Worry

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Matt 6:27 (NLT)

So often we wear ourselves out by worrying.  We put so much energy into trying to fix ourselves or others, strategizing about the future, or dwelling on the regrets of the past that we have no time to enjoy the present. These thought patterns rob us of peace and serenity. What a relief when we finally realize that we have no power over these things. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow does not yet exist.  We can only take one day at a time. 

The original word for "to worry" or "to be anxious" is "to take thought."  Basically worry is over-thinking our lives.  Thinking has its limitations.  We usually don't have enough information or our thinking is defective because we have assimilated so many misconceptions.  We don't have the power or insight to figure things out, so over-thinking accomplishes nothing.  As Jesus said, "Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life?"

Things begin to change when we turn our lives and our will over to the care of God.  We are powerless, but God has perfect knowledge, perfect wisdom and all power. When we turn our lives over to his care, let go of our worries and rest in him, he begins to do his work.  

 You will keep in perfect peaceall who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.Isaiah 26:3 

Born to Love

Dear friends, let us love one another,

 for love comes from God. 

Everyone who loves has been born of God

 and knows God because

 God is love.

1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Love is a gift from God.  We cannot create it, will it, or manufacture it but only receive it with grateful hearts.  Whenever we experience love and affection for others we are experiencing God because God is love.  The greatest gift God has given is the ability as his children, born of his spirit, to experience and express his love. 

Things may try to come in to destroy love, but as we allow God to clear our hearts of resentments, love will spring up again. Nothing can destroy love because nothing can destroy God. 

Thank you Father for the gift of love that is born in us by your spirit.  Help us to uncover all the things that hinder your love from springing up in us. Help us to experience and express your love to everyone this holiday season.

No one has ever seen God; 

but if we love one another, 

God lives in us

 and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:12 (NIV)