Driving out darkness with love

Today's reading and Journaling is: Luke 6:35-36

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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We left yesterday with the assignment to ponder John 15:13 and ....

 Jesus gave up his life for _______. (Insert your name.)

Now for the rest of the story....

Today's verses take this a step further.

"But Love your enemies, do good to them .."Luke 6:35

The hard part for my fleshly, natural, sin-filled man, is what I'm getting ready to say.

Jesus gave up his life for your enemy, too.

Our enemies treat us horrible, that is why we consider them our enemy. But God's word reminds us that no matter what we should still treat them well, doing good to them.

No more back biting, gossiping, or showing our disapproval. No, strive to do good to them. Because as Martin Luther King Jr. said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

As you spend the weekend with those you love, look for ways you can show love to your enemy. Because that is what will make the difference.

***Side note, abuse is not what I am talking about here. Abusers are the enemy and do not understand love. In that situation, yes, please still love them, but love them from a distance, by praying for them. Make sure you get help from your abuse, which comes in many different ways. Ask God to send those who will stand with you and pour His love into you, helping you to see the truth. You are precious. ****

What Love and Selfless Sacrifice have in common?

Today's reading and Journaling is:  John 10:11-15; 17

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down their life for a friend."

Think about the sacrifice... the selflessness, the love!

I recently heard a story of a mom, who in the last moments of her child's life was asked. "Can your child be a donor?" Her response puts this love in plan view.

This mother, in pain, choose the selfless act and said yes. When asked why her response is pure love. She didn't want another parent to deal with the pain she was feeling. Pure and simple that is the type of love this verse is talking about.

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die." - Romans 5:7

We are reminded that for a righteous man, it is rare that someone would die, but for a good man, maybe...

Well if you are like me, my natural, flesh filled man is not even good. Yet... God sent Jesus, who while on the cross showed our love by selflessly giving up his life for us. 

Jesus gave up His life for Ona....

Jesus gave up His life for _______. (Insert your name)

Today, I want you to ponder this, and come back tomorrow for the rest of the story.

God's Love for the imperfect and flawed

Today's reading and Journal Entry is:  John 3:14-16

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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For God so loved the world....

If you are imperfect, or flawed, it may be hard to believe that God loves you. Christian or not, these thoughts may surround you. Surely, I am not alone here.

But the truth is God loved you, because you were created by Him. He knitted you together in your mothers womb. He planned your days.

I don't know about you but when I make something I find pride in it. I may be disappointed that I that I thought in my head was bigger and my knitted hat came out longer than I needed, but I still love it. Have you ever knitted or crochet something, maybe you can relate?

God is the same way. He loved you, your friends, coworkers, and neighbors, so much he offered his son as a sacrifice for you to know Him. Not just for you to know Him, but for you to spend eternity with Him.

Soak it up....

I hope today's picture reminds you of how special you are. Of how much God loves you. When you are finished post this picture where you need it most. In the bathroom, on the fridge, on your door.

Where do you need this reminder the most? What part of this resonated with you the most?

Post a picture on facebook of your drawing and where you put it.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for day 4.

The Tri-fold love for God

Today's reading and Journaling is:  Matthew 22:37-40

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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Love God with all of your heart, soul, and m

ind. What could that mean?...

1. Your Heart

I think of our heart, as our emotion. Love God in the good. Love Him with your heart with your life. Love with your life and action.

2. Your Soul

Love God with all of your soul. Love God deep beyond. don't just love God but worship Him, commune with Him, Go deep with Him. That is what he wants.

3. Your Mind

Love God with all of your mind. Make the decision to love God no matter what. Good, bad, and ugly. Emotions come and go, but the decision to love God no matter what is important. Make that head decision to love and trust Him.

How do you love God in the good? Bad? How do you spend time with God?

Don't forget to join us tomorrow for more lessons on Love from Jesus.

Jesus Said: Love your Enemies & Pray

Today's reading and Journaling is:  Matthew 5:43-47

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:44

Dear Lord, forgive me...

As we look at what Jesus taught about love the first set of verses brought about convictions. Conviction to change. I prayed for forgiveness, peace, and strength to battle my enemies on my knees.

1. Forgiveness

Forgiveness because when people mistreat me my natural instinct is to fight back. If I stick with this, then I'll be like Romeo and Juliet's family. Feeding the anger and not even remembering what started it. I don't want that. So I also pray for the ability to forgive those who have hurt me. 

2. Peace

I prayed for peace. Peace in my own heart and peace in the situation. God doesn't want me to live in bitterness. He came to offer peace. When I live in bitterness, then I can't live in His peace. I'm losing out and I want all He has to offer me. 

3.  Strength to battle on my knees

I also prayed for strength to battle my enemies on my knees instead of with my words and actions. Jesus showed us this way, and as His follower, I want to follow His lead.

I would love to hear what you got out of today's verses? Let me know in the comments below. 

Don't forget to join us tomorrow for more lessons on Love from Jesus.  

What is Love; according to Jesus

The week of Valentines Day is here, which means this week everybody is going to be thinking about love. Between watching love stories on Hallmark, or buying chocolates and roses, it is safe to say love is in the air.

With all of this talk, the big question is what is love? Jesus gives us some great perspective. So this week I invite you to join me in a scripture journaling of what Jesus said about love. 

Things you are going to need. 

1. Your Bible

If you want to learn what Jesus says about love, you are going to need the Bible, because that is where his words can be found. 

2. A notebook or sketchbook.

We want to be able to come back to what we are learning, to be able to pass along what we are learning, to be able to reflect on it at times, we may be struggling. So grab a notebook. I will be using a sketchbook, but you can use what you want to use.

3. Pens, crayons, colored pencils.

This time things around I am hoping to do things a little different. Ultimately this is your journal, so you will decide the method you will use. So you can decide exactly what you will need. 

4. Creativity

God is a creative God, why else would we have so much beauty around us? Well I want you to reach down into all of your creativity and dream to do more.

5. Printables 

Depending on how you decide to proceed you will need one of these books of printables.

The first printable will work with a sketchbook, it has a stencil set for you to print and then put behind your page. Then you can trace these sketches into your sketch book. 

The second printable is identical to the first, except it is on a smaller scale. I know that if you are using a notebook, you may need smaller pictures. So you can use this printable in your notebook. 

The third printable, is for those who plan to only write the scripture. This will be a list of scripture for you to write. 

No matter which technique and printable you decide to use, I hope you will join me this week as I blog through the lessons I learned from these verses.  

Redemption in Your Life: Day Four

Today is day 4 of the Redemption in Your Life guided Scripture Journaling. I hope you have enjoyed what you have learned.  If you missed a day, why not go back and work through Redemption in Your Life: Day One, Redemption in Your Life: Day Two or Redemption in Your Life: Day Three.  I am using the YouVersion Bible App plan 4 Days Toward Redemption. If you didn't sign up for it and work with me I recommend signing up for this plan and going through it again.

Yesterday we learned:

 If we are to help someone else we must admit our weaknesses and show the power of Christ through those weaknesses.

Admit your weaknesses to God and man than show where God has brought you from. This allows you to show more compassion and love toward those who sin around you.

 I know I said this yesterday, but boy oh boy am I excited about today's lesson.

Are you ready? Good, grab your journal, your Bible, and a pen, and let's get started.

Scripture: 
Read John 13:12-17; John 13:31-35 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Write the verses word for word that really speak to you.

 I choose:
 

  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. - John 13:13-16

 “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

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Observation: 

Write your observation from the verses you read.

As Christians we are to follow Jesus' example. Jesus loved and served others. As His followers we should love and serve those around us, because we do this others will know we are followers of Christ. As we work diligently we need to keep our focus on Jesus and our Heavenly father.

Application: 

How do you apply this to your life?

 Serving others as Christ served is a blessing (John 13:17). We are called to show God's love by serving others. If we don't it is like saying we are better than Jesus and we aren't. Sometimes this life causes us to wear down when serving others. Paul knew this so he gave advice to not focus on the earthly things we can see but to focus on the unseen Heavenly things.

Prayer:

 Ask God to help you apply this to your life.

Dear Lord, I thank you for the servant Jesus was. I ask you to put a desire in my heart to serve like Jesus served. When I get weary and tired from serving, please help me. Help me to not focus on the overwhelming needs around me, but on you. Pour your love and direction into this tired body. In Jesus Name, Amen



I hope you have learned that as much as I have through this study. Show me pictures of your journal? What part of redemption stuck out to you the most?

Redemption in Your Life: Day Three

I hope you joined me this week for Redemption in Your Life: Day One and Redemption in Your Life: Day Two.  I am using the YouVersion Bible App plan 4 Days Toward Redemption. I am going to recommend signing up for this plan as you work with me.

Yesterday we learned:

The Spirit lives within us and gives us direction. Jesus didn't come to condemn us, he offers us hope and freedom but he doesn't want us to stay stuck in our sin.

Because Jesus does not condemn us, we should not condemn others. We are not sinless so we have no right to condemn anyone. As we are forgiven we should start a new life away from sin.

I am excited about today. Let's learn more about the redemption that Christ offers us.

Ready? Good, grab your journal, your Bible, and a pen. 

Scripture: 
Read Matthew 7:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Write the verses word for word that really speak to you.

 I choose:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Matthew 7:1-2

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. - Matthew 7:6

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. - Matthew 7:12



 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10


Observation: 

Write your observation from the verses you read.

We are not to judge others because God will judge us by the same measure. Every one of us are sinners. We can't cast our beliefs to unbelievers expecting to be accepted.  They will trample our beliefs. This is another reason judging is out. People respond better to love, so judgements will be trampled and we will be torn to pieces. If we are to help someone else we must admit our weaknesses and show the power of Christ through those weaknesses. 

Application:

How do you apply this to your life?

Admit your weaknesses to God and man, then show were God has brought you from. This allows you to show more compassion and love toward those who sin around you.


Prayer:
 Ask God to help you apply this to your life.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am weak, I ask you to remind me of my weaknesses when around others. Use this to help me show compassion to others. In Jesus Name, Amen
 

Redemption in Your Life: Day Two

I hope you joined me yesterday for Redemption in Your Life: Day One.  I am using the YouVersion Bible App plan 4 Days Toward Redemption. I am going to recommend signing up for this plan as you work with me.

Yesterday we learned:

Redemption is the act of saving people from sin and evil : the fact of being saved from sin or evil Jesus came to redeem us.

The flesh is us living for ourselves. The Spirit is living for Christ and doing what he leads you to do. If we are led by the Spirit the law is no longer a weight on us. We are Free!

I am excited about today. Let's learn more about the redemption that Christ offers us.

Ready? Good, grab your journal, your Bible, and a pen. 

Scripture: 
Read John 3:1-21; John 8:2-11

Write the verses word for word that really speak to you. 

 I choose:

  Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. - John 3:5-6

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. - John 3:16-18

 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” - John 8:7-11

Observation: 
 
Write your observation from the verses you read.



We must be born of the Spirit to make it to Heaven. The Spirit lives within us and gives us direction. Jesus didn't come to condemn us, he offers us hope and freedom but he doesn't want us to stay stuck in our sin.

Application: 

How do you apply this to your life?

Because Jesus does not condemn us, we should not condemn others. We are not sinless so we have no right to condemn anyone. As we are forgiven we should start a new life away from sin. 

Prayer:

 Ask God to help you apply this to your life.

Dear Lord, Thank you for not condemning me in my sin. Thank you for offering me love. Help me to offer those around me the same life giving love, not condemning them for not living up to a standard I can't even meet. In Jesus Name, Amen

Now that you have seen my version using the SOAP method through, give it a try. Once your done feel free to join the conversation by telling me. Which verses popped out at you? or What you observed in these verses?