The Many Sides of Love - Part II By Cortney Donelson

Source: Unknown

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

I am a love-work in progress. I am better at loving today than I was last week. I will be better tomorrow than today. Jesus is perfect love. He is the model I run after as I chase down this gloriously mysterious condition of the heart. There is no greater love than that of Jesus’ love for us. 

It is not proud. The side of love named meekness is a side I seek on a daily basis. I must. For, I know I struggle with pride. Sometimes, I forget that meekness is a choice. Jesus humbled himself over and over in order to model for us this choice we have – to consider less of ourselves. In Philippians 2:5-8 it directs, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” The One who had every reason to be proud, lived out perfect humility.

The side of love called meekness hopes we choose to serve. 

To release our ego, 

To humble ourselves,

To relinquish our pride, position, and selfish priorities,

to wash one another’s feet, 

to bow to God, 

to surrender all.

This is what Jesus chose.

Love does not dishonor others. The side of love named honor compels me to obedience. Jesus shows me how complete obedience to - and honor of – the authority of God the Father will mark my life for eternity. A clear but perhaps forgotten message of the New Testament is that Jesus’s entire life and ministry were orchestrated by God. Hebrews 10:7 says, “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come . . . to do thy will, O God.” Jesus was careful to carry out every detail according to the will of His Father.

The side of love named honor hopes I am as concerned about my allegiance and obedience to God as Jesus was. 

Honor God. If I do, then I will …

Honor my parents. 

Honor those who teach and lead. 

Honor my spouse.  

This is what Jesus chose.

Love is not self-seeking. The side of love named selflessness reminds me what Jesus did for me. Romans 5:8 explains Jesus’ selfless love plainly: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I am not sure there is a more powerful statement of selfless love. Jesus didn’t just die for me. He was betrayed. He was humiliated. He was beaten. He was physically and emotionally diminished in the eyes of His community. Then, He was crucified. For me, a sinner. And, for you. All for love. 

The side of love named selflessness hopes I never forget the cross. It hopes I look at every person I meet through the same lens as Jesus … and view him as a child of God worthy of His death on that cross. 

No matter who they are. 

No matter what they have done. 

No matter what they believe. 

No matter what they feel, think, or value. 

No matter what.

This is what Jesus chose.

Love is not easily angered. The side of love named self-control is sometimes one of the hardest to master. Yet in perfect love, there is no anger. Anger is born of fear or pain. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter acted out of fear-inspired anger when he cut off the ear of one of the men sent to arrest Jesus. Matthew 26:51-53 details Jesus’ response: “With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Jesus had every worldly right to be angry. He was betrayed. He was about to die unjustly. But, love conquered fear that night. 

The side of love named self-control warns me: I can expect to become a victim of whatever means I use to get what I want. Love wants me to live by this fruit of its spirit called self-control so that others will do the same. 

Self-control is infectious.

It turns away wrath;

It quiets contention;

It provides understanding.

It bridges divides.

This is what Jesus chose.

Love keeps no record of wrongs. Have you ever had to forgive someone who didn’t think there was anything wrong to forgive? A love like Jesus’ knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is for all, even those who intentionally do wrong, unknowingly hurt others, or masterfully sin against God himself. In Luke 23:34, as some of His last words before His death, “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” Perfect love keeps no record of wrongs. Perfect love forgives. Even if it must do it “70 times seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

The side of love named forgiveness helps me. When I don’t feel the capacity to forgive, God is there, whispering truth - about the freedom forgiveness secures, not for others, but for me. Jesus’ love promises that forgiveness will set me free…

From lasting pain,

from the weight of resentment,

from the grip of hurt,

from the handcuffs of anger.

This is what Jesus chose.

This love – this perfect love – is available to us all. Are you willing to embrace it? Are you willing to live it out?

“His love is deep, His love is wide

And it covers us

His love is fierce, His love is strong

It is furious

His love is sweet, His love is wild

And it's waking hearts to life”

- “Furious” by Bethel Music

Prayer – Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to model perfect love. We cannot begin to appreciate how deep and how wide this love for us is. Our prayer is that as we learn more and experience Your love, we can live out greater love towards others – and perhaps wake hearts to life in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Many Sides of Love - Part I By Cortney Donelson

Source: www.turnbacktogod.com

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Love is complicated. It does not always make sense. It is not for the weak in spirit, it is not easy to come by, but it is absolutely worth it. Jesus is perfect love. In honor of His death on the cross and His resurrection on Easter Sunday, the next two weeks’ devotions will be about perfect love – a love from God we must not only accept and embrace, but strive to illuminate for others, to the glory of God. Amen.

Scripture talks in depth about love. One of the most well known Bible verses about love is 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, the one that defines this powerful condition of the heart - each and every glorious side of it.

Love is patient. As my five-year takes her time putting on her shoes this morning, and I am rushing around making sure every lunch is packed, every breakfast item is put away, and the dog has been fed, the side of love named patience watches me. It senses my growing frustration, and it tries to speak to the hurried parts of my soul. Slow down. Love reminds me that this little girl, whom God blessed me with, is doing her best. She is growing in self-confidence with every act of independent dressing. This one matters too. I choose to listen to the patient side of love, and I suddenly see the situation very differently. I see my daughter’s proud smile when she realizes she has put her shoes on the correct feet. I would have missed that smile if I had chosen to ignore this side of love.

Love is kind. It is apparent that the woman at the return desk is having an awful day. I overhear the sarcasm and rudeness as she speaks to the customer ahead of me. It’s now my turn. There is no greeting, certainly no smile from her. The side of love named kindness watches me. It senses my growing attitude of contempt toward this woman, and love tries to speak to the ugly parts of my soul. Be graceful. Love reminds me that this woman is a child of God who is struggling for a reason unknown to me. It is not an attack against me. It is not about me at all. I choose to listen to the kind side of love, and I suddenly see the situation very differently. I see a lady who needs someone else to show her kindness first. I smile and give her a compliment. She pauses. Then, she smiles back … and apologizes. I would have missed that opportunity to offer her a second chance if I had chosen to ignore this side of love.

Love does not envy. I clutch the phone as I sit on the floor. Tears soak my cheeks. A friend who never shared with me her desire to start a family is pregnant. I am not – pregnant that is. My husband and I have been diagnosed with infertility after years filled with tests and doctor visits. Our pain is fresh. She is excited about the tiny life inside her and perhaps unaware of the ache her news is causing me. Envy is erupting in my heart. The side of love named contentedness watches me. I have plans for you too. Love reminds me that my friend’s pregnancy does not point to any failure on my part. God has separate plans for each us. Good plans. Perfect plans. I finally “hear” my friend and realize she deserves happiness, just as much as I do. I take a deep breath … and I choose to congratulate her from the bottom of my heart. I would have missed feeling true happiness for her if I had chosen to ignore this side of love.

Love does not boast. I sit and think of all the times I have experienced success … and boasted about it. There are too many examples to count. I have boasted about myself. I have boasted about my children. I have boasted about position, intellect, experience ... As I sit and pray about which example to write about, the side of love named humility watches me. Do not boast. Love convicts me. By writing about any success I have boasted about in the past, I am claiming that accomplishment again – for myself. Instead, we are instructed to boast in the Lord. We are to claim His righteousness, not our own. Jeremiah 9:24 says, “but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” I am lovingly convicted. I am just so grateful to know God at all, to call Jesus my Savior. He has blessed me with much. Nothing I have done that would be considered "good" has been accomplished apart from God. That is the truth. And, I would have missed the opportunity to boast about God’s mercy, authority, glory, and grace if I had chosen to ignore this side of love. 

Next week, I plan to sit with more of God’s love. My prayer is that God will speak to all of us regarding the remaining sides of love – the sides of meekness, honor, generosity, self-control, and forgiveness. 

This perfect love, Jesus’ kind of love, is quite amazing. I don't always get it right, modeling this love. I am a work in progress. What about you? Is there a side of love you struggle to show others? 

Prayer – God, Your love has no boundaries, no judgment, and no selfishness. It is a perfect love, evidenced by Jesus birth, death, and renewed life. Our prayer is that we don’t miss any of the many sides of Your love. And, furthermore, that we can be a model of Your love, in our own lives as we interact with others. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Deer Feet By Cortney Donelson

This devotion was first published in May 2013 by As a Clay Jar. It has been, by far, the most read devotion overseas. In a few weeks, I will repost the devotion most popular with readers from the United States. Thank you to all my readers, near and far. God bless you.

Source: Unknown

Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV)
“The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.”

The ability to change directions quickly…

That is what I long for as a Christian. When I am running down a path not suitable for my gifts or my purpose, I pray for the capacity to hear God yell “turn around!” If I can hear it, I can do it – because God gave me feet like those of a deer. After all, I desire to be obedient to His call.

When I first read Habakkuk 3:19 (verses similar to Psalm 18:33), I immediately thought of a deer’s amazing ability to jump and run. The muscles of a deer's hind legs provide most of the power for those physical skills. Did you know that deer have the startling ability to jump eight feet into the air?

However, the deer’s front legs are just as special and just as critical to their survival. They are ideal for pivoting, allowing the deer to make sharp turns. I believe it is these front legs that are even more noteworthy when it comes to my faith journey.

Here’s another “deer feet” fact that maybe you didn’t know: With all this running, jumping, pivoting, and changing directions, the hooves are constantly worn down by heavy use. So, God created the hooves to grow continuously – they never stop. I think this is the most significant aspect of a deer’s feet to consider as I look at my own relationship with God.

When Scripture says, “He will make my feet like deer’s feet,” I try not to take this too lightly. I was made to run, jump, pivot, change directions, and grow as a Christian. I want to run to God. I long for the courage to jump into obedience of His will. I seek to pivot away from temptations and circumstances that go against God. I desperately hope I can change directions when I am on the wrong path. And, I ache to grow continuously in my faith and in my relationship with Jesus.

For a long time, I had been running down the wrong path. Unknowingly, I was putting someone else ahead of God – my husband in fact. Kyle Idelman, author of “Not a Fan,” asks this question of Christians to prompt a serious look at our relationships with God, “Where do you turn when things go wrong?” Up until a couple years ago, my answer would have revealed a problem. During struggles, my first reaction was to go to my husband – every time. In thorny circumstances, we would lean on each other instead of getting on our knees and seeking out His presence. We solved every difficult decision together but without God’s input. We led small groups, but we were not praying together. On paper, we had a very Jesus-filled marriage. In reality, our marriage was independent of Jesus’ direction, and we were absolutely running down the wrong path.

That dangerous path led to pain, hurt, selfishness, loneliness, betrayal, and loss. The last part of Habakkuk says, “And He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Thankfully, God had a plan for me. I was one of His lost sheep. Yet, in His loving fashion, God put me up on a high hill where I was forced to see my mistake. In His gracious way, He allowed me to experience a specific catastrophe – one with a powerful purpose. Only this type of sting could force me apart from my husband long enough to make the choice God was hoping I would make. Ultimately, that choice was to use those deer feet the Lord gave me to pivot and change directions, getting back on His path.

Sometimes, our high hills – in this case our painful experiences – are our greatest blessings. When God made me walk up there on “heartbreak hill,” He opened my eyes to His love and purpose for me. Just like those hooves, I felt worn out while working through the crisis, but I grew too. I grew spiritually and emotionally. I also grew mentally and relationally. Now, two years later, I am running and jumping with power – His power.

My husband and I are running together down the right path now because God is in the middle. However, every once in a while, I check myself to make sure I am putting Him first and that I am listening for His voice to guide me – and help me pivot again if needed.

My deer feet have done me well.

Prayer – God, thank You for giving me the ability to seek You and run to You – through the sacrifice of Jesus, Your Son. There are many times I have had to change directions in life. You have been there every time to show me the way. My prayer is that I continue to grow towards You in my mind, heart, and spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Author’s Note:

You will find people whom you love, whom you share everything with – when you do, ensure that God is your Master and you are both living to serve Him. 

© 2013-2014 As A Clay Jar. All rights reserved.

What Moves You? By Cortney Donelson

Source: Unknown

Luke 12:34 (NIV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, The Mirror of Erised is a mirror, which, according to the character Albus Dumbledore, shows the "deepest and most desperate desire of one's heart." The name "Erised" is "desire" spelled backwards, as if reflected in a mirror. The happiest person in the world could look in the mirror and see a reflection of exactly the way he or she is. As described in the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” inscribed across the top of the mirror’s frame is the following text: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi. Reversing the inscription and rearranging the spaces produces: I show not your face but your heart's desire.

Dumbledore explains to Harry Potter what the mirror does:

Harry Potter: “It shows us what we want… whatever we want…"

Albus Dumbledore: "Yes and no. It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts."

I felt compelled to ask myself, what would this mirror called Erised show me? As I initially tried to answer this question, I thought the mirror would reflect Jesus, my family, and Heaven. However, that is an easy and quick answer to a potentially deep and certainly thought-provoking question. Often, I make the mistake of assuming I am living righteously. And just as often, it is during those times when, in reality, I am far from living a life pleasing to God. When I think, “I am good,” it is usually when I am harboring pride, leaning toward selfishness, or living too safe. What would this mirror really show me?

Sitting with this question for more than a moment, I was reminded of Kyle Idleman’s take on how to honestly diagnose ourselves throughout the course of our faith journeys. I pulled out his book “Not a Fan.” He asks us to answer these three questions when assessing whether or not we are simple “fans” or true “followers” of Christ. 

1. For what do I sacrifice my money?
2. When I’m hurt, where do I go for comfort?
3. What disappoints or frustrates me the most?
4. What is it that really gets me excited?

Am I living out Acts 20:35 that says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” Am I seeking refuge from someone other than Jesus in times of difficulty? If so, did I at least go to God first? Or, has this person replaced God as my safety net and comforter? 

Do worldly nuisances such as traffic, homework, or my favorite team losing the big game overly frustrate me? Or, am I irked by Kingdom-relevant frustrations such as the greed, gossip, and dishonesty that slithers throughout our society? Irked enough to do something about them or just think about them and complain about the injustice of it all?

What gets me super excited? The winning time in the race? The recognition of a job well done? My child’s report card? Or, is it the email that comes through from someone I have never met wanting to sponsor a child in Haiti? 

After hearing about this fictional mirror, I struggled with an honest answer about where my priorities fell ... what were my deepest desires? Luke 12:34 says it this way, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where was my treasure? 

I continued to wrestle with discerning my deepest desire for weeks. Then, one day my son shared his decision to be baptized. This child of mine, with his huge heart and illusive imagination, was ready to say publicly, “I follow Jesus.”  As I listened to him, my eyes filled. My heart pumped harder and warmed every part of my soul. My mouth erupted into a smile. My boy will never be alone. He will always have God.

This is what matters. My son’s decision moved me. It moved me so much that I will be prepared with lots of tissues this coming Saturday night as he is baptized after our church’s service. This is what excites me. An eternity with God for my child. This is where my treasure lies. Perhaps I have found my answer regarding that deepest desire of my heart...

If it were real, what would Erised show you if you stood in front of it? What moves you to tears? To action? 

Perhaps it’s time for us all to take a genuine look at where our hearts sit. It kinda matters…

Prayer – Father God, thank You for providing authors who can make us think, Our prayer is that we don’t stop with just our thoughts, but that those thoughts move us into action! Bless us and expand our territory for Your causes. Make our treasures alive in You and our hearts turned toward eternity with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

© 2014 As a Clay Jar. All rights reserved.

Do Something By Cortney Donelson

Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

God has put something on our hearts. Every one of us has this something. It’s a passion. A soft spot. A gift. A desire. The question is, when will we take that something and do something. 

One of the most irresistible questions of those who doubt the goodness of God is why He would allow such pain, anguish, injustice, and darkness in this world. I struggled with this at one time too. 

Through the years, I have seen and experienced a lot of darkness. I have traveled around the world visiting countries where people don’t seem to smile, where orphans share cribs and clothes with each other, where teenagers beg strangers for a pair of shoes, and where you walk down the city street with your backpack on your front side so nothing turns up missing at the end of your journey. 

I woke up this morning

Saw a world full of trouble now

Thought, how'd we ever get so far down

How's it ever gonna turn around

So I turned my eyes to Heaven

I thought, “God, why don't You do something?”

Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of

People living in poverty

Children sold into slavery

The thought disgusted me

So, I shook my fist at Heaven

Said, “God, why don't You do something?”

He said,

“I did…

I created you.”

Matthew West’s song “Do Something”

There was a time when I wanted to shake my fist at God. I wanted to know why He allows children to be abandoned and “raised” in institutions without a loving family. I vividly remember staring at a photo on CNN’s website showing dozens of tiny babies lined up in cribs. They filled a small, whitewashed room from one wall to the next. I cried. I once read a horrific story of children who were “aging out of their orphanages” and being forced onto the streets. My heart ached. The fist shaking was justified. However, I should have been shaking it at myself. 

God has put something on our hearts. He created us to do something. For me, that something is a desire to see every orphan’s crib empty. I realize I cannot adopt them all. Although, I have some friends who are trying to do just that. (Smile) I have also come to understand that sometimes adoption is not the answer. Often, the answer lies in the foundational reasons women relinquish their precious babies in the first place. Poverty. Addiction. Politics. Cultural Norms. Age. Fear. 

In Haiti and Russia, poverty is the number one answer women provide for why they make the tough choice to give up their newborns. 

My private, content, comfortable, ordinary world changed when I traveled to Russia to adopt our little boy. My eyes were opened to some of the darkness of this world. Here’s the thing about being near all that darkness – I also witnessed the light of those who have the love of God. They were shining in that darkness bringing hope, mercy, laughter, kindness, food, clothes, shoes, and even homes.  

After my son's adoption, a few years passed. Our family settled back into ordinary. I became comfortable again. Then, I felt the call to adopt once more. This time, God took us to China. Out of my comfort zone I went. Again, I witnessed and learned of things that children should never have to endure and decisions that birth mothers should never feel forced to make. I was changed again. 

A couple more years passed. Then, God sent me to Haiti. It was as if He kept pulling me closer to the needs of orphaned children and those who live in extreme poverty. To the people who believe they must give up their children – and to the children themselves. He broke my heart over and over until I realized that this was my something. It was time to “do something extraordinary,” not just do something every few years or worse, feel something and do nothing. This was my do something calling that would move my life from ordinary to extraordinary. 

I read an amazingly hopeful yet sadly true statistic the other day: If only 7% of the world's 2 billion Christians each cared for one orphan, the orphan crisis would end. We are not all called to adopt. We are all called to care for orphans. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

I would not be surprised if in God’s perfect way, He has placed orphans on the hearts of at least 7% of us Believers. There are an estimated 100 million homeless in the world.* I bet He has placed homelessness on the hearts of 100 million of us.  I bet he has placed poverty, human trafficking, or hunger on the hearts of some percentage of us too.

God is doing something. Every day, with each new soul that turns toward Him, He is using people to change the world – one sacrificial act of love at a time. But, shouldn’t this kind of love produce more from us than just the posting of an article on social media or volunteering once a year at a crisis center? 

What has He pressed into the mercy parts of your heart? Is it seeing others – the lost – come to know and love Jesus? Is it creatively engaging in solutions that would make homelessness in this country a thing of the past? Or, perhaps it is related to a more socially and politically controversial something, such as the institution of marriage. Hebrews 13:16 implores us, “… do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” We all have something to share, something to give, something to do … some sacrifice we can make. That’s just it, though … it’s a sacrifice. It will require something of us to do this extraordinary something for another.

Do you want to be a difference maker?  Don’t settle for ordinary. Too many of us do. 

Do something! Become extraordinary.

Prayer – God, we know You created us to be the difference makers in a fallen world. Thank You for this Scripture – the one that calls us out of our comfortable lives and into something amazing. Help us discover what You have placed on our hearts then break our hearts for Your cause Move us into action, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

*Statistic taken from 2005 United Nations Report, number likely higher

© 2014 As a Clay Jar. All rights reserved.