GPS-Spin the Bottle

MAY 18 / Sunday – Read Luke 10:25-37

Overview: Some think this game of chance may lead to love. Anyone who’s played it knows better. Real love is best demonstrated by God in his daily love for us, courtesy of Jesus.

19 / Mon – In HIS image  |  Read Genesis 1:26-27

These words are the reason for how God expects us to treat others. Every person ever born was created in God’s image. Sin may have defaced that image but has not erased it. In his essay, The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis wrote…’There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal…it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit.’ If you honestly believed this, how might it affect the way you treat the people around you?

20 / Tue – Don’t be guilty of disrespect  |  Read Leviticus 19:32 / Isaiah 33:8 / 1 Peter 2:17

In past generations, civility was highly valued in society. While you might not like someone’s words or attitudes, you still treated them civilly and with respect. You did not allow whether they were ‘deserving’ to determine your choices. Taking the high road was a sign of character. How does that attitude compare to current culture? Have you fallen into the trap of disrespecting others, especially those with whom you disagree? Christians honor the Lord when they treat everyone with respect.

21 / Wed – Welcome to the neighborhood  |  Read James 4:12

If you did a search for the word neighbor in the Bible (NIV), you would find it appears 141 times. The Old Testament verses explain how God wants us to treat and how not to treat our neighbors. Consider who lives near you. There is probably a variety of personalities, interests, beliefs and lifestyles. Who do you get along well with? Are there other neighbors who are more challenging to live with? Do the best you can to love them. And pray for them. Remember they are fighting battles you cannot see.

22 / Thu – Who is standing next to you?  |  Read Ephsians 2:10

Your neighbors are not just the ones who live on your street. They include every person you meet. Even for the brief time you are near them, they are your neighbors. Do you go about your day being aware that Jesus lives in you? In the most mundane moments, he loved and blessed people every where he met them. You can too, at the grocery store, in a doctor’s waiting room, at the gym. Will you ask the Lord every morning to make you aware of all the opportunities you are given that day and use them to bless others?

23 / Fri – Who is sitting next to you?  |  Read Ephesians 6:18

Strangers are neighbors too. Sitting at a stop light, will you pray for those in front, beside and behind you? Lift up the person walking or biking within your sight line. Pray for the law enforcement officers passing near you (or waiting to catch those speeding). When you see a person on the side of the road for whatever reason, pray for them. If you hear a siren or see an accident, pray for those involved and the responders. Will you let your drive-time become your prayer time?

24 / Sat – Creative ways to love your ‘neighbors’  |  Read 1 Peter 3:15-16

The biggest gift you can give neighbors and strangers alike is showing them the love the Lord has shown you. Whether by a smile, encouraging words, a listening ear, compassion, a helping hand or any other number of things the Lord will put in your mind, if you do these things, you are planting seeds. These will produce opportunities to talk about how Jesus has changed your life and can do the same for them. Are you willing to let God use your story to honor Him?