Archives for February 2017

1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Valentines Day has been celebrated all over the world since the 5th Century. it’s considered a day of romance and love. It’s not about the silly cards children make and share with their classmates; it’s not about the chocolates and flowers either.

The giving of those things has a bigger meaning. It means I acknowledge you and love you for who you are.

God tells us that love is the laying down of our lives for our brothers, just as Jesus did for us. What he’s telling us that in love, we won’t look the other way when a friend or family member has a need, while I have abundance.

I am to “love” them, and help them as best I can. While I may not receive anything tangible in return, no doubt the seeds of my kindness will grow and one day become a great harvest.

So today, on Valentines Day don’t look for what others give you as some indication of love. Look at how they treat you and others when someone in need is present. Even if all you can do is a little, God will call it love. And remind us that’s what love really is.

Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Have you ever flown first-class on an airplane before? I’m fortunate to say I have but it was status earned from flying lots of miles that got me upgraded, not my wallet. If you buy a seat in the front, it’s quite expensive compared to the deals offered in coach class.

The thing you quickly realize in first-class is the level of service is better. Much better. Better food, hotter coffee, free drinks, pleasant, if not attentive, service.

But it all pales in comparison to the level of service provided to the elect by the angels whom God sent to serve them. If you believe in Jesus, if you’ve accepted his name as the name above all names, if you have asked for salvation from your sins – they’re buzzing around you too. Right now.

There are so many stories of unexplained favor and grace told by believers to ignore or suggest they didn’t happen.

Many years ago my Mom was hit from behind by a semi-truck, plowed into the wall on a bridge over a large body of water, then spun backward out of control across 4 lanes of traffic without anyone else hitting her. She told me that something took control of the car and steered her to safety. I knew immediately that it was her angels that did that.

Do you have a story to tell where your angels intervened for you? I’d love to have you share your story of hope and encouragement here by leaving a comment.

Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater.”

In my prayers this week I’ve been considering the differences between God and his people. Especially in our capacity to love. When considering human love, stories are rare of those who don’t love their children. As wonderful and wonderfully flawed as they are we love them anyway.

But how often do you find stories of people who love other people’s children anywhere near as much as they love their own (or themselves)? Equally rare.

I guess that’s why God had to tell us, through Mark, how we were to live.

Most rare are any examples of God failing to love his children. He is love. He models love for us. He shows us how it’s done. And it’s been said, “we loved him because he first loved us.” Yes – that’s a great example of how we’re supposed to do it. Give love first.

 

Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

I’ve been reading a book called “Finding God in the Ruins” where the author tells his story of the abuse he endured as a child. He eventually “gave up on God”, believing he didn’t care about the young man’s situation. Doubting whether he was even real.

When a friend was asked to weigh in, the author discovered that God’s plans were evident in his life. The friend’s perspective could only have come from God himself. He did have a plan for the difficulties he faced as a boy. The plan was for welfare and not for evil.

Each of us has had difficulty. Some are suffering now. But God has a plan for you today. Talk about GOOD news!

 

Rom. 3:23-25 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Do you ever wake to feel something has gotten lost? Is broken? Today I feel all that and more. I’ve been under an aggressive spiritual attack for several days now and too weak to even pray my way through it. On days like this, the power of the enemy is real for me. It’s reasonable for me to accept that my sin caused this. But in my sadness – during my struggle, you, my Papa were there. Hand extended. Grace on offer. In abundance.

You spoke and told me who I am. Your first message was Child of God!, Then Chosen, Anointed, Saved, Called, Blessed. Loved. In a battle. Victorious!

Yes, I’m all of that and more. For losing touch with my reality, I’m also humbled. Thank you, Jesus, for today!