Category Archives: God’s love

A.I.??? Yes? Or No? A Word from THE WORD!!! #315

20 Monday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, God Bless America, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's Faithfulness, God's Glory, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's Time, God's Wisdom, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God

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A.I.???  Yes?  Or No?      A Word from THE WORD!!! #315

I was going to take off on something the pastor said yesterday at church about not neglecting our relationship with Jesus; his point being, we don’t take vacation from our Lord, His Word and our intimate relationship with him.  As I was preparing to write this post, I got the repeated request to “OK” the AI on my laptop, and of course I intentionally ignored it; I like my own thoughts, thank you. Then as I open up my office app, it’s offering their version of AI!  I’m not averse to help, but I don’t think I’m ready for their next step yet (whoever ‘they’ are?).  How about you.

Yet in thinking about all the hype about AI, I’d like to point out some similarities to our personal spiritual life and this AI craze.

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict

I have for you,

and for them at Laodicea,

and for as many as have not seen my face

in the flesh;

2 That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together in love,

and unto all riches of the full assurance

of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures of wisdom

and knowledge.

4 And this I say,

lest any man should beguile you

with enticing words.

5 For though I be absent in the flesh,

yet am I with you in the spirit,

joying and beholding your order,

and the stedfastness of your faith

in Christ.

6 As ye have therefore received

Christ Jesus the Lord,

so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him,

and stablished in the faith,

as ye have been taught,

abounding therein

with thanksgiving.”   Colossians 2:1-7

Paul was writing this letter to believers whom he had not met personally, but he had heard about their faith in Jesus and wanted to encourage them in their faith and a continued walk in Jesus!  Take note that Paul warned them about being beguiled with “enticing words”!  Paul wanted us to know as well as them, that we must stand fast in this “evil day”!  What does that mean for you and me?  It means what the old folks used to say when I was younger, “every pot has to sit on its own bottom”—interpretation—you need to keep your relationship with Jesus real, and only you can do that as you study God’s Word, spending time in prayer and pursuit of God, His Word, His ways; and amazingly He has promised to provide all that we need when we walk in fellowship with our Lord Jesus!

As we examine more of Paul’s teaching, take note of the context for some familiar verses, it may help us to understand them more accurately.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,

both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done,

that ye did communicate with my affliction…

…16 For even in Thessalonica

ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift:

but I desire fruit that may abound

to your account.

18 But I have all,

and abound:

I am full,

having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you,

an odour of a sweet smell,

a sacrifice acceptable,

wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.” Portions of Philippians 4:12-19

Are we doing our ‘due diligence’, so to speak, to be found faithful, or are we leaning more on others to keep us afloat?  I knew of a preacher who told his congregation that they didn’t need to bring a Bible to church, for he would tell them everything they needed to know!!!! NOT!  We are impelled to draw near to our God through His Word ourselves!!!  If we haven’t studied God’s Word and you’re not following along with your Pastor, how will you be able to discern truth from false?

One of Paul’s imperatives to Timothy and to us is to study for ourselves!  Without our own personal intimacy with God’s Word we can easily become one of those whom Paul warns us about, “lest any man should beguile you with enticing words”; we can become the beguiled!  Just as Eve believed the lies of the enemy of our souls; Satan is still at work deceiving, misleading, troubling and confusing God’s own—and he does it well and continually (but remember if we “resist devil…he will flee!”).  God’s Word is our defense, as it is the lifeline to our Redeemer.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”   2 Timothy 2:15-16

I know we talked about this recently, yet I feel compelled to remind us again to get into God’s Word, and don’t leave it behind on “vacation”, or times of rest—keep it near you, with you, and most importantly, “In You”!   What we commit to memory, no one can steal!   Also remember that as we learn to be “rightly dividing the word of truth”, it is implied here that the word can be “wrongly” divided—and there are a plethora of false teachers on every hand!  Beware my friends, by getting into God’s Word for yourself, and teach it to you children and grandchildren—reinforce the truth not the lies!

“And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

 for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Where’s your Bible?  Does it need dusting off?  As an old adage says, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”  May we heed the wisdom of Solomon, as individuals in our daily walk, as parents/grandparents, leading our children to the cross (rather than to hell); as we sow and reap, may we be faithful stewards of God’s truth not the lies of the devil, what we sow will produce a crop—are you ready for your harvest?  May we all allow The Word to do its Work in us! If you don’t read it, you’ll never know what it says!  God says what He means, and He means what He says—but praise His name He is gracious, merciful and longsuffering toward our weaknesses and failures!  May God’s blessing abound upon your life.

“The way of the wicked is as darkness:

they know not at what they stumble.

20 My son,

attend to my words;

incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;

keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them,

and health to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life.”   Proverbs 4:19-23

Amen and Amen!!!

Love One Another??? Really? A Word from THE WORD!!! #275

20 Sunday Oct 2024

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's love, Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?

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Love One Another???  Really?   A Word from THE WORD!!! #275

Jesus left us multiple instructions, but some of the most intense teaching, instruction and outpouring of Himself, happened on the last days before the crucifixion.  He knew what lay ahead, and He loves us so much that He cared about preparing His disciples and us to live lives of love, power and world-changing influence.  The first thing I want us to look at deals with our topic today.

“A new commandment

I give unto you,

That ye love one another;

as I have loved you,

that ye also love one another.

35 By this

shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.”  John 13:34-35

Don’t miss the import of the little words; “as I have loved you”-Jesus calls us to treat others with the love He has showered upon us.  Paul put it another way.

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren,

and exhort you by the Lord Jesus,

that as ye have received of us

how ye ought to walk

and to please God,

so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you

by the Lord Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

Are we willing to receive the truths of scripture and walk in them, or will we reject them and do it our our way!  Paul encouraged the Colossian believers as to how they should walk before God and man!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:12-15

Not to belabor the point, but we are called to love God and others—how we treat others will realistically reveal how much we love God; Jesus made it very clear that our treatment of others reflects how much we love God, as he repsonded to a question meant to trick Him.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy mind.

38 This

is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it,

Thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself.

40 On these two commandments

hang all the law

and the prophets.”  Matthew 22:36-40

You may be asking the question, “How do we do this?”  And that is an honest question, and I will close with the passage that I believe answers that question of how we are to live in spiritual success.  Paul addresses this in his letter to the Romans, and it’s one of my favorite passages of comfort, courage and hope for today and tomorrow!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

I pray that this will encourage you today to know that you can “Really!  Love One Another?”, by the power of the cross and our blessed Redeemer Jesus.  May you remember that you can exercise love, “because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us”!  Give the Holy Spirit place in your life today and let that “love of God” flow through you and make a difference in your circle of influence!

Amen and Amen!!!

In His Glory??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #263

23 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by in Every Knee Shall Bow, Examine Myself?, Faith, Glory, Glory of God, Glory To God, God's Faithfulness, God's Glory, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's love, God's ways are not our ways, Salvation

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 In His Glory???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #263

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things…

…. 13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me…

… 18 But I have all,

and abound:

I am full,

having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you,

an odour of a sweet smell,

a sacrifice acceptable,

 wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need

according to his riches

in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.”  Portions of Philippians 4:6-20

While these are some of my favorite passages, I want to take a little bit of a different spin on them.  God laid something on my heart recently that I had never thought about; for we see so many things in scripture that refer to the “glory” of God—and I think that we may not be thinking about this in its fulness.  We often think of God’s glory as the bright shining light, the beauty that is so aptly described in much of The Revelation about our God and Jesus, The Son, but I think often we get so caught up in the “bling” that we miss something simple—God IS glory—it is His nature, His character as well as the exhibition of His power toward us; especially those things that scripture ties with Jesus’ ministry to His own.  Even as Jesus talks about in the letter to the Laodicean church.  His glory isn’t something we purchase with money, good works, or virtue, but by God’s grace, bought and paid for at Calvary, for whosoever will come to Jesus in repentance and faith/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours—for all have sinned!  Note what Jesus says to this “church”!

“Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art

wretched,

and miserable,

and poor, and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me

gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love,

I rebuke

and chasten:

be zealous therefore,

and repent.”  Revelation 3:17-19

This is the work of God, to buy without money!  It comes by faith in His Son; even as Isaiah painted God’s picture of this.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth,

come ye to the waters,

and he that hath no money;

come ye,

buy,

and eat;

 yea, come,

 buy wine

and milk

without money

and without price.

2 Wherefore do ye spend money

for that which is not bread?

and your labour

for that which satisfieth not?

hearken diligently unto me,

and eat ye that which is good,

 and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Incline your ear,

and come unto me:

hear,

and your soul shall live;

and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,

even the sure mercies of David.”  Isaiah 55:1-3

Jesus reminds us that even within the church we can become so self-satisfied and consumed with the world.  We can become so deceived that Jesus could say of us:

 “Because thou sayest,

I am rich, and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art

wretched, and miserable,

and poor, and blind, and naked…”

An unexpected message to a self-sufficient church, counting on all their “stuff” as their sufficiency.  Yet Jesus gave them an unexpected, but true, description of their spiritual state; calling them to see their real condition and be zealous to repent.  Isaiah tells us how they can buy without funds?  We must come to God in our abject spiritual poverty seeking what only He can give.  We must come as the tax-collector that Jesus spoke of.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray;

the one a Pharisee,

and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,

God, I thank thee,

that I am not as other men are,

extortioners, unjust,

adulterers,

or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week,

I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican,

standing afar off,

would not lift up so much as his eyes

unto heaven,

but smote upon his breast, saying,

God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you,

this man went down to his house justified

rather than the other:

for every one that exalteth himself

shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself

shall be exalted.”  Luke 18:10-14

As long as we think we have our own glory, we have no need of God, and we will never understand the glory of God that comes to those who bow, like this publican, and ask for His mercy and saving grace in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin.  He who has no sin, has no need of a Savior (in his own mind)!  God’s glory is His very nature, and He pours out of His grace and mercy so that we can recognize His glory when we bow.  And just a few scriptures to bring this into focus.  Sin is the issue, and if you haven’t seen your sin, you may need to listen to Jesus’ message to the Laodicean church.   Remember Jesus is God and exhibits this very glory in all He does for us!

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”                   Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus came because of our sin.  Have you dealt with yours?

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23      

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

And Jesus’ own call to all will recognize what He is saying and come in response to His call.  Is He knocking at your heart’s door?  Won’t you invite Him in!  You will never regret it and then you will come to know His glory!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

His Grace IS Sufficient??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #189

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, God Knows, God of all comfort!, God sees your tears--sorrow is ok!, God's Faithfulness, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's love, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., Grace, JESUS, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Wept--You can too!, Jesus--our all in all

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His Grace IS Sufficient??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #189

I want to share a word of encouragement and a reminder that we are loved and cared for by our Great God, The Almighty God of all creation, and His Son Jesus Christ, who died willingly to provide salvation and deliverance for those who come to Him.  As Paul reveals to us, no matter the opposition that comes against us, our God is sufficient to provide all that we need.  HIS grace IS sufficient, when we come to HIM for help, rather that complain, moan, or try to fix it ourselves, or plead with God to remove the pain.  Paul gives us an amazing testimony of his experience in such a situation.  Take heart my friend—we win, IN Jesus!

“For though I would desire to glory,

I shall not be a fool;

for I will say the truth:

but now I forbear,

lest any man should think of me

above that which he seeth me to be,

or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”   2 Corinthians 12:6-10

Jesus also wanted us to understand that following Him wouldn’t always be a ‘piece of cake’, but rather we would be in a seemingly continual warfare with the enemy of mankind, especially those who belong to Jesus by repentance and faith!  Yet in Jesus we can have victory, hope, peace and even joy “unspeakable and full of glory” (See 1 Peter 1:8).  What a mighty, mighty, God we serve—don’t give up, give in, or lose heart dear one—We Win!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

We must stop expecting the enemy to show his true colors, or to act like something he isn’t!  Yet in the midst of the conflict going on around us, we can have complete victory in our Lord Jesus. One of the greatest examples that Jesus gave to us, is a difficult one, yet one that we must pursue!

“And when they were come to the place,

which is called Calvary,

there they crucified him,

and the malefactors,

one on the right hand,

and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus,

Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment,

and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding.

And the rulers also with them derided him, saying,

He saved others;

let him save himself,

if he be Christ,

the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.”  Luke 23:33-37

Remember that apart from the saving grace of Jesus’ blood sacrifice we would all be doomed, yet in Jesus we can find forgiveness, victory, and restoration.  If He could raise the dead (who would sadly die again), heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and speech to the dumb, raise from the dead Himself to never die again that we might have eternal life IN HIM, then my friend HE can supply all the grace that you need; just come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  Today!  Even if you’re a believer already, run to His cross, it’s a place of safety, love, forgiveness, cleansing and LOVE!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

 let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

So my friends, may we draw closer to our King, knowing that the throne room is always open to us.  It’s never too late or too early to “come boldly” (boldness in coming, but not arrogance to expect to dictate to our God—there is a difference–) to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to ask for His help in our times of need!  He never fails!

“Let your conversation be without covetousness;

and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Amen and Amen, remembering what Peter reminds us of:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”   1 Peter 5:7

Gratitude Spills Over??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #154

13 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Blessed by God, By His Grace, Confidence, Don't Wait, Faithful Follower, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, Good Neighbor, Good Stewards, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Living Right, Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem

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Gratitude Spills Over??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #154

For the rest of this month (unless I change my mind!!) I want us to focus on God’s goodness and our attitudes; for sometimes we just take God’s goodness for granted and forget to thank HIM or share HIS goodness with others, Paul says it better than I could.

“Let him that stole

steal no more:

 but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication    

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:28-29

 Paul calls believers to live and behave like believers—those who “were” thieves were called to (in Blanche’s paraphrase) “get a job and work diligently to provide for one’s self and have to give to those in need”!  Our actions and our words have an effect on those around us—especially those ‘little people’ who follow us around and learn from our behavior and actions way more than they learn from just our words!  Are we teaching our children and grandchildren about gratitude—about sharing what we have—about looking to Jesus instead of the world—about giving more than receiving?  The truth is that we are teaching them every day, whether we are paying attention or not!  Paul’s admonition to live holy, faithfully, and generously is a call to each of us!  It compels us to hear and obey the call of Jesus to “do unto others” as we desire to be treated.  Small words but a giant obligation to reject the “ME” mentality of the world and share the “others first” love of Jesus!

“Jesus said unto him,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it,

Thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself.”  Matthew 22:37-39

When the “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…” (See Romans 5:1-11) it ought to spill over on all around us!  An outflowing of the gratitude that we feel for the “gift of God” (Romans 6:23) which is eternal life in JESUS!  Are you shining for Jesus or hoarding everything to yourself?

Paul shares more in his letter to the Colossian believers; may we willingly and gladly heed God’s Word to our hearts?

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

May we truly be fountains of blessing to those around us, taking every opportunity to share not only Jesus, but the material resources that HE has blessed us with to those around us in need, as God leads?  We are to be wise and generous stewards of God’s blessings, not greedy, selfish Scrooges!  How will God assess our gratitude quotient?  Let’s be one of the ‘overly generous’ ones, not the selfish ones!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able

to make all grace abound toward you;

that ye,

always having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written,

He hath dispersed abroad;

he hath given to the poor:

his righteousness remaineth for ever.”                              2 Corinthians 9:6-9

May we be known for our gracious, grateful, and generous spirit.

Amen and Amen!!!