365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 32

I read a book over the last couple days called Crossroads by William Paul Young the writer of the well-known book The Shack. The Shack was so enthralling a story that I knew I had to get and read this newest book. I wasn’t disappointed! I don’t want to give away the whole story but suffice it to say it takes you through a journey of one person who because of the suffering in his life built up walls and hated God. On the journey he learns about himself, God and love and tears down the walls with forgiveness and grace and learns to love like Jesus. If you love page-turner kinds of books, this is one you must read! It really demonstrates all the key points in learning to love: forgiveness, letting go, other-centered vs self-centered, acceptance, not on your own but with the help of Jesus and so on. I know I will be reading this book again and again. Praising God for his unfathomable love for us and the gift of this writer who wrote a story that shares with us the power of love.

John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge

In looking up the next two words in the 1 Corintians 13:4-13 scripture, I had an assumption that they both go hand-n-hand. The words are boast and pride. “It (love) does not boast, it is not proud.”  Boasting is really pride being verbalized. It is tooting our own horn, bragging about ourselves, our achievements or our possessions, and it self-satisfaction. Once again, we are back to the core of our sins being selfishness. How do we change what is basic nature for us? Only the Holy Spirit can help us change from self-centered to other-centered. Our prayers need to focus on others.

Dear Daddy,

You created each of to be a unique part of your plan. It was never meant to be a one-person show. Help us to take ourseleves out of the equation and see that it is a combination of all of us working together to build up your kingdom. Today I pray for (insert name).Guide, protect and let him/her feel your presence. I am praying you will help them with whatever is weighing on their hearts.

With You All Things Are Possible. Amen.