Today’s verse is a hard cookie to swallow. Philippians 2:4 says: “Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests” (Philippians 2:4 TPT). When we are born, we are all about the “me” of the world. I want fed. I need a diaper change. I … Continue reading A Greater Concern
Tag: love others
The Building of Love
In 1 Corinthians 8:1, we read: “Now let me address the issue of food offered in sacrifice to idols. It seems that everyone believes his own opinion is right on this matter. How easily we get puffed up over our opinions! But love builds up the structure of our new life” (TPT). The Greek word … Continue reading The Building of Love
Unjust Scales
My dog Max is very food driven. When I have food, his eyes are glued on me. It is his desire that I share whatever food I have available. When I am getting Max and Marci their breakfast and dinner, Max watches me closely. It’s as if he is watching to make sure that I … Continue reading Unjust Scales
Losing Ground
Today’s fortune cookie is very timely: “He who throws mud loses ground.” I have seen and heard a lot of ground being tossed around lately. Look at the news or on social media. People have surely forgotten the phrase often shared by parents or grandparents – if you have nothing nice to say, do not … Continue reading Losing Ground
Stop Testing God
Over the past few weeks, I have been saddened by pastors and churches ignoring the government recommendations to not gather in large groups and to practice social distancing. Pastors are holding worship services. Pastors are being arrested. All of this is because of the defiance to the government. There is separation of church and state. … Continue reading Stop Testing God
Overgrowth of Weeds
As I walked my usual morning route, I could not help but notice by the appearance of my neighborhood, how many of my neighbors do not seem to value caring for their lawn and garden. My father and grandfather taught me the importance of mowing the lawn weekly, caring for the flowerbeds, removing weeds, sweeping, … Continue reading Overgrowth of Weeds
In the Breach
We can glean a lot from the leadership of Moses. This picture we get of him standing in the breach is one that exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Don’t stop reading with the excuse that you are not a leader. Everyone is leading someone. The question is—do you stand in the breach? … Continue reading In the Breach
Observation
As the dogs and I were walking along, I noticed that Marci was walking differently. I picked her up and found something on the bottom of her foot that I quickly removed. Observation – paying attention – requires us to be intentional. It is necessary to be intentional to understand the needs of the people … Continue reading Observation
United
Some days I work from home. Today happened to be one of those days. I sat here typing away, but I started to hear crying. It was not a human cry, but a dog. I recognized that sound. I looked around to see where the sound was coming as both of my dogs were silently … Continue reading United
Helping Others
God positions people beside us to help. In a world that tries to teach us to use people and to see what they can do for us, the Bible speaks of a reverse system. Rather than seeking what we can get in this world, and what people can do for us, we are taught that … Continue reading Helping Others
Tania Gutekunst 