February 2018 Passages
February 1, 2018
Truly loving people as Christ loves extends mercy and forgiveness ( though hard at times) when we are wronged by others.
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
February 2, 2018
Do not be swayed by the crowd, but stay strong in the conviction Jesus gives you- and do so in love- avoiding self-righteous anger.
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.'
February 3, 2018
Ask Jesus to give you the mindset to decide to live as He commands.
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
February 5, 2018
Being the created, we have been given the seed of faithin Jesus who is the exact role model to live our lives.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
February 6, 2018
True love of people extends grace ( keeping comments to yourself) to those we can't stand or agree with. So pray for them and step aside for God to work in both them and you.
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs."
February 8, 2018
Love is not based on how the day is going or emotions felt, but Love is a decision which requires time that invests in the whole well-being of others by actively listening/ caring ; taking part in the joy, while enduring irritations and hardships.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
February 9, 2018
Self-centeredness is an enemy to true love.
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
February 12, 2018
The beautiful design of nature created for us to enjoy, obeys the word of God: the sun and moon stay in the sky, the ocean extends just so far, the flowers and trees sprout up from the soil. Out of Love for Jesus, may we obey his design for us.
"The earth is filled with your love, Lord ; teach me your decrees.
February 13, 2018
Love does not take away, act in secret, or lie. Love is authentic giving honestly to another person.
"The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
February 14, 2018
Happy Valentine's Day! Today Also is Ash Wednesday. We begin the journey to prepare for Easter, the greatest love story ever! These words from Jesus are sincere and true:
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
February 15, 2018
Great friends are those who embrace the same interests, character, and way of life that goes beyond the surface. When we embrace Jesus he says,
You are my friends if you do what I command.
February 16, 2018
Friends share things about each other to allow them to know one another better which allows opportunity for close relationships.
Jesus tells us if we desire a relationship with him," I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
February 17, 2018
We don't have to beg and plead to be a part of something wonderful that has purpose because we are told,
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
February 18, 2018
To care for and respect, to assist and be patient are expected acts of love not open for discussion or debate in times we don't feel like doing it.
Very simply Jesus says, "This is my command: Love each other."
February 19, 2018
There is nothing easy about taking the road less traveled; to go against peer pressure or what everyone else thinks or what they are doing risks not being liked or included. Following Jesus is not always easy because we may be hated for our faith, but take heart we are not alone!
Jesus tells us,"“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
February 20, 2018
To stand firm in your faith and to do what you believe and know to be right.
Jesus reminds us, "Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me."
February 21, 2018
With faith that Jesus is Lord, the Holy Spirit will keep you in check and make known to you what is right and what is true.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
February 22, 2018
Our peace in the midst of everything we experience is found soley in Christ.
He shares himself with us and reminds us," “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
February 23, 2018
Through prayer we deepen our relationship with Jesus and come to know our role on Earth to bring him glory; as has a close relationship with the Father and knew his role on Earth was to give us eternal life, he prayed
"Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him."
February 26, 2018
Jesus had to die and conquer death so we have the opportunity to live eternally. His death brought life to all who choose to believe.
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
February 27, 2018
This world is not our home just as the house we live in is not meant to last. Time here is temporary, yet meant to have purpose found only in Jesus who brings us eternal life.
"Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
February 28, 2018
To fully experience life is to let go of control and allow Jesus to be in charge taking you where he chooses and doing what he says.
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."