Day 11: Everest - Scaling The Obstacles To Unity

Scaling The Obstacles To Unity  - Based on One Month To Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "If we were counting the days before we left this earth, we would be looking for ways to build bridges, to bring about healing, and to enjoy our most important relationships. No one wants to leave this earth with unfinished business. We want to leave our loved ones having experienced the summit of our relationships as the result of our courage to love."

Kerry Shook opens Day 11, speaking about how relationships fall apart because of our personal agendas. The rope of acceptance is acknowledged when we give up our own agendas and accept one another in order to bring praise to God. He continues, we need to stop trying to change people in our lives, but learn to accept them for who they are. Easier said than done. We need to stop changing our wives, but cherish them. We want others to be like we want them to be because of our selfish inclinations.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." -Henry Ford

Ponder This! (from journal) Which of the relational mountains--misunderstandings, a "me first" attitude, mistakes, or something else--tends to come between you and others? Describe one recurring situation. Leave your feedback.

"Rather than cling to the ideal--that this spouse, friend, business partner, or team was the right fit and you'd always understand each other--you must realize that differences of opinion are natural and inevitable parts of every relationship."

Consider this wisdom from Proverbs to help you deal with your misunderstanding, a "me first" attitude, and others. (Proverbs 12:6; 15:1; 17:27-28; 18:13,17)

"We have to learn how to compromise (being me loving you) and discover creative solutions that meet the needs of both people. If we truly love someone, it will be easier to change our agenda by having an open dialogue."

Ponder This! (from journal) Our ability to accept and understand others grows as we develop new thought habits about people. Readings: Colossians 3:12-15; Romans 15:1-3; 1Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:1-2.

Read these passages, then come up with a few direct ways you might actively love specific people around you. Even small gestures of compassion count. Readings: Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:38; Galatians 6:7-10.

"It's not easy--relationships aren't for wimps. And it's going to take some supernatural help: God's power to love. But the supply is limitless, and the price of His resources never goes up, because they're free."

Face Time
     Lord, thank You for being my Friend and for showing me how great it feels to be loved and accepted. I want to help other people feel that same way. I want them to be safe in their friendship with me, to trust me the way I'm learning to trust You.
     Help me let go of my unrealistic expectations about problem-free relationships. Help me understand people instead of trying to change them, and help me love them with my actions.

Enjoy, I sure did! Leave any comment or feedback you have on today's topic.


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Day 9: Heart Of The Matter - Relating and Not Waiting

Relating and Not Waiting  - Based on One Month To Live by Kerry and Chris Shook                      

Life Lesson (from journal): "When all is said and done, relationships are all that really matter. It doesn't matter how much money we have, where we live, or how many beautiful toys we've collected. None of these can comfort us, console us, cry with us, or love us. Our investment in the people we care about is the only legacy that has the power to endure beyond our lifetime."

Kerry Shook opens Day 9 by talking about how important our relationships are to our progression and purpose in this life. He says its about being in a relationship vertically with Him and horizontally with people. He continues to say why do we wait until people die to give them flowers. We take advantage of the ones who help us along and wait too late. Loneliness is the most terrible poverty (Mother Theresa quote) Love always means risking pain. God allowed his son to become mortal and suffer for us, which is the greatest sacrificial gift.

Ponder This! (from journal) Are you generally comfortable being alone? What happens to you when  you're isolated for a long time? What might those who know you say happens to you when you're being alone for a long time? What are some reasons you need other people in your life? Leave your Feedback.

My Answer:  I generally feel comfortable when I am alone. I've always been brought up in this way so I've learned how to be creative by myself and really enjoy the solitude and peace it brings. I am aware that I do have to step outside of my home for some people time. I do appreciate the encounters or planned engagements. They keep you informed and enlightened on what other people are doing with their life and sometimes I can even chip in with a tip or two. Ultimately, people are needed in my life to complete God's purpose and he uses the people in my life to really give me a dose of knowledge, advise, and even wisdom that will help me.

We're designed for social and emotional intimacy with those around us, but our desires are polluted by our selfish inclination to make it all about us.

(From journal): Describe a few sins of others that have had a negative effect in your relationships. Leave your Feedback

(From journal): Now describe some of your own relationship-damaging sins. Leave your Feedback

Love can't be bought, but it definitely carries a price, and it's called sacrifice. Love always means risking pain...Pain is an inherent part of any significant relationship.

Today's Challenge
If you've never experienced the fullness of God's love for you. It's time you did. The life He offers you, paid for by Jesus' death, is found simply by asking for it. The specific words aren't important, but here's a prayer you might say:

"God, I think the reason I haven't felt Your love is because I haven't been fully aware of it. Help me to finally see it now. Thank you, Jesus, for dying to end the influence of evil on my life. Thank You for loving me despite all You know about me. Thank You for accepting me without reserve or qualifications. Live in me today and change me."

Growing in your understanding of God's love for you is a journey best shared with someone else who knows both you and Jesus well. Share your decision with someone close to you so that people can challenge, pray for, encourage you.

That's all for Today! Share your feedback or any comments here.

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