You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2012.
Happy ‘Leap Day!’ Read about the tradition of marriage proposal on Leap Day below…
Then, identify a tradition in your life that has been unhealthy for your spiritual growth.
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“According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.
In some places, Leap Day has been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.” (www.timeanddate.com)
List 5 temptations that are most prevalent in your life at this time.
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“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15)
Sing a song of joy today. If someone hears you, sing anyway.
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“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Add to your knowledge…
Commit this passage to memory: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:16-18)
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When you make a mistake today and begin to react to the situation – ask yourself these questions:
What are the facts, and what is fiction? How can I learn from the situation, and how could I make it worse?
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“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” (Charles Swindoll)
If you really mean it, greet those you love with an outward expression that proves it.
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“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:19-20)
When you feel disrespected, hurt, or mistreated today – redirect your focus to God’s view of the other person. Based on His Word, describe God’s perspective.
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“The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life— men without regard for you. 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:14-15)
Spend time in prayer today for someone who is ‘tough to love.’ This may be someone who obviously dislikes you, or someone who has wronged you.
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“If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that…If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:46-47)
Add to your knowledge…
Commit this passage to memory: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:2-6)
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Every time you are confronted with anger today, commit to this 3-part program for peace:
1 -Don’t speak, except to God in prayer. If you are angry with another person, ask God to bless them.
2 -Do everything in your power to seek peace with this person, while maintaining integrity in your principles.
3 – Leave that which you can’t control with God.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 13:14-21)
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