Rather than focus on the act of bringing someone back, let’s focus on the act of being brought back. James is teaching about a believer who falls away. He writes that the value of that person coming back is immeasurable — saving them from death and covering a multitude of sins.

In God’s flock, every sheep matters. If one strays, God wants it back. When we sin, God is sad and prefers that we return to righteous ways. He doesn’t give up, and takes great joy when others bring us home.

Be God’s — every day.

Heart disease is (I think) the second leading cause of death, and from what I understand a high percentage of heart disease can be prevented with better lifestyle choices. Diet, exercise, stress… Do things the better way, and you live longer.

The same can be said of our hearts spiritually. What we feed ourselves and how we treat our hearts directly affects our spiritual well-being. When we protect our hearts, we preserve our spiritual lives.

How guarded is your heart — physically and spiritually?

Be God’s — every day.

What sets you apart?

That’s kind of a tough question. We don’t typically like to talk about ourselves in this way… We can see the holiness in others, but it can be tough to identify it within ourselves.

I can see the holiness in Kim, gifted with a unique patience and love for others that shows the caring nature of God.

I can see the holiness in my friend Steve, who will give and serve constantly without grumbling or concern for himself.

I can see the holiness in people who can have the faith to pray constantly, relying upon God to provide and heal.

What sets me apart? Harder to say. From what I hear, probably the visible joy I show through a smile and laughter. But I’m sure there are those who disagree…

What sets you apart? Think about it.

Be God’s — every day.

I remember when Kim and I bought a Dodge Durango (“truckasaurus” as it became known) several years ago. Before then I don’t think I ever noticed a Dodge Durango on the road. But once we owned one, we saw them everywhere.

Our faith can be like that, too. Before we believe, God is this overlord who doesn’t seem to control the things that would help us… Yet when we believe, we see his grace and action everywhere.

Our own beliefs frame what we see and how we interpret it’s worth. Through our faith, we continue to see the good works of God around us.

Be God’s — every day.

There is such a wonderful irony in this story. Moses, who ultimately will deliver the Jews from Egypt, is protected by the Egyptians. Those who would enslave, actually hosted the one who leads the slaves to freedom.

When circumstances are less than desirable, have hope that even those very circumstances can lead to change. The Old Testament is all about trials and renewal — Moses is just one of many examples. We all have reason to believe we can experience such renewal!

Be God’s — every day.

This was written in the context of the Hebrews being caught up in doing good works in the quest for salvation. Rather than recognizing that we are saved by faith, not by deed, some were attempting to work their way to heaven.

Beyond that point though… I think lots of us fit in this camp. I’ve been a Christian for most of my life… But still feel like there are basics I am not understanding. We all need someone to continue to teach and explain. We are never done learning.

There is a great mystery of God, and we cannot be experts. Even our pastors, who are called to teach, still struggle to understand the essence of God. We all are at a deficit in understanding him.

When you get frustrated or feel like you don’t know enough… Take heart! That is true for us all!

Be God’s — every day.

I’ve been having a lot of conversations at work lately about how the best people to work with are those that are direct and candid, yet do so in a kind way. A recent article in Crain’s Chicago Business highlighted a leader who had this “velvet fist.” In many walks of life you need this candor, but all too often it seems to come with an aggressive tone.

The world is a much better place when we bathe everything we do in love.

When we love one another we show forgiveness to others, and receive grace for own mistakes. We put aside our differences and work hand in hand in God’s name. We see the beauty in the world instead of what gets in the way. We focus on the kingdom to come, and less so the trials of the day.

As you approach others, bathe your words and actions in love.

Be God’s — every day.

There are certain rights that come along with being someone’s child. You can enter the home. You don’t have to beg for food. You can come to talk through a problem or look for help.

Because we are all children of God, we have rights as children with God.

We can come to God in prayer and ask for help. We have the right to join God in heaven. We have the right to be filled spiritually. As children, we have those rights. And as a loving, responsible parent… God provides them.

We are not just lowly subjects that God commands and toys with. We are his children. He treats us as his own. Thanks be to God for that!

Be God’s — every day.

We are called to love.

First and foremost, we are commanded to love God with everything that we are. In doing so, we are merely returning the love he has shown to us. God loved the world so much that he gave us Jesus, to die so that we can be saved. That’s a big gift of love to us… So we are asked to return in.

Second, we are called to show love those around us. Not just a nice friendly love — not “philia”, the Greek term for neighborly love. The term used here is “agapao” which is an active form of “agape” or God’s love. It’s the same word used when commanding us to love God. We can’t match God’s love (agape), but we can try to embody it through our actions toward others.

We are called to love through our actions. As we described yesterday, that love will require us to be patient, kind, not self-promoting… And more. But all of the Law rests on our ability to show love to others.

Be God’s — every day.

Raise your hand if these verses were read at your wedding…

Yes, my hand went up.

We often use this as a description of love between a husband and wife — but that is not its intent. This kind of love — agape in Greek — more broadly applies to an “unconditional love.” It’s not just romantic, it’s not just being a sibling or a child, it’s not just being nice to others. It’s about caring so deeply that it never changes and it consumes you. It’s your duty and calling.

The standard for agape love is how we are loved by God. Unconditionally. It never changes. Sacrificial to the extreme. That’s a standard that I can only dream to exhibit toward my wife… Let alone more generally.

We toss around “love” quite plainly. I “love” cinnamon scones. Really? Certainly not “love” in this way!

Challenge yourself to think about this standard for love. Of course we fall short… But how do we get closer?

Be God’s — every day.