10 BIBLICAL WAYS TO LOVE
1. Listen without interrupting. “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13). 2. Speak without accusing. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19) 3. Give without selfishness. “The righteous give without sparing” (Proverbs 21:26) 4. Pray without ceasing. “We have not stopped praying for you” (Colossians 1:9). 5. Answer without arguing. “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). 6. Share without pretending. “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of ... Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). 7. Enjoy without complaining. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). 8. Trust without wavering. “[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7). 9. Forgive without punishing. “Forgive as the Lord for gave you” (Colossians 3:13). 10. Promise without forgetting. “A longing fulfilled is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12). From various websites; all Scriptures NIV From the Upper Room We call blessed those who showed endurance.- James 5:11 (NRSV) Another prayer request arrived by email, and I was feeling overwhelmed. My women’s group emailed prayer requests regularly, and another urgent need from a parishioner wrenched my heart. How would I find time to add another intercessory prayer to my already lengthy list, while giving each the depth and fervor it deserved? As I was pondering, another email from a longtime friend popped into my inbox. She wanted me to know she had prayed for my strength and endurance to do the ministries the Lord had given me. She mentioned how grateful she was for the prayers I had prayed for her and the spiritual comfort I had offered her through the years. I was surprised and humbled by how much my actions meant to her. My friend’s email served as the encouragement I needed to persevere. Suddenly my prayer list seemed manageable. And I realized that I did not need to place particular time limits on my prayers. Physical problems have somewhat curtailed what I can do to serve the Lord, but I am able to pray for others right here at home. The Author
Gael Stuart Phaneuf (Colorado, USA) Thought for the DayWhom can I encourage to persevere in prayer? PrayerDear Lord, help us to pray with open, honest, loving hearts for those whose cares you have entrusted to us. Amen. Prayer focus FAITHFUL PRAYER PARTNERS From The Upper Room SEASONS OF LIFE Read Isaiah 41:5-10 View the Nov-Dec, 2016 Issue[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) Last week I had dinner with a longtime friend. During our conversation, my friend said she realized we are in the autumn of our lives. Initially this made me feel sad, as I sometimes fear the passing of time and the thought of death. The reality is that most of my life is behind me now. But this morning, I am sitting here looking out my window at the glorious display of golden leaves falling from the large maple tree in our front yard. The sun highlights the leaves as they gently fall, and I am reminded that autumn is my favorite season. It’s a time for slowing down and gathering in. I am spellbound by the beauty of God’s plan for the cycle of nature and the seasons of life. So I will try to be at peace in this autumn of my life. It is a beautiful season, with a colorful mix of joy and sadness. God still has work for us to do, so we can slow down, sit quietly, and listen for guidance. We can trust in God’s perfect timing and assurance to be with us in our fears. We can find comfort in God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Read more from the author, here. The Author: Betsy Thompson (Indiana, USA) Thought for the Day: God is with us during all the seasons of our lives. Prayer:God, we thank you for the beauty of your earth and for the seasons of our lives. Help us to come to you with our fears, knowing that you will strengthen and uphold us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO FEAR AGING AND DEATH |