I enjoy cooking, making dinner more than half the time in our home. It isn't a chore, because it is an opportunity to be a little creative. In the winter, soup is a favorite creation for me. The basics of soup are much the same but it is the seasonings that make the difference between a 'blah' soup and an 'aha' soup! Getting just the right amount of salt and other seasoning is critical. Too much and the flavor overwhelms; too little leaves you wondering - 'what's in this?'
In my Bible reading this morning, I was intrigued by the little phrase in the middle of the passage: "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:5-6, NKJV)
As we are interacting with those around us, the Scripture urges us to 'salty' words! Meaning what? The way in which we speak should awaken an appetite in others for Christ as His grace and 'flavor' influences our daily conversation. Are your conversations flavored by the grace of God, filled with the salty truth of the Gospel, and making a noticeable difference in the 'soup' of life that surrounds you? This is the calling of the Believer! Jesus calls us the 'salt of the earth!'
Christians who are wise in the Spirit, who are aware of the needs, hopes, and dreams of those with whom they live and work, can make a big difference with just a little influence, a well-placed comment here and there.
But, don't over do it! I've ruined more than one pot of soup in my attempts to be creative. Tasting the mix I decide to add 'just a little more' salt or pepper or thyme.... and that extra pinch is too much. Christians sometimes try too hard to influence their world. They become obnoxious, trying to make everything into sermon, turning everything into a morality lesson.
Then, too, there are those who are so quiet about their faith in Jesus, they are without influence. They never speak up, never share their hope and faith, never take a stand. The soup of life of which they're part lacks the 'zing' that they could bring if they allowed themselves to be poured out.
A word of caution is in order. Watch your words, dear friend. They will have an influence- and not always the one you intend. This week a friend wrote an email to me about the way that I've spoken to him and about him on several occasions in a group of people. I thought my tossed off 'humorous' (to me!) remarks were funny. He didn't. He thought I was hostile and antagonistic. As I prayerfully reflected on his honest feedback, it became clear, once again, that I need to pay attention not only to what I'm saying, but how it's being heard. What is funny, gentle sarcasm to me can be a painful poke in the eye for someone else. In that situation, my salty words weren't like flavor in the soup, they were like salt in a wound!
Let me leave you with this thought. You need not be calculating in this matter! Rather, let Jesus and the Spirit of God fill you up. Then, the words that spill from you will be gracious, just the right kind of salt for the situation. Pray not to be clever or eloquent, but to be full of grace, truth, and love. And then your words will be, to borrow a phrase from Paul, "not ...persuasive words of wisdom, but (a) demonstration of the Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 2:4, ASV)
________________________________________
I hope you're already planning to be in corporate worship on Sunday.
At 6 PM on Sunday evening, the "Jeremiah People" -- a group of talented young musician/actors will be at the Assembly for a concert.
Be there and bring a friend!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Live Like You Were Dying
I attended Walter's funeral services yesterday. He had lived 68 years on this earth before he stepped over the threshold of eternity. As we went through the rituals of death and I watched the family deal with their grief, a Tim McGraw song echoed through my mind. As I understand, Tim wrote it after a talk with his Dad, the former Phillies pitcher, Tug McGraw. Tug was diagnosed with a terminal cancer and knew his days were limited. Knowing he was dying (aren't we all?) he changed the way he lived. Take a look at these lyrics:
He said I was in my early forties,
with a lot of life before me,
when a moment came that stop me on a dime.
I spent most of the next days, looking at the x-rays.
Talking bout’ the options and talking bout’ sweet time.
I asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end,
how’s hit ya’ when you get that kind of news?
Man, what do ya do?
And he said-
"I went skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper, And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’
And he said some day I hope you get the chance-
To live like you were dyin'!"
He said I was finally the husband, that most of the time I wasn’t.
And I became a friend; a friend would like to have.
And all a sudden goin’ fishin' wasn't such an imposition,
and I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
Well, I finally read the Good Book,
and took a good long hard look
at what I would do if I could do it all again.
Like tomorrow was a gift,
and ya got eternity to think about what to do with it,
what could you do with it, what did I do with it, what would I do with it?
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin'...
And he said some day I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin'! -- 2004 copyright by Tim McGraw
I going to keep this TFTD very simple this morning and invite you to do what I've done over the last 24 hours, an inventory of unfinished business. Just about all of us think we have plenty of time to get our relationships right, to say what needs to be said, to touch a life with love - and, in fact, we might have another 20, 30, 40 years on this earth - or we might have a day, a week, or a month. We need to "live like we were dying," not in gloom and doom but getting the most from this day, determined that when God says, 'Come on home,' we don't have to leave loose ends that others have to try to tie off!
The Scripture is a lot more eloquent in an appeal to us about living on purpose.
Meditate on this passage for a few moments with bowed head and humble heart, won't you?
"Make the most of every chance you get.
These are desperate times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly.
Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life.
Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.
Sing hymns instead of drinking songs!
Sing songs from your heart to Christ." (Ephesians 5:16-19, The Message)
And, if we do these things, when our final appointment on earth is called, we will leave sorrowing, but satisfied people who experienced the greatest gift- our love- and we will meet Him face to face and hear the sweetest words ever:
He said I was in my early forties,
with a lot of life before me,
when a moment came that stop me on a dime.
I spent most of the next days, looking at the x-rays.
Talking bout’ the options and talking bout’ sweet time.
I asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end,
how’s hit ya’ when you get that kind of news?
Man, what do ya do?
And he said-
"I went skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper, And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’
And he said some day I hope you get the chance-
To live like you were dyin'!"
He said I was finally the husband, that most of the time I wasn’t.
And I became a friend; a friend would like to have.
And all a sudden goin’ fishin' wasn't such an imposition,
and I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
Well, I finally read the Good Book,
and took a good long hard look
at what I would do if I could do it all again.
Like tomorrow was a gift,
and ya got eternity to think about what to do with it,
what could you do with it, what did I do with it, what would I do with it?
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin'...
And he said some day I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin'! -- 2004 copyright by Tim McGraw
I going to keep this TFTD very simple this morning and invite you to do what I've done over the last 24 hours, an inventory of unfinished business. Just about all of us think we have plenty of time to get our relationships right, to say what needs to be said, to touch a life with love - and, in fact, we might have another 20, 30, 40 years on this earth - or we might have a day, a week, or a month. We need to "live like we were dying," not in gloom and doom but getting the most from this day, determined that when God says, 'Come on home,' we don't have to leave loose ends that others have to try to tie off!
The Scripture is a lot more eloquent in an appeal to us about living on purpose.
Meditate on this passage for a few moments with bowed head and humble heart, won't you?
"Make the most of every chance you get.
These are desperate times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly.
Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life.
Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.
Sing hymns instead of drinking songs!
Sing songs from your heart to Christ." (Ephesians 5:16-19, The Message)
And, if we do these things, when our final appointment on earth is called, we will leave sorrowing, but satisfied people who experienced the greatest gift- our love- and we will meet Him face to face and hear the sweetest words ever:
- Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful ... Let’s celebrate together!’" (Matthew 25:21, NLT)
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Truth and/or Experience?
How do you make decisions -- by accumulating facts or talking to others?
Which do you prefer - a good book or a social gathering?
Which do you tend to lean toward in your formation of faith- doctrine or testimony?
Based on our early training and our personality type, we are likely to think that 'our' way of perceiving God and worshipping Him is superior to that of other Christians. For example, Pentecostals are quite certain that ancient liturgical forms are a sure way to die! Many Evangelicals nearly worship study of the Bible and reject emotion as unworthy of a Christian mind. Our teachers turn their preferences into Truth and we learn to insist that the way is our way. I think one of the best things any Believer can do for his spiritual development is to occasionally worship among those who are very different, respectfully learning, without abandoning critical discernment. Then, too, we can learn a lot by listening to our critics!
I joke about conferences I choose to attend saying - "If my mind needs fed, I'll attend a Baptist conference. If my soul needs inspiration, I'll go to a Pentecostal gathering." Pastors, hearing that, chuckle, often with a little nod acknowledging that the joke contained an element of fact! Head and heart... are they enemies or complementary?
To serve God faithfully and fervently, we need both our head and our heart. The study of Scripture that creates sound doctrine is imperative. However, creed without the context of experience is an exercise in emptiness. The opposite is also true - experience without creed to guide, soon descends into chaos or worse.We must diligently study the Scripture so that we are not carried away by smooth talkers who weave mesmerizing tales of spiritual exploits. But we must also remain open to the fresh wind of the Spirit that makes the unchanging truth of the Bible meaningful and keeps the Bible's truth engaged with the culture and society where we live.
Know this, in your journey with Jesus, your head and your heart will not always be in 'perfect balance,' nor should that be the goal of your spiritual life. There are times when we must seek answers, study hard, and build a good foundation of doctrine. Then, too, there are times when we need the fire of emotion to be stirred up in us as we deepen our devotion. I don't know many people in a time of severe crisis who want a logical answer, at least at first. They want to be loved from the heart. As time goes on, their raw emotions heal and explanations become a focus.
Are you missing out on part of what God has prepared for you because you're focusing your spiritual development exclusively on either your head or your heart? Jesus asks us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37, NKJV) Eugene Peterson translates that verse this way: “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." (The Message)
Which do you prefer - a good book or a social gathering?
Which do you tend to lean toward in your formation of faith- doctrine or testimony?
Based on our early training and our personality type, we are likely to think that 'our' way of perceiving God and worshipping Him is superior to that of other Christians. For example, Pentecostals are quite certain that ancient liturgical forms are a sure way to die! Many Evangelicals nearly worship study of the Bible and reject emotion as unworthy of a Christian mind. Our teachers turn their preferences into Truth and we learn to insist that the way is our way. I think one of the best things any Believer can do for his spiritual development is to occasionally worship among those who are very different, respectfully learning, without abandoning critical discernment. Then, too, we can learn a lot by listening to our critics!
I joke about conferences I choose to attend saying - "If my mind needs fed, I'll attend a Baptist conference. If my soul needs inspiration, I'll go to a Pentecostal gathering." Pastors, hearing that, chuckle, often with a little nod acknowledging that the joke contained an element of fact! Head and heart... are they enemies or complementary?
To serve God faithfully and fervently, we need both our head and our heart. The study of Scripture that creates sound doctrine is imperative. However, creed without the context of experience is an exercise in emptiness. The opposite is also true - experience without creed to guide, soon descends into chaos or worse.We must diligently study the Scripture so that we are not carried away by smooth talkers who weave mesmerizing tales of spiritual exploits. But we must also remain open to the fresh wind of the Spirit that makes the unchanging truth of the Bible meaningful and keeps the Bible's truth engaged with the culture and society where we live.
Know this, in your journey with Jesus, your head and your heart will not always be in 'perfect balance,' nor should that be the goal of your spiritual life. There are times when we must seek answers, study hard, and build a good foundation of doctrine. Then, too, there are times when we need the fire of emotion to be stirred up in us as we deepen our devotion. I don't know many people in a time of severe crisis who want a logical answer, at least at first. They want to be loved from the heart. As time goes on, their raw emotions heal and explanations become a focus.
Are you missing out on part of what God has prepared for you because you're focusing your spiritual development exclusively on either your head or your heart? Jesus asks us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37, NKJV) Eugene Peterson translates that verse this way: “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." (The Message)
- Are you trying to be a 'good' Christian just by learning more truth, dissecting obscure passages of the Bible? That's not enough!
- Are you feeding excessively on testimonies and emotional gatherings that 'pump up' your emotions? That's not enough, either!
Ask the Lord to lead you along the paths that nourish both your head and your heart. Make sure that your journey includes times when you stretch the limits of your understanding, when you ask the hard questions, dialogue with other Believers over the Scripture, and listen to challenging messages from the Word. Then, too, make time to 'feel' the Lord's Presence - quiet meditation, a walk by the river, a loud worship gathering of exuberant Christians, a concert of classical music, the whisper of the Spirit deep within your soul.
Paul reminds us about engaging heart and head in this verse from 1st Corinthians- (a bit out of context - but on point, I believe),
"Well then, what shall I do? I will do both. I will pray in the spirit, and I will pray in words I understand. Iwill sing in the spirit, and I will sing in words I understand." (1 Corinthians 14:15, NLT)
Can we do less?
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Not yet all I will be.
I am so very grateful to know that I am a work 'in progress.' I am not who I was, nor am I yet all that I will be! Over dinner with friends on Sunday evening we were laughing together over the foibles and foolishness of our youth. Some 31 years ago, one of my wife's friends observed some of my youthful 'sins' and remarked to her mother: "Bev could do so much better than Jerry!" I fairly sure that her estimate of me has changed for the better- thank God! Really, thank God.
Are you changing, growing in character and faith OR are you stuck at some moment of glory or failure? There are guys my age (months shy of 50!) who are still living in high school-- still thinking about the big touchdown they caught or the garage band that took up so many nights and filled so many days with dreams. Other lock in on the college years, memories of life 'tween being a kid and a fully responsible adult. Most of us probably can go to some month or year when things came together for us and life was good. Then, too, many of us remember vividly a time when we fell flat on our face, tripped up by sin. Some just keep re-living the failure, telling themselves they are 'history.'
Paul captures the attitude we need saying: I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT) Yesterday's glories and failures are BOTH left behind in pursuit of God's purposes.
Matthew recounts a moment of wonder from Peter's experience. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to the mountain where he met with the Father. The account reads: Jesus' appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, “Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:2-5, The Message) Do you think Peter would have liked to re-live that day again and again? Most likely. Who wouldn't? The Glory of God, the radiance of the Spirit, the voice of God.... But, ministry in the world waited at the foot of the mountain. As glorious as that day was, there were great changes ahead for Peter.
Just as Peter was changed by his experience of the Glory, I'm sure that he was even more transformed by another experience much less glorious, but powerful all the same. Days after that terrible night of Jesus' trial, a night when fear caused Peter to swear that he did not know the Man from Galilee, he was back fishing. The text leads me to think that he was disillusioned, captive of the memories of his perfidy. Then the Resurrected Lord comes to the beach near Capernaum, builds a fire, and leads Peter through an exercise of healing and restoration. Three times Jesus asks him, "Peter, do you love me?" Three times Peter affirms his love with escalating expression of his devotion. (see John 21) Then Jesus commissioned Peter to the work of changing the world - telling Peter that he would serve faithfully until a martyr's death. "Follow me," was his parting word to Peter. And follow he did, around the empire, telling the Story, until the day some thirty or so years later when he was crucified in Rome, just like His Lord- except that he asked to be hung upside down on his cross!
Whether you're 17 or 71, God is not through with you. Whether your life is marked with great success or marred by public failure, you are not through. As long as we live, the Lord has a purpose for us and says, "Follow me!" So, let's press on to gain the prize, the victor's crown that awaits all who faithfully follow Him all the way to Eternity. Need to be changed, transformed in your heart and mind? Learn to live 'in the Spirit.' God is faithful and He will sanctify you. That's right, He will increasingly bring you into a place where you do His will as one who belongs to Him. Let Him change you- from the inside out, starting today.
___________________________________________
In the presence of a holy God,
There's new meaning now to grace;
You took all my sins upon Yourself,
I can only stand amazed.
And I cry holy, holy, holy God,
How awesome is Your name,
Holy, holy, holy God,
How majestic is Your reign;
And I am changed,
In the Presence of a Holy God.
In the presence of Your infinite might,
I'm so small and frail and weak;
When I see Your pow'r and wisdom, Lord,
I have no words left to speak.
In the presence of Your glory,
All my crowns lie in the dust;
You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord,
You are faithful, true, and just.
And I am changed,
In the Presence of a Holy God.
© 1989 Integrity's Praise! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) / PDI Praise (Admin. by Integrity's Praise! Music) CCLI License No. 810055
Are you changing, growing in character and faith OR are you stuck at some moment of glory or failure? There are guys my age (months shy of 50!) who are still living in high school-- still thinking about the big touchdown they caught or the garage band that took up so many nights and filled so many days with dreams. Other lock in on the college years, memories of life 'tween being a kid and a fully responsible adult. Most of us probably can go to some month or year when things came together for us and life was good. Then, too, many of us remember vividly a time when we fell flat on our face, tripped up by sin. Some just keep re-living the failure, telling themselves they are 'history.'
Paul captures the attitude we need saying: I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT) Yesterday's glories and failures are BOTH left behind in pursuit of God's purposes.
Matthew recounts a moment of wonder from Peter's experience. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to the mountain where he met with the Father. The account reads: Jesus' appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, “Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:2-5, The Message) Do you think Peter would have liked to re-live that day again and again? Most likely. Who wouldn't? The Glory of God, the radiance of the Spirit, the voice of God.... But, ministry in the world waited at the foot of the mountain. As glorious as that day was, there were great changes ahead for Peter.
Just as Peter was changed by his experience of the Glory, I'm sure that he was even more transformed by another experience much less glorious, but powerful all the same. Days after that terrible night of Jesus' trial, a night when fear caused Peter to swear that he did not know the Man from Galilee, he was back fishing. The text leads me to think that he was disillusioned, captive of the memories of his perfidy. Then the Resurrected Lord comes to the beach near Capernaum, builds a fire, and leads Peter through an exercise of healing and restoration. Three times Jesus asks him, "Peter, do you love me?" Three times Peter affirms his love with escalating expression of his devotion. (see John 21) Then Jesus commissioned Peter to the work of changing the world - telling Peter that he would serve faithfully until a martyr's death. "Follow me," was his parting word to Peter. And follow he did, around the empire, telling the Story, until the day some thirty or so years later when he was crucified in Rome, just like His Lord- except that he asked to be hung upside down on his cross!
Whether you're 17 or 71, God is not through with you. Whether your life is marked with great success or marred by public failure, you are not through. As long as we live, the Lord has a purpose for us and says, "Follow me!" So, let's press on to gain the prize, the victor's crown that awaits all who faithfully follow Him all the way to Eternity. Need to be changed, transformed in your heart and mind? Learn to live 'in the Spirit.' God is faithful and He will sanctify you. That's right, He will increasingly bring you into a place where you do His will as one who belongs to Him. Let Him change you- from the inside out, starting today.
___________________________________________
In the presence of a holy God,
There's new meaning now to grace;
You took all my sins upon Yourself,
I can only stand amazed.
And I cry holy, holy, holy God,
How awesome is Your name,
Holy, holy, holy God,
How majestic is Your reign;
And I am changed,
In the Presence of a Holy God.
In the presence of Your infinite might,
I'm so small and frail and weak;
When I see Your pow'r and wisdom, Lord,
I have no words left to speak.
In the presence of Your glory,
All my crowns lie in the dust;
You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord,
You are faithful, true, and just.
And I am changed,
In the Presence of a Holy God.
© 1989 Integrity's Praise! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) / PDI Praise (Admin. by Integrity's Praise! Music) CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, February 14, 2005
Celebrating Love?
A billion, yes that's right, a billion greeting cards will be exchanged today in America on this day of love- Valentine's Day. Guys, we don't come out looking very good in that exchange either. Greeting card companies estimate that about 85% of the Valentine's cards are purchased by women! Today is called a celebration of love, but actually it is more a celebration of romance. The origins of the holiday are shrouded in mystery but certainly had something to do with fertility rites that were common in the pre-Christian world. At this time of year, there were many rituals performed that the ancients thought would increase the fertility of their fields and herds and even their wives!!
We are hungry for love, aren't we? Not just romantic love - but real concern, real caring - genuine love. Show a little compassion and see how most people respond to it. They soak it up like a dry field takes in rain. Why? Because it is an awfully harsh world around us, a desert place when it comes to genuine love.
People hurry push, shove, compete to get to the front of the line. This is not because most of us are all that hostile. We are just pre-occupied with ourselves and feeling the pressures of life we forget the simple kindnesses that make life so pleasant. Remember that week after 9/11's tragic events? Shocked out of our self-absorption, we took time to talk with strangers, let others take the place in line in front of us, spoke about our shared sadness and disbelief. Then, as 'normality' returned, we went back to our thoughtless ways.
There are too many situations where cruelty is the order of the day. The kid with something 'different' finds himself tormented by classmates daily. The woman married to a control freak is mistreated and abused because he knows he can take out his frustrations in life on her. There are places of work where managers act like little Napoleons and make the office a miserable place. Oppression and abuse are the norm in too many corners of the world.
Whether the result of thoughtlessness or intentional cruelty, many people today are starved for love- and Believer - that is a real opportunity for Christ like ministry for you and me. The Bible teaches us that when we are loved by God, we become loving towards others. Yes, in fact, if we are deficient in love for others, there is reason to doubt the genuineness of our experience of God's love! John, the apostle of love, teaches us that "this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, ... We, though, are going to love—love and be loved.
First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see?" (1 John 4:16-20, The Message)
Look for opportunities to show love today. Be sure to treat your special somebody to a gift and/or a card that expresses your affection but don't let it stop there. Slow down and listen. Speak an encouraging word. Affirm that person who makes your life a little better by just 'being there' for you. Take an active interest in another. Pick up the phone and make a call to a lonely person. Go and do something for someone that needs done.
As the Lord ennobles you with His perfect love, go and make that world of which you're a part a little less harsh by showing love.
The quality of love to which we're called, Believer, is delineated as follows:
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT)
THAT IS something to celebrate this Valentine's Day.
_________________________
Lord, I come to You,
Let my heart be changed, renewed;
Flowing from the grace
That I've found in You;
And Lord, I've come to know,
The weaknesses I see in me,
Will be stripped away
By the pow'r of Your love.
Hold me close,
Let Your love surround me;
Bring me near,
Draw me to Your side;
And as I wait,I'll rise up like the eagle,
And I will soar with You,
Your Spirit leads me on
In the pow'r of Your love.
Lord, unveil my eyes,
Let me see You face to face,
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me.
Lord, renew my mind,
As Your will unfolds in my life,
In living ev'ry day
In the pow'r of Your love.
© 1992 Word Music, Inc. (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) / Maranatha! Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
We are hungry for love, aren't we? Not just romantic love - but real concern, real caring - genuine love. Show a little compassion and see how most people respond to it. They soak it up like a dry field takes in rain. Why? Because it is an awfully harsh world around us, a desert place when it comes to genuine love.
People hurry push, shove, compete to get to the front of the line. This is not because most of us are all that hostile. We are just pre-occupied with ourselves and feeling the pressures of life we forget the simple kindnesses that make life so pleasant. Remember that week after 9/11's tragic events? Shocked out of our self-absorption, we took time to talk with strangers, let others take the place in line in front of us, spoke about our shared sadness and disbelief. Then, as 'normality' returned, we went back to our thoughtless ways.
There are too many situations where cruelty is the order of the day. The kid with something 'different' finds himself tormented by classmates daily. The woman married to a control freak is mistreated and abused because he knows he can take out his frustrations in life on her. There are places of work where managers act like little Napoleons and make the office a miserable place. Oppression and abuse are the norm in too many corners of the world.
Whether the result of thoughtlessness or intentional cruelty, many people today are starved for love- and Believer - that is a real opportunity for Christ like ministry for you and me. The Bible teaches us that when we are loved by God, we become loving towards others. Yes, in fact, if we are deficient in love for others, there is reason to doubt the genuineness of our experience of God's love! John, the apostle of love, teaches us that "this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, ... We, though, are going to love—love and be loved.
First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see?" (1 John 4:16-20, The Message)
Look for opportunities to show love today. Be sure to treat your special somebody to a gift and/or a card that expresses your affection but don't let it stop there. Slow down and listen. Speak an encouraging word. Affirm that person who makes your life a little better by just 'being there' for you. Take an active interest in another. Pick up the phone and make a call to a lonely person. Go and do something for someone that needs done.
As the Lord ennobles you with His perfect love, go and make that world of which you're a part a little less harsh by showing love.
The quality of love to which we're called, Believer, is delineated as follows:
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT)
THAT IS something to celebrate this Valentine's Day.
_________________________
Lord, I come to You,
Let my heart be changed, renewed;
Flowing from the grace
That I've found in You;
And Lord, I've come to know,
The weaknesses I see in me,
Will be stripped away
By the pow'r of Your love.
Hold me close,
Let Your love surround me;
Bring me near,
Draw me to Your side;
And as I wait,I'll rise up like the eagle,
And I will soar with You,
Your Spirit leads me on
In the pow'r of Your love.
Lord, unveil my eyes,
Let me see You face to face,
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me.
Lord, renew my mind,
As Your will unfolds in my life,
In living ev'ry day
In the pow'r of Your love.
© 1992 Word Music, Inc. (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) / Maranatha! Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
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