Build up, not puff up

1Corinthians 8:1 NIV

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

I don't want to be just puffed up without much content because I will pop like a balloon when I run into a sharp situation. I want to be building up my life from the bottom up with a solid foundation. This verse teaches me that love is the right ingredient in building up my life.

As I'm in the positions of building up others I need to keep this closer to my heart because without loving them first I will only puff them up and that is almost dangerous and negligent. I need to figure out how to build up my children and my high school students.

Dear God, Your grace is what keeps me going even in the position of building others up in You. Would you please allow Your Love to fill up my heart and life so whatever I do I do with the overflowing love coming from You. In Jesus' name.

Preparing an ark for myself

DEU 10:1 NASB

"At that time the Lord said to me, 'Cut out for yourself two tablets of stone like the former ones, and come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood for yourself.

Like Moses how many times have I destroyed what God has prepared for me to keep in my heart? Too many to keep track. Many times this happens because I do not prepare a place to store it ahead of time and my circumstances overpower my emotions to throw away God-given jewels.

First I thank God for giving me the second chances. Second I need to prepare a special ark for myself to keep God's commands for me so that when He speaks I can preserve them in this ark I crafted out for myself.

Dear God, please allow your wisdom and skills in my life so I can successfully prepare an ark to hold all that come from you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just like the former one

DEU 10:1 NASB

"At that time the Lord said to me, 'Cut out for yourself two tablets of stone like the former ones, and come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood for yourself.

Like Moses how many times have I destroyed what God has prepared for me to keep in my heart? Too many to keep track. Many times this happens because I do not prepare a place to store it and my circumstances overpower my emotions to throw away God-given jewels.

First I thank God for giving me the second chances. Second I need to prepare a special ark for myself to keep God's commands for me so that when speaks I can preserve them in this ark I crafted out for myself.

Dear God, please allow your wisdom and skills in my life so I can successfully prepare an ark to hold all that comes from you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions from God

Mark 9:33 NIV

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”

Why does God ask me questions when He already knows the answers? Does He want you see how I answer it? Since my answer really doesn't matter my heart condition of answering is what He must be looking for. Am I honest? Am I fearful? How close do I feel toward God? He wants me to come to Him to solve the question together.

His never stops asking me questions which means He never stops giving me chances to work with Him even when I completely mess up. I should replicate this type of attitude toward others when it comes to building a truly collaborative relationship in doing His will.

Dear God, thank you for being a God of second chances for a reckless follower like me. May my heart be overflowing with Your unending love which may touch many others around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.