Jer. 31:3 "...I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (NIV)
"...I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!" (MSG)
During a recent doctor's office visit, I noticed a pamphlet in the waiting room magazine rack entitled "Five Wishes". On the cover, below the bold print title, were listed five wishes that a person might want to make known to his or her family. Just to give you an example, one of them was, "Who do I want to be in charge of making medical decisions for me if I am not able?". But the one wish I read that made me stop and think was simply, "What do I want (wish) my family to know?".
At first, I thought about things like life insurance policies, retirement and bank account information. And that stuff is necessary and important. But the more I thought about this wish, I began to think about the most important thing I could tell them. The one thing I would want them to remember more than anything else and forever. I would want them to know my heart. Not what we had materially but what we had relationally.
I came to the conclusion that I would want each of them to know how much I loved them from the first day they came into my life until the last. And then some. And all along the way, no matter what happened in life, I had never quit loving them and never would. Although I'm sure mothers feel this way too, I believe this love to be very much that of a father for his family, for his children. I know it is mine. I hope my family expects love, love and more love from me.
Our Father in heaven expresses His unconditional, inexhaustible love for us in the same way. If there is one wish the Father would want His children, His family to know, I think this verse says it best. I've always loved you, I never quit loving you and I never will! Expect My love.
Sock Monkey Snippet: God loves you.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Did, Does and Will
2 Cor. 1:10 ...who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,...
What I love about this passage is that it covers all the bases. In it are contained the past, present and future tenses of God's rescuing power. He did deliver us, He does deliver us and He will deliver us.
In the previous verse, Paul recalls an extreme situation, scholars debate as to exactly what that situation was, in which the apostles feared for their very lives. They didn't think they were going to make it. Certainly not in their own strength. So, they had no choice but to trust in Him. A God who raises the dead, who can rescue from the most extreme of all situations. A resurrecting God. And it was this past rescuing that caused Paul to acknowledge God's ability to rescue today and tomorrow as well. In such a God, it only makes sense to trust, hope and expect. He is our Resurrection and our Rescuer. Yesterday, today and forever.
Can you recall a situation in your own life that you didn't think you were going to survive? Can you look back on it now and know without a doubt that only God was able to rescue you from it or bring you through it? Do you see your daily trials and tribulations as opportunities for Him to rescue yet again? Finally, do you trust Him and realize your future is being overseen by the One mighty enough to raise and rescue even the dead? He did, does and will deliver us always.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Trust in God to deliver you always.
What I love about this passage is that it covers all the bases. In it are contained the past, present and future tenses of God's rescuing power. He did deliver us, He does deliver us and He will deliver us.
In the previous verse, Paul recalls an extreme situation, scholars debate as to exactly what that situation was, in which the apostles feared for their very lives. They didn't think they were going to make it. Certainly not in their own strength. So, they had no choice but to trust in Him. A God who raises the dead, who can rescue from the most extreme of all situations. A resurrecting God. And it was this past rescuing that caused Paul to acknowledge God's ability to rescue today and tomorrow as well. In such a God, it only makes sense to trust, hope and expect. He is our Resurrection and our Rescuer. Yesterday, today and forever.
Can you recall a situation in your own life that you didn't think you were going to survive? Can you look back on it now and know without a doubt that only God was able to rescue you from it or bring you through it? Do you see your daily trials and tribulations as opportunities for Him to rescue yet again? Finally, do you trust Him and realize your future is being overseen by the One mighty enough to raise and rescue even the dead? He did, does and will deliver us always.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Trust in God to deliver you always.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Nothing Back
1 Pet. 2:23 He never did one thing wrong. Not once said anything amiss. They called Him every name in the book and He said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. (MSG)
We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things we later regret. And so when we suffer the consequences of our words and actions, we accept those consequences and understand that we deserved them. But it is a completely different situation when we are treated poorly or wrongly accused when we don't deserve it. To accept such treatment without retaliating or defending ourselves goes against our human nature. Everything in us wants to rise up and lash out at those who would seek to hurt or destroy us. And often times, we do just that.
Jesus was perfect. In word and deed. And so, it is absolutely mind-boggling that, standing before Pilate, He responded to mistreatment and accusations in such an unexpected way. He said nothing back (Mt. 27;12, Mk. 15:3). No one would have been more justified in responding with righteous anger than He. And yet, demonstrating incredible restraint, He said nothing back. Why?
First, Scripture tells us (1 Pet. 2:21) that Jesus suffered everything that came His way so that we would know it could be done, that it was indeed possible. Verse 20 of The Message translation says, "But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God." Yes, it can be done. Jesus showed us how. No, it isn't easy. But it counts with God. Secondly, it tells us that He suffered in silence being content to let God set things right. That is to say, Jesus was content to let His Father be His Judge.
How then should we respond to being treated poorly and to being wrongfully accused and maligned? What should we give in return? Nothing back.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Continue in spite of how you are being treated and let God be your Judge.
We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things we later regret. And so when we suffer the consequences of our words and actions, we accept those consequences and understand that we deserved them. But it is a completely different situation when we are treated poorly or wrongly accused when we don't deserve it. To accept such treatment without retaliating or defending ourselves goes against our human nature. Everything in us wants to rise up and lash out at those who would seek to hurt or destroy us. And often times, we do just that.
First, Scripture tells us (1 Pet. 2:21) that Jesus suffered everything that came His way so that we would know it could be done, that it was indeed possible. Verse 20 of The Message translation says, "But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God." Yes, it can be done. Jesus showed us how. No, it isn't easy. But it counts with God. Secondly, it tells us that He suffered in silence being content to let God set things right. That is to say, Jesus was content to let His Father be His Judge.
How then should we respond to being treated poorly and to being wrongfully accused and maligned? What should we give in return? Nothing back.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Continue in spite of how you are being treated and let God be your Judge.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Recipe for Happiness
Phil. 4:11-13 I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances...I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. (MSG)
I suppose if you were to ask most people what would make them happy in life, they would say money or maybe good health. A few might say power, influence or position. But are these really the things that give true and lasting happiness? If so, then why are some happy with so little while other are miserable with so much? Why are some able to rejoice even in the midst of suffering and in the absence of comfort?
If we are, as Paul discovered, to be content in whatever state we are in, then our happiness has to be predicated on something else. Something other than our circumstances. Something other than our condition. It has to be based on a connection.
Jesus described Himself (Jn. 15) as the Vine to which we are to be connected. Why? Because apart from Him, we can do NOTHING. Paul understood that being connected to Christ guaranteed him the strength and sufficiency to make it through ANYTHING! A Divine Connection was more important and valuable to him than a desired condition. And maintaining it was his recipe for happiness in any situation. What's yours?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Seek a Divine Connection rather than a desired condition.
I suppose if you were to ask most people what would make them happy in life, they would say money or maybe good health. A few might say power, influence or position. But are these really the things that give true and lasting happiness? If so, then why are some happy with so little while other are miserable with so much? Why are some able to rejoice even in the midst of suffering and in the absence of comfort?
Jesus described Himself (Jn. 15) as the Vine to which we are to be connected. Why? Because apart from Him, we can do NOTHING. Paul understood that being connected to Christ guaranteed him the strength and sufficiency to make it through ANYTHING! A Divine Connection was more important and valuable to him than a desired condition. And maintaining it was his recipe for happiness in any situation. What's yours?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Seek a Divine Connection rather than a desired condition.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Expectation
Lk. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
What expectations did you have for this holiday season? Did you expect to relax and spend time with your family? Did you expect a special time of celebration in your local church? Did you expect to shovel snow? We all had a preconceived plan of how we thought things would play out. And perhaps things went according to OUR plan and perhaps not. The truth is, OUR expectations aren't always met.
The expectation that many Jewish people had of the coming Messiah was one of a Mighty Warrior and Conquering King who would establish His Kingdom by force. So, an innocent child, a rumored Messiah, born in a manger, probably left many scratching their heads. Things weren't quite going according to THEIR plan. What they thought was not what they got. Of course we can see and understand from our perspective in time, that regardless of THEIR plan, God gave His best. His only Son. According to HIS plan.
The new year is almost upon us and we all have expectations of how we would like to see it unfold. But whether or not it goes according to our PRECONCEIVED plan, rest assured that it will most certainly go according to God's PREORDAINED plan. And He wants only the best for us. With that knowledge, may we be encouraged and find peace as we begin 2013. Happy New Year!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Expect God's best in 2013.
What expectations did you have for this holiday season? Did you expect to relax and spend time with your family? Did you expect a special time of celebration in your local church? Did you expect to shovel snow? We all had a preconceived plan of how we thought things would play out. And perhaps things went according to OUR plan and perhaps not. The truth is, OUR expectations aren't always met.
The new year is almost upon us and we all have expectations of how we would like to see it unfold. But whether or not it goes according to our PRECONCEIVED plan, rest assured that it will most certainly go according to God's PREORDAINED plan. And He wants only the best for us. With that knowledge, may we be encouraged and find peace as we begin 2013. Happy New Year!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Expect God's best in 2013.
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Value of Love
1 Cor. 13:8 Love never fails...
Most of us are familiar with the "love" chapter found in 1 Corinthians. We read it often and usually hear it recited in some form or another at most wedding ceremonies. Lately, the Holy Spirit has been speaking these three particular words to my heart. Love never fails.
The Greek word for "fails" is ekpipto. It literally means to fall off like a leaf or flower. Paul was writing that, unlike the other spiritual gifts he mentioned, love will never cease to exist. It will never stop being effective. It will never fall away like that leaf or flower but rather will always flourish. The value of love is found in its permanence. It is not temporary. It is forever. Love never runs out or gets used up because it exists in an inexhaustible, endless supply that is incapable of being tried beyond what it can endure or cover. No matter what, it can not be lost. Love will never go away.
God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). The two are synonymous. How easy, and appropriate, to understand Him in the context of being always flourishing, always effective and always there for us in endless, inexhaustible supply. God's love for us is forever. He never fails!
Sock Monkey Snippet: God's love is forever.
Most of us are familiar with the "love" chapter found in 1 Corinthians. We read it often and usually hear it recited in some form or another at most wedding ceremonies. Lately, the Holy Spirit has been speaking these three particular words to my heart. Love never fails.
The Greek word for "fails" is ekpipto. It literally means to fall off like a leaf or flower. Paul was writing that, unlike the other spiritual gifts he mentioned, love will never cease to exist. It will never stop being effective. It will never fall away like that leaf or flower but rather will always flourish. The value of love is found in its permanence. It is not temporary. It is forever. Love never runs out or gets used up because it exists in an inexhaustible, endless supply that is incapable of being tried beyond what it can endure or cover. No matter what, it can not be lost. Love will never go away.
God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). The two are synonymous. How easy, and appropriate, to understand Him in the context of being always flourishing, always effective and always there for us in endless, inexhaustible supply. God's love for us is forever. He never fails!
Sock Monkey Snippet: God's love is forever.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
An Excellent Spirit
Then this Daniel distinguished himself...because an excellent spirit was in him Dan.6:3
Throughout an entire kingdom, a single man was known for his (spiritual) understanding and great wisdom. The Holy Spirit, found in him, distinguished Daniel from all others. So much so that he was sought after by the king and queen, those in the highest positions of authority and leadership. How amazing and life-changing the Holy Spirit must be to affect a person's life so profoundly!
The Holy Spirit is an evident spirit. He got Daniel noticed. The Holy Spirit is an enabling spirit. He enabled Daniel to see things, to understand them and to be wise. The Holy Spirit is an excelling spirit. He caused Daniel to be promoted. The king, we are told, even gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
As believers, this same, excellent Holy Spirit is found in us. He gives us wisdom and understanding. He can and should affect our work, our home, our communities and, yes, even our countries. Our entire kingdoms! He will distinguish us and we will be noticed by others, including those in positions of authority and leadership. He will promote us.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit is amazing and life-changing. Profoundly affecting us all. He is Spiritus Dei Amplior, the Spirit of God more abundantly in us, an excellent spirit.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have an Excellent Spirit.
Throughout an entire kingdom, a single man was known for his (spiritual) understanding and great wisdom. The Holy Spirit, found in him, distinguished Daniel from all others. So much so that he was sought after by the king and queen, those in the highest positions of authority and leadership. How amazing and life-changing the Holy Spirit must be to affect a person's life so profoundly!
The Holy Spirit is an evident spirit. He got Daniel noticed. The Holy Spirit is an enabling spirit. He enabled Daniel to see things, to understand them and to be wise. The Holy Spirit is an excelling spirit. He caused Daniel to be promoted. The king, we are told, even gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
As believers, this same, excellent Holy Spirit is found in us. He gives us wisdom and understanding. He can and should affect our work, our home, our communities and, yes, even our countries. Our entire kingdoms! He will distinguish us and we will be noticed by others, including those in positions of authority and leadership. He will promote us.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit is amazing and life-changing. Profoundly affecting us all. He is Spiritus Dei Amplior, the Spirit of God more abundantly in us, an excellent spirit.
Sock Monkey Snippet: We have an Excellent Spirit.
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