The “L” Word

MAR 13 / Sunday – Read Read Jn 1:12 / Jn 10:10 / Jn 15:15 / 1 Thess. 1:4 / 1 Peter 4:9

14 / Mon – The ‘L’ word?  |  Read Romans 8:1

What is the ‘L’ word? To kids on the playground, it means loser. Do you ever call yourself that when you mess up? God does not think of you as a loser. He says you are chosen (1 Thess 1:4). Jesus calls us friends (Jn. 15:15). Peter reminds us that we are God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus believed we were worth dying for (Rom. 5:8). The devil tempted Jesus to prove he wasn’t a loser (Luke 4:3) but failed because Jesus already knew who he was. Do you?

15 / Tue – Foundations  |  Read Matthew 7:24-27

Have you seen the pictures of beach houses falling into the ocean because their foundations were not solid? Life can bring storms so brutal you aren’t sure you can survive. But you will, if your life is built on the right foundation. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us this key for a strong foundation. Try reading the whole sermon in Matt 5-7 and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to start putting Jesus’ teachings into practice.

16 / Wed – Good things can become burdens  |  Read Matthew 16:26

Tiny houses have become popular in recent years. People choose this lifestyle for a variety of reasons, such as reducing debt and freeing up time for more important things. Moving to a smaller space requires serious downsizing, which is daunting, but it starts with identifying the essentials. Even if you don’t plan on ‘going tiny,’ it is good to consider what your essentials are. Not only with your possessions but in your relationships, your calendar, your bank account. And your soul.

17 / Thu – Exhausted?  |  Read Matthew 11:28-30

You may have heard of Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles. She had 19 children. Imagine her busy life! Yet, she knew the most important thing was nourishing her relationship with God. When she threw her apron over her head, her family knew to leave her undisturbed while she prayed. When was the last time you buried your head, shut out the world, and talked with the One who truly understands, who can give you rest?

18 / Fri – Reminders  |  Read Joshua 4:1-7

What can you do to be more consistent in connecting with the Lord? It might be something as simple as waking up every morning saying “God, today is yours” (from Good Enough, pg 78) The authors also suggest using something you already do every morning as a trigger to remind you. Like turning on the coffee pot or brushing your teeth. Then put an X (or a happy face) on your calendar. And if you miss a day, the Lord understands. Just blink and start again.

19 / Sat – Only one way to be happy  |  Read 2 Cor 11:24-28 / Phil 4:12 / 1 Thess 5:18

There are two ways to look at life. The glass is half-empty or it is half-full. Paul could have chosen the first. After all, wasn’t he called and commissioned to bring the gospel everywhere he went? He made great sacrifices and, for his trouble, he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked and imprisoned. Yet, he learned to be content in any situation. There is only one way that can happen – gratitude. Look at your most challenging situation. What can you be thankful for, even in that circumstance?