Insert Name Here_________

Have y'all ever done the exercise where you insert your own name into a scripture?  One of the most meaningful times I have done it is with the "love chapter" passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  Try it yourself.  Just write it out (or say aloud) with your name, replacing the word LOVE.

Kathryn is patient, Kathryn is kind.  Kathryn does not envy, Kathryn does not boast, Kathryn is not proud.  Kathryn does not dishonor others, Kathryn is not self-seeking, Kathryn is not easily angered, Kathryn keeps no record of wrongs.  Kathryn does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  Kathryn always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Kathryn's love never fails.

Wow (ouch!)...it really calls me out, makes me feel like a hypocrite!  How about you?  Did you do it?  You know what else this exercise does?  It really makes me in awe of God's love towards me, even though I do not return the love to Him as I ought!  Kathryn loves Him, because He first loved Kathryn.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  So true.  It motivates me to be more aware of my actions, to make it more true of me!

 In my James Bible Study...today's passage reads:
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions?  Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"-but then you don't give that person any food or clothing.  What good does that do?  James 2:14-16 

The truth of really living out your love and faith...with my actions are ringing so true to me today!

Paul gives us some good advice on how to really live out your love and faith in Romans 12:9-18

• Love must be sincere.
• Cling to what is good.
• Be devoted to one another.
• Honor one another above yourself.
• Never be lacking in zeal.
• Be joyful in hope.
• Be patient in affliction.
• Be faithful in prayer.
• Share with God's people who are in need.
• Practice hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute you.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice.
• Mourn with those who mourn.
• Live in harmony with one another.
• Do not be proud.
• Do not be conceited.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Go ahead and try it...insert your name here______.  God wants our actions, not more knowledge.  If our name doesn't fit there...we still have work to do...actions to do.  Faith without action is dead.  May our love and faith be very much alive today!!!