Persevere

So, we found in Scripture that love protects, trusts and hopes.  Wait; there is one more I would like to hit on.  We encourage others to never give up.  Things will get better and this too shall pass.  But, when it comes to a true, intimate, deep relationship with another; are we living out our own advice?  I would answer no in most situations I faced over the years.  I run away from tough times, conflicting conversations and avoid arguments at all costs.  When times are tough, I get running (in the opposite direction).  I have learned over the years that love cannot flourish through avoidance, quitting or silence.  God revealed to me this eagerness to give up.  I do not like learning the hard way; yet, as I ran from situations and relationships, I created my own hardships.  Therefore, I ended up learning an even harder way.  Thank God for His perseverance in my life.  He never gives up on me and loves me throughout every situation.

Love perseveres. . .
Pray.
Endure.
Reassure.
Solid.
Even-tempered.
Vivacious attitude.
Empower.
Resist temptation.
Effort.
Stand on His Word.

Pray together and gain wisdom from our Father of which way to move.  He will provide strength needed to continue through any situation.  Endure hardships together.  Do not run from tough times and leave the other to deal with it alone.  Satan loves to prey on lone souls facing hardships.  But, where two or more gather in God's name, there He shall be.  He already defeated Satan and will take over the hardship for you.  He knows exactly how to get rid of Satan's attacks.  Reassure each other at all times.  Build up the other with words of encouragement and peace.  Stay Solid in faith, be a support and never give up.  Display an Even-temper.  Avoid bitterness, resentment and anger.  Do not go to sleep angry, for it will carry on to the next day and increase in severity.  Hold your arms out in comfort for one another.  Display a Vivacious attitude.  Avoid idle, unhappy lifestyles.  Pray for open eyes to see the good and count the blessings given every day.  Try to lift each other up, not pull each other down.  Empower each other to keep on keeping on.  Resist temptation to stray or give up.  Stay clear of situations which steal your energy, leaving you empty.  You will have nothing positive to bring in the relationship.  Giving into temptations will grow a wedge to separate the relationship.  Give 100% Effort to the relationship.  Do not give up.  Give wholehearted love. 

Finally, in every aspect of the relationship and in order to grow the deepest of love; Stand on His Word.  Read His instructions and follow His example.  He is love, the true Source.  Let Him teach and lead you.  Persevere always; for perseverance leads to completeness in faith. 

"always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13)  

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for strength to face all that comes my way.  Help me to endure, not run; to resist temptation, not place my energy in the wrong places; to love wholehearted, not with laziness; and to stand on Your Word to have a solid foundation, not doing my will but Yours.  Thank You for the relationships I hold and help me to strengthen each one by protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering at all times.  Keep my attention on the path laid for me.  Help me be a blessing to those on the path and may my words and actions please You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Hope

Daydreaming comes upon all of us.  The possibilities are endless when entering this state of mind.  Our visions bring smiles and a sense of hope for what could be.  Our desires, hopes and dreams are possible if we just believe.  God will take all of these and work them out for the good of His plan.  Go to Him.  He knows the desires of your heart and wants you to receive blessings.  First, you must have faith in Him and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Then, follow God's plan.  Hope in the One who loves you. 

Hope brings love to a deeper level with our relationships here as well.  We must believe in the other and have confidence in the future life together.  Going back to childlike love includes hope.  Children feel secure in their relationships with loved ones and express their dreams openly.  Their possibilities seem endless because their hope is not lost.

Love hopes. . .
Honor
Open
Passion
Engage
Stand on His Word

Loving one another goes farther than just empty words.  Honor through actions takes love to a greater level.  Place full confidence in the other and inspire their dreams.  Praise them for achievements, share with them in glory and never belittle.  Avoid jealousy when they accomplish great tasks and celebrate right next to them.  Share joy through honor.  Help Open doors, hearts and minds.  Don't shut the door on the other's ideas.  Come to one another with open hearts and minds.  Let go of anything hindering full submission.  Provide that comfortable atmosphere for the other to come and share their full heart.  Share in the Passion the other holds for a particular goal.  Inquire more about their dreams and hopes for the future.  Engage in the lives of each other and find out what the other expects.  Really listen and encourage one another to reach attainable goals.  Do not shoot one another down; yet, inspire one another to keep on keeping on!  Stand on His Word which fills us with confidence.  He knows our deepest wants and needs.  He will fulfill those in accordance to His Will.  Read the Bible together to increase faith.  Increased faith grows two hearts closer.  

Let God take over and bring confidence into the relationship.  He will open your eyes and hearts to regain hope in what is yet to come.  He will fill both with strength to accomplish all things on their path.  Accomplish these together, believe in one another and know that He is walking with you.  Two people full of hope in one another will flourish and love will grow.  Enjoy the relationship and live out your dreams.

always hopes, (1 Corinthians 13)

One more left. . .

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for placing hope and desire in my heart.  Thank You for sending such great people to share these with.  My heart held no joy, hope, love or faith.  It was cold and dead.  Thank You for reviving my heart and opening my eyes to see the reason I am here.  Keep my eyes focused on You and the relationships given each day.  Give me full confidence in my loved ones and eliminate any jealousy so I may celebrate in their accomplishments.  Help me encourage them in their endeavors and passions.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Trust

A child trusts their loved ones to care for them.  Their heart is placed in the hands of loved ones and they lean on them for guidance.  Children do not ask twenty questions for assurance that the other is faithful or fulfilled their end of a deal.  Questions are not used to test if the other lives up to the promises made.  Children trust.

Let us bust the brick of distrust from our wall around our heart.  Refocus relationships to trust.  Without confidence in one another, relationships fail and hearts break.  This only strengthens the wall around our hearts.  Learn from our little ones and gain back confidence in our relationships.

Love Trusts. . .
Think
Reveal secrets.
Unite.
Spend time.
Talk.
Stand on His Word.

Keep relationships in the forefront of your mind with every decision.  Think about your action.  Ask yourself if this decision, word or action will jjeopardize the trust level in a relationship.  If answered yes, don't do it!  Whatever the situation, leave and never look back.  Separate yourself from anything hindering wholehearted trust in the relationship.  Reveal any secrets from the past or present.  Forgive and move on into the future transparent.  Unite as one.  Place God at the center and begin on the same page to build trust.  As thoughts conflict, Satan will place a wedge between the two.  The relationship becomes a battlefield; the one desires for the other to think just like them.  Come together, reach a compromise and grow love on trust.  Spend time together.  Get to know one another at the deepest level.  Absence does not make the heart grow fonder.  Absence helps the hearts grow distant.  Absence presents the two with tempting situations.  Satan loves tempting situations and does his best work in vulnerable atmospheres.  Talk when spending time together.  Tell each other of your needs and desires.  Conversations bond and help to soften the hardest of hearts.  Stand on His Word.  Come together; place your trust in Him to take away all fears, concerns and anything that hinders wholehearted trust.  Read the Bible together and gain more knowledge on what trust looks like.  He sets the perfect example.

He will teach you how to love the way He intends.  God created each of His children to love one another as He loves us.  Be childlike and trust wholeheartedly.

"always trusts,"  (1 Corinthians 13)

God, thank you for another day.  Help me in my relationships to throw off anything hindering full trust.  Rid me of past experiences and help me to avoid holding them against the loved ones You brought into my life.  I want to trust wholeheartedly but I don't know how to repair my damaged, untrusting heart.  Show me how and heal the damage.  Soften my heart with deeper conversations.  Open my ears to listen to others and focus on bonding with them in relationships.  I want others to see how much I do love them by trusting them with my heart.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Protect

We begin life as an innocent child.  Our speech is limited, actions lack thought, reasoning immature; yet, we truly love the closest in our lives.  Children desire to spend quality time with parents, friends and family.  Little ones protect their possessions and love ones.  Children trust wholeheartedly, hopes in all good things to come and persevere in all endeavors. 

Growing up increases our vocabulary (not always for the good), our actions come with better thought and reasoning grows in logic.  We gain skills, likes and dislikes, independence and a greater spectrum of friends.  Unfortunately, with all this gain, we tend to lose the capacity to love one another.  Why?  Our selfish thoughts hold us captive and prevent us from loving as we should.  Over the years, people in this world disappointed, broke our heart and abandoned us.  We keep a list of the wrongs done and dare not find ourselves in that same position again.  So, we place a brick wall around our hearts and allow VERY few to enter.  Even the few that enter do not come in completely.  Love cannot flourish in parts.  We must go back to childlike love in our marriages, families and friends. 

The next few days, I am going to share some things I believe may help us refocus on how to love, break down the walls around our hearts and heal painful pasts.  My brick wall stood about 10 feet high and daily I work to bust each brick.  I feel as though I am down to a 3 foot wall now.  It is tough and I know how past experiences hinder our hearts to love again wholeheartedly.  Let's work together and pray for one another to reach that level of love again. 

Love protects. . .
Provide.
Respect.
Observe.
Take time to listen.
Eliminate selfish thoughts.
Carry one another's burdens.
Talk about fears.
Stand on His Word.

In relationships, strive to Provide the needs and desires of others.  Respect and avoid belittlement.  Observe to keep in check of any life changes.  Take the time to not only hear what the other says, but listen to each word.  Meditate on the conversations and give proper feedback at the right time.  Eliminate the "What about Me?" mentality.  If we consume ourselves with ourselves, we cannot love another wholeheartedly.  Carry the burdens of each other.  If one enters a stormy season, the other holds their hand and is there to catch should a fall occur.  Talk about fears accumulated over the years of bad relationships.  Satan creates the best of wedges out of silent fears and unsaid struggles.  The wedge grows and separates the relationship.  Stand on His Word.  God is love.  What better place to learn about the components of love than from the true source?  Read the Bible together and build a relationship with God at the center.  He loves you so much and will PROTECT your lives.  Let Him in and let Him love.  He will set the example.

"It always protects,. . ." (1 Corinthians 13)

More tomorrow. . .

God thank you for another day.  Thank You for protecting my heart every day.  Help me bust up the last of my brick wall around my heart.  Open up my eyes to see how to love others.  Remove any selfish thoughts which hold me back from fully engaging in my loved one's lives.  Feed me Your Word so I may follow Your example and express my love productively.  Rid me of past pain and dead relationships that left a scar on my heart.  Help me protect the ones I love.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Forget the Pleas . . . Repent and Learn

One night, my son grew angrier by the minute.  First, he misbehaved and television time was removed.  Then, another misbehavior led to reading time being removed.  My husband was not home for the evening, so I was enemy #1.  If you have never been there, it isn't that fun and I suggest you avoid it at all costs.  Well, as he lay in bed, he expressed anger towards his current position.

Many pleas sounded from his room to change this mean mother's mind.  I stood firm on the punishment and ignored the outcries.  His feelings were valid for sure.  His anger justified.  But, the punishment necessary to learn that misbehavior is not accepted. 

With each statement proclaimed, I recalled a time when I felt just as he did that night.  I think we could all relate to at least one of his statements.  He belted off a list of people in his life that loved and cared for him (guess what?  I was not on that list).  Everyone lets him down.  People are always mean to him.  He never feels love and always suffers.  His sister never gets in trouble.  I think you get the idea.

Did you catch a few of his words?  Never.  Always.  Everyone.  These are some powerful words to be spewing out.  Yet, don't we feel this way when stuck in a terrible situation?  Our eyes cannot see clearly the blessings; our stubborn minds cannot take discipline and our anger bubbles over towards anyone present at the time. 

"Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
   so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)  

"Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
   but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)

"They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:10-11)

Discipline produces wisdom.  We learn from mistakes made; therefore, strengthen our walk.  If discipline did not occur, how would we ever learn right from wrong?  Our actions would continue to lead down a path of destruction.  Discipline hurts.  I will not deny that, but it is necessary for spiritual maturity.  We do not know the exact steps to take on the path laid for us.  One thing we do know is that God holds the big picture and He knows every step leading straight to Heaven.  It is through His Son, Jesus our Savior, which we will arrive in Eternal life with Him.  It takes correction from time to time so our feet will get back in line with our path.  Our flesh may lead us astray, but He will correct us quickly.  Humble yourselves and listen to the discipline He gives. 

Discipline produces respect.  We respect our Father, for He knows the life of righteousness and peace.  Only through His teaching will we reap this harvest.  He loves us enough to guide us and warn of faltering steps.  Listen, respect and honor our Father.  Do not hate our Disciplinarian.  Do not waste your breath pleading for things to be the way YOU believe they should.  Repent and learn from wrong decisions.  He will strengthen you and the next time a similar situation occurs you will know exactly what to do.  Thank Him for each lesson.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank you for teaching me the right way to go.  Open my heart to accept discipline and change my ways to align with Your plan for my life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig   

Time Apart from Worldly Influences

Why do you go to church?  Or, do you go to church?  If not, then why?

These very personal questions need immediate and constant evaluation.  We need to keep a check on the reasons we attend so to not become idle in our worship, drift away slowly, feel forced to attend or simply go through the motions every Sunday.  God desires a relationship with us and loves to hear from us apart from worldly influences.  This day is ONE hour that we can shut out our busy lives, give all our anxieties to Him and delve deeper into His Word.  God uses church leaders as vessels to teach Scripture and spur others to learn more throughout the week.  As we take the messages on Sunday and apply them to our lives Monday thru Saturday, we see the mighty work of God in our lives.  We feel a closer bond as we cling to Scripture and take the points God wanted us to hear from the message. 

I urge you to find a church home.  Commit to a family of believers, led by those who seek God wholeheartedly.  God will use your church family to comfort, guide, teach and build friendships that last through Eternity.  He first desires a relationship with YOU, then would like to increase the circle of friendship.  How?  Attending a church broadens that circle and helps strengthen your knowledge of the Bible.  Knowing more about the Scripture helps to follow God more closely.  Wisdom helps you understand what is expected and asked of a follower.  Fellow believers help sharpen the tools required to spread Truth everywhere He leads (see Proverbs 27:17).

So, what wakes you up every Sunday and why do you travel to church? 

Or, what keeps you from church?

Habit?  Were you taken as a child and now simply go because it is all you know?  Or, did you stop in rebellion because you were taken as a child?  Idle minds become lazy and cannot by used to further His Kingdom.  Rebellion creates a bigger wedge between you and God.  

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:14)

To receive a check mark?  Do you arrive to church only to keep perfect attendance in God's grade book?  Do you attend only to please another family member?  This time each week is not for anyone else.  It benefits YOU to spend that precious time with your Father.  To serve Him, we must be still and listen, desire to learn and avoid pleasing everyone in our lives.  Follow His Will, not man's will. 

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

(Galatians 1:10)

Clean the slate?  Do you attend to do your "time" for the previous week's sins?  My friend, He already forgives you.  Entering a building does not wash away all your sins.  The blood of Jesus shed for us while we were still sinners cleans us!  Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior just as you are and you will be washed white as snow.  Works count for nothing without God as your leader.  He will use you in mighty ways if you accept His free gift of grace.  God frees us from our sin as we repent and seek His heart. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So, why does God desire a relationship, committed followers and for us to spend time with Him?  For God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to wash away all our sins.  He loves us.  The Bible states it so clearly.  God desires a relationship with His children just as you desire with your children or loved ones.  Think back to a time when a loved one sought to learn from you, hugged you with full force, displayed appreciation and love, spent quality time with you or showed you off to their friends.  Well, God desires exactly the same.  His face shines upon you as you spend quality time with Him, learn from Him, receive His love, praise Him for your blessings and show Him off to the world.  Join fellow believers to be encouraged and work together for the betterment of His Kingdom. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the chance to spend today serving You.  I pray for the leaders of churches around the world to continue seeking You for advice and teaching.  I pray they let their words be Yours and their actions be pleasing to You as they serve every Sunday.  Use them as vessels to spur fellow believers to seek You every day and every moment given here.  Thank You for the relationship we have together and I pray I can grow closer to You each day.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

ONE Night is not Enough

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

Valentine's Day approaches and around the world displays of affection will radiate between couples.  A specific price equals love.  The degree of love depends on the item sent or handed to each other.  On average, men will spend $166 and women $90.  Why?  Because we want to take this ONE day and express all the love our hearts hold for another.  How?  Through gift giving, of course.  Our society loves "things".  We "feel" good when possessions accumulate.  So, the gift giving idea helps us show love to another person and brings a smile to their face.

Gifts are fantastic.  Not all gifts must come through monetary means, though.  Valentine's Day is great.  Couples will go on dates (maybe the first one since last year), friends will share laughter, families will dedicate time to each other and sparks will be rekindled for ONE day. 

I want to share a writing I wrote years ago about my fantasy Valentine's Day.  I am not sure what spurred me to write it, but I have it tucked away in one of my memory folders.  Promise not to laugh or poke fun!

My Fantasy Valentine's Day

He will appear at my door with a smiling face and open arms.

Roses in hand, he will say, "I extend my love to you, my beautiful Valentine!" 

His eyes glow in the candle light and our love is evident to all.

We share a love that will never die.

This night calms my mind, eases my heart and peace I find in the arms of my loved one for ONE night!

Okay, I know, cheesy; but, true.  Though this fantasy sounds like such fun, does God intend for it to last only ONE night of the year?

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:11-12)

I strongly answer NO to the question.  God brings couples, families, friends and church families together to love one another.  We do not save up our love to only share ONE night of the year.  That idea is ludicrous.  How could marriages last if not daily nourished with passion and love held for one another?  How could friendships sustain if appreciated only once a year?  All families need daily attention as well.  Every day should be filled with love for one another.  God speaks clearly in His Word, numerous times about the importance to spread love throughout. 

I am here to say, our marriage and family tried to survive on ONE night a year.  We experienced sadness, disagreements and division throughout the rest of the year.  That ONE night could not keep peace or happiness in our home.  We failed to bring God at the center and follow His example.  We learned our lesson.  Every day, my husband fulfills my fantasy Valentine's Day.  God's love shines through each of us in our home and I thank Him always for opening our blind eyes.  Our bank account remains in good standing because the love shown to me requires no money.  Actions and kind words express the degree of love within our hearts.  Some days we fail to complete this task.  But, we strive every day to do/say at least one thing to express our love. 

Begin today; don't wait for Valentine's Day.  Greet your family, spouse or friend with a smile, hug and conversation about their day.  Engage in their lives.  Take time to show love more than just ONE night a year.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the opportunity to show love to others.  Keep my eyes open to what love looks like.  May my words and actions be pleasing to You.  Should I stumble, pick me back up and fix my feet to follow Your path.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig