Promises

Years ago, when I attended Al-Anon, I learned not to get too excited about promises made to me. They usually were not kept, and my unfulfilled expectations left me feeling low. I learned to listen to a person’s actions instead of their words. 

     Although we love the people in our lives, they often let us down with unfulfilled promises. I am sure I have also been at the other end of spectrum, as well, by letting someone down. 

     With God, I don’t how to be edgy, depressed, or let-down. His promises are always kept. I do, however, need to listen to His words, watch for His actions, hold them in my heart and love Him because the results occurring in my life are pre-planned. With God, I can have peace, knowing if I trust and love, my life is joyful.   

 

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

Love

There are many different kinds of love. Among them is a passionate love, but there is also a friendly neighborly one. There is a love that allows others to be different, a willingness to listen, care, and still be united through our differences. 

     Personally, I like to feel loved, and I like to let others know that I love them, as well. Working for many years in the banking industry, I learned to meet people with a hand-shake, but in reality I am really a “hugger.”  A friendly hug shows that I care.

     Yet, when I think about true love, I have to rely on 1 Corinthians 13 where I learned what love really is. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

     Some people love me more than others, but the greatest ever-lasting love comes from my Father. No one else loves me more. “For God so love the world (me), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever (me) believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

     I know that God loved me as He was creating me and I know that “We love, because He first love me.” 

#2018 vs. 2019

     As 2019 rolls in, I have to ask, "What did I do in 2018?"
1.  I vacationed with my church group in Israel.  This was a once in a lifetime experience.  I can't believe I was actually able to walk where Jesus walked.  However, I did not have to journey to Israel to walk with Jesus.  He walks  with me everywhere I am - every day.
2.  I lost weight, but then I gained it back.  It seems my weight likes to walk with me too.
3.  I completed a Bible Study class and actually did not miss an assignment.  This took determination.
4.  I continued reading through the Bible.  This was and is rewarding.  I can never stop learning and getting to know my God.  To be able to study God's Word is a true blessing.
5.  I refinished my grandmother's dresser/washstand which is about 100 years old.  I rate this with pride as an accomplishment. 
6.  I enjoyed a trip to Branson with my brother and his wife.  This was a quality few days with family.
7.  I kept in touch and met for visits with my sisters.  I just can't get enough of family.
8.  I watched a lot of Hallmark movies; some new and some repeats.  This took care of a few boring moments, but then it also created boredom.
9.  I ended the year with two sets of family.  Although busy, I will cherish the moments.
     So what do I propose to accomplish in 2019?  I hope to, daily, whip up my own 3-cup recipe as follows: 
                1 cup of kindness
                1 cup of forgiveness
                1 cup of love
        Mix these together until well-blended and share with all whom I come in contact. 
     I end this with Paul's closing letter in 2 Corinthians, "...Be joyful.  Grow to maturity.  Encourage each other.  Live in harmony and peace.  Then the God of love and peace will be with you."  Happy New Year!

House-Keeping

     I feel really good about my house when it is clean and neat.  Yet, very seldom is everything in its place.  In fact, the first thing I do when having company is to throw all the clutter into drawers, cabinets, and closets.  I wouldn't want anyone seeing how much my house is in disarray.
     Is that the way we live our lives, too?  We hide away what we do not want others seeing in our lives.  This brings up valid reasoning.  God sees all.  As a Christian, He lives in my house so I have a responsibility to keep it clean.   
     One writer of my Sunday School book put it much this way, "Your heart is the spiritual home of God.  As homeowner, He has the right to go through every room and make the renovations that He desires because He owns the house.  He paid for it with His  blood."
     So, I ask myself, "Am I willing to allow God to make the required renovations to maintain a clean house?"

1 Corinthians 3:16   "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"