Tag: GodIsLove

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Not Enough Words

My dad told me I started talking in small sentences before I was one and he reminded me that I really hadn’t stopped since. I was a chatterbox – got marked down in school for talking during class and even won first place in the state speech contest.

But this morning, I am having a hard time coming up with enough words to express my wonder and amazement in the goodness of God and His overwhelming love!

Shocking, isn’t it?

In the book of John, we see Jesus’ interaction with those who are hurting, outcast, needy and sometimes completely alone. Jesus has turned the water into wine, fed the 5000, calmed the storm, walked on water, healed the blind, defended the adulterous woman, healed a lame man and the centurion’s son and eaten with tax collectors and other sinners.

The religious leaders always questioned His authority to do such things.

“It was winter, and the time came for the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was in the Temple area at Solomon’s Porch. 24 The Jewish leaders gathered around him. They said, ‘How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Messiah, then tell us clearly.’

25 Jesus answered, ‘I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father’s name. These miracles show who I am. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father is the one who gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can steal my sheep out of his hand. 30 The Father and I are one.’” John 10:22-30 ERV

Every time Jesus did something wonderful for the people, these men were there to question his motives and his character. They wanted to kill him for doing good!

In the face of accusation, Jesus stays on point. “I am doing what my Father sent me to do – the Father and I are one!”

That truly is the definition of love; love is patient and kind, love suffers long, love thinks the best.

Jesus is our example for walking in love. When we are falsely accused and maligned, when the folks around us are so angry that they would like to destroy us, can we walk in love? I started to pray “Lord I want to walk in that love” and then I realized what that meant. It’s a hard prayer to pray. That truly is where I desire to be – Christ like.

The words of the song “Reckless Love” came up in my heart.

“Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,”

I thank the Father that He is conforming me to His image so I can walk in that depth of His overwhelming, never-ending reckless love. Now I will sit in silence and let Him speak to my heart.

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Can’t Stop the Waves!

Two years ago, Dave and I were in Greece, our vacation was just about over. It was an amazing time; one of the things I enjoyed most was going to sleep each night and waking again each morning to the sound of the waves rushing to the shore.

Nothing could stop the waves! Our God reigns…the waves keep rushing to the shore and our God reigns. He was, He is and He will always be!

“The Lord is King.
    The Lord wears majesty and strength like clothes.
He is ready, so the whole world is safe.
    It will not be shaken.
2 Your kingdom has continued forever.
    You have lived forever!
3 Lord, the ocean roars.
    The mighty ocean sounds like thunder
    as the waves crash on the shore.
4 The crashing waves of the sea are loud and powerful,
    but the Lord above is even more powerful.
5 Lord, your laws will continue forever.
    Your holy Temple will stand for a long time.” Psalm 93 ERV

“Praise the Lord because he is good!
    His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

The waves can’t be stopped and for me, they are a constant reminder that the Love of God washes over me each day.

“ We give honor and thanks to the King Who lives forever. He is the One Who never dies and Who is never seen. He is the One Who knows all things. He is the only God. Let it be so.” I Timothy 1:17 NLV

He is the eternal God who was, who is and who is to come – the waves of His love are unstoppable!

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In the Father’s Arms

As parents, we all know how good it is to see our kids after a long separation – what a joy to hug their necks and be able to give them a kiss and just see them face to face. I can only imagine how our heavenly Father must feel when we choose to be separated from Him.

The joy He must feel when we come back to His presence must be unspeakable. And how it must brighten His day when we take time to stop throughout the day to check in and say hi. I so appreciate knowing that my Heavenly Father is always wanting me to come to presence and spend time with Him.

He welcomes up to come boldly into His presence in our time of need. He promises to provide us with His help.

“ Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

We come to His arms, to His embrace, to His comfort and for His strength. We respond to His love as He welcomes us.

“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 21 The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, …‘24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:20-24 ERV

Take time today to make your Father smile – give Him a hug and tell Him you love Him.

“We are telling you about what we have seen and heard because we want you to have fellowship with us. The fellowship we share together is with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write these things to you so that you can be full of joy with us.” I John 1:3-4 ERV

“The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. 15 The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 16 And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16 ERV

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 ERV

Come. Come to Father to His embrace and find rest!

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The Answer to Why

When our children were small they had so many questions that started with why. We answered as many as we could and then we had to say “that’s just the way God made it”.

As I grew older, I’ve had my own “why” questions. Some I’ve asked of myself, and others have been asked of me by friends and strangers alike.

Why do you love the Lord? Why are you willing to stand for Him when others think that your ways and ideas are old fashioned, out of date, archaic and foolish? Why do you believe in a God you can’t see and why are you willing to base your life on His word?

Why?

How do you answer these questions to others and how do you answer them in your heart?

My answer in a nutshell – I love the Lord because He loved me first! In my 72 years of life my heavenly Father has never had a bad thought about me; He has never belittled me, never lied to me and He has never abandoned me, and He never will!

Has He approved of everything I’ve done? NO

Has He corrected and instructed me? ABSOLUTELY

He has loved me unconditionally and without shame.

My greatest form of worship is to love Him and then to love others as He has loved me.

“Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him. 10 True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins.

11 That is how much God loved us, dear friends! So we also must love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us. If we love each other, God’s love has reached its goal—it is made perfect in us.

13 We know that we live in God and God lives in us. We know this because he gave us his Spirit. 14 We have seen that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world, and this is what we tell people now. 15 Anyone who says, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,” is a person who lives in God, and God lives in that person. 16 So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love.

God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. 17 If God’s love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on the day when God judges the world. We will be without fear, because in this world we are like Jesus. 18 Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear. 19 We love because God first loved us.” I John 4:7-19 ERV

I pray that you have an intimate knowledge of how much God loves you – it’s life changing!

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Lessons from Childhood

What lessons did you learn as a kid that you are still using today?

It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because we fear that we may get a whippin’ or because “mom” is still standing there telling us to but we do them because we know they’re right.

Look both ways before crossing a street

Brush your teeth before going to bed

Don’t run with scissors

Don’t talk with your mouth full

Chew with your mouth closed

Don’t tell a lie

Don’t pick your nose

Don’t tattle

Wash your hands after you’ve gone to the bathroom

Say, “Yes Ma’am” “Yes, Sir”

Don’t punch your sister

Pick up your clothes

Feed the dog

All of these things are simple and right, but we had to be taught to do them and now that we do them, we are better for it.

You know the same is true with Scripture.

“So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua was taking over for Moses, leading over a million Israelites into the Promised Land. Big shoes to fill – he needed wisdom and courage. This was his instruction from the Lord…remember what you were taught, you will be successful!

Today I want to remind you what you were taught. Several times through Scripture the theme of all Scripture was summed up in two instructions.

“36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:36-40 CEV

When we love the Lord with all our heart we will naturally or supernaturally love others as well. We learn from His example of love, unconditional love and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:9-12 NLT

When the Lord gives us a commandment, He also gives us His strength to follow and fulfill it.

The words and instruction we hear from Christ as children in faith will be what we model as we grow to maturity in our Christian walk. Afterall, they are lessons from our childhood.

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Godly Character

It’s very important to me that we have a true view of the Father’s character.

Growing up when preachers on television and in the movies were characterized for preaching hell, fire and brimstone, and one of the popular songs of the day was “God’s Gonna Get You For That”, a cloud was cast on God’s character.

God’s goodness is something I marvel at, almost on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul wrote:

“God has been kind to you. He has been very patient, waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of his kindness. Maybe you don’t understand that God is kind to you so that you will decide to change your lives.” Romans 2:4 ERV

And James writes this: “ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

I didn’t realize until just now that James 1:17 is an ALWAYS verse.

Probably everyone reading this has heard at least one teaching on the fruit of the Spirit. These are the character traits that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives once we are born again. I see them as being part of our spiritual DNA. (Divine Nature Attributes)

When we’re born naturally we have inherited traits like blue eyes, dark hair, olive complexion, left-hand dominance. Well, when we receive new life from the heavenly Father we inherit His traits and characteristics.

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s life displays all of these. Jesus’ earthly life was an example to us on how to act like the Father. His life was selfless, kind, good and loving.

I heard a wonderful teaching on the goodness of God. Goodness is one of God’s attributes. He is always good! He can’t be anything but good; He is, and everything He does is, motivated by love. His love is never tainted with selfishness or envy so everything He does is good.

Don’t attribute the bad things that happen in your life to God. When you do you are misguided in your thinking. The enemy, the one responsible for the destruction in this world, takes pride in getting you to mistrust God and to lose your confidence in His goodness.

Remember these words from the Apostle Paul: “Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ERV

Let’s keep our thinking on the Father and His character and we will see true and lasting fruit grow in our lives.

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The Little Things

We have been experiencing some really hot, dry weather. The skies have been a dusty brown making the air quality poor. The weatherman has been predicting the summer monsoons will be starting soon but it seems we have been waiting in vain.

However…late yesterday afternoon the clouds began to gather, and we were blessed with a sprinkle. Not a shower by any means, but a sprinkle. The temperature dropped into the 90’s, the dust in the atmosphere settled.

Thank you, Lord, for the little things!

“The Lord made the heavens and everything in them by his word. 7 He scooped up the ocean and stored the water. 8 Everyone in this world should worship and honor the Lord!” Psalm 33:6-7 CEV

This morning, we have blue sky, white clouds and a gentle breeze. Chance of rain in the forecast. It brings hope to a dry land.

Sometimes, just sometimes, our hearts and emotions get as dry as this parched desert. Circumstances heat up and would like to dry us out the way the sun dries the earth. What do we do then? Do we get crusty and prickly like a cholla cactus? Or do we lean into God?

“O God, You are my God. I will look for You with all my heart and strength. My soul is thirsty for You. My flesh is weak wanting You in a dry and tired land where there is no water. 2 So I have seen You in the holy place. And I have seen Your power and Your shining-greatness. 3 My lips will praise You because Your loving-kindness is better than life.” Psalm 63:1-2 NLV

In the dry places, our praise is like a sprinkling of rain. It brings refreshing; it lifts the spirits and waters the soul.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.” Philippians 4:4 ERV

There is always something to be thankful for. The first thing that comes to mind is God’s unconditional, unfailing love! He is for us and has promised to never leave or abandon us. That’s more than enough to get us through the hard times.

I would have loved a good frog-strangling rain last night but I’m thankful for the sprinkle that brought a refreshing and a hope of things to come!

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Lessons from the Sea

For those of us who love the sea, the Lord has a lesson for you on His faithfulness.

When we went to Greece we would spend each evening sitting on the balcony listening to the waves as we watched the sunset. Then each morning we would walk the seashore as the sun rose in the sky.

It was a beautiful way to start and end each day. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The sunrise and sunset, the ebb and flow of the tide. It’s been happening like that since the beginning of time.

God is faithful.

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place,
 and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal. 3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic, but you are even more majestic, and you rule over all.
5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93 CEV

The Lord has proven His faithfulness through His creation. His word is filled with His unchangeable promises.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“Christ says “Yes” to all God’s promises. This is why we have Christ to say “Amen” for us to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEV

“The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4  and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.” Psalm 103:3-4 CEV

“I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. 8 You, Lord, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don’t give up on us now!” Psalm 138:7-8 CEV

Each time you are at the sea or are picturing it in your mind remember God’s faithfulness. Let every sunrise and sunset be a reminder that God always treats you with kindness and His love never fails.

Nature is here as a testimony of God’s goodness and grace!

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No Question About It

God loves you!

Let me say that again. GOD LOVES YOU!

The following comes straight from God’s word to you. I’ve read this over at least half a dozen times this morning. I hope you do the same and let it sink in. There’s no question about it.

God loves you!

“At one time you were dead because of your sins. 2 You followed the sinful ways of the world and obeyed the leader of the power of darkness. He is the devil who is now working in the people who do not obey God. 3 At one time all of us lived to please our old selves. We gave in to what our bodies and minds wanted. We were sinful from birth like all other people and would suffer from the anger of God.

4 But God had so much loving-kindness. He loved us with such a great love. 5 Even when we were dead because of our sins, He made us alive by what Christ did for us. You have been saved from the punishment of sin by His loving-favor. 6 God raised us up from death when He raised up Christ Jesus. He has given us a place with Christ in the heavens. 7 He did this to show us through all the time to come the great riches of His loving-favor. He has shown us His kindness through Christ Jesus.

8 For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. 9 It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. 10 We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.” Ephesians 2:1-10 NLV

Let the love of God completely flood your heart and mind.

God loves you!

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Filled with Love

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I was reading I Samuel 1 about Hannah and how she longed so deeply for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she then took that little boy and gave him back to the Lord.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. She also took a bull that was three years old, 20 pounds of flour, and a bottle of wine.

25 They went before the Lord. Elkanah killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he usually did. Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’

Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother, a godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine if you will another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

We will be celebrating Easter in just a few weeks. It’s not a time for bunnies and colored eggs. It’s a day of great joy that followed a week of sorrow. Let the Lord minister to you, reminding you of the depth of His love.

His heart has always been filled with love for us!

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