Wellspring. Karen Moore

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СКАЧАТЬ but it isn't everything, especially when we cease to be dependent on God, our source of light. We can only shine for him as we stand in his presence.

      You've been given the flame. You are the light. In fact, you may be the only light of God's love that some people will ever see. Your work on this planet is to shine and to help others come into God's presence for themselves. It's a great day to turn on your high beams.

      In the Flow

       Lord, I know that I sometimes hide the light you've given me. Help me shine in ways that please you and help others see you in a new way. Amen.

      March 9

      Getting the Best Treatment

       Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.

      —Matthew 7:12

      You teach people how to treat you! Your behavior causes a similar behavior in people around you. In other words, your presence, your posture, your smile make a big difference in how any encounter you have with someone will go. When you offer your best self, show your best light, it returns to you in like manner . . . usually.

      Matthew is reminding us that we need to always be aware of the other guy. We need to take responsibility for the way our relationships turn out because we play a big part in their construction. If we want kindness from someone else, we need to bring kindness to the table. If we want friendship to evolve, we need to offer the steady hand of friendship.

      Most of us want to be treated kindly and well. We want others to value our efforts and see us as good. We want to win their respect and create trust. These are the things that make relationships possible and valuable. The best way to treat any other person in your life is to simply remember the way you like to be treated. Look at the way God is treating you.

      In the Flow

       Lord, I know that I can do more to create stronger and more loving relationships with some of the people in my life. Help me be kind and giving, in the same way that you are to me. Amen.

      March 1 0

      Getting to One More Birthday

       So you must carefully do exactly what the LORD your God commands you. Don't deviate even a bit! You must walk the precise path that the LORD your God indicates for you so that you will live, and so that things will go well for you, and so you will extend your time on the land that you will possess.

      —Deuteronomy 5:32-33

      We enjoy celebrating birthdays, especially if they are someone else's. We love the sweetness of traditions filled with ice cream and cake and little birthday songs. We can celebrate and bring the wishes, but only God can actually affect the length of days we get to participate in this dance of life.

      How do we know the precise path, the one that will give us the opportunity to live fully and well? Perhaps your Bible doesn't feel exactly like a road map or even a guide sometimes, but it is. It is because it was written specifically with you in mind, all with the aim of keeping you on the path. Even more, God provided a ready interpreter in the form of the Holy Spirit. He is available all the time to take requests, to help you recall Scriptures that will guide your choices, to lead you to others that will bring you closer to where you're meant to be.

      If you're feeling somewhat thrown off the track today, get back to the One who will lead you any time you ask for direction.

      In the Flow

       Lord, I do get off the track and I'm pretty sure I don't follow your plan precisely. Please help me ask for direction for any step I take so I can live according to your plans for my life. Amen.

      March 11

      How Not to Please God!

       There are six things that the LORD hates, seven things detestable to him: snobbish eyes, a lying tongue, hands that spill innocent blood, a heart set on wicked plans, feet that run quickly to evil, a false witness who breathes lies, and one who causes conflicts among relatives.

      —Proverbs 6:16-19

      You probably prefer to please God in the manner by which you address life and the people you know. Well, this Proverb directs your attention to show what you can do to NOT please God. Of course, none of these apply to you, but let's look again at one and see if you note any shades of similarity.

      It may not occur to you that you could be snobbish in any way, but anything that separates us from having compassion for another human being may well hit this chord. Like Jesus' disciples who argued over who could sit next to him when he came into his kingdom, you may unconsciously elevate yourself in ways that bring snobbish eyes into play.

      We are all apt to NOT please God on any given day with the things we do or say. We're not so perfectly adjusted to this world that we know how to sidestep the evils no matter how little they might seem. Today, though, is a new day and a chance to offer God our best.

      In the Flow

       Lord, I know that I'm as guilty as anyone of doing things that do not please you. Help me take quick note of those moments and realign myself with you and your love. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Amen.

      March 12

      Minding Your Own Business

       Aim to live quietly, mind your own business, and earn your own living, just as I told you.

      —1 Thessalonians 4:11

      It might sound a little harsh for you to be told to "mind your own business," but it's also wise counsel. Living quietly, going about your business, and earning your own living are certainly worthy goals. So what's your business?

      Your profession aside, the rest of your business has to do with your spirit, your heart, and perfecting your soul to reflect more of the divine Spirit. Your business is to keep growing, keep watching and learning. Thomas à Kempis offered us this thought. He said, "A pure, simple, and steadfast spirit is not distracted by the number of things to be done, because it performs them all to the honor of God, and endeavors to be at rest from self-seeking."

      Tend to becoming more of the person God meant you to be. Your work is cut out for you and today is another gracious opportunity to see what you can do to earn the kind of living that pays off for others because you've grown in the spirit of truth and have so much more to give. Go about your business with joy.

      In the Flow

       Lord, thank you for being involved in my business and help me be more about becoming all that you meant me to become. Help me live quietly and joyfully in you. Amen.

      March СКАЧАТЬ