Category Archives: Love

Christmas Fortnight Day 12 A Word from THE WORD! #424

23 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Hear ye HIM!, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell?, Help from The Lord, Help Thou My Unbelief, His Mercies Are New Every Morning, Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?, Sharing the blessings, Sheep amongst Wolves!!!

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Christmas Fortnight Day 12  A Word from THE WORD! #424

As we continue our look at some of the people connected with Jesus’ birth, how about the shepherds?   Shepherds, lowly shepherds.  Those with whom the “elite” didn’t care to spend time.

We’ll look at portions of Luke 2:8-16,

“And…. shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord

shone round about them…

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings

of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born ….a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord…

13 And… there was …. a multitude

of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth

peace,

good will toward men…

as the angels were gone ….

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known

unto us.

16 And they came

with haste,

and found Mary, and Joseph,

and the babe.….”

Keepers of the sheep.

Shepherds—

the lowliest of the low–

Were the first ones to hear the GOOD NEWS.

Had an angel appear to them —

Saw the glory of God around them, and –

Received the greatest ‘birth’ announcement ever–

Heard the angel chorus praise God—

Then, they speedily went and found it

as GOD HAD SAID!!

Have you come to this ONE?

The Savior of the world–

The ONE who reconciles us to the Father—

       Who brings ‘peace’ with God—

As Paul tells us in Romans 5:1,

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Have you heard the good news in your heart?  Are you looking to this ONE as the shepherds did?  Do you have His “peace” in your heart?  Are you running hither and yon with no peace, or joy?  Are you too proud to bow before the babe in that manger?  He came to die for your sin and mine, don’t let pride, or self-sufficiency keep you from joining the shepherds from bowing before the KING!  Look to Jesus, the Savior—He still saves and changes hearts and lives today!!  Jesus said it best.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

He’s calling today!  Amen and Amen!!!

If Not Now??? When??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #361

27 Friday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Living For Jesus, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, TODAY, Today And Tomorrow, Today IS Today!, Too Late To Call?, Touch them while you can?, Train up a child....

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If Not Now???  When???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #361

 

“Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying,

On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24 The LORD bless thee,

and keep thee:

25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee,

and give thee peace.

27 And they shall put my name

upon the children of Israel;

and I will bless them.”  Numbers 6:23-27

God called Moses to call the spiritual leaders of Israel, the Levites, to call God’s blessing over the people.  How much more should we as parents call God’s blessings over our children; not just in our spoken words, but in our life style.  Our children will follow much more of our actions than just our words.  What are you speaking to your children, over them, before them?  Oh, please, my friends, I implore you to not miss today!

My heart has been heavy of late for the words unspoken.  While I often told my children that I loved them, and I still do, how much more time could I have spent putting in positive guidance, and not just being the disciplinarian (and discipline is essential for a well-balanced life!)?  As most of you know, I lost my daughter some five and a half years ago, and it has been heavy on my heart and mind to remind each of you to take advantage of today!

Our children are a blessing from God—be they natural born into our family, adopted, fostered, or just accepting those who are neglected into our circle.  God expects us to share His love with them and count them as a blessing and not a burden.  Enjoy the days that you have—you don’t know what tomorrow holds.

I will simply leave you with a word from God, may you be reminded of the short time we have to influence those precious gifts from God.  Not just in their childhood, but to be a spiritual guide in their lives by example, leading them to the cross.  What kind of heritage are you leaving for those who come after you?

“Except the LORD build the house,

they labour in vain that build it:

except the LORD keep the city,

the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

to sit up late,

to eat the bread of sorrows:

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man

that hath his quiver full of them:

they shall not be ashamed,

but they shall speak with the enemies

in the gate.”  Psalm 127:1-5

May you be blessed to hear from God today!  May you spread the love of God and that “peace of God, which that passeth all understanding”; and may you share it, spread it around and don’t let those “I love you’s” go unsaid!  May we spread the love of God as we go—at home, at work, in the store, on errands, even driving!  Have a blessed day my friends, I’m praying for you.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

Amen and Amen!!!

What Gift Will You Give??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

05 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Love, Love Is Action

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What Gift Will You Give???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #294

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea

in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east

to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he

that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen his star in the east,

and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things,

he was troubled,

and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests

and scribes of the people together,

he demanded of them

where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him,

In Bethlehem of Judaea:

for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda,

art not the least

among the princes of Juda:

for out of thee shall come a Governor,

that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called

the wise men,

enquired of them diligently

what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,

Go and search diligently for the young child;

and when ye have found him,

bring me word again,

that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king,

they departed; and, lo, the star,

which they saw in the east,

went before them,

till it came and stood over

where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star,

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts;

gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream

that they should not return to Herod,

they departed into their own country

another way.”   Matthew 2:1-12

Something you may have never considered is what I call us to consider in this scenario—these men (and we don’t know how many there were, but most deduce that since there were three gifts there were possibly three men…) had seen a star, an unusual astronomical sign and they were overwhelmed to see it, and they also were familiar enough with Jewish scripture that they knew a King, a Messiah had been promised by God, so they made this incredible journey to find this King to worship Him—I believe they were seeking the Redeemer.  So they proceeded to the capital of Judah, Jerusalem, to find this King—where else would you seek a King but in a palace.  Not so in this case.  Of course the reigning King, Herod, was a wicked man but feigned interest in the child, to know where he was (and of course tried to kill him later) to join them in worship!  NOT!  But that’s not what I want to consider.

As you read the narrative, Herod called for the religious leaders, who should know where Israel’s Messiah would be born, and as they knew the scripture (even if they didn’t know the author) who gave Herod the information he requested.  Then in his deceptive designs, he sent these visitors to find the child and then “let me know”!  This is where I want us to focus; these men had just advised the king and the religious leaders that there was a newborn King of the Jews (whom you would think to be anxious to seek and honor their promised Messiah/King!); yet not one person from Jerusalem went with these men.  No stir over this newborn King at all!  Not one soul went to seek and worship Him except these strangers!  Are we any different today!

I celebrate Christmas because I love Jesus!  The question I have for us today is do I seek Him?  Am I bringing Him gifts?  I spend time, money and effort on gifts for others, but what have I done for Jesus, what gift have I considered, thought about and purchased for my King—the redeemer of my soul?  What will I do for Jesus this “Christmas” season?  There are so many opportunities to share in HIS name—giving to missions, sharing food for the hungry, giving to organizations that feed and clothe the down-trodden, or perhaps serving at a soup kitchen!

In essence, what gift have I brought to Jesus?  Or will I be like those in Jerusalem, and hear about Him, know He’s arrived, see the needs, and do nothing, go nowhere to worship Him, or just write it off to “I don’t have time for this!”!  Just asking?  God blesses us continuously, what will we do for Him when we have the opportunity.  I encourage you to find out what you can do for this One we claim to love and adore!  Worship isn’t just a word, or an abstract ideal, it’s the giving of ourselves to someone or something in total devotion.  What are you devoted to?  One easy was to find out is to examine your checkbook—not being nosy, just saying what you love, you’ll spend money on; be it self or others.  You get to choose.  But choose wisely, there is a test!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

and before honour is humility.”  Proverbs 18:10-12

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!!!

Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

31 Friday May 2024

Posted by in A Witness--Good or Bad???, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Kindness, Kindness has no expiration date., Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?

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Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Following up on our post about friendship last time, I want to just take a few minutes to issue a challenge to each of us.  I’ll share some scripture and ask each of you to do some kindness for a friend today.  It doesn’t have to cost money, it could be a phone call, a card, visit next door, go see a friend in confined circumstances (be that an assisted living facility, a nursing home, a jail, or any other facility that allows visitors), or cut a flower from your garden (or even veggies will do, who doesn’t like fresh veggies from the garden).

I’ll share a story, not bragging, I just want you to know that we often don’t know the effects of our kindnesses.  We had a neighbor who had a gentleman in a wheel chair living with them. I’d always wave and speak when he was outside on the porch, and one day he was outside, and I was working on my prized roses, and I felt the Spirit prompting me to take him a rose, so I clipped a pretty one, wrapped it in moist towel and went next door.  I have to tell you that man almost cried as he told me, “That’s the first flower I’ve received since my wife died!”   Well, friends I have to tell you that impacted me as much or more than it did him.  Oh, may we listen and heed the promptings of The Spirit no matter how seemingly insignificant to us.   So, make that call, send that card, take that flower—God can bless someone through you in ways that we can’t comprehend.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,

that the soul of Jonathan

was knit with the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him as his own soul…

… 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant,

because he loved him as his own soul.”  1 Sam. 18:1&3

Amen and Amen!!!