Re-Center Around God
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor.
~Apostle Paul
Review
Have I done harm to my neighbor? to my family? those I work with? those in my neighborhood? Have I done harm with my words or body language? Have I refused to reach out in love to certain neighbors? Have I ignored people, giving them the cold shoulder or silent treatment?
Repent if Necessary
I imagine all of us have something to confess in this area, in some capacity (if you can’t find something to confess, talk with a pastor – that’ll help!). Ask God to not just forgive you but to bring restoration between you and those that you have failed to love or failed to love well.
Return (as necessary)
A great way to draw closer to others is to first draw closer to God. Come to God and spend extended moments focused on loving Him with your heart. Spend more moments focused on loving Him with your soul. Spend yet more moments focusing on loving Him with your strength. Finally, spend another set of moments loving Him with your mind. Now you’ll be ready to better love your neighbor.
Prayer
Father God, I come asking regarding my own heart, seeking answers that shed light on my current prayer patterns and habits. Let's remove whatever is inappropriate and make sure You have Your rightful place in my life. In Jesus name I pray this....
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:41-48 6th letter: Waw (ו)
- May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise; - then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word. - Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws. - I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever. - I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts. - I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame, - for I delight in your commands
because I love them. - I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
The Promise
John 8:36
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Pondering Point
How does God help you walk in freedom as verse 45 says? How does Jesus fit into this “freeing up”? Consider listening to the Casting Crowns song Set Me Free.
And as the God man passes by
He looks straight through my eyes
And darkness cannot hide
Do you want to be free?
Lift your chains, I hold the key
All power on heaven and earth belong to me