Random Musings

I spend alot of time thinking about what it means to love like Christ. It's such a small statement, but so difficult to truly live. I wrestle with my flesh all of the time when it comes to dying to myself and truly loving others as I've been called to love them. Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35 It's a command. Love one another as I have loved you. If we claim the name of Jesus, we don't have a choice about this one. As I was thinking about it this morning, I came across a really familiar verse that struck me afresh. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, alwa...

I found this collection of verses warning about anger this morning. I'm wrestling with some and needed to go to the scriptures. I thought I'd share them here. Verses warning us about anger Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8). A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Proverbs 12:16). Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17). A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29). A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18). Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than ...

I've been thinking alot about resentment, bitterness, and hatred today. Writing often helps me sort through my thoughts. I welcome any commentary on this subject. Last year, about this time, I was really wrestling with forgiving someone. It was a new struggle for me. For whatever reason, in my life, I've not had trouble letting things go or forgiving people (for the most part). Maybe it's because I have a tendency to forget why I'm supposed to be angry, or maybe I've just been fortunate to not have too many situations where forgiveness has been difficult. But, whatever the case, I found myself in a new arena for me - wrestling to forgive. As a believer in Christ and one who believes the Bible is the ultimate authority on how I should live my life, I knew that hating someone and choosing not to forgive was wrong. But, truthfully, I didn't want to let go and forgive. And, so I wrestled. I made my way to the scriptures (after some wise counsel from friends) and sta...

So, there's something pretty important that you should know. It's life changing, really. It's actually already something many of you do know, but it's easy to forget and always worth hearing again. So, since it's been on my heart and mind all day, I'm gonna tell you now. You are so loved. It's true. And, even though many of you know that you are loved by your parents, or friends, or whoever, it doesn't always feel that way, does it? That's what happens when you are loved by imperfect people. Sometimes we forget to tell people that we love them. Sometimes we fail to show it. Other times, we let it die because of something silly or something we think we should hold onto forever. But, there's a truth that gives me hope even when I feel completely unseen, unloved, and unappreciated by those around me. You ready? Here it is: "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with...