The Way of Love

Such profound wisdom. Help me to always love others, Lord. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13  If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  2  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  3  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  4  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  5  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  6  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  7  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  8  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  10  but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.  11  When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  12  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  13  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I Need You Lord

My daughter messaged me today, and reminded me of how much joy and laughter that the Lord has blessed me with in my life. I am so thankful for what he has given me. I am overcoming my flesh with His help. It takes determination on my part, even when I don't feel determined. It takes commitment, even when I don't want to commit myself. My flesh resists the things of the Spirit when I don't 'feel' God's presence. 

What is it that causes me to feel the presence of the Lord at certain times, and then feel nothing for long periods? Why can't I just walk in the presence of God continually? I have asked this so many times, and tried to 'get back' that feeling. I tell myself, 'it's not about feelings, it's faith" but it still is disheartening. 

Forgive me for my unbelief during times of spiritual drought, Lord. Forgive me for not being self disciplined enough to keep reading, keep spending time seeking You, keep praying even when I don't feel anything. I long to feel your presence again. I long to get my hunger back. Am I too lazy? Has the comfort of my flesh overridden my obedience to your Spirit? Forgive me for that. I cannot overcome without You, Lord. I need you to give me the grace, and power to be consistent, and overcome my flesh that wants to sleep, and do nothing. Help me to walk through the doors you have opened for me. I need you Lord. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 TPT  But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.  10  So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.