I listen and hear alot of conversation about love. Sometimes I am not certain how the word love is being defined or used. However, I know one thing and that is Love is the most important thing.
The love that Christ and his disciples speak about is agape love. Agape love is an unconditional love that God has for us and we have for Him.
We sometimes think of love as emotional or physical, more of an erotic love, butg the love that God has for his children is more of a love that a father has for his child.
I don't know the exact number of times Christ or his disciples used the word love but I can say that you might be able to find it in most of the 66 books of the Bible.
Biblical love has God as its object, true motivator, and source. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and is not directed toward the world or the things of the world (the lust of the eyes or flesh or the pride of life).
The ultimate example of God's love is the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, "I give you a new commandment: that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another." (John 13:34)
One of the things that becomes clearer to me as I study the word of God is that if we were able to save ourselves from sin and obey the 10 commandments, God wouldn't have had to send his son, Jesus, to die for our sins.
The Bible tells us in Romans 12:9 that "Love must be sincere. We must hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
It goes on to say,"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves h is fellowman has fulfilled the law." (romans 13:8)
Verse 9 in the same chapter states that all the commandments are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others, but sincere loves requires concentration and effort, it means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. So we should look for people who need our love, and look for ways we and other fellow believers can love the body or community of Christ.
Why is love for others called a debt? We are permanently indebted to Christ for the love he poured out on us when He died on the cross for our sins. The only way we can even begin tor epay this debt is by loving others in turn. Christ's love will always be infinitely greater than ours; we will always have the obligation to love our neighbors.
When we love our neighbor as ourselves, we make sure that others are fed, clothed, and housed as well as we are. Loving others as ourselves means to be actively working to see that their needs are met. The reason the Apostle Paul said that all the commandments could be summed up into one is because when you love, you don't want to hurt others or see others suffer.
You won't turn your head and pretend that the people around you and your neighborhoods don't exist. You will want for others the same as you have for yourselves.
Thought for Today: Love is the most important thing. If you love God than you will love your neighbor.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Love, The Most Important Thing
I listen and hear alot of conversation about love. Sometimes I am not certain
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Why Should You Go to Church?
I don't think anything is more important to me than "going to church." Many people give excuses why they don't go to church or don't want to go to church.
You certainly can't force anyone to attend church. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Why should you "go to church?" Why can't you just do devotions on your own?
Good questions. It is true God values personal devotions. In fact, He even commands us to "pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
"Going to church" is more than personal devotions. For Christians, "going to church" is the gathering together of a family, your spiritual family. It is as the Apostle Paul described it, uniting the members of one body, the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4:5)
God is more concern that those who are a part of His body be united as one. It is very similar to a marriage. Our marriage to the one, true God. It shows our connection to Him. We belong to Him. He created us to be with Him.
Every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and every member has unique talents and insights. Sharing these gifts with each other as a unified body strengthens us in our common task of glorying God. You will experience four areas:
1. Fellowship. Regular attendance allows a Christian to become part of a church family---a community of brothers and sisters who share true concern for one another. "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
2. Corporate Worship. Jesus promised that "where there are two or three gathered together in His name, there He would be also. (Matthew 18:20) God is gloried when Christians speak of His greatness with each other, and He is pleased to be in our midst.
3. Personal Growth. Meeting regularly with other Christians is an opportunity to be encouraged in your daily walk with Christ, to receive godly advice in areas of difficulty in your life, and to be challenged by the example of more mature Christians. God commands us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together..." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. Ministry. The Apostle Paul tells us that God gave "pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12) Attending church allows us to receive the instruction of trained pastors and teachers, helping us to minister both to the world and within the Church.
Church is not just a building where you go to worship God. We, the people of God, are the Church. Since we each have unique gifts that God gave us and we all make up the body of Christ, it is essential that we share our gifts with one another in order to build up the body of Christ, and His Church.
I am very privilege to attend a loving and caring Church, where my Pastor and the leaders, are very devoted to building up the body of Christ and teaching us the Word of God. It makes my week complete, knowing that I will see my spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ each Sunday. They have been a blessing to me and my family. I thank God for them daily. It is my prayer that everyone should be blessed with a Church family and study the Word of God.
Thought for Today: "Going to Church" is God's personal desire for every person He has created in order to connect with Him and the body of Christ.
You certainly can't force anyone to attend church. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Why should you "go to church?" Why can't you just do devotions on your own?
Good questions. It is true God values personal devotions. In fact, He even commands us to "pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
"Going to church" is more than personal devotions. For Christians, "going to church" is the gathering together of a family, your spiritual family. It is as the Apostle Paul described it, uniting the members of one body, the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4:5)
God is more concern that those who are a part of His body be united as one. It is very similar to a marriage. Our marriage to the one, true God. It shows our connection to Him. We belong to Him. He created us to be with Him.
Every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and every member has unique talents and insights. Sharing these gifts with each other as a unified body strengthens us in our common task of glorying God. You will experience four areas:
1. Fellowship. Regular attendance allows a Christian to become part of a church family---a community of brothers and sisters who share true concern for one another. "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
2. Corporate Worship. Jesus promised that "where there are two or three gathered together in His name, there He would be also. (Matthew 18:20) God is gloried when Christians speak of His greatness with each other, and He is pleased to be in our midst.
3. Personal Growth. Meeting regularly with other Christians is an opportunity to be encouraged in your daily walk with Christ, to receive godly advice in areas of difficulty in your life, and to be challenged by the example of more mature Christians. God commands us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together..." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. Ministry. The Apostle Paul tells us that God gave "pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12) Attending church allows us to receive the instruction of trained pastors and teachers, helping us to minister both to the world and within the Church.
Church is not just a building where you go to worship God. We, the people of God, are the Church. Since we each have unique gifts that God gave us and we all make up the body of Christ, it is essential that we share our gifts with one another in order to build up the body of Christ, and His Church.
I am very privilege to attend a loving and caring Church, where my Pastor and the leaders, are very devoted to building up the body of Christ and teaching us the Word of God. It makes my week complete, knowing that I will see my spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ each Sunday. They have been a blessing to me and my family. I thank God for them daily. It is my prayer that everyone should be blessed with a Church family and study the Word of God.
Thought for Today: "Going to Church" is God's personal desire for every person He has created in order to connect with Him and the body of Christ.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Rivers of Life
Interesting reading which I am taking from a devotional entitled, "My Utmost for His Highest." This is not an easy book to digest, but one that has great significance in our spiritual growth. The author, Oswald Chambers, writings have been compiled in this devotional. A book to keep close by for daily reading.
In the book of John 7:38, it reads, "He who believes in Me...out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, "rivers of living water," will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even "to the end of the earth" regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be.
We have nothing to do with the outflow, as this is the work of God, that you believe.
A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers. For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle. And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle.
Do you ever see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not seem to be of any use to God?
Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it.
The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty.
The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source.
Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ, not emotion nor experience, nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.
God has been opening up wonderful truths to our minds, and every point He has opened up is another indication of the wider power of the river that He will flow through us.
We are to be fountains through which Jesus can flow as "rivers of living water" in blessing to everyone. Yet some of us are like the Dead Sea, always receiving but never giving, because our relationship is not right with the Lord Jesus.
As surely as we receive blessings from Him, He will pour out blessings through us. We are blessed to be a blessing. God looks at our heart.
Thought for Today: If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others.
In the book of John 7:38, it reads, "He who believes in Me...out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, "rivers of living water," will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even "to the end of the earth" regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be.
We have nothing to do with the outflow, as this is the work of God, that you believe.
A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers. For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle. And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle.
Do you ever see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not seem to be of any use to God?
Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it.
The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty.
The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source.
Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ, not emotion nor experience, nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.
God has been opening up wonderful truths to our minds, and every point He has opened up is another indication of the wider power of the river that He will flow through us.
We are to be fountains through which Jesus can flow as "rivers of living water" in blessing to everyone. Yet some of us are like the Dead Sea, always receiving but never giving, because our relationship is not right with the Lord Jesus.
As surely as we receive blessings from Him, He will pour out blessings through us. We are blessed to be a blessing. God looks at our heart.
Thought for Today: If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Our Unmet Needs
God didn't answer your prayer. You still have needs and concerns. When are you needs going to be fulfilled.
God promised to supply all your needs and yet sometimes fulfillment is slow in coming. What could be the problem?
Perhaps you are.
When our Father fails to meet our expectations, we generally look outside ourselves for the reasons. But while the Lord's love is unconditional, many of His promises are not.
For example, Philippians 4:19 is a "family promise" - it can be claimed only by those who rightly call the soverign of the universe "my father."
His unlimited resources are not available to men and women who reject salvatoin through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:16 says this, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Every one's needs will not be met. Taking a promise out of its biblical context is dangerous.
Expecting God to keep a conditional pledge when we aren't meeting its requirements is even more unwise. The Lord keeps His word but rightfully expects us to do our part.
God's yoke is light --- to love, honor, and obey Him.
Moreover, when we look at the whole framework of Scripture, we see that the Lord makes our obedience a condition for His fulfilling needs. Psalm 81:10 states, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, open wide your mouth and I will fill it." This was a promise made to the Jewish people who God saved from a life of slavery in Egypt. As Christians, this promise also applies to us.
God will not condone sin by blessing us while we rebel against Him. He demands and expects obedience to His word.
Our wilful disobedience allows Satan to cut our supply line from the Lord. Restoring that connection is a matter of repentance. We must repent and not sin again. Once we are saved, we have a responsibility to stop sinning. God does not reward sinners who refuse to stop bad behavior and keep living in sin. We will have to be accountable for our sins.
Yes, the bible says that our sins are forgiven and God will not look at them again. But He doesn't expect us to continue the same lifestyle we had before we were saved. When we are saved, we desire to change our life and the Holy Spirit lives in us and helps us to turn from our wayward ways.
Those who walk in God's way are protected, provided for, and satisfied.
"If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:13)
Thought for Today: Obedience will help your needs to be met.
God promised to supply all your needs and yet sometimes fulfillment is slow in coming. What could be the problem?
Perhaps you are.
When our Father fails to meet our expectations, we generally look outside ourselves for the reasons. But while the Lord's love is unconditional, many of His promises are not.
For example, Philippians 4:19 is a "family promise" - it can be claimed only by those who rightly call the soverign of the universe "my father."
His unlimited resources are not available to men and women who reject salvatoin through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:16 says this, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Every one's needs will not be met. Taking a promise out of its biblical context is dangerous.
Expecting God to keep a conditional pledge when we aren't meeting its requirements is even more unwise. The Lord keeps His word but rightfully expects us to do our part.
God's yoke is light --- to love, honor, and obey Him.
Moreover, when we look at the whole framework of Scripture, we see that the Lord makes our obedience a condition for His fulfilling needs. Psalm 81:10 states, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, open wide your mouth and I will fill it." This was a promise made to the Jewish people who God saved from a life of slavery in Egypt. As Christians, this promise also applies to us.
God will not condone sin by blessing us while we rebel against Him. He demands and expects obedience to His word.
Our wilful disobedience allows Satan to cut our supply line from the Lord. Restoring that connection is a matter of repentance. We must repent and not sin again. Once we are saved, we have a responsibility to stop sinning. God does not reward sinners who refuse to stop bad behavior and keep living in sin. We will have to be accountable for our sins.
Yes, the bible says that our sins are forgiven and God will not look at them again. But He doesn't expect us to continue the same lifestyle we had before we were saved. When we are saved, we desire to change our life and the Holy Spirit lives in us and helps us to turn from our wayward ways.
Those who walk in God's way are protected, provided for, and satisfied.
"If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:13)
Thought for Today: Obedience will help your needs to be met.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Why Worry?
We all are living in perilous times; people are committing suicide or wanting to commit suicide because they can't find jobs or pay their bills or just having a rough time. Suicide is not an option. It is self-murder and it offends God.
In the book of Phillippians 4:6 it says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."
This is a promise of God. If you have prayed, keep praying!
Believe me, I know it is hard to not worry, but every time I start worrying, I go pray. God says we have victory in Jesus. We must take this to heart.
This is what Satan wants for you to give up. Don't give up! Satan goal is to destroy people, not give them hope.
The Apostle Paul admonishes believers in the book of Philippians, telling them not to worry. We are to "be careful for nothing." God has it all under control. Paul was addressing anxious concern based on apprehension regarding potential or real harm or adversity. The admonition covers (but is not limited to) worry about food, clothing, length of life, and the future.
We can't control the future. We don't know when we are going to die. We can't control the length of our life.
Christ told His disciples (we all are his disciples today) not to worry about these things. The Lord cares for us because we are of more value than the birds of the heavens and the flowers of the fields, which He also feeds and clothes
(Luke 12:22-29).
Further, Christ said that we cannot add a single hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27)
As for the future, attention to tomorrow's concerns is to be given when tomorrow comes. We are to give attention to today's concerns today!
Instead of being anxious, believers should engage in prayer. Prayer is God's cure for worry, for it dispels worry about anything, but believers are to pray about everything.
First, prayer is communicating with God. I tell my children often, don't get on the phone with your friends, go to the throne of God first. Your friends can't solve your problems; their problems may be greater than yours.
When we pray, we are addressing God Himself. When a believer prays, he "enters into the very presence of God, realizing that nothing is too great for His power to accomplish nor too small for His love to be concerned about."
Second, prayer is making supplication, or petition, to God. It is to humbly make a specific plea in reliance on Him. Supplicatin is casting all those concerns that could cause anxiety upon God for His tending (1 Peter 5:7). Third, prayer is to be joined and undergirded with thanksgiving. God should be thanked for the very privilege of approaching Him with our petitions.
Fourth, prayer is making specific requests (in contrast to generalities). While God knows all about our needs and concerns (Luke 12:30), our definite requests to Him express our dependence upon Him.
Thought for Today: Take your concerns to God; don't let Satan win. God will hear you when you pray.
In the book of Phillippians 4:6 it says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."
This is a promise of God. If you have prayed, keep praying!
Believe me, I know it is hard to not worry, but every time I start worrying, I go pray. God says we have victory in Jesus. We must take this to heart.
This is what Satan wants for you to give up. Don't give up! Satan goal is to destroy people, not give them hope.
The Apostle Paul admonishes believers in the book of Philippians, telling them not to worry. We are to "be careful for nothing." God has it all under control. Paul was addressing anxious concern based on apprehension regarding potential or real harm or adversity. The admonition covers (but is not limited to) worry about food, clothing, length of life, and the future.
We can't control the future. We don't know when we are going to die. We can't control the length of our life.
Christ told His disciples (we all are his disciples today) not to worry about these things. The Lord cares for us because we are of more value than the birds of the heavens and the flowers of the fields, which He also feeds and clothes
(Luke 12:22-29).
Further, Christ said that we cannot add a single hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27)
As for the future, attention to tomorrow's concerns is to be given when tomorrow comes. We are to give attention to today's concerns today!
Instead of being anxious, believers should engage in prayer. Prayer is God's cure for worry, for it dispels worry about anything, but believers are to pray about everything.
First, prayer is communicating with God. I tell my children often, don't get on the phone with your friends, go to the throne of God first. Your friends can't solve your problems; their problems may be greater than yours.
When we pray, we are addressing God Himself. When a believer prays, he "enters into the very presence of God, realizing that nothing is too great for His power to accomplish nor too small for His love to be concerned about."
Second, prayer is making supplication, or petition, to God. It is to humbly make a specific plea in reliance on Him. Supplicatin is casting all those concerns that could cause anxiety upon God for His tending (1 Peter 5:7). Third, prayer is to be joined and undergirded with thanksgiving. God should be thanked for the very privilege of approaching Him with our petitions.
Fourth, prayer is making specific requests (in contrast to generalities). While God knows all about our needs and concerns (Luke 12:30), our definite requests to Him express our dependence upon Him.
Thought for Today: Take your concerns to God; don't let Satan win. God will hear you when you pray.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
7 Keys to Spiritual Growth
In Mature Living, an article entitled Seven Keys to Spiritual Growth was written by Pam Eason. I found some very and simple ways to grow spiritually and I will share them with you. Think of yourself in the Garden of Eden. God is the Master Gardener, and He has a perfect garden plan.
He knows how eye-catching his garden will look when each plant grows to maturity as it should. He knows how beautiful we will be full grown and He has arranged the perfect space in His garden for us. God did the hard part. Our part is easy. All we have do is----grow!
Here are seven steps to spiritual growth from the Master Gardener:
1. Root yourself in Christ. The apostle, Paul, in Colossians 2:6-8 reminds us, that to grow strong in faith, we must continue to follow Christ's example. We are reminded to get rid of ideas that are contrary to God's teachings.
2. Surround yourself with fertile soil. In Philippians 4:8, we are told that we will do best when we fill our minds with, and meditate on, things that are true, noble, just, lovely, good, and praiseworthy. You can do this by surrounding yourself with mature Christian friends.
3. Get plenty of light. The psalmist in Psalm 119:130 says, "the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." The principles in God's word are always right and God gives tips in His Word on how to survive in today's world.
4. Rejoice in the rain. In 1 Peter 5:10, we are reminded that "although you will be uncomfortable for awhile, after the rain God himself will restore you and make you grown stronger, firmer, and more steadfast." When you find yourself struggling, thank God and trust Him by understanding that God loves you and wants what is best for your growth.
5 Pull up the weeds and thorns. Get rid of the thing sin your life that are crowding you in and choking the life out of you. Hebrews 12:1 says "to thrown off everything that hinders and entangles you." Make a list of the worries and see what God has to say about each one. Believe God, grow, and produce.
6. Get pruned. Carefully rid yourself of your injured parts. Don't hold on to hurtful memories just ecause you have become comfortable with them. Lamentations 3:19-20 says that remembering the bad things that have happened to you will cause your soul to be downcast.
7. Drop some seeds. In Joshua 4:21-24, Joshua commanded the children of Israel to leave a memorial so that their children would know what God had done for them. Think of ways to drop some seeds of remembrance to let others know what God has done for you. Get rid of your pride and let the word of God speak truth through you.
On the other hand, the psalmist in Psalm 77 was in distress, he remembered what God had done for his people and it gave him comfort. In Isaiah 17:10-11, when God is forgotten and troubles come, even though we have put forth our best effort to solve our own problems, we will only gain grief and pain from the experience.
Use these 7 guidelines for optimal growth to mature where God has placed you. Remember, you are the perfect person for the place you're in. God planned for you to be where you are in advance. He knows just how beautiful you will look full-grown!
Thought for Today: Your spiritual growth is important to God.
He knows how eye-catching his garden will look when each plant grows to maturity as it should. He knows how beautiful we will be full grown and He has arranged the perfect space in His garden for us. God did the hard part. Our part is easy. All we have do is----grow!
Here are seven steps to spiritual growth from the Master Gardener:
1. Root yourself in Christ. The apostle, Paul, in Colossians 2:6-8 reminds us, that to grow strong in faith, we must continue to follow Christ's example. We are reminded to get rid of ideas that are contrary to God's teachings.
2. Surround yourself with fertile soil. In Philippians 4:8, we are told that we will do best when we fill our minds with, and meditate on, things that are true, noble, just, lovely, good, and praiseworthy. You can do this by surrounding yourself with mature Christian friends.
3. Get plenty of light. The psalmist in Psalm 119:130 says, "the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." The principles in God's word are always right and God gives tips in His Word on how to survive in today's world.
4. Rejoice in the rain. In 1 Peter 5:10, we are reminded that "although you will be uncomfortable for awhile, after the rain God himself will restore you and make you grown stronger, firmer, and more steadfast." When you find yourself struggling, thank God and trust Him by understanding that God loves you and wants what is best for your growth.
5 Pull up the weeds and thorns. Get rid of the thing sin your life that are crowding you in and choking the life out of you. Hebrews 12:1 says "to thrown off everything that hinders and entangles you." Make a list of the worries and see what God has to say about each one. Believe God, grow, and produce.
6. Get pruned. Carefully rid yourself of your injured parts. Don't hold on to hurtful memories just ecause you have become comfortable with them. Lamentations 3:19-20 says that remembering the bad things that have happened to you will cause your soul to be downcast.
7. Drop some seeds. In Joshua 4:21-24, Joshua commanded the children of Israel to leave a memorial so that their children would know what God had done for them. Think of ways to drop some seeds of remembrance to let others know what God has done for you. Get rid of your pride and let the word of God speak truth through you.
On the other hand, the psalmist in Psalm 77 was in distress, he remembered what God had done for his people and it gave him comfort. In Isaiah 17:10-11, when God is forgotten and troubles come, even though we have put forth our best effort to solve our own problems, we will only gain grief and pain from the experience.
Use these 7 guidelines for optimal growth to mature where God has placed you. Remember, you are the perfect person for the place you're in. God planned for you to be where you are in advance. He knows just how beautiful you will look full-grown!
Thought for Today: Your spiritual growth is important to God.
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