Active living versus auto pilot

Isn’t it amazing how we get in the habit of just “being”, much of the day is done on auto pilot? This 40 Days of Love journey has awakened my senses and reminded me of the little things. I am sure that as you read my last blog you might have thought, “the Director of Spiritual Development has to work that hard at love?” I thought it myself, shouldn’t I have already figured it out. Well, the answer is yes, I have figured it out many times, and I suppose the reality is that I have to keep on figuring it out. Following Jesus and following the two commands that Jesus basically said summed up the entire Bible is about making a choice and commitment to live our lives for Him everyday.

It is easy to fall into old patterns of behavior and not be held accountable for thoughts and actions that “no one” knows about.  I remember hearing a sermon once where the pastor asked, “Who are you when no one is looking?” 

That person that no one sees, worries too much; thinks thoughts that are not loving; criticizes too much; and gets caught up to easily in the things of the world… so I am going to hear Jesus this morning as He reminds me that the relationships in my life are the most important part of my life.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?”  Matthew 6:25

Today I am going to love God with all my heart…how about you? How are you going to live today…on auto pilot going with the flow or by faith and loving God with all your heart?

Alot easier said than done…

It is easy to hear a sermon on love; read a book about love; think about love; but doing it all day long is exhausting!

I feel like I am learning how to walk all over again…baby steps. I woke up this morning and asked God to give me the ability to love the way He wants me to; I prayed for courage and endurance. Endurance, yes, endurance. It is hard work to love all day long. I am exhausted and feel like I need to have a new bedtime, like 5pm.

I was wiped out by 4 today. I had to call an agency today that has one of those systems where you answer questions. After answering a barrage of silly questions I ended up with please hold next available agent (if the computer could’ve it would have said, hold on dummy for an agent). I was on hold till I received a recording stating please call during business hours. WHAT???!!!!???? I was on hold for an hour! LOVE…what is that?

I had to breath in and refocus my energy, and just as I did that, about ready to lose my mind on the first poor victim that walked by, I had my study Bible open and read:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness adn patience. Bear with each other adn forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Talk about a Scripture to put me in my place. I ended up forgetting I was angry and frustrated, and have moved on to a happy place. As I type this I am reminded that God was glorified today because I did not lose it. I kept my cool and stayed calm. I did not say something to an innocent person out of frustration. I did not have to apologize to anyone. I did not have to deal with a minute of guilt. My kids witnessed their mom staying calm under pressure and saw love overcome anger. 

I realize as I type this at 8pm this evening that I am in training to break some bad habits and create some new habits. I want to become habitually loving! How are you doing?

Love Can Change Your Life

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40 Days Of Love

Join us as we unearth the core of Jesus’ ministry in how we show love to the people God has placed in our lives here on earth, and bring new health and richness to marriages, families, friendships, and all the relationships in our lives.

Kid’s Sports Camp – March 23-27

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Staff Meeting

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Lost Children Are Found

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Too much church gossip?

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39

While speaking with a buddy of mine who is a Pastor – he mentioned that he always wants his people to be gossiping about Jesus to their friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Not trying to “argue religion” with people or “sell” church to them – but just pass on the great things God is doing in a personal way. I must tell you – that is a great kind of gossip! I have seen many of you “gossip” about what the Lord is doing at RVC – and your friends have come and discovered nothing short of eternity! We have seen people who were far removed from God baptized and changed because some of you gossiped about Jesus!

Want to hear some good gossip?

• There is a group of people meeting on Sundays who are more concerned with a relationship with God than the clothes you wear, your background, or your age, race, or beliefs. The music is modern and the people are friendly.
• There is a group of people who have experienced God’s unmerited love and forgiveness and who are now trying very hard to consistently love and forgive one another. They are actually setting aside 40 days straight to learn how to love God and our community in a better way!
• There are a group of people who love the hopeless and the poor. They actually gathered up and delivered over 4,000 items last Christmas to the poorest of the poor of Mexico.
• In an isolated selfish world, some people are still trying to live in community, opening their homes to strangers, seeking to support one another in weekly home groups.  Is that crazy or what?

I hope you will pray today that the Lord would give you an opportunity today to gossip about your church, and that like me you believe all the great things that are happening at Rancho Vista are worth talking about!

YDHWIT – You Can’t Control The Future

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