love – Margaret Allen

Sometimes our evolutionary survival traits are no longer helpful. Our brains, for example, are constantly scanning the landscape for what’s wrong. Our brains search possible threats and potential harm. But, because most of us are not in physical danger these traits are not so helpful. Researchers in gratitude and positivity have discovered that we must actually train our brains to look for the positive and good in life.

I woke up thinking about a disappointment with a friend. I started recounting ways I felt she hadn’t been supportive or engaged. As I began cycling into this negative train of thought, the Lord just tapped me on the shoulder in a way and turned my attention outside saying, Isn’t this beautiful? I was seated at a window seat in an upstairs bedroom that overlooks a grove of trees. The leaves were turning into lovely fall colors. Yes, it is beautiful, I thought. And, maybe instead of ruminating on all the ways I’ve felt rejected, maybe I should dwell for a moment on all the ways I’ve been celebrated and loved. God quickly brought to mind a handful of precious, godly people who have poured honor, love, compassion, and celebration over my little life. Within moments I felt encouraged and energized, ready to creatively engage with my day. Is it just me, or does anyone else struggle with their thought patterns?

Acknowledging beauty adds value to our lives. Meditating in gratitude calibrates our mindset. Knowing the Word of God, along with hearing His voice, determines our path. This is the scripture that God brought to mind while I was at the window seat: “The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) Please, read it again. God is not scanning the landscape for who messed up. His eyes aren’t roaming the earth to find what’s wrong! He is looking for who loves Him and will follow Him. It struck me that if He isn’t scanning the landscape for evil neither should I.

Do you combat reliving negative experiences while minimalizing positive encounters? I have to train my brain to search out the good in life! A solid instruction, written in the first century yet just being actualized by researchers today says: “”Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) It is a worthy discipline to meditate on the good in life.

My friend, I pray that the meditation of your heart today brings you joy and comfort. In the middle of the chaos, confusion, and negativity of this world, there is an oasis of peace and honor with God. Scan your landscape to discover the love He has poured out.

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Allow me to be a resource for your spiritual journey. Get my book, Gracious Living, creating a culture of honor, love, and compassion anywhere books are sold or on my website at http://www.MargaretAllen.org

In what feels like day 666 of this stupid year I am searching for hope and direction. I wonder how to reflect the love of God in this climate. I ask myself, am I truly changed by Christ; do I look like Him? Now I want to touch a deeper truth, so hang in with me! God showed me something so darn cool.

He brought to mind a seed. A seed contains the complete imprint of what it produces. In one tiny apple seed lies all the genetic and cellular information needed to produce an apple tree. Nothing needs to be added to that imprint of a seed other than favorable conditions of water, soil, and sunlight.

Now consider this:

1 Peter 1:23 “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” I am reeling from the implications of this truth. Add to it John’s words:

John 1:12,13 “He gave the right to become the children of God to those who believed in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” It’s like we carry the thumbprint of God in our heart!

We are born of imperishable seed. We are born again not by the will of flesh but by the will of God. When we said yes to Jesus Christ, we were born again to become a brand new being. In that seed contains the complete imprint of who God designed us to be! Our part is to partner with the process by choosing favorable conditions to life. We can choose to spend time in the Word, prayer, and service. We can partner with honor, love, and compassion. His life has been planted in every believer. No matter our highs and lows, closeness or distance with God or people- we bear His image because we are born again, not of perishable or corruptible seed. God was actually delighted to bring us into this new relationship of being His children. He is excited to lead us to fulfill our destiny, not of our own effort, but by partnering with the treasure He has already planted in us. This is great news.

My friend, do you wrestle with doubts about your spiritual growth? Do you question how you reflect His life? I would love to hear how this picture of being born of His seed is transforming for you. It may feel like day six-hundred of this year, but we can learn to rest in God’s goodness. We can trust His gracious design.

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Have you gotten your copy of Gracious Living, creating a culture of honor, love, and compassion? Get it today on Amazon or http://www.MargaretAllen.org

Tag: love

Scan the Landscape

God’s Thumbprint