Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Debunking the "God Doesn't Give You More Than You Can Handle" myth.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1:8,9)

Has anyone ever told you during a difficult situation "Well, God only gives you what you can handle."  I've been told that many times and recently it just sent shivers down my spine. So I thought I'd talk about it here today. 

 I truly believe many people say this because of two reasons. First, they misunderstand where hardships come from. And second, most people don't know what to say to offer comfort during difficult times.

 First, God does not give anyone afflictions, illnesses, disabilities, addictions, war, family crisis, cancer, etc. These things happen because we live in a broken world. These things happen because we all have free will and make choices. And sometimes these choices affect us directly and sometimes our choices affect others. And sometimes, things just happen.  Nope, we have no idea why a single mom with 3 kids gets killed in a car crash on the way home from work, or why the athlete develops cancer, or why our spouse who has a wife who lives him starts to watch porn destroying a perfectly good marriage, or why our best friend must care for her elderly father who has Alzheimer's while her child has autism???

 But to be told that "God doesn't gives you what you can't handle" is such a lie. These are all things that just happen and God who is love doesn't give you "things" that are contrary to who He is!

 Then why do these things happen? Again, because we live in a fallen world and our Savior has not returned yet. Honestly, I don't have a better answer than that. I wish I did.

 But here is the beauty of this. God does give us what we "need" to deal with these situations. He gave us Jesus Christ. I know to some it sounds catty, but it's the truth. First, we have to believe that Jesus died for our sins and offers us forgiveness for our life. And then when that happens and you begin to develop that walk with Jesus you will begin to see that He is giving you what you "need" to deal with the situation. 

 Many people say "life goes on" but in reality, God is giving us the resources. People to pray for us. Doctors to help with medical treatments. Meals that come from strangers. And more. from others. But he is also using this to build your relationship with Him. He wants you to go to Him and tell Him you can't do it alone and you need help. He wants us to realize that we can't do it alone. When we exchange our pitiful pleas for genuine faith in Him, situations begin to look differently. I'm not saying that we will always like the outcome because again, we live in a broken world. BUT, God will use everything for His glory - if we just allow Him to.

 I also believe that when we focus on cries to God and He works in us for our own situation, our eyes become open to others around us. We begin to see the tragedies in others lives. And again, it's what we do with that that marks who we are as individuals.

 I'm not saying it's easy. Goodness knows I have my share of these trials. We all do in some way at some point in our lives. But it's what we do under adversity that really marks who we are. Do we run around crying out to others for help or do we fall on our knees and cry out to God? In the end, it takes courage to trust in God. 

 And so I believe it's OK to correct someone when they say to you "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." It's just not Biblical.
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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Being an Exile

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1:1-2

Just who are these exiles here that Peter is writing to? It says they have been chosen basically ahead of time by God. And then it says that through the Holy Spirit they are to do the work of God. 

Well these exiles were new Christians who were being persecuted for their beliefs, yet Peter is urging them on, letting them know that God has pre-selected them to do his works.  And that they have the Holy Spirit helping.

Now, I want you to think about them for just a moment. In their society they were looked down upon. Perhaps it was just because they were new Christians, but also perhaps because of their backgrounds. Perhaps they were sinners - those who society didn't want. And yet, they each came to realize that Jesus came for each of them and renounced their old ways to follow the promise of salvation.

Fast forward 2000 years, who could these exiles be now? Yup - they are us. What does society think of those who are addicted to porn, drugs, alcohol, controlling others, and .....    It's not like the local alcoholic is being welcomed into homes for food or shelter, or being given a job to earn money.  Those with addictions live on the outside of society.

But then there is that same greeting to us. Let me rewrite it
To God’s elect, those with addictions, hurts, hang-ups, habits scattered throughout the states Maine, California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York (and keep it going), 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1:1-2

Yes, the greeting is to you and me. In the next few days we will explore a little more about the next few verses of Chapter 1 in 1 Peter,  and where Peter was going with his message to these exiles. But today, just ponder on this verse - when you read the Bible and you see something that was written with such a greeting - it really does mean you and me as we are all sinners and need that Salvation that God has offered through Jesus Christ.  NOTE: we were selected ahead of time AND he has GOOD works for us.

And because of being exiles, it's why I think having a group to attend meetings with such as a 12 Step Program, Accountability group or a Celebrate Meeting helps all the "exiles" come together and have that peace.  If you don't already have a support group as such, I highly urge you to find one in your area.

And so today, grace and peace be yours in abundance!

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Monday, August 14, 2017

Love Must Be Sincere

Love must be sincere. Romans 12:9

Has anyone ever told you that they love you but you wondered if it was sincere? Or someone said "I'm praying for you or thinking about you" in the midst of a trial..and you wonder "Really?"  I know I've heard both of these things. What  made me pause and ask myself if it was true was that their actions didn't seem to reflect God's love. But then again, perhaps it's my insecurity that makes me second guess people's motives - or perhaps I'm being judgmental. Either way, for whatever reason it's left me feeling down.

But then I fill myself with this simple verse. Love must be sincere. And I reflect on who loves me no matter what!!  I don't need to doubt His sincerity. Jesus came in human form to die a horrible death to take away my sins. His words and actions clearly tell me that He loves me so much that I don't have any doubt. I am filled with belief and satisfaction.

But how can I apply that to my life? I don't want to be one of those people who I myself don't believe. First, I try and live like Jesus. He IS my example. He really did pray for people. He truly did help the sick, hungry, lame. I want to be like that. And so when I say I am "going to do something" like that - I follow through. I live by actions speak louder than words. And so, if I commit to helping at the food bank, I can't find an excuse at the last minute. Or when I say 'Is there anything I can do for you?' I must prepare myself that it might be something hard or time consuming.

Perhaps others have or continue to show you what I call fake love. Just empty words. Don't dispair. Jesus loves you and will fill you up with His love. And so, in return, let's only have sincere love for others and ourself.


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Monday, July 31, 2017

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit - say what??

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14


Fellowship of the Spirit means more than just having a relationship that's friendly.  Let's look at this verse --- Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:1–2)

Since we all share the Holy Spirit, Paul is ending the letter asking the believers to have that fellowship be in all; We as believers all share that Holy Spirit and so we ought to be filled with it's love as well.  Love and fellowship of the Spirit work together.

How can we apply this to our lives today, ask God to love others just as God loves us. We don't deserve his love and mercy yet he extends it to us freely.


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Sunday, July 23, 2017

How We Treat Others Is a Big Sign of Who We Are

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13

This one seems straight forward right? I mean, you want to be respected, loved, forgiven, accepted, desired to be with, and more. And that's natural because God really did design is to be that way. He truly wanted us to be social creatures.

So what's the big deal? People should treat you that way. I tell my kids ALL the time on a DAILY basis, "Treat others the way you want to be treated. It's the Golden Rule!" As children, we have to teach them this often because their brains have not formed yet and the impulsiveness and inner drive to satisify the self always comes first. And it's out job as parents to open their eyes to the world around them.

What makes this not so simple is that when dealing with an addiction, your world has become so self centered that seeing the value in others and respecting that and honoring it is not your first instinct. Most addicts will say that we needed that high no matter what the cost. And so, if that meant hurting someone else to get what we needed, then so be it.

But when we wake up and start to battle our addiction, our eyes become open to the real world and we often find that our social skills are very lacking. Very!  And so we must relearn this Golden Rule. But now as an adult and a follower of Jesus - there is a second part attached to this verse. See the part about "God judges you". Hey, my mom and dad never told me about that. So if doing the right thing isn't enough to motivate you then knowing that judgement will come should kinda help push you on your way to changing how you treat people.

Besides, ever notice that the people you want to hang out with (and I mean post-addiction) really seem to have a good handle on life, smile, interact well, laugh, open doors for others, want to get together?

So, today, challenge yourself to be nice to everyone. If you find it too hard to be nice to everyone, then pick one person who you struggle with for whatever reason. Usually we struggle with those who have treated us poorly in the past (hmm...see a trend here) and do something nice to or for them. Hold the door open. Ask if they need help. Say hi. If it's your spouse, then offer to do something nice for them - get flowers, offer to do the dishes or fold laundry, run to the dry cleaners for them. I don't know what that something is - but I bet you do!

Try being nice to someone today and see how it makes you feel. You may not get the red carpet rolled out for you - in fact, you might even get hurt. But keep trying and slowly the walls will come tumbling down and you will do nice things to and for people without even thinking about it. It will become second nature to not think about yourself first.



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Sunday, July 9, 2017

Incredible, but It's the Truth

Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13


I know it's very hard to remember that love will triumph all when we are in the midst of bitterness, resentment, prejudice, etc. But Love will remain. Thousands of years ago, Christ was unjustly tried and mocked by the Romans and fellow Jews. He was nailed to the cross - and crucifixion was one of the worst ways to die.

Yet, the awe of it all was that Jesus loved so much that he offered forgiveness right there on the spot to those who persecuted him. He asked God to forgive them. His love was so amazing that it surpassed all  the powers of hatred.

When in your life, you feel unloved remember that Jesus came and taught about how to love. But more so, he didn't just tech - he completely lived out that message. He was human just like us. And so when you are in that place in your life, remember his life and you will find peace and calm -- it will make you aware that love will always remain.


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Sunday, July 2, 2017

God's Purpose

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Last week I wrote about purpose and legacy and the fact that Jesus loves us. And I think today, this verse pulls all 3 of those pieces together. Jesus DOES have a purpose for us. That's why he created us. 

 But what is that purpose? Well, first, for those who are dealing with an addiction..we must be rid of it. There is NO WAY we can hear God's voice clearly about what our purpose is if we keep listening to the lies of Satan about how our addiction is an OK way of life.  Only once we shed that can we begin to hear God's voice.

 Now what is our purpose? Our legacy? I don't know. But what I do know is that this verse promises that "God works for the good of those who love him". Honestly, it would be awesome to know exactly what that is - but sometimes just rest in the promise. It takes a lot of energy to be here on earth and be sober - and so sometimes just resting in the promise is enough.  

 I thought it was important for you to know that...often we get so caught up in trying to "be" that we need to be reminded that He has it all worked out.  So take time to rest and let Him do the work (but be listening in case He is calling you!)


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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Jesus Loves You..But What Does That Mean

Jesus Loves Me..Umm..yes, I know This. But what does this really mean?

Well, I've heard it said that if Jesus really loved us then he would have totally eliminated hunger, or disease, or sin when he came to earth. But he didn't so how can someone who "picked and choose" who he helped really love us all?

Well, the thing is, yes he could have done all that. And then I believe as a people we would have been in awe - but not enough to change our ways. See, Jesus came to save everyone. But the key here is that we must believe in Him. If you read the Old Testament you will see over and over again that God did save his people..but yet they returned to their broken ways.  And so finally God sent his son Jesus so that we might have an intimate, personal relationship with Him.  Ever notice in life that you are moved to help those you know and you tend to get more involved because it's an intimate relationship, but when it's a mass of people you do a little but then let someone else step up.  Well, here Jesus is asking for that one on one relationship with you.

The thing is - He can get rid of the "ugliness" in your life. As you begin to really cultivate your relationship with Him,  you will see that He will meet YOUR needs exactly as you need them to be met. But not exactly as you want them to be met.  You are loved by Him because He made you - He wants to know you. You just have to let Him.


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Monday, May 29, 2017

The Last Days

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2nd Timothy 3:1-5


I often wonder, are we the "last days"? You read this and think that yes all of these are true now - today - in our present world! And how horrible they sound, right?

But they I begin to think about each one individually and realize that in the world of addictions, all of these are present, albeit some strongly more than others - but they are there. And the part about have nothing to do with these people - wow!

But I remembered something I heard a pastor say a few years ago about this passage.  He wrote that "Christ sends none away empty - only those that are full of themselves". How amazing is it that with all of these horrible traits - as an addict - as a sinner - that as long as we fall on our knees and ask him to be the center of our lives that He will be there with us.

Even as we accept this gift of grace there is a message here to be heeded. We are warned to not have anything to do with these people.  It is very true that those with an addiction are often weak to fall back into the old habits. And so we must distance ourselves from those things or people that were part of our past. It might be painful, but it is healthy to do so.

I wrote about this on the main blog as a series about "people, places and things " and "support systems" (and which is why I put them as yellows in the recoveryBox app - I feel so strongly about this, especially when I have scripture to back up my feelings).  To read the series, visit this link to the articles there.  http://www.recoveryboxapp.blogspot.com/search/label/support%20system

It might be hard to separate from those items/people - but you are not alone. Jesus is there waiting for you. He was waiting for you even before you knew you needed help from your addiction.



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Monday, May 22, 2017

I Know For Certain Whom I Can Trust

He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

It is important - no imperative- that you have someone you can trust. And I am speaking especially to those who are just beginning their addiction freedom journey. It's why I believe so much in the premise behind the recoveryBox app along with attending a traditional 12 Step program or a Celebrate Recovery meeting- and having an accountability partner or sponsor who has walked the walk and can talk the talk too. That person WILL be your eyes and ears when you need it most.

I understand that friends and family can us. But let's be honest - trust is a hard thing to gain when we have hurt these people repeatedly because of our addictions. And so, when you have that accountability partner, they will give "it" to you straight when a friend or family member might shy away or just close the door when you are in need most.

BUT, the good thing is that you have someone besides a sponsor or accountability partner.  You have God. Our Lord will NEVER let us down when we seek him.  When you need comfort or guidance or inspiration or love - He will always be there to give that freely.

I find it awesome that besides having someone in the earthly realm to help us fight our addictions, hurts, and hang-ups - that we have someone so powerful in the heavenly realm who "has our back".  We just need to trust.

So when you feel alone or left out - lift your eyes and ask Him for that something special today. Ask him for the love that only our Father can give.


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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Believing Without Really Seeing

Therefore we are always confident. We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

When faced with something really hard to decide - or a problem that just seems so insurmountable, what do we do? Do we trust that Jesus will work it all out? Do we come up with a plan of our own and then pray that Jesus makes that happen?

Jesus died so that we would live a life of freedom - I mean, you really have to love someone to lay down your life for them. Jesus did just that. He loves us no matter what - unconditionally! So, wouldn't it make sense that if He loves us unconditionally that He would have our best interest in mind?

And I don't mean what we have in mind. He really wants what's best for us - but we have to believe in Him and trust back unconditionally with everything we undertake. He will work it our for His glory and looking back - you will see that His plan was a million times better than anything we could have ever worked out.



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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Who are my friends?

Never abandon a friend-- either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. Proverbs 27:10

Who are your friends Ask yourself that. Why are they your friends? (And yes, accountability partner or sponsor count). It's because we have something in common, right. Neighbors? Parents of our kids' friends? Coworkers? Siblings?

Now ask yourself, if you needed something in an emergency, who would you ask? Now ask yourself, why would you ask them? Is it because they live close by? Or is it because they know your struggles and support you?  Whatever the answer -- it's yours to own.

But ask yourself, do you have a person like that in your life? If you answer no, then ask why? God didn't put us here to not have deep relationships.  He wants us to be with people - and therefore, it's going to be with something you have in common. You are worthy - I have no doubt in that.

Many who have an addiction feel that they are not worthy.  No one is going to want to truly love someone who has lived a life of sin? But, the first step in cultivating that deep relationship - is taking the time to get to know someone. Relationships take time but are very much worth the investment.  With a person that you feel safe, open up and tell them one thing about yourself that you think is interesting about yourself.  See where the conversation flows from there.


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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Will You Be My Friend?

If someone days, "I love God", but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? I John 4:20


I read this quote that said "To find a friend one must close one eye. To keep him..two" It's by Norman Douglas. It really got me thinking not about my friends (cuz goodness knows how I love them) but rather it got me thinking about myself.  I was thinking about my faults and failures and that my friends look right past those to love me for who I am.

We were born to have connection with others. It's why God made Eve for Adam because he knew that man needed something more than just himself.  But we loose those connections with people when we dive deeply into our addictions and hang ups and hurts.  And as we loose connections we start to tell ourselves that nobody would want to be my friend.  I'm a loser and have nothing to offer.

But, if that were true, why did God make you?  Didn't he make you for the purpose of blessing others? In life, we don't need the 1000 friends on Facebook to feel loved.  Rather, we just need those 2 or 3 good friends to love us as we are - those who can close their eyes and look past out failings because they have already examined their own.

It's one of the reasons that I created the recoveryBox app. By finding someone who has already walked the journey that you are on, they have already self-examined and can look past faults in order to bring healing.

Find one good friend today. Close your eyes and look past their failures but listen to their encouraging words - because that's what they are doing for you.



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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

I Lift My Eyes to the Hills

Psalm 121:1-2  

A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.









It's normal to feel helpless in life. It's because we are not in control and as a people we want control.  I can attest to this as I am a control freak! And yes we have free will to make our own choices and they do have consequences but in reality, God is in control. And so why do I try and "control" situations.  How silly of me to think I know God's plan and that I can do better.










And so when I need help, instead of trying to figure everything out on my own, I do as the Psalmist wrote and I lift my eyes to the hill because that is where my help will come from.










This weekend in my son's Sunday School class the teacher asked the kids "Why is it so hard to trust God?" (I was helping which is why I know what was said). And one smart kiddo answered, "Because I can't see him." Boy, did that little child state the obvious.  But I contend that he was seeing life through a child's set of eyes.  I can see God's love and provision in so many ways.  But I can see it because I am looking for it.  And so we must train ourselves to not only let God be in control but also to recognize His hand upon situations.  That is why we pray yes?  As we grow in faith and maturity, we begin will begin to see God's hand in life. And for those things that don't make sense, we get to ask him later.  How wonderful that life will not go unresolved.








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Friday, March 24, 2017

Love of Money (or any other addiction)

Those who have money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Ecclesiates 5:10

Depending on your addiction I want you to reread that scripture verse and substitute in your addiction in the blank.

Need help...

-- Those who have drugs will never have enough. How meaningless to think that a high brings true happiness! Ecclesiates 5:10

-- Those who view pornography will never have enough. How meaningless to think that impurity in thoughts and mind brings true happiness! Ecclesiates 5:10

-- Those who take risks will never have enough. How meaningless to think that a close encounter with death brings true happiness! Ecclesiates 5:10

-- Those who have "  insert here"  will never have enough. How meaningless to think that "  insert here" brings true happiness! Ecclesiates 5:10

I can't fill in the blank for your but I ask you to take a moment and think about how you would fill in those blanks. Happiness is truly something you find within.  It's a state of mind that's not created by things or experiences. If you define your life as such then you will never be happy - as it's never enough. But if you define happiness as a personal relationship with Jesus then you will see that Jesus IS enough.

I'm not saying to live a life of poverty as I don't think that's what scripture says. But within reason is what I believe God is calling us to. I'll give you a personal example. I LOVE to bike. I've been saving slowly for a new bike. I have also made sure to give back as well.  The thing is..I could choose to get a top of the line bike but would it make me any happier? but what if I got something that met my needs - to get out on the road and take care of the body God gave me AND to view the sites and creations of God at the same time giving praise.  Now that would make me happy...and I think God too!


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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Love is Practical and Sincere

This is how God showed His love among us. He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

Jesus Christ was deeply practical. If you study His life you will note that, along with the profound spirituality of His ministry, He had a truly practical nature. When Jesus raised Jairus's daughter from the dead, He told her parents to give her something to eat.

True love and care requires more than mere words - it calls for action!

Grace For Each Moment
March 23rd

-- What does practical look like in your life? What about mine? Do we just pray for those who are in need or do we give what we have? Do we just send money to shelters and hope that someone else will prepare a meal, or do we dig in and serve?  I don't know what practical love looks like in your life ..  only you can seek Jesus to answer that. But based on the model of Jesus, I know practical means doing. Find one practical thing today to do for someone else...challenge yourself.


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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Let Your Love Be Selfless

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.  1 John 3:18

Love in action is more than simply doing good deeds, pure love is profound and unselfish and embraces the faithfulness and noble principals that enrich the heart and mind of a person. It is precious above all things.

Grace For Each Moment
March 22nd

 -- For those who are in the world of addictions, love is a complicated thing. Sometimes addicts think "I love this person because he can always get me my drugs" or a codependent might think "If I do this for my son or daughter they will see how much I love them and they will have to stop using drugs, right?"

Alas, sometimes true love is actually letting go. The author writes later in the devotion about how true love is about sacrifice and sorrow and shows itself as loyalty and faithfulness.  So perhaps true love IS about letting go and just waiting.  I've been on both sides of the fence of this journey and I know how complicated and twisted love is.  BUT, I also know that the love from Jesus is NOT complicated.  In fact, it's the one sure thing that kept me going. Seek the love of Jesus today.


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Monday, March 20, 2017

Seek God All the Time

Joyce Meyer's Ministries

Seek God All the Time

by Joyce Meyer - posted March 18, 2013

Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. —Matthew 7:7
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast to show his sincerity to God. Missing a few meals and taking that time to seek God is not a bad idea. Turning the television off and spending the time you would normally spend watching it with God is not a bad idea either. Stay home a few evenings and spend extra time with the Lord instead of going out with your friends and repeating your problem over and over to them. These things and others show that we know hearing from God is vital.
I have learned the word seek means to pursue, crave, and go after with all your might. In other words, we act like a starving man in search of food to keep us alive. I would also like to add that we need to seek God all the time not just when we are in trouble. Once God spoke to me that the reason so many people had problems all the time was because that was the only time they would seek Him. He showed me that if He removed the problems, He would not get any time with the people. He said, "Seek Me as if you were desperate all the time and then you won't find yourself desperate as often in reality." I think this is good advice, and I highly recommend that we all follow it.

From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by InProv. All rights reserved.

-- I have got to say this one hit me as I was just posting the one yesterday about Jesus and wanting his love and to be filled by it.  And it dawned on me that I can only be filled with his love if I ask for it - and I can only be asking for it if I am taking time to seek Him. Let's do as Joyce suggests and shut off the TV or stay in one night that we would normally go out and spend time in the Word and in prayer.  Let's make this a habit and I am sure we will see our lives transformed.


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Sunday, March 19, 2017

Receive God's Love

If the name and character of Jesus had not been love, it would have been impossible for imperfect and sinful people to enter into a relationship with Him. But because He is love, He calls you to Him.

And you open your life to Hs influence, the Holy Spirit will enable you to live as God intended: in His strength and in the awareness of his living presence.

He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His please and will.

Grace For Each Moment
March 19th

-- I often just stare out into the world and reflect on how Jesus IS pure love.  Usually this happens after I have sinned or hear of some awful atrocity that happened..and it makes me just want more of Him in my life. I want to live my life with nothing but pure actions motivated by love. And each day I ask him to fill me with His love so that I may share that with others.


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Sunday, March 12, 2017

It's Better Together


"Praise the Lord from the earth... young men and maidens, old men and children." —Psalm 148:7,12
“Would you look at this?! Isn’t it wonderful?” My co-worker Angela always beckons me away from my desk at the end of the day whenever a beautiful sunset emblazons above the coastal hills by our office. She simply must share her joy with others. That’s the nature of praise, isn’t it? 
When we consider some aspect of life praiseworthy, we simply must have others join in. Whether it’s a sunset, a baby’s smile, a beautiful new painting we just hung in the living room, our delight is multiplied when others enjoy that special something with us. 
That’s why, according to C. S. Lewis, the writers of the Psalms keep encouraging us, the readers, to join them in praising the Lord. They are saying, “Look, I just have to show you... God is so great, you just have to praise him with me.” Lewis also said: “I used to think of praise in terms of giving a compliment or approval or the giving of honor. But it’s more than that. We praise the things we value, the things we enjoy. It’s a spontaneous overflow. We can’t help but praise what we value.” 
I love Jesus. I enjoy and value the Lord Jesus. And, yes, my delight in praising him is an expression of what I feel. But also, when I praise him, the joy is more complete if others join in. It’s the nature of praise. 
Find some aspect of nature — the texture of the tree trunk in the backyard or a Blue Jay’s brilliant feathers — and then rejoice in it with someone else. Consider together some glorious aspect of God. Maybe his mighty work in creation will come to mind. Or his attention to details. Or his infinite array of colors in creation. The point is to praise him with someone else. 
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