Walking the Walk by Dr. Brian Campbell

Walking the Walk

Authored by Dr. Brian Campbell, Assisted by Rev. Jim Angelakos, Forward by Rev. Dwight Bain

What does a mentally healthy Christian look like? How does s/he think, react emotionally, and behave? Christian psychologist, Dr. Brian Campbell, delves deeply into the scriptures to give you a unique insight into the mind of a mentally healthy Christian, while at the same time showing you how the truths contained in God's word can help set you free from the tyrrany of false beliefs and lies prevalent in our culture.

Countdown to Valentine's Day

The "Chocolate Eating Holiday" is a week away. 

That's right, my official title for Valentine's Day. 

Any holiday that promotes chocolate without guilt is a day to look forward to. That and Sweethearts candy. I have no idea what ingredients form together making the chalky sweet treat, but after reading the messages printed on each teeny heart lives are forever changed. Let's be honest, doesn't Text Me or Sweet Pea just send chills down your spine? Forget the fact that they have no taste. These candies change lives with their message of hope and love. Last year, Tweet Me was even added to the mix. How can one not fall in love after reading that?

"Christian" Sweethearts candy messages might even go a step further. 

Love is patient.

Love is kind. 

Pray about it. 

Until eternity

Jesus first, you second. 

Side hug.

If they existed, I'm sure they would rock the world.

Regardless of what sweets we actually eat on Valentine's Day, my heart's prayer is that love will be in the air year-round. A love like God's. Love that never gives up. That cares more for others than for self. Love that doesn't want what it doesn't have. Doesn't strut. Doesn't have a swelled head. Isn't always "me first". Doesn't fly off the handle. Doesn't keep score of the sins of others. I want a love that protects and hopes. Love that puts up with anything. Trusts God always. Always looks for the best. Never looks back but keeps going forward.

1 Corinthians 14:1a

Let love be your highest goal! [NLT]

Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it-because it does. [MSG]

God, show us who to love today. Show us how to love like You. Let us look for ways to love throughout the day. Let us be alert to your prompting. May we be deliberate and sincere in every word spoken to each other. May only encouraging and uplifting words come from our mouths. Words that bring life, love, healing and inspiration. Words that build each other up. Let love flow from our hearts in all we do. Amen. 

Loving God, Yourself & Others

by Joyce Meyers

Love requires action. It's not a thing we try to get for ourselves, but instead is an action we express to others through sharing and serving.

Because love is an action, I believe there are three different forms of love God has instructed us to demonstrate, or "live out." Each one needs to be in balance so they can work together. As you read on, consider whether each one is well-balanced in your life or needs some adjustments.

#1 Loving God

Deuteronomy 6:5 says, And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. In the New Testament, Jesus repeats this command and even points it out as the most important commandment of all (as well as loving your neighbor as yourself).

So, how do you express love for God? By telling God, "I love You"? Singing praises to Him? These are good things, but they only scratch the surface.

We show God we love Him through obedience because actions definitely speak louder than words. I believe our level of obedience grows as we get to know and experience His love, goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Our desire to follow and obey the Lord's commandments increases as we increase our love of God.

More...