There are a lot of Scriptures that challenge me to the core!  I have been reading, studying and trying to live according to the teachings of the Bible for a long time and just when I begin to think that I am making some real progress, the Spirit gives me a lesson to let me see that I still have plenty of work to do.

This past Wednesday evening I shared a message from Luke 6:27-36.  I also shared this passage with folks visiting at Grace Place this morning for shopping.  I am not sharing any points, because I think it is more than challenging on its on and I still have so much work to do on this one!

I like to think I am getting better at this love thing, but I will not have it perfected until I love others (everyone) the way Jesus loves.  So, I’ve got some big time growing to do. Take a moment to read this passage from the New Living Translation and allow it to speak to and challenge your life and living!

“27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.  29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.  30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.  31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.  32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!  33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!  34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.  35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.  36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

I am learning that my enemies are not who or what I often think they are, which reminds me of another Scripture in Ephesians 12:6 which says:  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

My Prayer:  Lord, Please forgive me for where I have really messed this one up and help me to not waste Your energy on useless battles, but to allow Your love to flow into and through my life for Your glory!  May Your love – flowing into and through our lives, reveal how real you are to the hurt, lost and dying of this world. 

Michael Joe, an unworthy servant of our most worthy Savior Jesus Christ, called to be a minister of grace and set apart for the Gospel of our Most High God, which He promised and in which we gain the understanding from the Holy Scriptures, about His Son, in flesh a descendant of King David and in Spirit declared the Son of God in the power of the resurrection from death to life.

The Holy Spirit declares Jesus Christ is our Lord., and it is through him that we have received grace and the call to leadership to grow and develop obedience of faith among all people for His glory, among which you are a part of the called of Jesus Christ, to all who are loved by God, called to the higher calling of being and living as a saint:  Grace and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord…  (Romans 1:1-7)

I am not very good at receiving a blessing, but I am learning.  We were out eating with some friends one day and one of our friends ask for our ticket.  My mind rushed into reasoning mode – what can I say, how can I get out of this, what do I do?  She then got a very determined look and strong voice and said:  “Don’t you dare steal my opportunity to bless you, now please just receive it!”  I gave up the ticket, but not because I wanted to.  What was my problem?  Why would I not want to receive the blessing of a free lunch?  Could it be ego or pride?  In my heart, I knew it was a little bit of both.

I was thinking just the other day of times that I felt like I should have been blessed and I wasn’t.  It was the complete opposite feeling inside of me, but was generated by the same exact thing – ego and pride.  I don’t think of myself as a very egotistical person and I don’t really consider myself a proud person, but these two seem to creep into my life when I least expect them.

This week, we were able as a family to have an amazing experience!  We were able to go to Disney World and hop around four different parks all week-long.  Our meals were paid for and our transportation for the week was provided.  All we had to do, was show up and enjoy.

Here’s how the deal came down:  My wifes Dad has finally retired and after promising two of his grandkids years ago that he would take them to Disney when he retired, he has made good on his promise. He did not just take the two he promised!  He included all the bothers, sisters, moms and dads (sons, daughters, son in-laws and daughter in-laws for a total of 16!

My family of four has loved it.  I told someone last night:  This is not something that I think I would have ever got to do.  If I had not received this gift of a trip, then this is something magical that my family would have missed out on.  I am so thankful that the Lord laid it on Jimmy’s heart to bless our family in this way and I am so thankful that the Lord helped me to not let my ego and pride get in the way.

We have had a great time, but more importantly, we have created memories that will last a lifetime.  And for me, one of the greatest blessings of the trip, is all of the things that God is teaching me.  I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m learning!