AspireLoveBelieve

Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Jeremiah 29:7

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Sometimes we are in a place that is temporary in our lives. We know this isn’t where our story ends, but we have to stay where we are for now. Bloom where you are planted. Make the most of where you are now, and leave it better than when you arrived. The experience will help you later on in your journey.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”

John 3:1-12

Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a Pharisee - teacher of the faith, and uses the phrase, “born again” to describe the internal change of a believer once they choose to walk in the goodness of God’s light. And Nicodemus doesn’t get it, he takes it literally as being born again. Then Jesus says if you can’t understand this “earthly” or relatively simple concept, then how can I explain “heavenly” things - spiritual concepts or frameworks even more complicated. As Jesus said, Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel. He is supposed to be a spiritual leader, and yet did not understand spiritual concepts. Our leaders of the faith should strive to understand deeper spiritual truths, not just what is literal and surface-level.

John 3:20

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”

I need to assume the best of others

The best of the ones I love

And to love ~

I have never really loved

Not really

Not truly.

I thought I did

I am caring and thoughtful

But at a distance ~

They had to prove

I needed buy-in

And then I would love.

I need to go deeper

Expose my soul

In reaching others ~

For the first time

I know love

When uncertain of its return:

Love is being kind

When you feel cold -

Because they are hurt,

Love is trust

Quirks on display -

“I’m not afraid,”

Love is letting go

Knowing they could leave -

And allowing it,

Love is connecting

Not because they love -