Grace for the Grumpy

Horse looking at a creek in the Hoosier National Forest.

Camping season always puts a smile on my face. There’s something special about being out in God’s creation, whether I’m riding a good horse or sitting around a campfire with friends. I get so caught up enjoying these moments that writing isn’t at the top of my TODO list. I’m still keeping up with my Bible-in-a-year plan, but yesterday I didn’t start my day with reading and study like I usually do. I could tell the difference. I was irritable and let a church conflict get to me. By the evening, I was tired and even grumpier. As I thought about my day and the readings, the Holy Spirit brought Sunday’s readings back to my mind.

4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ‘
1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Well, I blew it again. I had to confess, repent, and pray that I would place 1 Corinthians 14:1 at the top of my TODO list.

Let Love be your highest goal!

‘Let Love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. ‘
1 Corinthians 14:1

Our highest goal, what we should strive for by the minute, hour, and day, is Love. It’s pretty obvious that if I don’t start my day with prayer and Bible study, I won’t do my best or achieve my goal of loving like Jesus.

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