How Do We Love?

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12

For some reason, I have struggled with this post. So many thoughts have run thru my head --I 've attempted to put them down in words as I've read and re-read this passage of scripture. Words I've read before, words I know to be true.... yet, somehow, I struggled to write out what I was thinking or feeling.

This morning as I sat in our worship service, I think I realized why. Our pastor preached on mercy and he made a statement that I think hit the "nail on the head", so to speak. He stated that mercy goes against our human nature. We have a much greater tendency to pass judgement, to feel that someone deserves to be punished for their actions... instead of loving them thru their situation. As humans we think, "What sort of chaos will we create if we simply love instead of dish out 'what they deserve'?"

Honestly, I think that is part of why I have struggled with this. While I want to live a life that shows each of these behaviors that Paul lists in this passage -- mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness - it is difficult because so many times it goes against my human nature.

As a society, we tend to recognize people for other types of behaviors... hard-working, talented, resourceful, etc. And, while those are all very good, they are not the specific behaviors that we find the Lord expects of each one of us in the way we treat each other.

“It is most significant to note that every one of the graces listed has to do with personal relationships between man and man. There is no mention of virtues like efficiency or cleverness, not even of diligence or industry – not that these things are unimportant. But the great basic Christian virtues are those which govern human relationships.” (Barclay)

I came upon the above quote as I was studying on this passage this last week. How true! How many times do we talk about the importance of our relationship with God? We point out over and over that the greatest thing isn't how often we show up at church or church-related activities, but the greatest thing is the RELATIONSHIP we have with God. Don't you think it should be the same with the people in our lives? It is all about RELATIONSHIP. The very behaviors God expects of us in our relationships with others, are the very same behaviors He demonstrates to us over and over and over again.

Think about this (an excerpt from Enduring Word):

~ God holds back His anger a very long time when we sin against Him. He bears with us a long time, even when we sorely provoke Him.

~ God makes the first move towards us in forgiveness; the habit of men is to only be reconciled if the offending party craves forgiveness and makes the first move.

~God forgives often knowing that we will sin again, sometimes in the exact same way. It is the habit of men to forgive only if the offending party solemnly promises to never do the wrong again.

~God’s forgiveness is so complete and glorious that He grants adoption to those former offenders. In the habit of man, even when forgiveness is offered, he will not lift again the former offender to a place of high status and partnership.

~God keeps reaching out to man for reconciliation even when man refuses Him again and again. In the habit of men, one will not continue to offer reconciliation if it is rejected once.

How can we strive to show this same kind of love in our daily lives? How can we follow God in showing His love by loving others in the same manner?

Letting Go

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossian 3:5-11

As I read and study on this passage of scripture, I'm reminded of the words to the song "The Change" written by Steven Curtis Chapman. It speaks of how, now that we are believers, we have all these "things" that we show to say what we believe (t-shirts that say what we believe, Bible magnets, bumper stickers, etc), but what about the change that must take place within us? What about our heart... has it changed? As the chorus of the song states,

"What about the change

What about the difference

What about the grace

What about forgiveness

What about a life thats showing

I'm undergoing the change"

In previous scriptures in Colossians, Paul speaks of being "hidden" in Christ and of being "rooted and built up" in Christ. If these things are true, there will be a real change in our lives. We will put aside those things that are earthly -- impurities, evil desires, greed.

As Christians, we are called to live a life that shows we are new creatures. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

We need to live our lives in such a way that it is evident to all that we are new creations in Christ. We must turn away from the earthly and focus on the heavenly.

What a difference it will make if we take the time each and every day to be more aware of where our focus truly lies. What a change we will really see take place when we take the time to actively pray and seek to live our lives focused on heaven, pushing aside the things and the priorities of this earth.

Over the last year of so I have been on a journey -- a journey of seeking the Lord's guidance in letting go of so much that overwhelms me in the "day to day" of life and to focus more on what is important in His eyes. As I have seen a change in my life and my family's lives over the last year, it is so "freeing" and so refreshing.

It is the same with letting go of all the things Paul highlights in this passage of scripture. The lies, the greed, the impurities -- they do not give us freedoms and they do not make life any easier. In truth, they make life more difficult than it has to be... and there is a price.

The world tells us that life as a Christian is full of restrictions and difficulties. I believe the restrictions and difficulties are found in the things of this earth. True freedom is found in the Lord. Sure, life is not always going to be easy and at times it will be difficult. But, with God, we don't have to be tied to those difficulties... we have a hope and a peace that only He can provide.

How Time Flies When You're Having Fun

WOW! I cannot believe how quickly summer is flying! It seems like just yesterday school was out, I was so excited to have a break from the normal routine, the kids were looking forward to summertime, with swimming, birthdays and all the other fun summertime activities they so enjoy.

Now, it’s mid-August, we’ve spent enough time in the water it’s a wonder we’re not all waterlogged(well, at the least the kids), we’re in the midst of birthday fun (Abby was 5 yrs. two weeks ago and Josh will be 8 yrs tomorrow.... OH. MY.GOODNESS….WHERE DID THE TIME GO??!! :) ). School starts in one week. One starts 2nd grade and the other will be in pre-K. I’m just amazed.

Two months ago it felt like summer would be here for SO LONG. And, now… it’s almost gone.

Do you, like me, find yourself having similar thoughts throughout the year? The holidays… they go so fast. The school year… gone before I know it. While I’m in the midst of them some days seem to creep by, but then all of sudden I look up and they are gone!

As I type, it occurs to me that life will always be like this. Maybe that’s one of many reasons why this scripture from the book of Matthew is so very important:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasures are, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Nothing is permanent on this earth. There will always be that “thief” that steals it away…. Even the thief called “time”. It passes quickly. It is over too soon.

Heaven, on the other hand, is eternal. No thief of any kind can EVER take that away from us.

What do you do to make the most of the time we've been given here on earth? How do you enjoy it all, but keep your eyes focused on the things of heaven? How do you store up your treasures in heaven?

Thankful for Prayer -- Anywhere and Anytime

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18



I am often amazed at the fact that I can call upon the Lord regardless of the time of day or regardless of where I am or what I am doing. I can pray anytime, anywhere, anyplace. And, not only that, but God wants to hear from me anytime, anywhere and anyplace that I might be. He wants to commune with me and be an active part of my life.

So many times I think we try to relate our relationship with God to the relationships we have with other people. It makes sense that we would do this... after all, it really is our only point of reference. However, our relationship with God can be SO much more. Because we can only really relate on a human level, it is just hard to fathom how God could be available at all times… how He WANTS to hear from us regardless of anything else… yes, He even wants to hear from “little ‘ole me”.

How many people do you know that are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? And, while we do have friends that are very reachable and approachable, they do have families of their own and needs of their own. But, it is so different with God.

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed a silent prayer while in a difficult confrontation with someone, while trying to find a way to handle a rough day at home with the kids (you know, those days when everyone is whiney and tired and fussy… even ME!), while in a meeting at work, or when sitting with a friend and trying to find the right words to say when he or she is struggling with something difficult themselves. I find myself saying prayers of thanksgiving as I listen to the sweet voices of my children as they play or as they are telling me about something exciting that has happened to them during their day. Or, how about those times when there are just no words? While we may not be able to find the words to speak to a friend, God knows our hearts and our minds… He knows the words that we can’t find…. He knows how to comfort us and lead us in the right direction.

What a blessing we have in serving a God that is so approachable and desires so much to have a relationship with each and everyone of us!!


How about you? Do you go about your day seeking God, asking Him for guidance each step of the way? Do you say a prayer of thanksgiving when you receive a sweet note from a friend or when your spouse does something special for you? If not, give it a try. It can make all the difference in the world!



To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Iris at "Grace Alone...".

Hidden In Our Hearts

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him. Colossians 3:1-4

Do you have trouble keeping your mind on the things of earth instead of the things of God? Many days I must admit that I do. It is so easy to let the things of this world take the forefront, isn't it? After all, we do live IN this world. We walk it everyday. We are inundated with some type of noise almost non-stop -- whether it be our news, our entertainment, our music, our email -- it is always going. Much of it is good.. but so much isn't.

No wonder it is a struggle to focus on God. I like how Paul follows up his statement of keeping our minds on things above with "... hidden with Christ in God." I think this is probably the key to keeping our mind on things above. If we stay close to God, if we seek him openly, if we edit out what isn't good around us (at least as much as we can control) then we are staying "hidden with Christ". If we are hidden, isn't it much easier to focus on God and keep our minds on Him?

As I was thinking thru this passage of scripture I tried to think of specific areas where myself or people I knew struggled with focusing on the truths of God rather than the truths of this world. Here are a few that came to mind....

* Am I only beautiful if I am tall and slender, or do I know that I am beautiful regardless because I am a child of God?

* Am I only complete if I am married and/or have children, or am I complete because God is my salvation?

* Am I only successful if I have an important job and makes lots of money, or am I successful because I am following God's will for my life?



If we are focusing on God, if we stay hidden in Christ, then we know the truths are....

* We are all beautiful regardless of how we look because we are children of God's and made in His image.

* We are complete because God is our salvation regardless of marital status or children.

* We are successful because we are following God's will for our lives.

In closing, I'd like to share a paragraph from my study guide "Cappuccino with Colossians" by Sandra Glahn.

In her book Prayer Is a Place, religion editor Phyllis Tickle says, "What a limited and chipped lens one person's mind is for reflecting the world to itself." What masters we are at deceiving ourselves. That's why we need regular intake of God's truth through the Word and interaction with fellow believers. How much of a priority are these for you? How well do your actions line up with your priorities?

The Safest Place to Be....

I recently downloaded Francesca Battistelli’s CD, My Paper Heart, to my iPod. This is a great CD, ya’ll! Just packed full of song after song with the great message that it doesn’t matter what the world thinks…. to God we are beautiful, we are important and with Him we have everything that we need. Most of the songs are upbeat and just leave you feeling good!

With that in mind, I thought one of her songs might be just the perfect thing to leave you with on a Friday. Something to say, “Hey, God’s got ya covered!” and some upbeat music to leave you with that “feel good” feeling as you go into the weekend.

This song is the title cut from the CD. I don’t know of anyone that hasn’t seen a dream or two fall apart or that hasn’t been scared to trust at some point in their lives. But, you know what, God takes care of all that for us. He picks up those pieces for us and shows us that there is hope and healing in him… big or small… He’s got it in His hands and we are safe with Him. HE IS THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE!

I obviously didn't plan this too well as I just now went in search of the video to post and.... I can't find one. Not sure if it doesn't exist or maybe just hasn't been released. However, I did find on her website where it directs you to another site where you can play the song free of charge(you'll need to set up a free account with imeem.com first). This link will get you there and I'll include the lyrics below.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Well I’ve been treated like a valentine
That’s been ripped apart and left behind
I’m a fragile girl
In a crazy careless world
My dreams were torn and scattered on the floor
But You’ve been picking up the pieces, Lord
‘Cause Your love is real
The only hope to heal

(Chorus)
My paper heart is Yours now
I have landed in Your hands
Come so far to find out
My life will never be the same
Since you wrote Your name
On my paper heart

I had been so terrified to trust
So many times I’d been reduced to dust
But You keep showing me
You’re the safest place to be

(Chorus)

Never knew that I could feel the way I feel
Never knew that there could be a love so real
Never knew that I could feel the way I feel right now

(Chorus)

A Bit of Random Thankfulness

My thoughts are kind of all over the place tonight, so I'm going to make this week's post of the random variety. God is so very good and some week's I have just have a hard time sticking to one topic. :)

* I am thankful for good health for myself and my family. I know so many that are suffering right now with some sort of illness. God has blessed us with good health in our household and for that I am very thankful!

* I am thankful for answers to prayer. Over the last couple of weeks I have seen God's answers to several prayers and I just can't express what a comfort and a joy it is to see it all play out! None of it is huge, but I think that is one thing that excites me. God cares about the small stuff!

* I am thankful for God's provisions. I know too many families that are struggling right now to make ends meet due to loss of jobs, financial burdens, etc. God continues to provide us with all that we need and we are so blessed!

* I am thankful for the strength God gives me to keep on keepin' on! Even though we have so very much, there are still days where I am tired, or frustrated or whatever the case may be for that particular day. Even though it's nothing major and a normal part of daily life, God is still is there helping me to keep moving forward.



To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Iris at "Grace Alone...".