Yesterday our the church’s bulletin there was a quote; “The first duty of love is to listen” – Paul Tillich. Then in the sermon, Pastor Charles said; “to follow, we must first listen”. God really had my attention, especially after last week on Transformation Tips Tuesday, Deborah talked about listening. If you missed that post, you can click here to read.

As I sit and ponder those words this morning, I think about what are my stumbling blocks that may hold me back from loving, listening, and following. Just before Jesus’s instruction in Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭NIV, Peter was arguing with Jesus about the prediction of His death. Jesus went as far in verse 23 to tell Peter he was a stumbling block.

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”‬‬

On this Mindset Monday, let’s be intentional with our Christian walk throughout the week. This picture is a reminder that we must daily take up our cross. The blocks we move today, may be the same blocks we move tomorrow. It is ok because it is the daily act of taking up our cross, listening, loving, and following our Jesus that expresses our love.

Happy Mothers Day to all our Mamas. If your not a mama, you may be a daughter or son. You may be an aunt or uncle. Either way on this Spiritual Sunday, let’s honor all the beautiful women in our lives. In God’s eyes, the beauty comes from within; “Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.” 1 Pet‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Why are Sunday mornings the hardest? It seems like that is when all the fights happen. Why does the clock seem different on Sunday mornings? We can be on time Monday – Saturday, but Sundays we can barely make it out the door. These are memories I have as a child and as a parent. It seems to be true in most households. Let’s not get stuck on the moments we yelled too loud or said words we can’t take back. Yet rather look back on the legacy that was left and the legacy carried on. It is the quiet, gentle moments of God’s love shining through the madness that will be cherished and remembered.

On this Spiritual Sunday Click here and listen to Leave a Legacy by Alita. Remember we don’t have to be a mother to pass on a legacy. We are all children of God and it takes a village to raise our children.

Today is Finish Friday! What is your state of mind today? Are you full of energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead? Or are you weary and tired? I fall into the second category. I am exhausted. However this morning in my devotion and prayer time God reminded me of the simple truth of this scripture.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I reflected, I realized that the circumstances that led to my exhaustion are all blessings. How about you? If you are feeling weary and worn today reflect on the causes for your exhaustion. Are they blessings? Or perhaps it is something that you need to step away from. That too, can be a blessing.

On this Finish Friday I encourage you to focus on your blessings instead of your weariness. Your change in focus will give you a new energy and help you Finish Friday strong!

Look very closely at the picture and you will see a praying mantis. Of course that is not the scientific name but that is how we know them. Praying mantis received their name due to their bent, prominent front legs that look like they are praying. What a way to be named!

Likewise, others observe you and I and make opinions and judgements that “name us.” What do others see in you when you are in a difficult situation or even in despair? Do they see you full of worry and anxiety? Or do others see you in a posture of prayer? When you are in a battle, do you fight with a spirit of praise as you allow God to fight for you?

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s prayerfully consider our battle stance. Let’s praise God for mercy and goodness. Let’s give God the glory for the good He will bring from our despair. Let’s be sure that when others see us in a battle, they will see God’s glory by our words and actions.

Click here to listen to “Surrounded” by Micheal W. Smith. Allow the words to sink in. Find strength and comfort in the promise that no matter what battle you face, you are surrounded by God.

Can you “hear” the picture? Can you imagine the sound of the waves crashing on the sand? While the ocean often has a peaceful and calming affect on us, it isn’t quiet.

The lyrics of the song “So Will I” by Hillsong United recently reminded me that we are not meant to be quiet in our praise to God.

“If the stars were made to worship, so will I. If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I. If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I.”

I have realized that when I am in my normal routines and usual daily grind, I am more comfortable with vocalizing praise to God. However, when I am pushed outside of my comfort zone and around people I may not know very well, I am not as automatic or vocal with praising God.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, let’s be intentional about stepping out of the comfort of our boats and be deliberate about praising God. Let’s not hold back. Let’s roar like the ocean!

To get you started I encourage you to read all of Psalm 145. This chapter is all about David praising God. Next, listen to the song “So Will I” by Clicking here . Lastly, make a gratitude list of at least 5 things you are grateful for today. Name specific and unique to you blessings. After your time of devotion, prayer, and reflection, start your day ready to roar your praise to God!

Steven Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” I recently read that quote and was blown away. The quote stepped on my toes and caused me to do a self examination. Today I encourage you to do the same.

Are you a good listener? Do you really listen to others? Do you really listen to God? Read the following scriptures as you examine your own listening habits.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I look at the tree in the picture I imagine the branches surrounding me with safety. I imagine sitting under the tree and sharing with a friend. Today, find you a safe place to sit and listen. Be still and quiet. Instead of pouring out your heart to God, wait and listen. What do you hear? At first you may hear traffic but if you stay there long enough your ears will tune in to the nature around you. Be quiet for even longer and I am sure you will hear God speaking into the circumstances of your life. Just listen!

As you greet this Mindset Monday, how does your week ahead look? Is everything clear or are some things out of focus and uncertain? Are there parts of your week ahead that you are anxious about or worried to face?

As the morning sun reflects and blinds our vision, so does worry. If we focus so much on our feelings of anxiousness about an unknown future, we will lose our focus on the overwhelming love of God. God loves us abundantly and unconditionally. God loves us despite our transgressions. God loves us!

Yesterday at church, during our Contemporary service, we sang the song “God Really Loves Us” by Crowder. I am not sure that I had heard it before but yesterday I really “heard” it. God spoke to me through the reassuring words:

“I’ve got a friend closer than a brother. There is no judgement. Oh how He loves me. I’ve got a friend and He is my strength. He is my portion. With me in the valley. With me in the fire. With me in the storm. Let all my life testify.”

Click here to listen to the song. Allow God’s love to pour over you and readjust your vision for the week ahead. Let the warmth of God’s love be your focus.