27/05 May 24 - "We do not...compare ourselves." 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

"Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you." 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT

"Growing in grace (1)"

Don't you love to be around people you can feel "safe" with and be yourself? At least as much as we allow others to see us. I'm so glad that we are not all alike. Life would be boring and unbearable. "Grace means freeing others to be themselves and losing the legalist attitude that requires them to conform to your standards." God made each one of us different and the more we can accept the difference the more grace we will extend to others. Give grace and you will receive grace - the concept of tithing.

Blessings, Lucy

Taken from "The Word For You Today" Mar-Apr-May May 2

27/05 May 23 - "We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

"Walking by faith"

We all have some amount of faith but I am thankful that we do not have to remain dependent on "some amount" of faith. God is always showing us that He is able and our faith continues to grow each time. I like the quote from Patrick Overton, "When you come to the edge of all the light you have and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you'll be taught to fly." That is so true, but at times it can be hard to grasp in our human weakness. That's where God comes in and does the "spectacular" and we stand in amazement. Are you looking for something "spectacular" in a situation? I know I am and can't wait to see what He does. [Waiting is the problem, isn't it?]
Blessings, Lucy

Taken from "The Word For You Today" Mar-Apr-May May 23

27/05 May 22 - "My people have...forsaken...the...living water, and...dug...broken cisterns." Jeremiah 2:13 NIV

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Jeremiah 2:13 NIV

"Are you searching for contentment?"

I believe "contentment" is something that you learn, certainly not something that you automatically get or have. When we are young and just starting out, we want to grab everything we can and advance as far and fast as possible in our careers. Then, after a time, we realize that these things don't bring contentment - they bring more problems, responsibilities and stress. A big title or big dollars may give you recognition and allow you to buy anything you want but with them can come fear, desire for more and more, and seeking satisfaction from things and people that cannot provide it. "It's said that we spend our first 50 years searching for security, and the rest of our lives looking for significance." We could certainly save ourselves a lot of pain, stress, aggravation, lack of sleep, and much more if we would realize that the only place we can find contentment is in our heart's relationship with Jesus.
Blessings, Lucy

Taken from "The Word For You Today" Mar-Apr-May May 22