“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

2 Peter 1, Affection, Character, Discipline, Faith, Jesus, Knowledge, Love, Patience, Wonder

In God’s world, He wants me to be mature in my faith. I must focus on building not standing still and admiring what has already been built.

• There are certain building blocks, where the focus leads from one to another. Am I building on them every day?
• My time and attention needs to be on God’s goal for me. Jesus has given me a list of goal areas to plan around. Jesus challenges me to grow and not stagnate.
• Jesus has also empowered me with the Holy Spirit to help me become mature. I can’t do it on my own. It is all about Jesus.
• Faith alone isn’t enough. I  must build on the foundation of faith daily. Faith, on its on, isn’t enough for maturity.

“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.” ~Apostle Peter

Source: 2 Peter 1:5-8 (The Message)

Here is the list of the seven to focus on, building on our foundation of faith:

1. Good character, virtue and excellence
2. Knowledge and spiritual understanding
3. Discipline and self-control
4. Passionate patience and steadfastness
5. Reverent wonder and godliness
6. Brotherly affection and friendliness
7. Generous love

 

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“Hope unswervingly.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 13, Hope, Love, Trust

Hope Unsweringly

Can I hope unswervingly? It is an essential question. Can I? Will I?

• With the power of the Holy Spirit, I can. On my own, I get lost. It is up to me to trust in Jesus.
• This is an essential item. Without hope, I am lost every day. In fact, every minute of every day. God’s goal for us is to be hopeful.
• Without hope, I will fail to fully participate in God’s world (Kingdom). Hope doesn’t not stand on its own though. Coupled with trust and love we are complete.
• And so, when I am filled with Jesus and the power of His HOLY Spirit, I hope unswervingly. I don’t deviate from hope at all. This leads me to maturity. This leads me to completeness.

“But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Is Jesus a respectable religious leader? A Mr. Rogers with a beard?

Tags

Authority, God is God, Jesus, Love, Obedience, Power

Jesus

Is Jesus a respectable religious leader?

• Jesus is not interested in being a “respectable religious leader”. He is not Mr. Rogers with a beard. Jesus is powerful and very direct. Jesus challenges me every day.
• Jesus is in charge of everything. Seriously. Believe it. God has given everything over to Jesus. There is not a thing Jesus isn’t in charge of.
• All Jesus does is what He sees the Father doing. His power and authority come from God. Jesus is obedient and challenges me to do what God desires. That is mainly to find a way to love.

May I know that God is God.

Jesus does what He sees the Father doing.

May I do the same.

What is the main thing about the main thing?

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Love

Here it is. It is the main thing about the main thing.

Our Father is in a good mood. He always has been. He always will be. His love for me is pure. He isn’t keeping a list of all of my sins. He isn’t frustrated with me at all. He is just tickled pink with who I am in Him.

The life He has given me as a gift is amazing. I didn’t do a thing to earn it. Never could. His love isn’t cautious at all. The most famous bible verse (John 3:16) starts with “For God so loved the world …”

Now how amazing is all of this. He so ROCKS!!!

May I know that God is good and in a good mood all the time. May I know He loves me all the time.

 

Francis Chan | Why I Left The Megachurch I Created! How will people recognize we are the disciples of Jesus?

Tags

Francis Chan, Jesus, Love, Mega-Church

Great story from Francis Chan on creating a mega-church and what led him to leave.

• Many times Jesus challenges us to leave it all behind. God bless those who listen and obey.
• Is it all really about the numbers and money? I think we know what Jesus thinks. It is really only about love.
• What is “the church” really all about? What difference does it make in our communities? God has a plan for the church. It isn’t about the numbers. The church is about love. Here is what Jesus says! “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 6, Obedience

Why? The words of Jesus haunt me. Why do I pretend that he is my Master and then not obey him?

As parents, we know the frustration of asking our children to do something, only to discover they have completely ignored us.

• Listen and do: You can almost hear the frustration in Jesus voice over the issue of listening and doing. This is key. It is useless to listen only. Obedience must follow.
• My mission is to love. That is it, plain and simple. I really don’t have any other job. That is God’s goal for me.
• Love lays a solid foundation for everything else in life. It will stand the test of time. It will earn my God’s favor.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”

Source: Luke 6:46, 49

May I have a well built house. May I put into practice what Jesus says. God has a goal for me. My job is to believe, be obedient and have faith.

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Forgiveness, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 18

Jesus has a way he wants us to follow to work out our grievances against one another. If I am not willing to follow it, I should keep my mouth shut.

• Jesus wants me to have the courage to go to the person, one on one, try to work it out.
• I have to decide, is this worth an intervention? If it isn’t, I can just forgive and move on.
• Now this is tough, do I want to take it to the whole church?

I don’t think most of us would ever get past step one. Step one is huge though. It forces me to think through do I just forgive and does the person need to know they hurt me.

Having done all that, what should I do? Jesus says start it all over again and focus on God’s forgiving love.

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.”

Source Matthew 18:15-17

“Thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Thessalonians 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Faith, Love, Thanks

What do I have on my to do list for the day?

What must I do?

Thanking God should be at the top of my list every day. When I thank God, particularly for others, I will love them. I can’t thank God for all the good in someone else and then hate them can I?

Nope, can’t be done.

Thanking God over and over for you is the key!

You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

“Watch what God does, and then you do it. Mostly what God does is extravagantly love you.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Children of God, Ephesians 5, Extravagant, Jesus, Love, Messiah

Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing.

So, what is the Father doing?

Mostly just finding ways to love me. The more I keep company with Jesus, the more I will learn a life of love.

What I see Jesus do, I will do likewise. I will not be selfish or cautious in my love. I must be extravagant in my love. That is His way.

So, what do I need to do to learn to love more? Spend more time with Jesus.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is extravagantly love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how the Messiah loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5

"If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?" ~~Steven Wright

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Barbie, Jesus, Love, Popular, Steven Wright

Jesus challenges me to have true friends in him. It starts with God. My love for him should be overwhelming.

Jesus wants to be my friend.

Jesus challenges me to love others with unreserved passion. Friendship develops out that.

It isn’t about popularity. It is about love.

If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? ~Steven Wright

“And in Thy sweet breathing full of grace and glory how tenderly Thou fillest me with Thy love.” ~~St. John of the Cross

Tags

Ephesians, Love, Passion, Paul, Sin

These words, penned by St. John of the Cross in his book Living Flame of Love, capture the heart-cry of every soul for intimacy with God.

For this we were created and for this we were rescued from missing God’s goal (sin) and death. In Ephesians, Paul lets us in on a little secret: We’ve been more than noticed. God has pursued us from farther than space and longer ago than time.

God has had us in mind since before the Foundations of the World. He loved us before the beginning of time, has come for us, and now calls us to journey toward him, with him, for the consummation of our love.

O Living Flame of Love . . . How gently and how lovingly Thou wakest in my bosom, where alone thou secretly dwellest; And in Thy sweet breathing full of grace and glory how tenderly Thou fillest me with Thy love.  ~~St. John of the Cross

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Jesus, Love, Paul, Philippians 1, Quality

Love

I know I tend to think that either I love or I don’t. Paul points out that there is another way to see it.

I can love and I can have a lot of love. But beyond that I should love well.

There should be a quality to my love. Love is not about quantity but it is all about quality. How well do I love? Something to think, pray and act on.

So I pray, may I love well!!

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.”   Apostle Paul (Philippians 1:9-11 The Message)

“Master, the one you love so very much is sick.” ~Mary, sister of Martha

Tags

Jesus, John 11, Lazarus, Love, Martha, Mary, Sick

Love of Jesus

With Jesus, it always starts with love. Jesus loved Lazarus. Everyone knew that.

Lazarus was sick. It got worse however. Lazarus died. Jesus knew that and allowed it to happen. He wasn’t in a rush to go see him.

Jesus knew how it would end. Jesus knew the power of God. Jesus knew he would raise him from the dead. Jesus believed in the power of God. He was okay with everything.

Jesus loved Lazarus. Jesus would take care of it.

Jesus knew what was happening. Jesus was the only one who knew. Everyone else freaked out.

May I live in the power God and confidence of God’s love. God is in a good mood. I am the one Jesus loves so very much.

A man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. This was the same Mary who massaged the Lord’s feet with aromatic oils and then wiped them with her hair. It was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Master, the one you love so very much is sick.”

John 11:1-3

“The one who won’t practice righteous ways isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 3, Devil, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Right Living, Test

Some tests are hard. Others are simple.

This one is VERY simple. Loving others deeply and the way Jesus the Messiah does is the test of right living.

Right living in God and right living with all who are a part of my life. It is all about the relationships. Acting right equals right-living with God.

If we are not God’s child then we are the Devil’s child. This is a start reality. There is a clear difference between the two. The test is quite simple. Which am I?

Loving God and loving my neighbor is the test.

So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. …. Here’s how you tell the difference between God’s children and the Devil’s children: The one who won’t practice righteous ways isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.1 John 3:7-10

"You’re happy when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for." ~Jesus

Tags

Care, Happy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5

Am I caring enough? Am I full of care?

That is what it is all about. Jesus had this focus. He cared all the time. His Father focused on caring for him. That is what love is all about.

God’s goal for me is to be full of care. Jesus challenges me to love everyone.

You’re happy when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:7 The Message)

A tribute to my mother (Dorothy Wilson — 1922 – 1967)

Tags

Dorothy Wilson, Love, Mother's Day

Mother’s are so special to us. Of course, my mother is no different.

Dorothy and Everett Wilson wedding photo

My mother, Dorothy Mae Frey was born on December 30, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Glenn Thomas Frey and Gracie M. Frey (maiden name Bingham). She married my dad, Everett Wiley Wilson,  on January 21, 1943, in her hometown of Atlanta. They had three children during their marriage. She died on March 5, 1967, in DeKalb, Georgia, at the age of 44. Way to young for all of us kids. I was 12 at the time.

My mother’s mother was Gracie M. Bingham who was born on September 21, 1901, in Atlanta, Georgia, her father, Thomas, was 24 and her mother, Addie, was 20. She died in January 1967 in Atlanta, at the age of 65. In 1910, Grace  was 8 years old and lived in Marietta, Georgia with her father, mother, brother, and 2 sisters. In 1920, Gracie was 18 years old and lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her father, mother, brother, and 2 sisters. In 1930, Gracie was 25 years old and lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her mother, brother, and sister. On the April 1, 1940 census, Gracie Frey was 38 years old and lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter and mother. There is no mention of her husband Glenn. 

My mother’s grandmother was Addie Viola Entrican who was born on September 8, 1881, in Austell, Georgia. She married her first husband in 1897 in Georgia. In 1897 she married her second husband in Georgia. She died on December 28, 1969, in her hometown, at the age of 88. According the 1900 Census, Addie married Thomas in 1897. They had one child during their marriage. In 1900, she was 19 years old and lived in Powder Springs, Georgia with her husband, Thomas, and a son. By the 1910 census, In 1910, Addie was 27 years old and lived in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Thomas, son, and 3 daughters. By 1920, Addie was 39 years old and lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Thomas, son, and 3 daughters.

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” ~~Abraham Lincoln

It is true I am a product of my mother’s love. She cared so much for us all. I always felt her love. I owe her so very much. I wish I could thank her in person. Some day I will. I know she believed that.

Wedding announce for Dorothy and Everett Wilson

Her mother was Grace Frey. I don’t remember much about her. She passed away about a month before my mother.

Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning

When my parents wed, my dad was defending our freedom during World War II. My mom knew the importance of what he did for us.

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ―Washington Irving

My mother always defended me no matter what. She could calm me down. She would sooth the hurts like no other.

If I have done anything in life worth attention, I feel sure that I inherited the disposition from my mother.” —Booker T. Washington

So who do I owe who I  am to? It is my mother. She showed me how to love. She showed me how to be strong. She showed me how to work. She showed me how to care.

Mom’s love of country

Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes

My mother was a woman of hope. We would talk and she would share them with me. Mainly they were hopes for me. She wanted a “better world” and she wanted it for her children. Born in the middle of the great depression. Everyone, including her husband, off at war. Surely there was a better way. She worked hard to make sure we could have it.

My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind.” —Michael Jordan

"Live generously." ~~Jesus

Tags

Generosity, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5

God is so very generous to me. Although I don’t deserve it, He lavishes me with every gift imaginable. I can’t even think of every thing He is going to do for me.

Jesus demands that I live generously. Love God; love others! That is His command in His mission for my life.

Jesus wants me to move beyond just living and to live generously. When I think about my “to do” list for the day, is “be generous” at the top of the list?

 Live generously.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:48 The Message)

“You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Ephesians 2, Family, Good News, Household, Jesus, Love

In our family, like most families, being a “member of the household” means something special!

It means you walk right into the house without knocking. It means family members wait up for you when you are out late. It means that you are cared for enough that somebody wants to know where you’re going, when you will be back and reminds you to “be safe.” It means you get a kiss when you go out the door in the morning. That’s what being a member of the household means.

The Good News is that we are members of God’s household. And it’s the very same way at His House only better. So go on right in!

And don’t forget to yell “I’m HOME!!!” Jesus is so very glad to see you!

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”  -Ephesians 2:19

“Love is patient.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 13, Frustration, Jesus, Love, Patience

Wait patiently for the Lord

God is love. He is not frustrated with me. He is patient.

Jesus puts up with a lot but keeps on loving. He doesn’t give up. He will never, never, ever abandon me. Nothing I do can change that. He is love.

May I learn to love like God. May I be patient and not get frustrated.

Love is patient. 1 Corinthians 13

“And be thankful.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Colossians 3, Compassion, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Humility, Jesus, Kindness, Love, Patience, Peace, Thankful

What is important in being thankful? After a long list on how I ought to live, Paul adds “and be thankful”.

Being thankful comes from being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. Being thankful comes from being clothed in love.

May I be compassionate and kind.

May I love like Jesus.

May I be thankful.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of the Messiah dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 TNIV Bible

“Know that the LORD is God.” ~King David

Tags

Faithful, God is God, God is Good, King David, Love, Psalm, Psalm 100, Thanksgiving, Wise Sayings

God is so good. He is in a good mood all the time.

Jesus, God’s son, loves and never stops loving. He is loyal and faithful to us all.

God is God. There are none others. Not money or credit cards or 401k’s can save us from missing God’s goal for our lives.

Jesus, the Messiah, alone is worthy of our faith and love.

So, let’s shout it out!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

“Love rejoices with the truth.” ~Apostle Paul — The love of Jesus will turn you INSIDE OUT!

Tags

1 Corinthians 13, Freedome, Jesus, Kind, Love, Patient, Truth

Love of Jesus

The love of Jesus will turn you INSIDE OUT! 

Jesus was pretty clear that it’s mandatory. “A New Command,” He said. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The best thing about love is not just what it does to others. They will react as they can within their own limits. I think that Love’s most powerful aspect is what it does to the Lover. Loving others as God loves me will turn me inside out from the toes up! 

It leads to personal transformation. It changes me.

It leads to Freedom. It leads to Joy. This is really powerful stuff! It is the real deal!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13 4-7

“So stay awake, alert.” ~Jesus

Tags

Assignment, God's Goal, Jesus, Love, Matthew 24, Mission

I have work to do. Jesus has given me a mission.

My assignment is clear. I can’t slack off. Jesus has a goal for me. That goal is to love. The goal is pure and simple.

I must be alert for opportunities to love. That is the mission.

So stay awake, alert.” ~Jesus (Matthew 24:42)

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tags

Hate, Jesus, Love, Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jesus challenges me to love. That is it. Love God and love everyone else I know or meet.

The alternative is to hate. That is a choice many of us take. It doesn’t work.

There is no other way in God’s world. God is love and we must love.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 3, Agreeable, Compassion, Humility, Jesus, Love, Sympathy

My job is to be a blessing. Being agreeable is a key to blessing others.

The ability to agree with our Father and others can move mountains. That positive force of the Holy Spirit moves us all in agreement.

Here is a list of characteristics I should cultivate:

• Agreeable
• Sympathetic
• Loving
• Compassionate
• Humility

May I know what our Father wants and agree with Him. May I bless others with my Father enabled agreeableness!!!

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-12

“Jesus love was not cautious but extravagant.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Cautious, Ephesians 5, Extravagant, Learn, Love

Jesus love is extravagant!! It is absolutely over the top and He never holds back at all. Mostly what my heavenly Father does is love me.

He is not cautiously waiting to see if I love him back. When I don’t spend time with Him He still loves me. Extravagantly!!

When I keep company with Jesus, I learn to love like he does. His love is the kind that is giving not looking for anything in return.

May I spend more time with Jesus. May I watch what He does and then do it myself.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how the Messiah loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5

"Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Mark 5, Mercy

Jesus wants us to tell the story of what He has done for us, the mercy and the love.

Jesus has done something. It involves mercy.

For our family and friends, it is our story that can’t be denied.

My encounter with Him has changed everything. The new world I  live in is so vastly different than this world.

His demand to me, “Go ..” “Tell …”

Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” ~~Jesus (Mark 5:18-20 The Message)

"I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." ~~Jesus

Tags

Anger, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5, Murder, Sin

Anger

Jesus has a standard that is different than what religious leaders try to make us follow. His standard is one of love. Love of God and love everyone else. Every minute of every day.

That is a focus on getting my  attitude right, getting what I say right and getting what I do right. Love is the summation of all the laws and “rules and regulations” of the religious world.

Love is God’s goal for me. Missing that goal is the essence of sin. If I  love, I won’t get angry which, in Jesus’ world, is just as bad as murder.

I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:21-22 The Message)

“A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord.” ~~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Heart, Heartless, Jesus, Love, Oswald Chambers

A man after God’s heart

I have a new heart. God has said it. Do I believe it? Do I act like it?

I can’t afford to be heartless. I must be like David and have a heart after God. I must live a life of passion and love for Jesus.

I must love, from my heart, everyone I come in contact with. To not do so is to disobey Jesus. And that must bring him grief. How sad.

I  must be a person with heart.

A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord.” ~~Oswald Chambers

“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Friendship, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Love of God

I get offended. Probably way too easy. Eventually, everyone is going to say something to offend us.

Love is the way of friendship. Jesus challenges me to live a life of love and not get offended. God’s goal for me is love. That is all.

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

Source: Proverbs 17:9 MSG – Overlook an offense and bond a – Bible Gateway

The King who loved a humble maiden. Would he renounce his throne to win her over?

Tags

King, Love, Soren Kierkegaard

Here is Soren Kierkegaard’s version of the story:

Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden. The king was like no other king. No one dared breathe a word against him, for he had the strength to crush all opponents. And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden. How could he declare his love for her? In an odd sort of way, his kingliness tied his hands. If he brought her to the palace and crowned her head with jewels and clothed her body in royal robes, she would surely not resist—no one dared resist him. But would she love him?

She would say she loved him, of course, but would she truly? Or would she live with him in fear, nursing a private grief for the life she had left behind? Would she be happy at his side? How could he know? If he rode to her forest cottage in his royal carriage, with an armed escort waving bright banners, that too would overwhelm her. He did not want a cringing subject. He wanted a lover, an equal. He wanted her to forget that he was a king and she a humble maiden and to let shared love cross the gulf between them. For it is only in love that the unequal can be made equal. (as quoted in Disappointment with God )

The king clothes himself as a beggar and renounces his throne in order to win her hand. The Incarnation, the life and the death of Jesus, answers once and for all the question, “What is God’s heart toward me?” This is why Paul says in Romans 5, “Look here, at the Cross. Here is the demonstration of God’s heart. At the point of our deepest betrayal, when we had run our farthest from him and gotten so lost in the woods we could never find our way home, God came and died to rescue us.”

“I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 2, Apostle Paul Sayings, Love, Obedience, Tears

Obey God

What is the best thing to do? What does God want? Do I pray first or just do what I want?

Paul has a heart for what is best for his brothers and sisters. He really wanted to see them. He decided to write to them to express his ideas rather than visit. His entire motivation was love and concern. 

Do I do what is best or do I act selfishly satisfying my own needs?

That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn’t have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you. As it turned out, there was pain enough just in writing that letter, more tears than ink on the parchment. But I didn’t write it to cause pain; I wrote it so you would know how much I care—oh, more than care—love you! (2 Corinthians 2:3 The Message)

 

A river like you, Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Love, Peace, Power, River

A river like you, Jesus!!

Oh my heavenly Father. Your love runs so deep and true in my life. A waterfall falling in two. A river like you. Amazing and so powerful.

So deep. Running through my soul.

What I give to drink from your living water. A river like you, Jesus!!

Your love runs so deep and true. I have been searching. Now I have found you and we are best friends.

Your love runs to me. I see your reflection.

I am still.

Peaceful in your presence.

A river like you, Jesus!!!

“Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy.” ~Dwight L. Moody

Tags

Dwight L. Moody, Faith, Love

How very true. Paul reminded us that faith, hope and love define God’s new plan. But it is love that is the center of everything.

We all long for love. God knows this. That is why He sent Jesus to focus on “the heart”. Jesus is all about love. Jesus is love.

“Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy.” Dwight L. Moody

I Press In: A Poem

Tags

Listen, Love, Poem, Promise, Smile

Shh!!
He is talking to me but it is a whisper.
So … I press in to hear what he is saying to me.
I lean in close.
My face close to His face
to hear what He is saying.

He promised me I would find HIM
if I search for him with my whole heart.
How precious is that.

When I come to him,
He turns and sees me.
And He smiles.
His face lights up with joy
that I am coming to hear what He has to say.

He smiles at me
and He winks at me that knowing wink.
He is just so darn happy that I want to be in His presence.
He is tickled pink that I want to spend time with Him.
He bursts out laughing at my awkward ways.
Somehow He makes me feel good about all the stuff I worry about.

Shh!!
He is talking to me.
I press in.
I want to hear Him.
I lean in.

I press in.
Just to hear more.
Just to know Him more.
I want more.
I do!!
I really do!!

Is there any wiggle room in this? “All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ~Jesus

Tags

Disciple, John 13, Love

Love One Another

Jesus started a whole bunch of new stuff. He wasn’t about the old world. His mission was to bring God’s love to us all. He also set whole new standards for how I should live.

And so …. what Jesus expects is straightforward. No wiggle room here. He love us. We are to love each other that same way.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"An ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere?" ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Legalism, Love, Matthew 5

Jesus loves the word of God. He also knows the legalism can be taken to the extreme.

I certainly have legal “rights” that I can insist on being fulfilled. Jesus also gives me the option to pursue love. His challenge to me is to pursue love and not “my rights”.

Jesus summarizes God’s Law up as 2 essential requirements. Love God and love everyone I come in contact with every day. Jesus demands that I focus on those two requirements.That is the essence of things in God’s world. That is His law.

Legalism isn’t going to get Me anywhere. End of story.

 An ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere?” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42 The Message)

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Timothy 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Fear, Love, Power, Self-Control

Give me God’s power

How easy is it to focus on what God doesn’t do for me? Way too easy. I get distracted. The “shiny object” grabs my attention and diverts me. It happens a lot.

The big thing Jesus never gives me is fear or worry. That is NEVER as in not at all. Worry is not from Jesus.

What Jesus does gives me is power. That is POWER in a big way. Jesus has given me His Holy Spirit.

And Jesus gives me love. When I don’t know how or even can’t find it in me, Jesus shows me the way.

But here is the kicker. I need self control to get to where God wants me to be. He gives me self-control as well. And oh how I need self-control.

How amazing is that?  VERY. God is so very good.

Power

Love.

Self-control.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

"And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, John 5, Judgement, Love

Authority of God

Jesus is very clear. I am not to judge others. He is also clear that all judgement has been turned over to Him by His Father.

Why? Because He is God’s Son. He gets to decide and He will carry it out. God has spoken.

If I know that, I need to act like it. I have no authority to judge. My only job is to love. Everything else is up to God and Jesus.

And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:25-27 The Message)

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to eternal life.” ~Jude

Tags

Eternal Life, Faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jude 1, Love, Mercy, Messiah, Prayer

So here is something else to be anxious for. Am I anxious for the mercy of Jesus the Messiah?

I need the mercy of Jesus. I have completely missed God’s goal for my life. God is in a good mood, however. I am ready for mercy!

I should keep my arms open. They are outstretched . I am eager for His mercy.

I am ready beyond anything I have felt before for our Master’s mercy. I am staying at the center of of God’s love.

I am building myself up in in holy faith. I am praying in the Spirit. This life in Him never ends. It goes on and on and on. It is the real life.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

“The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Jesus, Love, Resurrection, Romans 8

God’s Love

What does Jesus love look like?

Jesus is in there sticking up for me. When I am accused of something, fair or not, he sticks up for me. He is loyal to the core.

For me!! With me!!! Nothing can separate me from that loyal love and His courage for me.

No one can drive a wedge between Him and me. No matter what comes my way, it doesn’t faze me. No matter what I do or bad I am, the worst sin, nothing can separate me from Him.

He is sticking up for me!!!

The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and the Messiah’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:35-39

The one whom Jesus loved

Tags

James, Jesus, John 13, Love, Messiah, Peter

Love of Jesus

There were the multitudes.

There were the 72.

There were the 12.

Peter, James and John made up the 3.

Then there was the one whom Jesus loved. He reclined next to Jesus at the last supper. He heard what He whispered.

May I recline next to Jesus.

May I hear what He whispers.

One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. John 13:23

“Wait for hope to appear.” ~Jeremiah

Tags

Hope, Jeremiah, Jesus, Lamentations 3, Love

Our heavenly Father loves me. He is love and love is patient. He isn’t frustrated with me. He won’t let go. He is going to see me through.

So knowing this, I can wait for hope to appear. It will. He loves me.

He cares and doesn’t put any roadblocks in my way. He isn’t involved with making my life hard. I just need to wait on Him.

I shouldn’t run away but I should face reality with Him. Nothing is too hard for Him. He makes the Lion and the Lamb to lie down together. How good is that?

He has stockpiles of love. No end to His love.

My job is to wait. That is all. Jesus will appear.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way.
— Lamentations 3

“If I love to be loved more than to love, then I know nothing of Calvary Love.” ~Amy Carmichael

Tags

Amy Carmichael, Jesus, Love, Peace

From writer Amy Carmichael…

If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me… 

If I can not rest under misunderstanding without defending myself… 

If I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve… 

then I know nothing of Calvary Love.

What a good and great God we have: His love gives us more than enough strength and peace to meet the challenges of our lives and to love those around us.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ~ Mother Teresa

Tags

Jesus, Love, Mother Teresa

Love One Another

Love is amazing. It just blots out everything else. No time to be angry, resentful or judging. 

Jesus is clear. Our mission is to love. That sums up everything God wants us to do. 

Jesus does not want us to judge. That is the job for Jesus.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”~~ Mother Teresa

“The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 1, Love, Word

Jesus is Life

The Apostle John was the disciple Jesus loved. He was one of the 72, one of the 12, one of the 3 and the one whom Jesus loved.

John knew Jesus better than anyone else. He saw it all “up close and personal”.

What does he tells us about all of this? Jesus is the Word of Life. He is Life itself.

And, we share it with John. That is the mystery of God’s goal for us.

John has no advantage here.

From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us. 1 John 1:1-2

"Let us learn to live simply, so that others may simply live." ~~Mahatma Gandhi

Tags

Jesus, Love, Mahatma Gandhi, Simplicity

Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t ask me to do complicated things. Jesus challenges me to love. That is really all.

Simple but not easy.

“Let us learn to live simply, so that others may simply live.”  ~~Mahatma Gandhi

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 3, Apostle John Sayings, Criticism, Jesus, Love, Reality

Self Criticism

Self criticism, even when it is deserved, leaves me crippled. I hobble around on crutches pretending no one sees.

They see I can’t get out of myself. They see my selfishness.

Practicing love, getting outside of myself, shuts self criticism right down. God knows me and He knows what I need.

Jesus knows me better than I know myself. He doesn’t condemn me but shows His steadfast love day after day. He puts it into practice.

Jesus challenges me to practice real love. That is God’s goal for me today. Loving others takes me out of my self and focuses on others.

My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 1 John 3:18-20

 

May we love like God loves. May we put it into practice.

“Give thanks to God—he is good and his love never quits.” ~Ezra

Tags

1 Chronicles 16, Ezra, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Thanks

Thank you

Jesus cares about us in a way we probably can’t understand. His love is the “gold standard” for how to love.

It is the Messiah’s nature to be good. He can’t be anything else. He has always been that way and always will be. His love just won’t stop.

May I give thanks to Him. He is good.

Give thanks to God—he is good
    and his love never quits.
Say, “Save us, Savior God,
    round us up and get us out of these godless places,
So we can give thanks to your holy Name,
    and bask in your life of praise.”
Blessed be God, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.

Then everybody said, “Yes! Amen!” and “Praise God!”

1 Chronicles 16:34 

 

"If you knew that only a few would care that you came, would you still come? Jesus did." ~~Max Lucado

Tags

Care, Jesus, Love, Max Lucado

Love of Jesus

Jesus had a goal. God had given it to him. Jesus is the obedient son.

Knowing what would happen, Jesus came anyway. His love for the Father and for us is overwhelming. It consumes Jesus.

Jesus knew what was coming. He came anyway.

Thank you Jesus.

If you knew that only a few would care that you came, would you still come? Jesus did.” ~~Max Lucado

Is my obedience not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness? “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”

Tags

Desire, Fear, God is Good, Jesus, Love, Matthew 25, Obedience, Passion

Jesus told of the man who entrusted three of his servants with thousands of dollars, urging them to handle his affairs well while he was away. When he returned, he listened eagerly to their reports.

The first two fellows went out into the marketplace and doubled their investment. As a result, they were handsomely rewarded.

The third servant was not so fortunate. His gold was taken from him, and he was thrown into “outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” My goodness.

Why? All he did was bury the money under the porch until his master’s return.

Most of us would probably agree with the path he chose-at least the money was safe there. But listen to the man’s reasoning.

Speaking to his master, he said, “I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it” (see Matt. 25:14-30 NLT). He was afraid of the master, whom he saw as a hard man. He didn’t trust his master’s heart.

The issue isn’t capital gains- it’s what we think of God. Are  we saying the same thing: “God, I don’t dare desire because I fear you; I think you are hard-hearted.”

Or do we see our Father as someone who loves us more than anyone else can. Someone who has our best interests at heart.

Even though we may profess at one level a genuine faith in him, at another level are we like the third servant? My obedience is not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness. “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”

The deepest moral issue is always what we, in our heart of hearts, believe about God. And nothing reveals this belief as clearly as what we do with our desire.

Will I tell everyone the good news of Jesus and how he has freed us from prison?

Tags

Freedom, Good News, Isaiah 61, Jesus, Love

Good news of God

Telling everyone about the good news of God was the mission of Jesus. It was why He came to our world.

And He did it. He has released me. I am free. I  am not bound to the way I was raised. I am not a prisoner of our culture of shame and guilt.

I am living in His favor. He loves me. Even though He corrects me, it because He cares like no other can. He only has my best interest in His heart and soul.

He has given me a crown, oil and new clothes.

Will I put them on? Will I wear the crown of beauty? Will I pour on the oil of gladness on my body? Will I wear the new cloths of praise?

May I experience the freedom and the release He has given me. What a gift!!! 

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me
    because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
    heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
    pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
    a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—
    and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
    give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
    a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. (Isaiah 61:1-7)

 

 

 

“I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts.” ~God

Tags

Forgiveness, Heart, Jeremiah 31, Jesus, Love, Messiah, New plan, Sin

Broken Heart

God has abandoned the old plan. He has completely left it behind. He did it in Jesus our Master. The old plan kept us short of the goal God has in mind for us.

So, what is the essence of the new plan, His agreement with me?

It is that I will know Him. My friends won’t have to teach me how to do it. I have a relationship with Him through Jesus.

We will all know Him. He doesn’t remember what I was like before. I am absolutely forgiven the debt that couldn’t be paid before anyway.

It is in my heart to do so. It is in my mind all the time. That is it!!

This is the new plan…. ,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their friends, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wandering heart and will remember their missing the mark no more.’ Jeremiah 31:31-34

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” ~Jesus

Tags

Behavior, Guide, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 7

Jesus guidance to me is so simple and straightforward. He frames the issue clearly. How should I behave?

Be proactive. Ask myself what I want done for me. Then do it for others.

This is the “big thing”. Easy said, not easy done. It is the goal Jesus gives me. It is my goal today.

The good news is that His Holy Spirit renews me daily. I have God’s power in me. I am a new creation in Jesus.

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 7:12)

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” ~~Nelson Mandela

Tags

Jesus, Love, Nelson Mandela, Resentment

Jesus challenges us to know and act on love. Love is the only way to health in our souls.

Resentment has no place in our hearts.

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” ~~Nelson Mandela

"I made you. I don’t make mistakes." ~~God

Tags

Courage, Creation, God is Good, Jesus, Love

I am God’s creation. He made me.

Jesus loves me. Everything that happens in my life works out for good.

Courage is the order of the day.

I made you. I don’t make mistakes.” ~~God

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” ~George Sand

Tags

George Sand, Happiness, Love

God is love. That is plain to us. We know it.

Jesus came to show us God’s love. He does it every day.

That makes us so very happy. I am more than blessed.

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.

Source: George Sand

“Build yourselves up in this most holy supernatural courage by praying in the Holy Spirit.” ~Jude

Tags

Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jude 1, Love, Mercy, Messiah, Prayer, Supernatual Courage

Holy Spirit

There are some things to be careful about. I must take responsibility for building myself up. In fact, I can listen to my-self, others, and the enemy in ways that takes me out of God’s love.

Praying in the Holy Spirit connects me with God’s love. If I am not feeling His love, I am not hearing Him.

I need to be ready for mercy.

Am I?

Or am I looking for judgement?

The real life is about mercy. God is in a good mood and he is loving. All the time. No doubt about it.

That is the real life.

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy supernatural courage by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus the Messiah. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20-21

 

May I stay right at the center of His love!!

"All you need is love." ~~The Beatles

Tags

Jesus, Love, The Beatles

Jesus is all in for us. God, our heavenly Father, loved us so much he sent his son Jesus to show us what love is.

We do need love!

“All you need is love.” ~~The Beatles

“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul, Celebrate, Jesus, Love, Philippians 4, Second Coming

On Your Side

If I asked my family, friends and colleagues if it is clear that I am on their side, what would the answer be.

I am not sure and I am uncomfortable with that.

Jesus challenges me to love and be on the side of all I meet. That should be clear. Is it?

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

~Apostle Paul

Source: Philippians 4:4 MSG – Celebrate God all day, every day. I – Bible Gateway

"Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom." ~~Jesus

Tags

Challenge, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Love, Matthew 5

Jesus is tough on religious leaders. He doesn’t cut them any slack.

He challenges me that I can do better than how religious leaders approach God’s world (Kingdom). He wants me to start from the knowledge that this is God’s world. He is in charge. It is not a democracy.

Jesus wants me to love God more than anyone or anything. He wants me to love everyone I come in contact in a very real and concrete way.

Jesus knows I can do better and it doesn’t start by emulating religious leaders.Tough but true.

 Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering God’s world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and the Messiah’s love for us?” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Jesus, Love, Messiah, Romans 8

Love of Jesus

God’s love for us is astounding. That is all there is to it.

He sent his son Jesus to redeem us and redeem us he did. I didn’t deserve it but he loves me none the less. Nothing can stop his love. His love is 24/7 and forever. It will never stop.

Jesus sits next to God in the place of power and authority sticking up for me. And he is sticking up for you as well.

God’s love for us is over the top.

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and the Messiah’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: 

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.

We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Source: Romans 8:32 MSG – So, what do you think? With God on our – Bible Gateway

“When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of God.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Love, Promise, Rehearse, Wise Sayings

There are times I am in the dumps. It happens. It isn’t always pretty but it is true.

God gives me a way out. Jesus challenges me to go through everything God has done. In fact, I should rehearse your promises and the love you show to me.

God’s way isn’t my way. God loves me in ways I can’t imagine.

God has made promises. God will not break them.

When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
    everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
    including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
    to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
    crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
    sing songs all through the night!
    My life is God’s prayer.

Source: Psalm 42:8 MSG – When my soul is in the dumps, I – Bible Gateway

“God delights in his people!” ~King David

Tags

Delight, God is Good, Good News, Jesus, Love, Psalm 149

Good news of God

We have amazing news. This is not trivial. This is beyond good. This is great.

God is in a good mood. God delights in us.

God is not embarrassed by who we are. God doesn’t want to hide when he sees us coming.

God wants to dress us up and parade us around.

God delights in us.

Psalm 149:1-4 The Message (MSG)

Hallelujah!
Sing to God a brand-new song,
    praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
    Zion’s children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
    strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because God delights in his people,
    festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!

Source: Psalm 149:4 MSG – Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new – Bible Gateway

“I’m sticking with God” ~Jeremiah

Tags

Faithfulness, God is Good, Jesus, Lamentations 3, Love

I am sticking with God!!

I could trust myself, my friends, my family. Nothing wrong with that. That is what we should do.

Beyond that though, I am sticking with God. That is the way of His world. And so, I say it over and over. Great is His faithfulness.

How wonderful is God’s love. He shows it over and over. He has promised to bring an answer. To show me the way. God sent Jesus. Jesus is the way to God. There is no other.

God’s love is new every morning.

But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. —Lamentations 3

What is happening with my friends who follow Jesus?

Tags

Friends, Jesus, John 15, Judgement, Love

I think of certain friends very often. Every time I think of them, I am so thankful to God for that they live freely in Jesus. What a blessing that is.

The chains that bound them are off. Amazing.

To see their open access to God is inspiring. What Jesus has given them freely blesses me just thinking of it. I will be glad with what is happening. It is good stuff for sure. I am not one to judge. I am one who has received great gifts. I am one who owes a lot. I can only answer for myself. That is what love means. I am called to love.

There is clearly no end to what is happening to my friends. It is hard to express in words. It is hard to know what it is all about some days. If anyone needs evidence of how good God is, you just have to know them. It is all the verification that is needed.

They are a blessing. That is that and that is all there is to it.

May I continue to blessed knowing such amazing people.

John 15:14-15 The Message (MSG)

I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

I must move with Jesus. He ROCKS and is my rock. Are you with me?

Tags

Courage, Faith, Jesus, Love, Rock

Jesus is my rock

I want more supernatural courage. That kind of faith is growing and I thirst for it. Do you?

I want more of His courage. That kind of commitment is moving in me. Is it in you?

Jesus can do it. Jesus will do it. He is LOVE and He is faithful.

I must move with Jesus. He ROCKS and is my rock.

I know you join with me. I know you have His courage. I know you believe.

I know.

Thanks for standing with me. I stand with you.

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 4, Jesus, Love

Continue to love

Interesting that John challenges us to continue to love.

Not start but continue.

Real love that comes from our Father requires a lot of “continuing”. It is easy to start but that is not the point.

The point is to continue.

Our relationship with God teaches how to continue to love each other. God is love. That is what it is all about; love.

And it always starts with Jesus. He leads the way.

May my love continue on as His love for me continues.

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! 1 John 4:7-12

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ~~ Mother Teresa

Tags

Judge, Love, Mother Teresa, Quote

Mother Teresa

I have a choice. We live in a culture where we are all critics. It is an easy trap to fall into to judge people. My choice is to judge or to love. Jesus challenges me to love. God’s goal for me is to love. It all comes down to that.

We don’t like to use the word “judge” but that is what it is all about. Jesus is clear that we shouldn’t live that way.

The choice to make is to love. I must love and not judge. I have a lot to learn here.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

~~ Mother Teresa

“Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” ~~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 2, Apostle John, Apostle John Sayings, Love

Love of Jesus

The Apostle John is consumed with the purity of Jesus life. It came down to one thing in John’s mind.

It is all about love. Jesus is all about love. That is the essence of the commandments. That is how Jesus lived.

Do I live like Jesus? Do I love like Jesus?

May I live like Jesus. May I mature my love.

Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:6 The Message)

“Because we love something else more than this world, we love even this world more than those who know no other.” ~~C. S. Lewis

Tags

C. S. Lewis, Jesus, Love

C. S. Lewis

Jesus challenges us to love everyone, all the time.

Jesus challenges us to love God, with a passion that can’t be replicated.

Jesus challenges us to love God more than the world or our family.

Jesus is clear about all of this.

Am I clear? Do I get it? Is that the path I am on today?

Because we love something else more than this world, we love even this world more than those who know no other.” ~~C. S. Lewis

“We keep getting reports on your steady faith in the Messiah Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Colossians 1, Faith, Jesus, Love, Messiah

What is worth reporting on, in Paul’s opinion? It is all about the love we show to others. That is it. There is nothing else.

It isn’t the new church building. It is not how moving the Worship Team sang the new song. It isn’t new car we just bought. It isn’t the college our oldest just go into.

There are only two ways to get God’s attention. Love Him and love everyone we know and meet.

That is how our faith in Jesus is demonstrated. It is only about love. That is all that counts.

We keep getting reports on your steady faith in the Messiah Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians.

~Apostle Paul (Colossians 1:4 The Message)

Can I win two games at one time?

Tags

Game, Jesus, Love, Win

I can’t win two games at one time.

I am going to focus on the one I am in right now.

I will not start another one.

God has a goal for me today. Jesus challenges me to focus on it. My life depends on it. Nothing else matters.

I must love God. I must love everyone I meet.

“Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Tags

Henry David Thoreau, Jesus, Light, Love

Love serves a purpose. The purpose is to not just be a flame but to be a light.

Love shows us the heart of Jesus. Love shows us what God’s goal is for us.

“Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

“But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 2, Apostle John, Apostle John Sayings, Jesus, Love

Love One Another

How do we know we are keeping God’s word? Now that is a very reasonable question. God has said so much, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

The answer from the Apostle John (the one whom Jesus loved) is stunningly simple. Do we see God’s love in someone? Then they are keeping God’s word.

That is what it comes down to over and over again. Love god. Love everyone else. That is the summation of the word of God.

It is in fact the only way to be certain.

But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:5 The Message)

“We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Proud

Will I be proud when I stand before Jesus?

That is a stunning question. Think about it. Will I?

Do I live in His love or ashamed?

Do I live in condemnation, because of my enemy?

The answer is a resounding NO! Jesus has freed me from my life of missing God’s goal. I am living a new life.

May I live in His love. May I know how proud He is of me. May I know it in my soul.

We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.

Source: Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:14 The Message)

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 4, Apostle John Sayings, Love

I like to think I know a lot about love. It doesn’t start with me however.

It starts with God. God initiated everything.

And God proved His love for us. He gave us a great gift, his son Jesus, the Messiah. How stunning. My identity is based on His love.

Old plan thoughts carry over to the new plan of Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Judge, Leviticus 19, Love, Messiah

God’s new plan

Here some old plan thoughts that carry over into the new plan that Jesus has revealed to us.

Mostly things we should avoid doing but one affirmative act that is one of the two great laws that Jesus said to do.

In way of Jesus, the Messiah, loving our neighbor is the BIG thing. If we do, we won’t pervert justice, show favoritism, gossip or seek revenge.

God is love.

Don’t pervert justice.

Don’t show favoritism to either the poor or the great.

Judge on the basis of what is right.

Don’t spread gossip and rumors.

Don’t just stand by when your neighbor’s life is in danger.

I am God.

Don’t secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt.

Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

I am God.

–Leviticus 19:15-18 The Message Bible

Am I a liar about Jesus?

Tags

1 John 2, Apostle John, Apostle John Sayings, Jesus, Love

Love of God

The Apostle John can be direct. I think he learned it from Jesus. No point beating around the bush so to speak.

Jesus was clear. There are 2 commandments that we need to focus on. Love God. Love everyone else. That sums it up and it is pretty easy to remember. If we say we are a Messiah follower and don’t do that, we are a liar. We aren’t following Jesus.

Jesus has a goal for me today. It is to love. Jesus, the Messiah, challenges me to focus on that.

May I live, as a Christian, the way Jesus said I should. May there be no doubt about it.

If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words.

~Apostle John  (1 John 2:4 The Message)

“The reality test on whether or not we love God’s children is this: Do we love God?” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 5, Apostle John Sayings, Jesus, Love, Obey

I am a child of God. I believe that Jesus is the anointed one (the Messiah) who is in charge of God’s country. Jesus is my Master. Jesus has been put in charge of everything by our Father.

Jesus challenges me to love God. When I love God, I must love my brothers and sisters. The two go hand and in hand.

God’s goal is for me to love. As God’s child, I must obey him. That isn’t a big deal at all.

Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we’ll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God’s children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome.

~Apostle John – Source: 1 John 5:1-3 (The Message Bible)

“To love another person is to help them love God.” ~~Soren Kierkegaard

Tags

Jesus, Love, Soren Kierkegaard

Love of Jesus

This is an amazing truth. God wants us to love everyone we know or come in contact with.

How will they come to know God? Through our love of them.

To love another person is to help them love God.

~~Soren Kierkegaard

“Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” ~Apostle Paul (Philippians 2)

Tags

Agree, Apostle Paul Sayings, Care, Help, Jesus, Love, Philippians 2

Agreement

Following Jesus should make a difference in how I live my life. I need to have a heart and care deeply with my brothers and sisters in Jesus. God’s goal for me is to love and care.

I need to cultivate a spirit of agreement. It should never be about who is right. Agreement comes out of love. I really need to get this.

Love drives me to be friends and put myself aside. I must focus on helping others get ahead and becoming all that Jesus wants them to be.

There are some days when I obsess about what I want and why getting what I want is important. What I want is not important at all. My job is to help. That is all.

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

~Apostle Paul – Source: Philippians 2:1-4 (The Message Bible)

Why don’t I do something about changing things I know are important to Jesus?

Tags

Change, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Power

Love of Jesus

What do I want to be different in my life? Actually, there are lots of things. I must admit it is not a short list.

Great question and the follow up is: Why don’t I do something about it?

Finally, is this important to God? If it is important to Jesus, I should pursue change. I shouldn’t let it go. It starts with how I think about things. Jesus challenges me to change my mind (repent). Jesus challenges me to love.

It is important that I get love right in my heart and soul. The focus needs to be on loving more and loving better. That is the challenge. Change is not important outside the context of love.

Through God’s power, Jesus can do something about my ability to love.

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Dignity, Endurance, Faith, Jesus, Love, Master, Temperance, Titus 2, Wisdom

Bold Faith

I have a job. Jesus has given it to me. I must be faithful in fulfilling it. I can’t shirk it off and leave it to others.

Jesus, my Master, expects me to live up to it. Jesus has given me the Holy Spirit to give me the power to do what God wants when I don’t have capacity within my self. I am a new creation because of what Jesus has accomplished.

As an “older man”, Paul makes it clear that my job is to:

• Live a life of temperance (moderation or self-restraint)
• Live with dignity
• Show wisdom
• Demonstrate healthy faith
• Model love
• Endure until the end

Others will judge me based on my behavior. I don’t want them to look down on God’s message. I can’t afford to be found a hypocrite.

Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.

~Apostle Paul – Source: Titus 2:1-6 (The Message Bible)

“God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important.” ~Moses

Tags

Deuteronomy 7, God is God, Jesus, Love, Moses Sayings

Freedom

I shouldn’t think too much of myself. There is nothing there to see of importance. I know that but I like to pretend otherwise. God knows it so I might as well deal with it.

God acts completely out of love. There is no other motivation. Jesus challenges me to see that and get it in my heart and soul.

Jesus has freed me. Jesus has brought me out of slavery. God is God. God is mighty and I can depend on him. God keeps his promises to me and my family.

God does not ignore my choosing to ignore his goal for my life (sin). If I ignore him, there is a judgement day. My choice needs to be to love God.

God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise he made to your ancestors. God stepped in and mightily bought you back out of that world of slavery, freed you from the iron grip of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations. But he also pays back those who hate him, pays them the wages of death; he isn’t slow to pay them off—those who hate him, he pays right on time.

Source: Deuteronomy 7:9 MSG – GOD wasn’t attracted to you and – Bible Gateway

"When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Jesus challenges me to do things differently than the way people of this world do things. He is not subtle at all.

Jesus knows my friends and acquaintances, even my family, will give me a hard time. Following Jesus guarantees that for sure.

What should I do? I should devote my whole energy to praying for them. That is the way of Jesus and God’s goal for me.

When God is in me, praying is second nature to me. I start reflecting my God-created self that way.

Jesus challenges us to be like God, to love like God. He gives us the power.

When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.

~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“No one’s ever so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 2, Apostle Paul, Apostle Paul Sayings, God is Good, Jesus, Love

Love of God

I think I know it all. I am very confident about what the future holds for me. But can I really out imagine God? Do I really know what Jesus has in mind for me?

No, I can’t out imagine the creator of the universe. I can’t out imagine the inventor of love. I can’t out imagine the author of faithfulness.

God loves us and we can’t imagine what He has in store for us. So let’s just fasten our seat belts and enjoy the ride. God is in an amazing mood and has stunning things in store for us.

That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.

Source: Apostle Paul   (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message)

“But you walked away from your first love—why?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Messiah, Persistence, Revelation 2

I must work hard for Jesus. I must not quit. I must labor for the Messiah. I must persist and then persist again.

It must all be about love for him though. Every act must be out of love. It starts with love and ends with love. If it isn’t about love, I fall into error and lose my way.

Persistence is great but it has to be motivated by love.

Write this to Ephesus, to the Angel of the church. The One with Seven Stars in his right-fist grip, striding through the golden seven-lights’ circle, speaks:

“I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.

“But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall!

“Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle.

“You do have this to your credit: You hate the Nicolaitan business. I hate it, too.

“Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I’m about to call each conqueror to dinner. I’m spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God’s orchard.”

~Jesus – Source: Revelation 2:1-7 (The Message Bible)

"You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for." ~~Jesus

Tags

Care, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5, Messiah

God Cares

Jesus, the Messiah, demands that I care. He insists on it if I want to live in His world. Being full of care is His way. God, our Father, cares. That is the way of God’s world. The challenge is for me to care. I must not be indifferent.

We all want to be cared for. The path is to care for others. That makes us more than happy.

May I care deeply the way my heavenly Father cares. May I show His love today.

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:7 The Message)

“What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”~~Jesus

Tags

Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Mark 3, Sabbath

Jesus challenges us

It was the Sabbath. The religious leaders of the day are watching Jesus. Will he heal the man with the crippled hand? They just knew he would and then they could condemn him for breaking the Law. They were excited for the wrong reason.

Jesus knows how to handle this. He won’t be trapped. He stops, looks them in the eye and asks “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”

It is silent. Perhaps for a long time because Jesus is waiting on an answer. He didn’t ask it rhetorically. He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. Jesus got angry. Very angry. Furious.

He wanted someone to speak up. No one did.

Getting no answer, Jesus did the right thing. Jesus healed the man. The religious leaders got out of there fast. No after service meet and greet today.

It is all about love. God’s goal for me is to help people. That is the challenge. Will I love or will I condemn?

What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?

~~Jesus (Mark 3:4 The Message)

“Love cares more for others than for self.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 13, Apostle Paul Sayings, Jesus, Love

God is love. He teaches me that the way, first and foremost, to His love.

He loved us so much, He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for us to get us back in right standing and in the new plan.

Clearly this is how I am to love. God’s goal is that I should not take my own interests in mind but care more about others than myself. That is the way of God’s love. This is the challenge that Jesus has laid out for me every day.

May I love like Him!!!

Love cares more for others than for self.

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message Bible)

 

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“May you be content knowing you are a child of God.” ~St. Theresa

Tags

Jesus, Love, Praise, Prayer, St. Theresa

Prayer

This is a great prayer. Simple but focused on God.

Peace can be ours. It is ours by knowing who we are and who God is.

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

~St. Theresa

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Ephesians 5, Jesus, Love

Love

I watched what my father did. I now see so many of his traits and expressions as my own. In some ways, I can’t seem to help it. It just happens.

I need to leave that world behind and watch what Jesus is doing. Jesus is my Master. God is my heavenly Father. They are my role models.

It is clear that they are all about love. That is all that God focuses on. God’s world is built on love. It starts with the love of God and continues with the love of everyone else that I can.

How does Jesus love me?

Is Jesus’ love timid and cautious?

Jesus shows me extravagant, over the top love. The love of Jesus is stunning. There is nothing like it.

I need to love like Jesus does. That is all there is to it. I don’t now but God has given me power in the Holy Spirit. God can through me. It is all about Jesus.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how the Messiah loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

~Apostle Paul – Source: Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message Bible)

I am held accountable to Jesus and it is a good thing!!!

Tags

Accountable, Jesus, Love

Accountable

God is good and He is in a great mood. This is nothing to take lightly. I know it and I will be held accountable.

There is a judgement. I don’t like to think about it but it is true. I can’t turn our back on what I know. And I know His goodness.

I can’t insult Him, His Son and His Spirit by pretending I am not His child. I am and I must live like it.

I know He is love. I must continue on in the new plan and His good news. No turning back. No half hearted efforts.

May I be accountable for showing God’ goodness to everyone I know.

So be it LORD!!!

“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, ‘Oh, thank you, God!’ ” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Gratitude, Jesus, Love, Philemon, Pray

Love

I need to thank God for my brothers and sisters in the faith of our Master Jesus. When I don’t know what to pray for, being grateful is a very good thing.

Love is expressed in gratitude. I need to show love by being grateful. Gratitude is a very powerful expression of love. Gratitude gives love legs. Every day should be thanksgiving.

God is grateful. God is thankful. God shows us how to love. God’s goal is that I replicate how his son Jesus loves. Jesus shows me the way.

Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize the Messiah in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.

`Apostle Paul – Source: Philemon 1:4-7 (The Message Bible)

“Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Judge, King Solomon, Love, Poor, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Colbert on the poor

Jesus was clear that we will always have poor people with us. We always have. We always will.

Jesus challenges me to give to the poor. I am to do what I can to help. God’s goal for me is to love. Jesus challenges me to not judge. I don’t need to understand why someone is poor. God knows why.

Insulting and mocking the poor is insulting God. It is wrong and it is criminal. It is a moral failure on my part when I do it. I will be held accountable for what I say and do. I will be held accountable to God’s standard of love.

We should assess our leaders on their attitude about the poor. Do they love the poor? Do they help the poor? Do they “judge” the motives of the poor?

“Misfortune” does happen. It is possible, to get laid off from work and become poor, due to no fault of your own. I shouldn’t gloat over that. My goal is to love.

Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 17:5 (The Message Bible)

“Friends, don’t complain about each other.” ~James, brother of Jesus

Tags

Complain, James 5, Jesus, Judge, Love

Judge

I complain about others. It isn’t very pretty or becoming. I am ashamed, when I think about it. Many times I don’t think about it, feeling very justified with myself. They deserve it, I think.

Jesus is clear to me. I am not to judge. Jesus is the Judge, not me. I know I am guilty.

It is clearly a gift of God, through his son Jesus, that I am redeemed and don’t face the music.

God’s goal for me is for me to love. I am not to judge others but I am to love them. Thank goodness for the power of the Holy Spirit to help me. I can do all things with that power.

Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.

Source: James 5:9 (The Message Bible)

“Jesus the Messiah rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our missing God’s goal.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Galatians 1, Grace, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Sacrifice, Trouble

Grace

I was in big trouble. I didn’t feel God’s love. I didn’t know how to love. I missed God’s goal for my life. Over and over again, minute by minute. Day in and day out. Yes, I was in big trouble.

Jesus rescued me from all of that. Having never missed God’s goal, Jesus became the sacrifice I needed. I now know love and can love. I am focused on God’s plan and not my own. It is God’s gift to me and nothing I have done.

We know the meaning of those words because Jesus the Messiah rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our missing God’s goal (sin).” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:4 The Message)  

 

“On the other hand, perhaps it is new, freshly minted as it is in both the Messiah and you—the darkness on its way out and the True Light already blazing!” ~~Apostle John

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1 John 2, Apostle John Sayings, Jesus, Love, Messiah

New Life

I like hearing about the “new thing”. What is the shiny new object?

Truth is not new. Truth is eternal. I need to hear the word of God and God is saying I need to love. That is nothing new. What is new is doing it consistently.

I haven’t done it before. So it is “new to me”. The power of love is amazing. I must be open to finding how God wants me to love right now and doing it. God will tell me. Jesus will show me.

The Messiah Jesus is shining a light for me. Jesus is pointing the way to love. God’s goal for me is to love. That is all there is to it.

My dear friends, I’m not writing anything new here. This is the oldest commandment in the book, and you’ve known it from day one. It’s always been implicit in the Message you’ve heard. On the other hand, perhaps it is new, freshly minted as it is in both the Messiah and you—the darkness on its way out and the True Light already blazing!

Source: 1 John 2:7-8 (The Message Bible)

“Don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith .” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, Character, Discipline, Faith, Friendliness, Jesus, Love, Patience, Understanding, Wonder

God has a goal for us. God, through his victorious son Jesus, wants us to build on the foundation of our faith. God wants a miraculous and beautiful house built. It is a house with an innovative architect. It is a house that is stunning beyond believe.

Everything starts with faith. I must believe that Jesus has put me in right standing with God, our heavenly Father.

What are the building blocks built on the foundation of faith?

• Faith – The foundation.
• Good character
• Spiritual understanding
• Alert discipline
• Passionate patience
• Reverent wonder
• Warm friendliness
• Generous love

Jesus wants me to become mature. When I change my mind about Jesus (repent) I am like children. God wants me to grow up and mature.

So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old life of missing God’s goal (sinful life) has been wiped off the books.

Apostle Peter – Source: 2 Peter 1:5-9

Foundations of Faith