Love IDEAS-Exploring the Heart of RelationshipsSample

DEVOTIONAL (Part 1): Let’s face it, we are seeing some crazy things going on during these times in our lives. People seem to be on each other’s nerves over the smallest of things, and at odds over really big things affecting our culture. We are all feeling high levels of stress and anxiety, perhaps you’re even fearful with the uncertainties that reveal themselves in our lives and times. 

What to expect over the next seven days:

This reading plan is designed so you can do it by yourself, or, ultimately together with your spouse, partner, family or a small group - people that you care about and with whom you are in a close and meaningful relationship.  If you allow for a sincere transparency in this process of sharing from your heart and soul, this study will open some deeper conversations in your desire to grow more closely together and deal with the stress and anxiety we’re experiencing in these times, for whatever reason. You are committing to improving your relationships while seeking and following God in that process.  

How do I get started for my daily reading?

Pick a time and quiet location that will allow you to spend 5-10 minutes (or more if you want) each day, whether in the early morning, lunchtime or in the evening.  Make this time a priority. Bring a notebook with you.  As a busy person, I find that a million things will come into my head when I sit down to do this type of focused study/meditation time, so writing down your “to-do” list as it comes up means your brain can let go of those items and get back to them later, so you can truly focus on this time with God.  

 THE COMMITMENT

Over the next seven days, do these four things in your daily time:

1. ASK God to show Himself to you.  Invite God to make Himself known so that there is no question that the things you will experience are not just some random luck or coincidence.  And be ready, because I believe God will show up - for YOU!

2. READ the short passages from the Bible that are part of this seven-day journey in relationships. Reflect on them and how they might apply to you. (I recommend picking a translation of the Bible that is easy to read and understand like the NIV, The Message, or The New Living Translation. YouVersion has lots of choices!)

3. WRITE things down – we call this journaling - during these seven days so you have a record of what you experience and how this reading plan is working for you. This will help you remember what happens daily during this week, as a launching pad for whatever else happens in life from here forward. You’ll find these “notes” very valuable as your life journey continues and your relationships grow. If you’re using an old-fashioned hard copy Bible, highlight things that stand out to you and take notes in the margin. You can do the same in the Bible App.

4. MEDITATE on the things that come to mind, on the stories from the Bible that you read. And talk to God like He is a friend sitting right next to you in the room.  We call this prayer, and there’s no magic way to do it.  It really just feels like a conversation with someone you can trust with everything. Tell God what bugs you, what you’re happy about, who you’re concerned about, how you’d like help.  You might get immediate answers, you might not. But you’ll be surprised how this time of meditation affects who you are, how you think and what you believe as things progress in learning about your relationships. And doing this together - with your spouse, partner, family or friends -  will provide another level of intimacy that helps you grow in your spiritual unity together.

Today’s assignment is easy.  Find your quiet place. Then start with the following:

ASK God to show up.

READ Hebrews 2:1, 1 Peter 4:8

Watch the video.

DEVOTIONAL (Part 2): We are all “broken” in one way or another. Putting forth our own opinions and ideas in these times of turmoil may be hurting those around us. Or, others may be hurting us with their words and actions. So, how do we love other people despite our own foibles and brokenness? If you’re here for this study chances are you are “feeling” that something is going on in life around relationships; whether that is being locked up and much physically closer to family than usual, or missing hugs and dinner with friends; that is affecting your mood, behaviors and attitudes. We get it. Us too!

Know this: God is still in control! He is not surprised at what is happening. He is not nervous about who will be the next president. He is not fearful about how things might turn out. You may have heard this verse a million times before; Romans 8:28 says “we know that all things God works for the good for those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” The good, the bad and the ugly, God knows what’s going on. Trusting Him can help us tremendously in living through difficult situations. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in him at all times, oh people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." Don’t be afraid, if you’re struggling with something, tell God about it. He is ready and willing to take your burdens and help you through difficult times. The situations may or may not change, but trusting God to help you through anything you are dealing with definitely can help your attitude and interactions, especially toward the people with whom you are closest.  

WRITE down some thoughts about your expectations for the seven days. Be honest. How are your relationships? What would you like to see changed in the relationships you have? What do you hope you can focus on and learn in this study?

MEDITATE about your expectations - Talk to God - say out loud what you think you’d like to see happen over the next seven days. Take time and be willing to listen to the still, small voice in your head. It may be leading you to some incredible conversations and discoveries over the next week! See you tomorrow!