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Written by C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), a British writer, literary scholar, and lay theologian. This is an excerpt from his book “Miracles.”

There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly: was that a real footstep in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion (“Man’s Search for God!”) suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He had found us?

The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: ‘We’re the God-created.’ Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it? [Acts 17:24-29]

Written by John Ortberg, a contemporary author, speaker, and former pastor of Menlo Park Church.

We tend to keep score by comparing ourselves to others. When it comes to affluence, for instance, we tend to follow what psychologist Leon Festinger calls the “principle of slight upward comparison.” We chronically compare ourselves with those just a little better off, in the hopes of attaining their level of success. This keeps us from gratitude. It also keeps our eyes off people who are under resourced so that we don’t think about our need to share. God gives us the gift of the capacity for gratitude. Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It opens us up to wonder, delight, and humility. It makes our hearts generous. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation. Gratitude is the gift God gives us that enables us to be blessed by all his other gifts, the way our taste buds enable us to enjoy the gift of food. Without gratitude, our lives degenerate into envy, dissatisfaction, and complaints, taking what we have for granted and always wanting more.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]

Written by  Ron Rolheiser, a contemporary priest, when reflecting on  a conversation he had with an old priest.

“If you had your priesthood to live over again, would you do anything differently?” From a man so full of integrity, I fully expected that there would be no regrets. So his answer surprised me. Yes, he did have a regret, a major one, he said: “If I had my priesthood to do over again, I would be easier on people the next time. I wouldn’t be so stingy with God’s mercy, with the sacraments, with forgiveness…I fear that I’ve been too hard on people. They have pain enough without me and the church laying further burdens on them. I should have risked God’s mercy more!”

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. [James 3:17]

Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor and author.

God, thank You for reminding me of Your power today. Just as Jesus walked on water, so can You calm the storms around me. I often feel afraid when life gets stormy. I can’t see my way out. I feel vulnerable to what I cannot control. Help me fix my gaze on You today. Remind me of who You are and what You are capable of. Ease my fears and replace them with peace. Calm my anxious thoughts. Help me love those around me and be present with them, which is hard to do during a difficult time. Whenever I feel afraid, or my thoughts feel out of control, may I see the image of Christ walking on the water extending His hand to help me. May I trust Christ more than myself, more than others, more than what I tend to focus on during times like this. May my gaze always be fixed on Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. [Psalm 27:4]

Written by Ruth Schwenk, a contemporary author, blogger, and podcaster.  This is an excerpt from the book “Settle My Soul.”

There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words, carried a rock in his mouth for three years! He did so until he learned to be silent — or to control his lips. I’m not ready to carry a rock in my mouth as a reminder to watch my words, but I am very aware of my own temptation to use my words unwisely. Because we serve a God who speaks and uses His words to bring life, we are reminded that our words really do matter. They matter in our marriage, our family, the workplace, our relationships, and our church. Our words really are an overflow of what is going on in our hearts, and they have the power to shape the hearts of those whom God has surrounded us with. With our words, we bring life, health, and good things to those we encounter. We make others better by what rolls off our tongue. With our lips, we are to avoid gossip, slander, malice, and idle talk, which steal life instead of nourishing it. We can nourish those around us with words of encouragement. Speaking truth in love. Sharing our appreciation. Building others up with the truth and promises of God’s Word. We nourish others when we speak with gentleness and compassion. We bring life when we choose not to speak words that could easily be used as weapons.

The lips of the righteous nourish many. [Proverbs 10:21]

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary theologian and author.

Prayer invites us into compassion. Prayer gives us the power to sense people’s spirits. As we learn to walk with God and to live a life of perpetual communion, we come into a gentleness by which we love all people. We have an amazing discernment to see what is in people — not out of curiosity or because it will give us an edge over them, but so that we can enter into their fear, hate, and hurt, and thus call forth the peace and healing of Christ… Do not get me wrong. I’m not talking about some kind of sentimentalism or mushy peace that wants to avoid conflict at all costs. The peaceable gospel of Jesus Christ brings the sword of the Spirit that divides and judges. As we enter into the spirit in people, we are incensed at the poverty, injustice, and evil in human society. We seek to call people to relinquish vested interests, anger and hostility, prejudice and fear. We sense deeply the societally incarnated nature of evil and seek its defeat in the power of the Lamb.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [1 Peter 3:8]

Written by Clarence Haynes, Jr., a contemporary speaker, writer, and teacher.

I am not sure how often we think about this, but the people you choose to follow point to your level of spiritual maturity. Who you choose to look up to as a role model or example to follow speaks volumes to how you are developing in your walk with Christ. Paul encouraged the Philippians to follow his example and the example of others that live like he does. This forces me to ask you the question, who are the people you are following? The measure of the role model is not what they say, but how they live. In short, their character matters. To take it a step further, a person’s title or position does not automatically deem them worthy of being an example or a role model. However, their character does. Be careful who you choose to follow and make sure you consider those who truly display godly character. If you are spiritually mature, you will stop making excuses for people’s lack of character and start holding them accountable for it. This is real evidence of spiritual maturity.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [Philippians 3:17]

Written by Tim Gerber, a contemporary pastor.

As I look toward Valentine’s Day, and once again wanting to do something nice for the one I love, I reminisce back over the 35 years of gifts given (that I can remember). Yes, sir! I love my wife, and like most every other husband, try my best to find different ways to show her each February. Over the years, those “ways” have included chocolate, flowers, dinner, cooking a meal, a movie, jewelry, and yes, even helping with housework (do I have to turn in my “man card” now?). None of these outward signs of love are wrong or bad. In fact, there are lots of things one can choose to give. However, as I consider the “Be Mine” Valentine’s candy heart, I am reminded that the most important thing one can give is themselves, in time spent, sacrifices invested, and true devotion and faithfulness. Without that, gifts are simply things. On the other hand, with a committed relationship, gifts can be a genuine extension of true love. I believe God sees things the same way. Often, I am tempted to think that “Be Busy” is the same as “Be Mine.” It’s not. Love is not just the things we give, or even an emotion, but seen as a perpetual act of devotion. True devotion will always lead to loving actions. This Valentine’s Day, may God challenge us all to “be” who we ought to be for those we love (including Him), instead of being tempted to think that an outward action is enough.

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”  [1 John 3:18]

Written by Ines Velasquez-McBryde, a contemporary chaplain, pastor, preacher, and speaker.

God our Father, help us to seek your face every day. Turn our hearts to you, Jesus, the perfect love of God reflected unto us in the face of Christ. Help us see you in the lovely breeze that brushes up against our face. Help us sense the warmth of your presence by a fire on a cold day. Help us remember the covering of your grace like a blanket on a rainy day. God, when our hearts become stagnant, may you re-ignite our love for you as we discover ways to re-encounter you, for you are all around us. We want to see your face. Amen.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. [2 Corinthians 4:6]

Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus

How many voices clamor for our attention? Voices that matter, voices that clutter our thoughts, voices that tempt and deceive, voices that bring truth and wisdom. How do we sort out the voices that matter from those that are superfluous? Jesus called people to hear, to listen, to respond to truth. Why? So that they, so that we, might find life, and in finding life, learn to live it. And in living life from God’s perspective, lead others to do the same. Jesus is still speaking. Do you hear Him?

Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear. [Mark 4:9]