I know that I stink it up when it comes to letting the love fragrance flow...maybe I've been around 4s too long...or maybe I need to let God be in control. Our life group was warned this week...when you purpose to love, there will be challenges. My greatest challenge is me and God is teaching me a thing or two about this thing called love.

Love ALL

This thing called love has consumed me...I want to make known His great love by loving others. This thing can be done and must be done. Our discussion on love in our life group last night lead us to name someone who had that thing that was different- they love people, all people, all the time...and their presence in a room changed things. This thing, this love thing, is a God-thing. God inspired, God powered, God purposed. I want it, this thing called love. Not the "I love chocolate" kind of love...the kind of love that has no limit...and changes everything...❤️

Love power

A love revolutionary soldier possesses power and authority if empowered by God. Let's get to the point, the power of God is in the Jesus follower, all of God's power, ALL. The problem for most of us, we try to love in our own power and leave untapped the mighty power within us. We fail to yield, resist obedience, and micromanage what we do based on our limited strength. This is life changing power that will be noticed. Let this settle in your heart and mind...get connected to the power source and light up your world. Love power❤️

Love shares

This love revolution is the conduit for bringing God's Kingdom principles into this world, now. That's the purpose. Not just a "love people into the kingdom" approach. The love revolutionary soldier will hunger for direction, from the scriptures and through personal prayer time with God. This is critical. Without God's supernatural empowerment, wisdom and principles, love will be an empty word and actions without life changing meaning. A Love Revolution requires sharing the Gospel message, through action and words. As a soldier on the "love frontlines" we need to be prepared to live out the kingdom principles, which requires diving into His Word, bringing these principles to life on earth, through a heart that loves God, loves people, and is empowered to share the message of Hope. If we are challenged by these love messages, let's dive into the Word this week...search for what Kingdom Principles we should be following as followers of Jesus. Let's share this love and hope we have. Are you in?

Love shield

A praying mantis visited my porch last night. The simple things of nature are amazing to me...and without getting into all the details...I stand amazed at God's workmanship. I really don't like bugs but the appearance of this one made me smle. God made this little feller on purpose, for a purpose...like each of us. Bugs know their purpose, its hardwired into them...it isn't complicated. A bug's life is lived doing what they were created to do. We humans have a specific purpose, too. But unlike bugs, we find ourselves searching for purpose that doesn't need to be searched for. It really isn't complicated. It is hardwired in us: Love God. Love others. Those who do, have God's shield of protection. Shields up! Love revolution❤️

Love deeply

I stood on the playground late yesterday afternoon, surrounded by full-of-life preschoolers. Usually, my eyes are fastened on them. But for a moment I shifted my gaze upward. The sky was showing off with a September spectacular field of blue laced with white. Surrounded by love. These moments of glimpses of heaven are a gentle reminder to love just like that...with abandon...with the passion of a prechooler, without boundaries like the sky, fully engulfed by God's presence in the moment...every moment. You are deeply loved so love deeply.

Love is giving

I confess, I am a keeper. I hold on to notes, pictures drawn by children, cards, stuff and things...boxes of stuff, drawers of stuff. I also tend to keep concerns to myself. I tend to keep emotions in check. I am a keeper who needs to learn to let go. So I purpose to keep only what I need now and spend a summer cleaning out boxes, to give concerns to God, and give away my heart. Learning to give is a necessary for a love revolutionary. Afterall, God loved us so much that He gave up His Son, Jesus, who loved us so much He gave up heaven to walk this earth then gave up His life, for love. So we should be givers. Love revolution gives...all.

Love is real

Love revolution will revolutionize your life...but this isn't something you can fake. A God-love filled revolutionary will be passionate...both in love and hate. It's ok...the hate is directed at evil. But at the same time, squeezing every drop of good out of a situation. Love revolts against evil by overcoming love. Action-driven, all-consuming love changes things. Fake love will look good on the outside but will not stand up for what is right. Be overpowered by God's love...superfilled...not superficial love. Love that changes things. “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Romans 12:9 NLT

Love is life

I've wasted several minutes looking for an image that will capture what my words will fail to express, without success. This picture of a road through a redwood forest is close. The drive to church yesterday was not my usual Sunday morning route. I was driving on 4H Camp Rd, at a certain spot I had an elevated view of the road ahead, a ribbon of roadway surrounded by a forest of tall trees, an oncoming vehicle that look minaturized by the overwhelming size of the trees stretching toward heaven. It was in that moment that a sense of the awesome realization of just how small we are compare to the vast "bigness" of God. In those few seconds I could see the road ahead, the slow moving vehicle...the surrounding trees...it was breathtaking. Like the first time you view the earth below from the window of a jet. The panoramic wonder. Yet, for all our limited vision allows us to see, think of God's view...seeing not only the view before Him from His perspective, but also He sees the beginning and the end...all at once. The moment was beautiful, thanking Him for the reminder of His presence in the beauty of His creation, and for the peace in knowing that He is bigger than any trial, temptation, struggle or challenge. In fact, He promises His blessings, through it and on the other side of it, if we love Him. That's where we need to focus our attention...Loving the One who sees you from beginning to end, the One who is far bigger than any issue life can throw at you, He is the One who offers a full life of His blessings...for your love. Love revolution is zoe-life.

Love walks

It is easy to say you love God and everyone else. I'm sure you've heard "actions speak louder than words." Loving God with your heart will show through your obedience to His Word. Yes, that means reading the Bible to find out what He asks of you and doing it, spending time with God in prayer (talking to Him and listening), and then doing what He says. Loving others requires more than talk, love walks. In other words, your love for others will be demonstrated in your actions, how you respond when others gossip, how you respond when another's words hurt you, what you do with your gifts and blessings. Jesus walked out His love, both for His Father and us, to the cross. Does your love walk?

Love lifestyle

If you've ever tried to drop a few pounds you've heard the word diet change! After a diet change comes a degree of success, then the change back to not on a diet and the return of the pounds. Then you become acquainted with the words "lifestyle" change! A healthy lifestyle of healthy food choices, exercise, and stress management bring about a long-lasting result! A diet of love will bring temporary results...a lifestyle of love will have eternal results. How you love reveals your bloodline...His kids love like Him! Love revolution is a lifestyle of love, God-style. Got love?

Love comes first

Notice love gets first mention in this scripture. Love revolution love comes first.

Love refresh

It happens. The browser window freezes, the app locks up...just won't work. Find the refresh function and you are back in business...most of the time. If that doesn't work, you may have to resort to a reboot, just restart and clear out the bad code! If only our hearts were as easy to fix. Perhaps a love refresh will get us back on track, restarting a love flow, love revolution style! Refresh yourself in His love.

Love why?

Children of all ages ask "why?" a lot. There's much to learn in the world of a 4-5 year old! And, they've learned enough in their short lives to cause them to question...especially when being asked to do or not do something. It can be a true test of mercy and grace when those little eyes look straight at you and bravely or brazenly question your authority! As parents and teachers, test time has come. Just as the child learns to question...we've stood before God with the same "why?" on our lips when asked to love, the seemingly unloveable. Our God looks at us, sighs, purses His lips, checks His voice tone, puts His hands on your shoulders, draws you close and speaks softly into your ear...Because. I. Love. You.

Love pursuit

Desire earnestly, pursue. Love. The message of Hope, eternal life, unmerited favor is best communicated from a heart filled to overflowing with God's love. Pursue Him. Want nothing else. Settle for nothing less. You will be empowered with the right words at the right time, as the love revolution pursues, seeks after, earnestly desire to love Him and love others.

Love remains

Faith, hope, love. These three words are powerful. In the face of anything and everything, these three will make the difference. Even in times when faith is shaken and hope is difficult, love overcomes. Try love today. Allow the reality of God's love wash over you. His love is right now, in your current circumstance, He loves you. Now, fully filled God's love, unleash that power...allow pure love to rush out of you onto the landscape of your life...the force alone will wash away many things, yet Faith, Hope and Love will remain. Love revolution...river of love, flow.

Love anyway

Let's face it, demonstrating love isn't always easy. The reasons are many, yet, we are to reach out in love anyway. In those times when we feel justified in judging a person or situation, or feel like our efforts are unappreciated or appear to be unfruitful, or in those times when other emotions threaten to override the love...remember this, we don't know it all...yet. At best, we see very little and not enough to put us in a position to decide to withhold love. There is One who knows, God. A time will come when we may know more but the best way to clear vision and wisdom, is to keep our focus on Him. The love you show today will have an impact...as will the love you withhold. God loves you completely...He sees the big picture...beginning to end. Love revolution is love, anyway.

Love grows

Growing up is natural. God expects us to grow up in our walk with Him. He lavishes us with love, grace and mercy. He provides for us. He teaches us. A Jesus follower should show evidence of growing up, in love. Love revolution with see love growing. Got love?

Love eternal

God wants us to understand His love. He has provided every means posible to communicate His promises to all. A time is coming when the Perfect One, Jesus, will return. The ultimate conclusion, the promise fulfilled. His love will be fully understood. Today, the Holy Spirit still convicts and convinces...eternity is certain. The question is, where will you choose to spend it...heaven or hell. God loves you so much, He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for your sins. Eternal love paves the way to eternity with the One who loves you completely, eternally. He loves you so much that He made the way clear, but left you with the choice. Accept Jesus, Believe He died for you, Confess your sins to Him. He's ready with arms open wide to welcome you. Allow eternal love to wash over you. This is what He wants us to know now...His love. Love revolution is life changing and begins with your Yes, Lord.  Eternal love.

Love never gives up

Love revolution is evidenced with a God-infused no quit strength to love when it is hard, challenging, painful, unpleasant, frustrating...there are times that love will be tested, it is easy to love the loveable. We are called and empowered to love, all. An overflowing river of God's love flowing through you will touch those around you, all. Check yourself, what flows from you? Love does not fail...ever!

Love choices

Love takes a stand for the truth. This is not always the easy choice but will always be the right choice.  Love revolution involves knowing God's truth and sharing the truth in love. Love does not accept what is wrong happily. Love will drive a response that brings truth to light. Love the truth, speak truth, act in love.

Love remembers

Love overflowing...the flow may be like a flood, sweeping over everything in its path or gently flowing, either way, the flow makes a difference where the water of love sweeps.  Good manners, a smile, a hug, opening a door, checking on a neighbor, taking a meal to a sick friend or a mom with her hands full, sits with an elderly friend, mows a neighbors lawn, prays with a friend in need...remembers the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins rather than counting the sins of another.  Love revolution starts in our own hearts and overflow in our everyday actions...love demonstrated...Got love?

Let the love flow

Pride is a love flow stopper.  Self-focus, self-centered, self-serving pride will keep loving patience and kindness from freely flowing.  You will be irritated, aggravated, and agitated when an opportunity before you to reach out interrupts the flow of your plans. Be on guard, pride builds a dam that clogs the free flow of patience and kindness from your heart. Check yourself today. How are you responding to those around you? Are you patient? kind?  Let's start a love revolution...blow up the flow blocker of pride!

Love power

Doing good, helping out, lending a hand, giving away...anyone can do it. Many do. Many don't. The difference? A natural response of the love infused heart is to show love. Not for show, for the flow.

Love makes it work

Your "it" will work to affect eternity "if" empowered by the love of God, Flowing to you, through you. Got love?

Love words

The most powerful commander of language and master communicator can wield words like an expert martial arts competitor with swords, with skill and precision, always on target to accomplish the goal. Yet, words powered by love, a God-empowered love, will change the trajectory of a life. God-breathed words, spoken from a heart of love, bring life.  Love outloud today, speak the truth of God's Word, from a heart overflowing with His love. Start a love revolution with love words.

Love in action

Praise and thank God for what He is doing, has done, and will do in your life. That's the heart of worship. After soaking yourself in His presence, allow your heart to be turned to using what God has done for you, to be a help to someone else. This isn't complicated. Today, use what you have to help someone else.  It could be a warm smile or a plate of warm food, an ear willing to listen, arms willing to hold or hands ready to open, lift, or fold in prayer...living loved includes allowing the lavish love God has poured on you, to flow through you, to someone else. Be a blessing. Thank God for His many gifts, ask Him how you can use what you have to help one person, today. Let's start a love revolution!

“Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 GNT

Revolution

It's time for radical action. Let's start a love revolution right now. Show love.

“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.”  1 John 3:18 GNT

Love

Love is an action word. Don't just say you love, take time to show your love. This world needs to see love in action!

Invite

Jesus can walk thru walls, appear anywhere, anytime.  Yet, He stands outside the door and waits for an invitation to come in...He doesn't just walk in, He knocks. He is waiting to enter your heart, your life, your circumstances...answer the knock on the door.  Invite Him in.

Called to be Free

Called. The phone rings. Your number was chosen, selected, on purpose dialed. The call is for you. You answer.  You received a call. That's pretty simple. Being called by God is just as easy to understand. He knows your number, after all, He assigned it. He calls you. All to often we miss the call by overcomplicating the process with special ringtones, buzzers, and flashers (you know, only certain ones get called...).  He calls you...to be free. He calls you to love. He calls you to serve out of love. Answer His call!

Exercise

The benefits of physical activity are proven. We know we need to get moving and feel better when we do so.  Even the promises of less stiffness, more flexibilty and strength, weight loss or weight maintaining fail to keep us motivated. We know we should but ... (you know your reasons). These physical bodies are only good for this world., These are the only bodies we get, so caring for the physical temple is important. Spiritual exercise is important, as well. We ned to fill up the spirit with times soaking in God's presence in His word, in worship, and in action.  The spiritual exercise benefits you now and later! Eternal benefits lasting forever. Now that's a reason to exercise!

Nothing

Some days are harder than others. Yesterday was one of those days. The reality of certain situations  overwhemed me, no amount of positive thinking could lift my spirit. Sadness crept in. Tears formed. But NOTHING can take my joy, quiet comfort from my Heavenly Father. NOTHING can separate me from Him.

Wherever

Everywhere. Anywhere. Wherever. God is there. Not later, afterwhile, in a few, but right now. He is with you right now, where you are. With God, in the moment...that's power and peace...and all the reason you need to stand strong and walk in confidence.

Protection

Protection comes in many forms.  Man has created a safety sealed, air-bagged, safety locked, video and alarm protected environment from home to vehicle to workplace and school.  Metal detectors scan us, video cameras watch us, concealed weapons arm us, electronic devices connect us, gps systems will locate us, the military-law enforcement-homeland security, FBI stand guard. Protected.  While all the manmade devices and plans are good, in a way...nothing makes me feel more secure than feathers, His wings.

Fruit inspector

Can you imagine having the job of a fruit inspector?  Standing at a conveyor belt, as fruit flys by, keenly watching for blemishes, bruises, or other imperfections and then pulling out and discarding the fruit that fails inspection.  I am so glad our Heavenly Father doesn't discard us when our fruit fails to pass inspection.  However, our fruit is an indication of whose we are.  Inspect your own fruit...from the Spirit of God?

Good thoughts

Half full, half empty. You get to choose! Consider thinking on things in the positive, find the good, see the best...think good thoughts.

Today

Today. Made by the Lord and reason to rejoice!  Be glad! My mind is already full with thoughts of this day...first day back to school! It is tempting to allow worries and concerns to drown out the excitement and joy of a new day, the only opportunity we get to live this day! I am reminded of my favorite verse...I choose to be glad and rejoice!

Strength

Early this summer, I thought my heart was failing. To think the all important blood pumping organ might be in distress is cause for concern.  Thankfully, my heart is strong. We depend on the organs of our body to function in order to keep us alive! While I am deeply thankful for the good report but more important is the strength that comes from my Heavenly Father.  I can make every effort to strengthen this "old" body, eat the right foods, exercise, manage stress...but this flesh will wear out. His strength, never will.  God is my strength!