Category Archives: Love

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #10

10 Thursday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Children, Choose You This Day!, Godly Wisdom, Good News, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Love, Thankful, Thanksgiving, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #10

Today I want to share one of my favorite passages on parenting, especially on this day #10, which just happens to be the date of my mother’s birthday (and she would have been 99); and how appropriate to honor biblical parenting on this day. I am truly thankful to have been blessed with godly parents–not perfect– but a father and mother who pursued godliness. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me so!

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-9

 And if I might make a bit of commentary, God was telling His people that it all started with them–if you don’t love God, you can’t pass it on!  If you do love God with your “all”, then pass it on–taking advantage of every ‘teachable moment’ with your children; in conversation, in relaxation, in activities, at bedtime and waking time, decorate your home with godly reminders instead of worldly distractions!

So, in closing, this will be our last “What am I thankful for?” post for now, and I’ll see you in a few days.  Blessings on you day and remember what a blessing it is to have godly parents and a real call to “BE” a godly parent!

Amen and Amen!!!

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!!!

Buried In The Sea??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #26

05 Friday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Believe God?, Broken Hearts, Buried IN the sea, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Comfort, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fearlessness, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Knowing God's Word, Light In The Dark, Love, Peace, There is no condemnation, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus

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Buried In The Sea???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #26

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!  We got rain—a good rain last night.  Thank YOU, Jesus!!!  So, a brief word to encourage you this morning, that God’s precious physical rain is a blessing, yet there is HIS blessing of what I call “soul rain”—the renewal and joy that Jesus gives to us when we think we can’t go one step farther.  When we think we’ve ruined our lives!  When we think we have no recourse!  JESUS still changes hearts and lives TODAY!  And HE can and will change your darkness into light.  He died to forgive your sin and mine—and HE does it permanently!!!

“Who is a God like unto thee,

that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression

of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again,

he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins

into the depths of the sea.”  Micah 7:18-19

When we come to Jesus for salvation through repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, we also receive the forgiveness of our sins.  And I love what Corrie Ten Boom used to say about God casting our sin into the “depths of the sea”, she said not only were our sins cast into the sea, but God also puts up a “no fishing sign”!  Don’t let the enemy of your soul go fishing in your past—it’s just that PASSED—GONE!  Yes, we have memory, but we also have a Savior with a great big eraser that will help ease the pains of those past failures, mistakes, and sin.  He saves and FORGIVES!  They’re buried in the sea—don’t go fishing, but press on in God’s Kingdom work not regrets and fears but right thinking (a sound mind)!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“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

You are forgiven—redeemed—and a possession of the KING!  Don’t let that toothless lion disturb you, but “withstand in the evil day”—remember we win!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish, strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

Just remember whose you are!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

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…….!

 

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!!!