Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Discipline of a Disciple
Discipline: Definition
"behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control."
"a set or system of rules and regulations. "
"Ecclesiastical. the system of government regulating the practice of a church as distinguished from its doctrine."
Disciple: Definition
"a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; follower"
"any follower of Christ"
The Discipline of a Disciple
To be a true disciple of Christ or to be a Christian, which means Christ-like, your life should be a witness to others of God's love and grace. It's a conscious effort we all have to make and renew daily! None of us are perfect but we strive to achieve Christ's example!
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." ~ Titus 2:11-14
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ 2 Peter 1:3-8
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Happy Father's day
We all have a father who
loves us more than
anything in the world
or beyond!
God!
"We have a heavenly Father above
with eyes full of mercy
and a heart full of love...
He really cares
when your head
is bowed low...
consider the lilies
and then you will know!"
The best example
of a good father
is our loving God!
The best example of
a loving God
is a godly father!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
God Keeps His Promises!
Throughout the ages God has made promises to his people and his creation-all humanity. A covenant is an agreement of that promise with the parties on both sides. Though we may not always live up to our end of the deal in our "agreement" we are blessed by grace that God ALWAYS honors his covenants with us! Praise the Lord for his goodness, mercy, love and grace to us!
A list of God's Covenants (promises)
Order of God's Covenants in Depth
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Verses for the New Year
It's a New Year and with a New Year comes new opportunities and new beginnings. Every new day brings another chance for positive change! Every new path brings new adventures!
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:18
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
A Graceful Life
A young man of 17 years old learns he is dying of terminal cancer.
What he does next teaches others how to live!
Zach's Story
Clouds by Zach Sobiech Performed by Various Artists
Friday, November 8, 2013
Christian vs Humanitarian?
Chris·tian
noun \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\
: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. (Christ-like)
To be Christ-like means to live by Christ's example.
Chris·tian·i·ty
noun \ˌkris-chē-ˈa-nə-tē, ˌkrish-, -ˈcha-nə-, ˌkris-tē-ˈa-\
: the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Biblical scripture that explains what it is to be and how to become Christian.
"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (NAS, Matthew 7:8-11)
"..., blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." (NAS, Luke 11:28)
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. (NIV, John 14:21)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV, John 13:34-35)
Now, the definition of a humanitarian-
hu·man·i·tar·i·an
noun \hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən, yü-\
: a person who works to make other people's lives better
So now, why is it that so many of us can't seem to realize that the true meaning of truly living as a Christian is not to appear superior to others but really show compassion and love by helping others in whatever way God has blessed us with to give. This show of love as Christ loved is being Christian and it is exactly what humanitarianism is. They are the SAME THING!
If we as
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Live In Peace!
http://cindeere.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/rejoice.jpg
re·joice
riˈjois/
verb
- 1.feel or show great joy or delight."he rejoiced when he saw his friend alive"
And that’s about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace. All the brothers and sisters here say hello.
The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The blessing of God are shown to us in all of the beauty of nature and through those whom we love.
Psalm 21:1-7
[ A David Psalm ] Your strength, God, is the king’s strength. Helped, he’s hollering Hosannas. You gave him exactly what he wanted; you didn’t hold back. You filled his arms with gifts; you gave him a right royal welcome. He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a longlife as a bonus. You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud, then dressed him in rainbow colors. You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile. Is it any wonder the kingloves God? that he’s sticking with the Best?
Psalm 21:1-3
via Biblegateway.com
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Are WE taking the time to hear them?
There are so many hurting people in the world! Many of them are right next door, standing beside you in the check-out line or sitting beside you in a restaurant (or even at your church). People are so much more that their sin and have so much more worth saving! God thinks so! So should we! They will never know unless we SHOW them!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Handful of Change
It’s Christmastime and all the stores are adorn with festive lights and decorations in an attempt to enhance the holiday spirit. Bell-ringers faithfully stand by each storefront with their clinking bells, big red pots and “Merry Christmas” greetings hoping to acquire all the change left in the hands of those last minute shoppers. Many put the change in their pocket and walk on by without a second glance. Others drop the change into their pocket without a second thought, mainly to avoid the hassle of having to put it back in their wallets. After all it is just change, right? What difference could a few coins really make? ‘It’s not like a handful of change is going to make a difference in the world!’ Yet, the truth is, a handful of “change” could make a difference in someone’s life without costing a penny!Okay, so that last statement may sound like a riddle but it really isn’t if you think about it. When someone speaks of a ‘handful’ or something ‘in hand’ they are usually referring to something in one’s possession (Webster’s Online Dictionary). Most possessions are considered valuable if only to the owner. Many things could be considered possessions but not all are monetary. Some possessions come in the form of skills, talents, abilities or even personality traits.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Zoe
Zoe is your name but love is the lesson you teach by example to all those around you. You live not wanting to miss a thing, going full throttle until sleep sneaks up on you. And you laugh-yes laugh! I am amazed that you can give such a peculiar, almost thoughtful look through those big, passionate brown eyes. After which, you throw your head back with a grin, take a running head start and tackle me a huge hug and a lot of love. How enlightened I feel when I allow myself to learn from your unpretentious, sincere and innocent nature.
Oh, how much richer our lives would be and how valued our loved ones would feel if we all followed your example of living life to its fullest and loving without hesitation. When we find such an impressive example of simplistically living with a pure heart, we are wise to follow it. Even wiser, to refuse to be hindered by the fact that this message of how to live a contented life is packaged in a four-legged, pug nosed bundle of fur!
Maybe you can’t actually speak but you communicate volumes. Oh, the volumes you could teach us humans! If I could actually have a conversation with you, I would tell you how thankful I am for the insight you have given me. Maybe I’m the one who doesn’t understand for somehow assuming that you don’t already know. Zoe-your name means life. You definitely inspire life and give honor to your name!
copyright Morning Glories 2009
David Danced!
During one of my nursing rounds, I went to check on one of my patients who had an IV antibiotic infusing. I realized the antibiotic was finished so I proceeded to disconnect the IV as I said, “Now you will be able to move around the room a little easier without having to drag around this IV pole.” A visitor that was present in the room at the time said with a laugh, “You can even get up and dance a jig!” to which he immediately responded, “Oh no, God would get me for that!”. As I listened I quickly debated over whether to respond to what I had heard or to just act as if I didn’t. It only took a few seconds before I came to a decision as I heard myself say, “Well, David danced!”. That comment provoked a look of wonder from the man. Then, to elaborate on my previous remark I said, ”You know, king David in the Bible”. The man abruptly turned to me with the strangest look of awe in his eyes and a slight grin on his face. He didn’t even speak for several seconds but just gazed at me as if pleasantly confused. I couldn’t help but giggle a bit as I looked at him and said, “Oh, you didn’t think I would know that, did you?”. To this remark, his grin progressed into a huge smile as a discussion of celebrating God’s grace developed among those of us in the room.
As we talked, the demeanor of the man lightened and I began to think to myself that in this moment we were experiencing evidence of God’s word. The Word states that where two or three are present in his name, there he will be also (Matthew 18:20). He revealed his presence in that room that day by the glow of the faces and the lifting of mood all around. All this brought about merely by sharing God’s given knowledge of him to someone else.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
That's My Girl!
Ruben Frank rose this morning, as he does every morning, to the sound of rustling bed covers, running water and squeaking wheelchairs. All courtesy of the nursing staff, who come in to wake his dear bride of more than 50 years to bath, dress and ready her for the day. This was the daily routine before breakfast was served in the main dining hall of the assisted living community in which they now live.
During this time, as well as throughout the day, he sits in his recliner by the window. The blinds are positioned at just the right angle to allow perfect sight of any passersby in the corridor at the other end of the garden atrium, adjacent to his only remaining physical view of the world.
This was his “space”, an area large enough only to fit a chair, table and lamp. A place he seemed to have carved out for himself that somehow connected him to the outside world, if only by a window. Although this window seat had become a treasured possession, it was hardly a rivaled comparison to his Florida home of ample room, rich land and plentiful rivers which seem to sing a song of solace as their waters rush over the rocky banks.
As his nurse, I was able to talk with him on a regular basis during our weekly visits. Yet, as we chatted and I listened to him tell his stories of the life he lived, I began to realize that this small window view that he was so protective of was more than a connection to the outdoors. It was the last remaining vehicle he possessed in retrieving the precious memories of his past; his hobbies, his passions, his achievements and failures, his “pride-and-joy” moments and of course, his loves.
He has spoken of younger days living in Florida on the river as the party boats sailed by with their music flowing upstream to fill the air that pour into his bedroom window at night. He has also told with pride how he became a prominent pilot and expert welder as a young man trying to make his way. Each rendition shared revealed only a small section of his life, yet gave a little more insight to the man he was and the life he relished so. The most poignant were the stories of how he first met his sweet bride who doesn’t talk much these days and requires constant care and assistance for the simplest of tasks regarding her own personal care.
Even though she could give little if any response as he spoke, he would give her a glance and a pat on the hand as he said, “That’s my girl!”. Many of his stories would be followed by the phrase, “I miss my home. Florida-that’s my home. This isn’t home for me but I’m here because she needs to be here and ‘that’s my girl’”.
Monday, June 24, 2013
God Ordained Friendship
The friendship that exists between those brought together by God is truly a miracle. Many people in this world do not understand such a bond. To anyone who has not seen it or experienced it for him or herself, the temptation to claim that it isn’t real would be hard to resist. Those of us who have received the grace of God to be blessed with such a friendship know how real it is. Relationships that are ordained by God with his guidance and strength are true blessings that enrich our lives.
David before he became king
Recently I have been studying the story of David in the Bible. I have been enthralled by the story of David and Jonathan because of their special bond. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 18:1, “…the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul (NKJV)”. God worked through this friendship to position David to be king and carry out his will for the benefit of his people. Both realized that their friendship was a God given bond and part of a larger plan for the fulfillment of the Lord’s will. Considering all the obstacles that faced this relationship, expressly the murderous attempts of the current king on David’s life (which happened to be Jonathan’s father) the only explanation for how this close bond was forged and how it flourished was that it was God ordained.
Noticing this divine intervention in both their lives, each realized the impact of this special gift from God. This is expressed in the words of Jonathan when he said, “Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God’s name, saying God will be the bond between you and me and between my children and your children forever (1 Samuel 20:42, The Message)! They both understood the strength gained by two people coming into agreement with God as the Bible says, “a strand of three is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)”.
Eyes of Love
One day at work I came across a coworker who was going through a difficult time in her life and appeared to be very sad, quite, preoccupied and withdrawn. Her eyes were downcast and seemed to be void of light. Though she didn’t speak much, she communicated volumes to reflect her mood and emotions. I couldn’t help but notice that her eyes could not contain the message, which she refused to speak with her mouth. This experience reminded me of a proverb about how the eyes are the windows of the soul. I began to think of the truth in that statement and how much is revealed of a person through the eyes. The Bible says that the eye is the light of the body (Luke 11:34). This can explain how we are able to share our feelings or possibly even our personal convictions without speaking a word. Sadness, pain, joy, fear, anger, love and hatred as well many other emotions or even ones mental state can be seen through the eyes of that person. This shows how the mind and body affect each other and how hiding ones true feelings or even personal character may prove difficult at times.
Eyes: Windows of the Soul
Have you ever spoken with someone who had expressive eyes? As they recall a story, did their eyes seem to accentuate the very point being made by the verbal communication given? Imagine living during Jesus time on earth as one of his disciples, privileged to personally observe him speaking, teaching, and healing. What message would his eyes portray to you? Envision being able to have a conversation with him as the disciples did. Would you see passion in his eyes to strengthen the reality of his message and give insight to its true meaning of power and potential to change lives? I think you would. The Bible continually speaks of the love of Christ. The book of John is considered the book of love because it describes the love Jesus had for all mankind. How can a heart so full of love and compassion refrain from flooding the eyes with a reflection of the same?
The Eyes of Jesus
To see the expressive eyes of Jesus, you merely have to choose one of the many compassionate stories in the Bible and step into the shoes of the main character. Take, for instance, the story of the widow’s only son. When Jesus saw the widow in pain, he had compassion on her and told her not to cry. Because he had love for her and felt her sorrow, he touched her sons’ coffin and gave the command that brought him back to life (Luke 7:13-15). Imagine being that mother looking into the eyes of the one who gave you the gift of your son-alive! Another report tells how he responded when confronted with the death of Lazarus. Jesus saw his sister weeping, was troubled in spirit and wept also as he called Lazarus to come forth-raising him from the dead (John 11: 32-44). How his eyes must have danced with joy to be able to give such restoration to these people whom he loved so much. He was fully committed to sharing in the lives of those around him and openly expressed his love and compassion for them.
His Ministry
His entire earthly existence was dedicated to love, life and giving both to others. How could anyone ever find any wrong in that? The religion scholars did and wanted him stopped at any cost. They decided that the only price sufficient was to forever extinguish the eyes that sparked life to the hopeless and shed light in dark places. The eyes and life of Jesus became the payment they required (John 19:7). The life that lived for others and began on earth for the purpose of bringing hope to the world was not welcomed and suffered for it. The suffering was brutal and did not only encompass physical beating but scorning, ridicule and persecution from Roman soldiers (Luke 22:63-67). While enduring this torture, he also faced abandonment of those he considered to be his closest companions-the result was isolation and loneliness. During each ordeal he presented love and compassion that, I believe, could not be contained by his eyes. This expression of intense love for us and for God’s will was evident in his eyes even though his flesh caused him to feel every hurt just as deeply as any one of us would. How do I know? The Bible states that when Jesus was taken to the high priest house, Peter (one of the twelve disciples) being close enough to see him, denied Jesus to the crowd outside. Immediately, Peter was convicted with one look from the loving eyes of Jesus and he began to sob from the grief of his betrayal (Luke 22:54-62).
The Trial
During the arrest and trial of Jesus, the ones who received the benefit of his love the most were the same ones who were demanding his crucifixion while the soldiers took joy in mocking and beating him (Luke 23:23). Throughout it all he never spoke a word in retaliation and continued to regard them with love. This love was apparent even amid the excruciating pain of hanging on a cross by nails driven through the hands and feet. First, when Jesus gazed down at his mother with eyes of compassion as he said to his disciple John to care for her as his own (John 19:26-27). Then, as he saw past his own suffering and considered with mercy the ones directly responsible for his anguish as he prayed on their behalf for God’s forgiveness (Luke 24:34). It seems that anyone would find it nearly impossible to even imagine looking at someone who caused so much misery with love or mercy-but Jesus did. Love continued to radiate from his presence when he turned eyes full of grace to the thief on the cross next to him as he reassured the man of his eternity (Luke 24:39-43).
What He Can Do For You
He still restores us today with mercy and grace that flows through eyes of love, which he reveals to all who have the desire to know him. He blesses that desire with the ability to envision his eyes covered in blood and swollen but full of love as he hung on the cross for the very ones that put him there-all of humanity. The eyes that wept with compassion, convicted with truth, healed with grace and renewed with hope. Those eyes can do the same today if we permit ourselves to be drawn as so many were all those years ago. So allow yourself to be drawn to the eyes of hope, truth, grace and mercy-the eyes of love.
copyright Morning Glories 2009
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-glories-shawn-tinsley/1016944355?ean=9781425184513
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