Love God Love One Another

If the world has become more unhinged this week for you, it exceedingly needs the Love of God through servants like us. We cannot have the love of Jesus inside us if we don’t also have the heart and the mindset of Christ. To think what Jesus thought, to act as Jesus did, to serve as Jesus did is to give up our rights and privileges to elevate others. Our heart aches to give thoughtful prayer and sympathy in the face of domestic shootings, raging fires, and international warfare. The best way to follow-up is through active hand-to-hand service. #FierceCaretaking #AsVeteransGave #Messiahyl

Who was, or is, a person to you that exemplifies an exceptional degree of holiness, likeness, or closeness to God? We all know people who have lived a life bigger than themselves…people who made a mark on us—legacies to us after they were gone. Such lives were built on consistent days of living out grace and gratitude in the world. They modeled how we can be, likewise, generous, loving, challenging, and saintlike. #SaintsAlive #Messiahyl

Shame pushes us off a life centered on grace. When we forget who God created us to be, we begin to hear the loud voices that tell us we are never enough. Shame spreads toxicity and creates separation: implanting doubt we are small, defective, broken, and unrepairable. Even as shame claims I am flawed and unacceptable, Gods amazing grace demonstrates that—though I am flawed—I am cherished. That is truly #AmazingGrace #Messiahyl

In a very noisy world, what can bring clarity, calm, and peace? The God who has decided that "little old you" will be part of His family has provided a Word for today; a Word that is, and comes from, Jesus. You are treasured by God! Jesus gave everything to rescue you. You will keep your sanity and balance in a noisy world if you focus on His Word which will hold you steady forever. #WordOfHope. #Messiahyl

Is prayer, for you, talking to yourself hoping someone is listening? We might be missing out on one of life’s greatest benefits if we approach prayer as only a means to dialogue. Prayer has many modes: attitude, sacred word, and centering, to name a few. The prayer experience is a deep awareness of God’s presence; ridiculous attention to being still. Lord, help me retreat to a silent place in my attention to hear and be with you. #RestingStill #Messiahyl

Discover of who we are is rooted in our relationships. More than vocation, geography, or physical appearance—we are profoundly and deeply an image of God. Wonder is needed to imagine how the creator of the universe would be mindful of mere mortals and care for us. Who am I truly? Crowned with glory and honor...wonderfully made. #LovedTogether #Messiahyl

We all pretty much want the same things in life…happy emoji. But life gets flushed with events that can create laments, complaints, betrayals, and fear. Our pillars of hope are: God is with me; God is my God; God will strengthen me; God will help me; God will uphold me. We can move from fear to confidence and into the “thin places” of Shalom—deep abiding peace. #ThinPlaces #Messiahyl

Is your life a little VUCA? a little volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous? What does your emoji look like today? The world is not black and white and we can’t bubble wrap our lives or loved ones. A brave iconic smiley face is not required…just a want for Jesus (our healer, savior, giver) more than anything. #ForeverSafe #Messiahyl

The Psalms in the Bible don't always end "happily ever after." There's no emoji for pain. Downcast, suffering, dreadful, unhappy...these are moments when it's critical to know that God is bigger than our circumstance. Real hope can embrace our weakness. I choose not to fear; God is with me. I choose not to doubt; God is in control. I choose not to despair; God is good.

How are you feeling today? Your answer has much to do about how you choose to be. We can rarely control what happens, but we can embrace how we respond. Emotions are momentary feelings and not the totality of who we are. God IS love and strength; a source of deep abiding joy for every circumstance. What would make you truly happy today? You!...rooted in God's love.

On that day (when Jesus was with his disciples and teaching them) they left the safe side of the sea to go to the other side. Great plan, easy day! Jesus is with us. Then life began to happen, even to unravel: rough times, overwhelming thoughts, and deep uncertainty. Is this our story, too? Wrapped up in our perspective, have you experienced a panic attack...fear gone crazy? Jesus stands in our boat and says, "Be still, don't panic, I've got you."

Life is full of turbulence, change, and transition. Oh! Discombobulation...whether from another reorg, new direction, diagnosis, new school, pain, loss of a loved one, etc. "Who moved my cheese!?" In the midst of transition we often go deep inside ourselves to muster personal strength. We wonder, "Will that be enough this time?" Through challenges and celebrations, may we learn to cling tightly to You, God, for strength, recharge, and perspective to navigate the (F.I.R.E) facts, interpretations, emotional reactions, and desired ends in every transition.

Remembering is not only memory of the past; it is an action verb for today and the future. Remembering is the opposite of dismembering; it is bringing ourselves together with God and with every person in our sphere of operation...especially those who are feeling marginalized, forgotten, and in need of grace. "Remember me, when I remember you. Gather up all the brokenness as only you can do, when we remember you."

Taking your heart on a long trip is a powerful way to put your faith on your sleeve. As several recent international mission trip volunteers will tell, you don’t come back the same person. You are beautifully “wrecked” for life. Places like Macedonia and Uganda may seem half-a-world away but overnight you can be sharing your gifts and blessings with people in critical need. Remarkable joy and faith lives in places where total dependence is on answered prayer. #BeOne #Messiahyl

Reflection brings clarity and new understanding. The beauty of God’s Word is that it can be fresh at every reading…even after you have looked at a passage many times. God’s love is infinitely wide, high, and deep. God’s love surpassing our knowledge. The Holy Spirit strengthens us with power to take action, yes, but more importantly to fall deeply, passionately, and madly in love with God. #WhatIWantForYou #Messiahyl

God poured himself out; Jesus came to us. Modeling servanthood, Jesus healed, loved, cared, listened, and met people in their need. He washed his follower’s feet showing us the attitude for descending into greatness. God created each of us to serve generously. Let us each look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. #BeServing #Messiahyl

Courage • Obedience • Faith • Unity. We learn these character attributes from heroes of faith from bible days and still today. The hope and salvation that Jesus gives is our VICTORY. Crazy love from God enables crazy courage, obedience, faith, and unity in love for others. Christie’s living faith and victory story is powerful. What has God given you to share? #SomethingToGive #Messiahyl

One of the most memorable of Jesus’ parables is the story of the prodigal son. Perhaps misnamed, though, the heart of this reconciliation story is the amazing love of the waiting father. This description of God’s love applies to us, also. God provides freedom, support, and endless love to every wanderer. #MyFatherLovesMeAlways #Messiahyl

Offer some time, share a talent, give a co-worker your kidney? How far does being a good neighbor go? For you? It is not what we do, actually, that makes us a good neighbor. Wanting to justify ourselves and narrow our obligations, we ask “what (the least) must I do?” The guidance from the parable today is first acknowledge God’s Love….and then respond. From our position of eternal indebtedness, we can see “what to do” is not limited. #ShowingUpWithLove #Messiahyl

We are lights and lamps to guide and illuminate dark places. When we radiate God’s love we live out our life’s purpose. We emit what we absorb minus what we retain—this is our radiative exchange potential. Draw on God’s light and love this week: absorb exceedingly. Then go on to retain less to emit more. #YouMightNeedsShadesForThis #Messiahyl