Put on love

I have been greatly blessed of late by reading the Message Bible. (modern translation by Eugene Peterson) I have laughed with Paul, wept with Jesus, and enjoyed God's message to me in a new way. Here are some of my favorite passages...

from Psalm 100
"For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love, loyal always and forever." Amen!

"I'm on your side. You're not alone." Paul to the Colossians (convicted me about my attitude toward others--I want them to feel this from me)

"Everything finds its purpose in Jesus."

We are "woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God [which gives us] minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ (who contains the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge)."

from Psalm 18
"God is the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. God made my life complete when I placed ALL the pieces before him."

"But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am."

"Awaken to the holiness of life."

"Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."

"Let Christ displace worry at the center of your life."

I was struck also while reading Mark 14 that at the very first Lord's supper, Jesus thanked God as he broke the bread and poured the wine--symbolizing the breaking of his body and the pouring out of his blood. All of our suffering is redeemed by God. If Jesus can thank God for the greatest suffering that ever took place on Earth, can I thank him for all of my suffering?