The look of today…

  Luke 6:27-36 (the Message)

27 “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. 28 When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. 29 If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. 30 If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. 31 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! 32 If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. 33 If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. 34 If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. 35 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. 36 Our Father is kind; you be kind.  

What we are asked to do here is contrary to what we “feel” or would “naturally” do.  However, it is exactly how God acts toward us.  It is His imprint, His character…  Again, we need to take note, then practice.

The challenge then, is this; How will you show the imprint of God  toward others today?  What will you determine to do today that follows the commands he has given?  When  will you assess if you have met your objectives for today?  Pray and ask the Spirit to lead you in the choices you make, ask the Spirit to give you the wisdom and strength you need to fulfill and complete your determined actions.  Take on this day in the work of the Lord, for His pleasure.

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Put it into action!!!!

  Put it into action!!!  God’s Word does not belong on a shelf, but should be active in our life.  Can others see God’s Word active in your life?  Do they see the imprint of the Master?

Mk. 12:28-34 

One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: “Which is most important of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; 30 so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ 31 And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” 32 The religion scholar said, “A wonderful answer, Teacher! So lucid and accurate – that God is one and there is no other. 33 And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving others as well as you love yourself. Why, that’s better than all offerings and sacrifices put together!” 34 When Jesus realized how insightful he was, he said, “You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.” After that, no one else dared ask a question.- taken from the Message 

Why on the border?  What did he need to enter the kingdom? Is his interest only in the discussion as a discussion?  Not intending to assimilate it into his being and become it?  This is what we often do with stimulating discussions.  We walk away saying, Wow that was good!!! Then take no action on it, give it no further thought, sometimes can’t even remember what we talked about later.  We treat God’s Word that way sometimes.  We need to ask forgiveness and begin exercising/practicing immediately, before it is forgotten.

I challenge you to put into action what you receive from the Word today. I challenge you to write down what you intend to do and later check back to record what you have done.  Give yourself a timeline.