Loving Unselfishly

Heeding the example of Jesus to do what is in our power to do means that we need to worry less about what happens to us and more about what happens because of us. Being a source of healing means exercising our capacity to love.

Love is within our power. In the act of loving unselfishly, we touch that part of God’s spirit within us. Touching this love is healing for both us and for those to whom we reach out.

(Christopher Maricle)

The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits
From page 31 of The Jesus Priorities by Christopher Maricle. Copyright © 2007 by Christopher Maricle. 

From The Inside Out

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The psalmist wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

In the world of musical instruments, the trombone’s warm, rich sound is beyond compare — in my opinion, of course! With proper care, a trombone can last a lifetime. Recently, I acquired a neglected trombone that had developed red rot, a corrosion that eats the brass away from the inside. When the corrosion breaks the surface, the trombone must be discarded because the damage cannot be repaired.
While unaffected by red rot, our human bodies are susceptible to a variety of ailments — and sooner or later, we all discover how vulnerable our bodies are. But the apostle Paul tells us that though our bodies may waste away, our spirits are continually renewed. Through Bible study, daily prayer, and a desire to please God, we cultivate lives of faithfulness and obedience. When we nourish the spirit, we can find eternal life. When we neglect the spirit, it may become “corroded” by the ways of the world.
There is no hope for a corroded trombone. But when our spirit becomes “corroded,” we need not despair. God promises forgiveness if we confess our sins with repentant hearts. God can restore our spirits and renew us. (See 1 John 1:9.)

Jacob Schneider (Maryland, USA)

Thought for the Day: God renews my spirit each day.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your grace and loving-kindness. Help us to care for our spirits by spending time daily with you. Amen.

Prayer Focus: MUSICIANS