THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE (Previously Published)

"I LOVE YOU!" How many times in your life has someone said these words to you? How did these words make you feel? Did you believe the person who said them? Did you reject their words because you thought that you were not worthy of their love? Each and every one of us wants to be loved. If anyone says they don't care if they are loved, then you know immediately that they have been hurt so many times that they have put up a protective wall around their heart. God created us to love; to love Him, to love others and to love ourselves.

Along the way, we receive messages that damage our ability to give and receive love. This month's blog looks at these three avenues of love and comes in two parts.

LOVE FOR GOD

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE

“…which is the great commandment in the law?: Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself" Matthew 22:36-39.

How do you love God? You don’t have to look far for the answer, because He’s already told us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments”

Commandments 1 through 4 show us how to love God.

#1 – Do not put anything or anyone else above Him
#2 – Do not worship idols (inanimate objects)
#3 – Do not use the Lord’s name in an inappropriate or disrespectful way
#4 – Remember the Sabbath day and do not work or transact business on that day

Commandments 5 through 10 show us how to love others.

#5 – Treat your parents with respect and those whom God has placed in authority
#6 – Do not do anything that kills life
#7 – Do not engage in an extra-marital affair, either physical or emotional
#8 – Do not take what does not belong to you
#9 – Do not be deceptive with what you say or what you withhold
#10 – Do not desire other people’s possessions

LOVE FOR OTHERS

A CHRISTIAN'S CONFESSION AND PRAYER

“He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even
until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hates his brother is in
darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that
darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11

Before coming to my new church (a multi-cultural congregation), I didn’t realize that I was walking in darkness. The darkness had blinded my eyes and I didn’t know where I was going. Being in a predominantly one-race church, I didn’t have to deal with or worship with the people against whom I was prejudiced. Snap judgments were made about everything from their style of worship to the way they raised their children. I made disparaging remarks about them--God’s children—without realizing the shroud of darkness that surrounded me.

Lord, today I confess that I have hated my brother. That’s probably why it’s been difficult to receive his love toward me. Free me from the bondage of hate and prejudice. Open my eyes to the love that unites us. Open my heart to the love he has to give. Open my heart to your love that binds us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

IN THE FACE OF SEVERE ILLNESS

How can we remain hopeful in light of no known cure?

We know without a shadow of a doubt that God could heal Coby instantly if He chose to do so. We do not doubt God's ability to cure her nor will we question His choice should He choose not to.

We have come to learn that in this school of hard knocks called life that we will not always understand why certain things happen to us. If we have not brought the calamity upon ourselves by our disregard of moral or natural laws, then we must conclude that God has the big picture in mind and is using the trial for the good of it's recipient and/or for the onlooking world.

While we have this perspective and trust God implicitly, it does not take away the heart ache and pain.--Christian Berdahl, The Shepherd's Call News, Vol. 9, Issue 1. (2010).

HE/SHE IS A GOOD PERSON

We are not good people. The bible makes it clear that we are sinners and that there is none good, no not one (Romans 3:10 and Psalm 14:3). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 and 5:12). We are sinners in need of a Savior, a Redeemer. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father (God) but by Him (His Son Jesus Christ) (John 3:16 and 14:6).

Beloved, surrender your sinful self to the Lord today and accept the gift of salvation. Repent and be baptised and begin a new life with the Master today (Matthew 3:2 and Acts 2:38).
Today is the day of salvation.

God loves you with an everlasting love.

MY PREVIOUS FACEBOOK POSTS

Reminded of the sins from your past? Here is a promise to each living soul, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

"Practice makes Better" - "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

Of all the people whose lives have intersected with mine, I pray that the effect was uplifting to us both..., if not, thank God for "do overs."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life... and this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (1 John 2:25 and John 17:3).

Where are you getting your information about yourself? God says, "I have called you by name" (See Isiah 45:3).

"Progress is only worth talking about if it is put into practice daily"

Personal Computer; $500
DSL Service: $60
Email Account: $0
Connecting and reconnecting with friends on Facebook: Priceless

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10)

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It’s the most wonderful time of year for many. From gifts, to feasting, to carols and hymns, to decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. People are a little nicer, the air is a little crisper, and an overall exciting buzz is in the air.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity to share with those who have never been told that each of us, as wonderfully made as we are, were sinners, but that God sent His Son, Immanuel (God with Us) to redeem us from the penalty of sin (death). We can choose to have a new life in Jesus Christ. Old things can pass away and all things can become new in our lives. Many have not heard these truths and search in vain for the peace that only God can give.

Christians, Jews and African Americans have this time of year carved out for different celebrations.

If you are into history, the following site has the History of Christmas covering time periods before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) Christ, Christmas Traditions by Country, Santa Claus History, Christmas Origins and Trivia and lastly, Christmas Books.

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

The History of Chanukah
http://www.beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/history.html

The History of Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

In the midst of traditions and tall tales, there is a Truth that will set men and women, boys and girls free. Today is the day of salvation.

RANDOM QUOTES

"The great test of every Christian is not preaching what he's [or she's] learned, but living what he [or she] preaches" - Dave Meyer

PROVERBS 2 FOR DECEMBER 2, 2010

Solomon gives instruction for the woman and for the man, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

(1) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh forward [perverse] things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the forwardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they forward in their paths:

(2) To deliver thee from the strange [immoral] woman, even from the stranger [seductress] which flattereth with her words; Who forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgeteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

THANK YOU, LORD

THANK YOU, LORD

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
That brighten every day
Like sunshine in the morning
And daffodils in May.

Thank you, too, for friends who care
When tears begin to fall
And thank you too for answered prayer
The greatest gift of all!

Thank you for each spring bouquet
And for the summer rose,
For rainbows in the meadow
And every stream that flows.

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
Which really are quite grand
For each is a miracle
Wrought by the Master’s hand!
Clay Harrison

"PRACTICE MAKES BETTER"

"And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth (practices) righteousness is born of Him...he that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked...Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."

References:
1 John 2:28,29
1 John 2:6
1 John 3:7

IN TIMES OF GRIEF OR LOSS

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11).

WISDOM IN 9-11

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

Words of King Solomon, the Preacher

EXAMINE YOURSELVES

Paul asks us to examine our selves (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Here are 7 questions* that will help with that personal assessment:

(1) Am I a Christian?

(2) Is the Word of God my study?

(3) Is Christ dwelling in my heart by faith?

(4) Is the law of God the rule of my life?

(5) Do the searching truths I profess to believe, penetrate into the secret places of my life?

(6) Do I carry out its principles in my business or home life?

(7) Is the influence I exert, having a saving power on those with whom I associate?

*I don't recall where these were obtained from

THE WILL OF GOD

"...if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." (John 9:31)

Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.

Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.

1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW

Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me, He who died, Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.

Jesus takes this heart of mine, make it pure and holy thine;
On the cross you died for me, I will love and live for thee.

Jesus loves me when I'm good, when I do the things I should;
Jesus loves me when I'm bad, even though it makes Him sad.

PERFECTION OF CHARACTER

Perfection of Character

One of the current errors in Christianity is that there is justification (Romans 4:24, 25), i.e. saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8) without sanctification, i.e. change of character and habits through obedience to the truth (Acts 16:26, 1 Peter 1:2). Study these precepts in the following lines, Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Acts 26:18. The two work together.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22)

Jesus said to the demoniac and to the woman caught in adultery, “go and sin no more”. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). The law of God is spelled out for us in the 10 Commandments (Found in the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, all the way to the Gospels, Paul’s letters and finally in Revelation).

Recurring themes: victory over sin; overcoming; being perfect; purifying our souls; and many more

Living a sinless life through the merits of Christ is possible!

Since you’re interested in understanding more of God’s word, here are some texts for further study (this is by no means and exhaustive list of bible texts):

Zephaniah 3:13 [no guile in our mouths]; Revelation 14:1, 5 [the 144,000]; Revelation 7:1-8 [144,000 receive the seal of God]; 1 Peter 1:16 [be ye perfect]; 1 Peter 2:21 [Christ our example]; Hebrews 8:8-10 [the sealing of God’s law in our hearts is the new covenant] and many more

THE REFINED GOSPEL - PROCESSED RELIGION

The Refined Gospel – Processed Religion

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1)*

There is a plethora of religious options to choose from, all claiming to be true. The patient seeker of truth has the guarantee that they will find it (Jeremiah 29:13). In the hodgepodge of religious teachings there is a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) and there is a processed religion.

In the processed religion the people say, “prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits” (see Isaiah 30:10). The leaders of the people cause them to err (see Isaiah 9:16) and the idolatrous priests…that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5) are misleading the flock.

When we begin to feed upon the pure, unrefined word of God it will have a powerful effect on our lives. We will preach with power (Revelation 18:1) and there will be no spiritual constipation or a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Just like food with its full fiber moves the waste and impurities from our bodies, so the pure word of the Lord purges the mind of impure thoughts and false teachings to the perfection of our character (Ephesians 5:26).

The word, however, must be chewed (studied) thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). If you’re not used to such full truth, it may be difficult at first, but as you become accustomed to the word of God, it will become easier to understand. Isaiah encourages us to study the word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10). By a casual perusal or by trying to take in too much at one time, we will not be edified and confusion and frustration will be the sure result.

Let us choose our spiritual food carefully.

*symbolic language: woman – church (Jeremiah 6:2; Revelation 12:17); bread - word of God (2 Peter 1:20; Matthew 16:12); apparel – character (Revelation 19:8; Isaiah 61:10); man/name – Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)

RANDOM QUOTE

"There is more peace when a relationship is severed with a full disclosure of information than one that ends because of inadequate disclosure"

Still wondering why a friendship I had years ago ended suddenly

RANDOM QUOTE

"If you don't know who you are, then anyone can name you, and you are then theirs by right of possession" - partial quote on the *Metro New York Men's Prayer Ministry conference call, with my addition

Romans 6:16 says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Praise the Lord for the encouragement that follows in verse 17,18 of the same chapter, "But God be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being made free from sin ye became servants of righteousness."

*Metro New York Men's Prayer Ministry
Daily 5:30am (EST)
218-486-1622
Pin: 13514#

N.B. Women are invited and welcome to participate as silent listeners and prayer partners

SEVEN (7) THINGS THE LORD HATES...

BUT WE THINK THEY ARE NO BIG DEAL

Six Things the Lord Hates; The Seventh is an *Abomination (Proverbs 6:12-19)

Proverbs 6:12-15 and Proverbs 6:16-19:

He that winketh with his eyes - A proud look (haughty eyes)

A naughty person, a wicked man,[who] walketh with a froward mouth - A lying tongue

He that teacheth (points)[accuses] with his fingers - Hands that shed innocent blood

He deviseth mischief (evil) continually - A false witness that speaketh lies

He speaketh with his feet (shuffles)[slothful] - Feet that be swift in running to mischief

Frowardness (perversity) is in his heart - A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations

He soweth discord - He that soweth discord among brethren


*Abomination
loathsome (Genesis 46:39)
defiles (Leviticus 18:30)
cursed (Deuteronomy (7:26)
detestable (Deuteronomy 18:9; 25;16)
odious (1 Samuel 13:4)

[brackets] are my addition

HOW'S YOUR HEARING?

If any man have an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:9)

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, you work is not done. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Each day, we are to live lives of obedience to our Savior. The lives we lived while in sin, the things that held us captive, must be done away with. We are to become new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Keep His Commandments and live (Proverbs 4:4 and 7:2). It may cost you your job, your friends, your family, or even your life, but great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11,12).

Daniel, Esther and her people and the three Hebrew boys all faced death decree's because of their devotion to God, but yet they did not waiver in keeping God's commandments. They did not follow the customs or traditions of their time or obey the laws of the land (if those laws caused them to disobey God's commandments).

As we strive to be obedient to our Lord, fear not, for "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Luke encourages us in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than man."