365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 264

Our relationship with God is as a parent and child. When a child is being obedient, it is a demonstration or act of love for you, the parent. It is the completion of the circle of love. God, our father starts the circle by all his creation given to us, by creating rules to live by and by rewarding and punishing for following or not following his commands. The circle comes around through Jesus who is the greatest example of love and who is the greatest gift of love given to us by God. The Holy Spirit within us guides us onward towards completing the circle. In completing the circle and keeping Gods commands, we are showing God our love for him. All the family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and even strangers are inside this circle of love being loved by God and you. It all comes down to love. Every command has its foundation on love. How do we live our lives more and more with love pouring out of us? Commit yourself to reading a scripture about love every day. There are hundreds to choose from. Just go to the concordance of your bible and start with the first one listed. Keep love on your minds and hearts through His Word and you will find yourself completing the circle of love.

1John 5: 3-4 This is love for God: to obey his commands and his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 343

Words of encouragement and compassion are priceless and even more so when they come from a child. Last night, I was TIRED and that made me very cranky. So, the bedtime routine for my daughter was just one more thing I needed to do before climbing into my own bed. My daughter picked up on my crankiness and asked if I was cranky. YES! So she says “Mommy needs a hug” and leans over to give me a hug. Well, that just put a smile on my face and helped me to let go of the “crankies”. Sometimes, all you need is someone to show they care. Thank you, Lord for the gift of words that show love, compassion, encouragement and all those things that we need. What a blessing a hug can bring! Don’t let the politically correct or timing or whatever stop you from reaching out to someone who could use some kind words or a hug. Be like a child and just give it.

Matthew 7:12 ”So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.