Thoughts

I came across a great devotion.

I have gone through some things recently when having the mind of Christ and having to make decisions, while still showing God's love, seems so hard (I am a little stubborn, especially when I think I am right). It's human nature to want to "get even" or make something right that doesn't seem fair, especially when you sincerely haven't been in the wrong. But when I remember the mercy Christ has shown to me, I have to do the same. Christ went through SO much, and truly was never in the wrong. In other words, I HAVE to still show love to those who seem unlovable, or who I think are truly unworthy of grace from me. I can't find scriptures that allow me to love them any differently or less from those who do me right and good. Meaning, if a person is a pain to deal with or is the most enjoyable person to be around... I am to love them with the love of Christ. Period. Furthermore, as an example to my husband and children, I have to act out God's word if I expect the same from Stephen and want Mili and Jonah to be proud and see what is right, not just hear it. For so many reasons- to show the lost, my family, and above all for Christ- I have to die daily to my flesh and desires, and live how Christ would have me to, and trust He will take care of the rest. Finally, if we would worry about laying up riches in Heaven, as much as we do about "getting what we think is ours" on earth, the focus for what we live for would change dramatically. And I need to be refocused to that daily.

So, I read this devotion today, and it's so true. God knows my heart and motives, and that's all I am going to have to give an account for... in the meantime, I have to love others who don't deserve my love, because I don't deserve Christ's love.

Our actions are usually a reflection of who we are. Our actions should reflect what we profess to believe. We should act on our word. We should remember to always take the right actions even when it’s difficult – We should “walk the walk”, not only “talk the talk”. We should think carefully before we act. We should treat others the same way we ourselves would like to be treated. Children and adults alike are watching and learning from our actions. Remember that in everything we say and do, we are ambassadors for God. -Joyful Living Devotions

Think on these verses...

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”"
Luke 16:13

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
James 4:17

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."Jeremiah 17:9-10

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38