Category Archives: Love Is Action

Love My Neighbor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #40

30 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Am I willing to go?, Apart from ME you can do nothing, Good Neighbor, Good Samaritan?, Lord, Love, Love Is Action, Neighbors

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Love My Neighbor??? A Word from THE WORD!!!  #40

I heard a song this morning that brought my attention to my desperate lack of love on many occasions; for Jesus said if we love HIM, we are to love others—our brothers and sisters (in the flesh and in the body of Christ), our loved ones, and our ‘neighbors’!  So, I would simply like to share Jesus’ message on ‘neighbors’! May you and I take heart and truly measure as Jesus did/does!  I want to be found faithful to my Lord and King!

“And he turned him unto his disciples,

and said privately,

Blessed are the eyes

which see the things that ye see:

24 For I tell you,

that many prophets and kings

have desired to see those things

which ye see,

and have not seen them;

and to hear those things

which ye hear,

and have not heard them.

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up,

and tempted him, saying,

Master, what shall I do

to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him,

What is written in the law?

how readest thou?

27 And he answering said,

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy strength,

and with all thy mind;

and thy neighbour

as thyself.

28 And he said unto him,

Thou hast answered right:

this do,

and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself,

said unto Jesus,

And who is my neighbour?”  Luke 10:23-29

Just as this man, we so often are attempting to “justify” ourselves rather than admit that without Jesus, we can’t even understand selfless, godly love!  So, Jesus’ most convicting story is still applicable, and pierces my heart, reminding me that “saying so doesn’t make it so” (I need to be a better child of Jesus/God and leave off the snarky remarks, the gossip, the lack of compassion, the real tendency to be so consumed with self, that others aren’t even on my radar!)  May our hearts hear and respond to the convicting voice of The Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and yours; may we truly love as Jesus loves, and by HIS Spirit and power do better at being “good neighbors”!

“And Jesus answering said,

A certain man went down from Jerusalem

to Jericho,

and fell among thieves,

which stripped him of his raiment,

and wounded him,

and departed,

leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down

a certain priest that way:

and when he saw him,

he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite,

when he was at the place,

came and looked on him,

and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan,

as he journeyed,

came where he was:

and when he saw him,

he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him,

and bound up his wounds,

pouring in oil and wine,

and set him on his own beast,

and brought him to an inn,

and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed,

he took out two pence,

and gave them to the host,

and said unto him,

Take care of him;

and whatsoever thou spendest more,

when I come again,

I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three,

thinkest thou,

was neighbour

unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said,

He that shewed mercy on him.

Then said Jesus unto him,

 Go, and do thou likewise.” Luke 10:30-37

May we be that “good neighbor”!  And just FYI, remember that in that culture, the Jews didn’t even believe there could be a “GOOD SAMARITAN”!  Without Jesus we can’t be good/righteous:

       “…There is none righteous, no, not one:”  Romans 3:10b

“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

May we walk with Jesus and truly go “about doing good”—HIS good!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Grace, Peace And Love??? Bible Ballistics: BBs 786

30 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Love, Love Is Action, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Salvation, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Word Or The World?, TODAY, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #786   Who’s Grace, Peace And Love???

 

I was thinking this morning about the profound theology that we often miss from the Apostle’s letters, and I’d like us to just consider the simple truth that we may often miss.

“To all that be in Rome,

beloved of God,

called to be saints:

Grace to you

and peace

from God our Father,

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ

for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.”  Romans 1:7-8

What is grace?  Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor” and while that is true, it is so much more in our biblical understanding of the favor of God to extend to us the act of forgiveness of our SIN through the blood of Jesus.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

So, Paul was praying God’s continued grace upon the Romans not just for saving grace but grace to daily live for Jesus!  We need the same today!  Even as Paul prayed for the Corinthian believers as well.

“Grace be unto you,

and peace,

from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always on your behalf,

for the grace of God

which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him,

in all utterance,

and in all knowledge;”   1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Our life should reflect the grace that we have received from our Lord Jesus—saving grace—but also the “living” grace which we are to grow in daily—in fact moment by moment.  Peter also mentions this grace.

“Ye therefore, beloved,

seeing ye know these things before,

beware lest ye also, being led away

with the error of the wicked,

fall from your own

stedfastness.  

18 But grow in grace,

and in the knowledge

of our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ.

To him be glory

both now and for ever.

Amen.”  2 Peter 3:17-18

We are to be aware of those who are deceivers, liars, and false teacher/preachers, knowing The Word of God for ourselves; growing in this grace that God imparts to those who come to Him through Jesus!  And Jesus Himself told us the import of love!

“By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love

one to another.”  John 13:35

“If ye love me,

keep my commandments.”  John 14:15

As we pray for one another may we spread the faith, love, hope and encouragement of God’s Word one with another.  It was important for the Apostles, and it should be important to us.  Remember ‘love’ here is “agapao” or agape love—the heart that does that which is best for the recipient—be it Jesus or those around us!  Lord help me see through the eyes of your “love”?

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

And one of scripture’s greatest reminders:

“For now we see through a glass, darkly;

 but then face to face:

now I know in part;

but then shall I know

even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity,

these three;

but the greatest of these is charity.”   1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Amen and Amen!!!

‘Nuff said…….!

 

The Truest Blessing!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #774

21 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Encouragement, HOPE, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Saves, Lord, Love Is Action, Never Alone, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #774      The Truest Blessing!!!

 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

 in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,

I am with you

alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Matthew 28:18-20

As I sit here listening to “Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem” (written by R. Fisher Boyce in a milk barn, of all things), and yes, I know it’s past Christmas season, but my Jesus is ever in my heart and I’m so glad HE came and took on flesh; and yes, I’m one of those who thinks that we ought to sing those songs all year long, yet as you can tell by the passage above, I want to talk about our Lord’s departure—but a departure that isn’t final!  Jesus IS coming again!  But that isn’t even the thing I want to share!

So, what is it that I want to share with you this morning?  I want to remind us all, that while we are to take the message of the cross everywhere we go, there’s something just as sweet to my heart from this passage—in fact it’s one of the most important parts of this “Great Commission”, that we sometimes overlook, and even disregard in our zeal to “GO”!

What is it?  It is the simple yet profound truth:

“I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world”!

Oh, my friends, if I could just find the words to tell you the joy and delight, the strength and power, the comfort and courage, the reassurance and confidence, the absolute ability to press on that this simple yet profound statement brings to my heart, mind, and soul.  I often respond to people’s question, “How are you?”, with a true statement, “I’m blessed beyond measure!”  And this simple verse is part of the reason—in fact one of the greatest reasons–that I do consider myself blessed, and blessed so far beyond any human measure, all because I AM NOT ALONE!  Can you understand what that means?  I think some of you can, especially those of us who have had times in our lives that we felt like we were the most “alone” person in the world!  Yet, the truth of the presence of my LORD, has always come to reassure me that HE was, is and ever shall be with me!  I am never alone—

not in the fiercest storm,

not in the raging battle,

not in the stress of uncertain circumstances,

not even in the face of death—

be it our own impending death,

or that of a dear loved one!

JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE/HERE with me!

His presence is almost touchable it’s so real. I know HE is with me, partly just because HE said HE would be, partly because I have felt HIM so near sometimes, it is beyond my ability to convey to you the “realness” of it.  And I can have that confidence, comfort, and power because I choose to walk with HIM, even as the old hymn says, “HE walks with me, and HE talks with me, and HE tells me I am HIS own”!  (from In The Garden, by Charles Austin Miles).

The author of Hebrews says it succinctly—with another word of reassurance and instruction, “be content”!

“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

I pray that you will receive this word of encouragement and hope, a word of truth that will never fail—not ever—if we are willing to receive it, rest in it, and follow our shepherd.

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.”  John 10:27-28

Are you HIS?  If you are, then stop fretting and rest in your shepherd.  If you’re not HIS, won’t you bow in repentance of your sin, and trust in Jesus’ payment for your sin and mine.  He’s calling today, as Jesus declares in Revelation 3:20!

“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.”

Amen And Amen!!!

Wise And Harmless Or___??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #705

22 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Harmless As Doves, Life, Love, Love Is Action, Wisdom, Wise As Serpents

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #705  Wise And Harmless Or___???

 

I have a *comparatively* (ha ha) brief word today as we wrap up Daniel chapter 1; hopefully a reminder for us all that Daniel focused on obedience to his God, and his GOD exalted him in HIS time!  So many today are trying to change, arrange or manipulate the “times” for their own benefit or to prove a point.  Well, contrary to what seems to be popular today—we are called to be like Daniel and humble ourselves before our God—not exalt self.  I had a friend many years ago who had a saying that I often use in jest, but it really seems to reflect the mindset of our day.  She said, “He that ‘tooteth’ not his own horn, hath his horn not ‘tooted’!”  And we know almost everyone today wants their 15 minutes in the spotlight regardless of the cost in dignity, integrity or the feelings of others—and please don’t expect them to regard the truthfulness of their “boasts”!

Daniel chose to behave with integrity, honor and respect to those over him, but he took a stand for God and left the results to GOD!  And because of Daniel’s stand (and that of his three friends) God showed Himself faithful on Daniel’s behalf.

“Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all

was found none like

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”   Daniel 1:18-20

Jesus gave us some very good advice in this regard as well.  May we take heed in these difficult days and NOT use our difficult circumstances to justify bad behavior.

“Behold,

I send you forth

as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore

wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

We can respond with integrity, honor and truth because our God is always faithful!  We are called to walk in humble dependence upon our Lord Jesus and our Father God, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, not to depend upon our flesh, popular opinion or the “majority”!  “Our God reigns”!

“For whosoever exalteth himself

shall be abased;

and he that humbleth himself

shall be exalted.”  Luke 14:11

 

“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 18:13-14

As Paul told the Galatian believers:

“And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.”  Galatians 6:9

And remember, the same God who was faithful to Daniel, is still GOD and HEnever fails.

“Nevertheless

my lovingkindness

will I not utterly

take from him,

nor suffer my faithfulness

to fail.

34 My covenant will I not break,

nor alter the thing

that is gone out of my lips.”   Psalm 89:33-34

Jesus also IS changeless:

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

Paul gives us the key to successful living with humility, obedience, and confidence in a fallen world!

“Charity never faileth:

but whether there be prophecies,

they shall fail;

whether there be tongues,

they shall cease;

whether there be knowledge,

it shall vanish away….

…13 And now abideth

faith,

hope,

charity,

these three;

but the greatest of these

is charity.”  1 Corinthians 13:8 & 13

Let’s stand like Daniel and trust the results to our faithful Lord!  May God’s love and holiness be seen in me/you in all we do

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

 in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Love Enough??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #623

05 Wednesday Feb 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Holy Living, JESUS, Love, Love Is Action

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #623     Is Love Enough???

 

As we continue talking about love in this month that the world calls the month of ‘love’, I want to be sure that we understand that what the ‘world’ is calling love may not always be what God calls love.  And while we’ve recently looked at 1 Corinthians 13, I’d like to look at some other things that scripture tells us about love, for your perusal.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  John 14:15

To say that I “love” Jesus means that I love Him enough to “do” what HE says!  To love Him is to obey, and to love others “as myself”—and in our culture that is almost unheard of.  We live in a culture of the “me” mentality.  I knew someone once who totally missed the import of God’s unconditional love; which by the way, isn’t license to sin, or selfish indulgence, but is doing that which is always best for the recipient of that love, not as my acquaintance thought, “You be good to me, and I’ll be good to you!”.  We are to keep God’s love in our hearts, but also to shine and share HIS love with those around us.  And contrary to popular belief, if I love you, it doesn’t mean that I will always give in to you, or meet your selfish, unreasonable, or wicked demands.  Love always does right!  And that means that sometimes love must say NO!  It’s only by God’s grace and indwelling Holy Spirit that we can express or extend to others this totally benevolent “God” kind of love.

“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.”               Romans 5:1-5

When we are born again, God puts HIS Spirit within us—the very agent of our spiritual birth into the kingdom of God….  Praise HIS name, we don’t have to rely on our weak and sinful flesh to do God’s work.  Paul painted such a beautiful picture of this kind of relationship that we acquire not only from God, but with Him and He ever works to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus!

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

 and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

 and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”               Colossians 1:9-14

And while I can’t think of anything better to pray for you, I will add Paul’s admonition to each of us as believers in Jesus, to have that selfless love and devotion to Jesus, as we yield to HIS work of love in us continually!  May we ever be motivated by God’s love rather than selfish ambition, greed, or the pursuit of self-gratification!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think

soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”    Romans 12:1-3

I pray God’s blessings on your day!  And while I realize that much of what I am sharing today is repetitive, we are so forgetful and need continual reminders.  I send these reminders to you (and myself) in His love!

Amen and Amen!