Will I judge you or ….

We have a choice. We live in a culture where we are all critics. It is an easy trap to fall into to judge people. We don’t like to use the word “judge” but that is what it is all about. Jesus is clear that we shouldn’t live that way.

The choice to make is love. We must love and not judge.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”~~ Mother Teresa

Not caring …

It is easier to deal with someone who clearly hates you than someone who just doesn’t care. We have an enemy who hates us and yet we go through most days ignoring that. We have a Father who loves like there is no tomorrow. Humans seem to have the unique capacity for apathy.

May I love like my Father.

“The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference.” ~~C.S. Lewis

A lot of small things

We are called to love by our Master Jesus. That is an every moment kind of calling. It is a lot of little things. Of course, in God’s world, that adds up to a lot.

In this life we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love. -Mother Teresa

The worst is never the worst

Our heavenly Father loves me. He is love and love is patient. He isn’t frustrated with me. He won’t let go. He is going to see me through. So knowing this, I can wait for hope to appear. It will. He loves me.

He cares and doesn’t put any roadblocks in my way. He isn’t involved with making my life hard. I just need to wait on Him. I shouldn’t run away but I should face reality with Him. Nothing is too hard for Him. He makes the Lion and the Lamb to lie down together. How good is that? He has stockpiles of love. No end to His love.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way.
— Lamentations 3

It is all about relationships

It is all about relationships. Our relationship with God. Our relationship with all those we know or even don’t know but come in contact because God has something in mind. Am I willing to humble myself? Can I give everything I have for what God wants me do in love of others? I can with His gift of Power of the Holy Spirit. That is His promise. That is the benefit of His new agreement based on love.

And in relationships, we should have the same attitude of mind that Jesus had. He lived in the moment. He did what He saw His Father doing. He came to serve, to love, to give, to do the “tough” things. He was obedient. He didn’t dodge what His Father sent Him here to do. He gave Himself to it.

In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind the Messiah Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:5-10 TNIV

Do I live like Jesus?

The Apostle John is consumed with the purity of Jesus life. It came down to one thing in John’s mind. It is all about love. Jesus is all about love. That is the essence of the commandments. That is how Jesus lived.

May I live like Jesus. May I mature my love.

“Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:6 The Message)

Our mission is love

Jesus challenges us to love everyone, all the time.

Jesus challenges us to love God, with a passion that can’t be replicated.

“Because we love something else more than this world, we love even this world more than those who know no other.” ~~C. S. Lewis

What is worth reporting on?

What is worth reporting on, in Paul’s opinion? It is all about the love we show to others. That is it. There is nothing else.

It isn’t the new church building. It is not how moving the Worship Team sang the new song. It isn’t new car we just bought.

There are only two ways to get God’s attention. Love Him and love everyone we know and meet. That is how our faith in Jesus is demonstrated.

“We keep getting reports on your steady faith in the Messiah Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians.” ~Apostle Paul (Colossians 1:4 The Message)

Love must …

“Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

How do we know we are keeping God’s word?

How do we know we are keeping God’s word? Now that is a very reasonable question. God has said so much, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

The answer from the Apostle John (the one whom Jesus loved) is stunningly simple. Do we see God’s love in someone? Then they are keeping God’s word. That is what it comes down to over and over again. Love god. Love everyone else. That is the summation of the word of God.

It is in fact the only way to be certain.

“But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:5 The Message)

Will I be proud when I stand before Jesus?

Will I be proud when I stand before Jesus?

That is a stunning question. Think about it. Will I?

Do I live in His love or ashamed, in condemnation, because of my enemy?

May I live in His love. May I know how proud He is of me. May I know it in my soul.

“We want you to be as proud of us as we are of you when we stand together before our Master Jesus.” ~~Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:14 The Message)

What is love?

We like think we know a lot about love. It doesn’t start with us however. It starts with God. He initiated everything. And He proved His love for us. He gave us a great gift. How stunning. Our identity is based on His love.

It is all done. It is a new plan. His love led to sacrifice that brought us into right standing. How amazing is that?

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

 

Old plan thoughts carry over to the new plan

Here some old plan thoughts that carry over into the new plan that Jesus has revealed to us. Mostly things we should avoid doing but one affirmative act that is one of the two great laws that Jesus said to do. In His way, loving our neighbor is the BIG thing. If we do, we won’t pervert justice, show favoritism, gossip or seek revenge. God is love.

Don’t pervert justice.

Don’t show favoritism to either the poor or the great.

Judge on the basis of what is right.

Don’t spread gossip and rumors.

Don’t just stand by when your neighbor’s life is in danger.

I am God.

Don’t secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt.

Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

I am God.

–Leviticus 19:15-18 The Message Bible

Am I on your side?

This is a stunning way to approach relationships. Do they know I am on their side?

It is simple but I am guessing not everyone I know gets that. And … it is not their fault if they don’t. God forbid they think I am against them. I’m sure, to my embarrassment, that it happens.

May I show my love by being on the side of my friends and family.

“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” ~~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4 The Message)

Am I a liar?

The Apostle John can be direct. I think he learned it from Jesus. No point beating around the bush so to speak.

Jesus was clear. There are 2 commandments that we need to focus on. Love God. Love everyone else. That sums it up and it is pretty easy to remember. If we say we are a Christ (Messiah) follower and don’t do that, we are a liar. We aren’t following Jesus.

May I live, as a Christian, the way Jesus said I should. May there be no doubt about it.

“If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:4 The Message)

How will others come to know God?

This is an amazing truth. God wants us to love everyone we know or come in contact with.

How will they come to know God? Through our love of them.

“To love another person is to help them love God.” ~~Soren Kierkegaard

“We have guided missiles and misguided men.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

So sad but true.

May God guide is in His path of love.

“We have guided missiles and misguided men.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

“When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to do things differently than the way people of this world do things. He is not subtle at all. He knows our friends and acquaintances, even our families, will give us a hard time. Following Jesus guarantees that for sure. What should we do? We devote our whole energy to praying for them. That is the way of Jesus. When God is in us, that is second nature to us.

Jesus challenges us to be like God, to love like God. He gives us the power.

“When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

Can we really out imagine God?

We think we know it all. We are very confident about what the future holds for us. Can we really out imagine God?

No, we can’t out imagine the creator of the universe. We can’t out imagine the inventor of love. We can’t out imagine the author of faithfulness.

God loves us and we can’t imagine what He has in store for us. So let’s just fasten our seat belts and enjoy the ride.

“That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.” ~~ Apostle Paul   (1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message)

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that we care. He insists on it if we want to live in His world. Being full of care is His way. When we care, God our Father cares. That is the way of His world.

We all want to be cared for. The path is to care for others. That makes us more than happy.

May I care deeply the way my heavenly Father cares. May I show His love today.

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:7 The Message)

Do I care for others more than myself?

God is love. He teaches us the way, first and foremost, to His love.

He loved us so much, He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for us to get us back in right standing and in the new plan. Clearly this is how we are to love. We should not take our own interests in mind but care more others than our self. That is the way of God’s love.

May we love like Him!!!

“Love cares more for others than for self.” 1 Corinthians 13 (The Message Bible)

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“Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:12)

Fighting too much? Arguing too often? What can I do?

God calls us to love. Focus on loving the way God wants us to. He shows us the way. That is His wisdom.

“Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:12)

St. Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

Do you know the meaning of the words?

We were in big trouble. We didn’t feel God’s love. We didn’t know how to love. We missed God’s goal for our life. Over and over again, minute by minute.

Jesus rescued us from all of that. Having never missed God’s goal, he became the sacrifice we needed. We now know love and can love. We are focused on God’s plan.

“We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins.” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:4 The Message)  

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What is the opposite of love?

Is the opposite of love hate? Anger? Cruelty?

Not hardly. It is not caring. It is ignoring. It is indifference.

“The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference.” ~~Elie Wiesel

Will I remember to fan the flame?

Some times, ok, many times, I need to be reminded to fan the flame. So the reminder comes. It is now. The Spirit of God gives us power. This is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Why be timid? No reason at all.

I just need to fan the flame. The Spirit is in me. It is in us. No need to be timid at all.

 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:6 TNIV Bible

Is this a cat and mouse game?

First of all, God conceived us in love. That is the starting point and is amazing in and of itself. I could stop here.

But …. even as imperfect we are, we know how to be good to our children. God is perfect. Imagine what His love is like? Seriously. Let us contemplate on that.

So … His love is better. End of story.

This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? Matthew 7:7-11

Does God have our attention?

Jesus understood what He was here to do. He reminded us of the new plan as He lived it out. It is about loving God with all we’ve got. Moses got it directly from God. Jesus got it too.

To love God with our whole heart is our mission. It is written on our heart and in the very fabric of our soul. It is all we want to talk about.

Attention, Israel! God, our God! God the one and only! Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!

Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

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Love is …

Love is not stingy.
Love is not miserly.
Love is not tightfisted.
Love is not grudging.

Love is bighearted.
Love is openhanded.
Love is generous.
Love is kind.
Love forgets the bad and remembers the good.

A life full of Love is definitely more fun!

What fruit am I bearing?

There is my way and God’s way. What happens when we live God’s way? Imagine an orchard and the fruit that it produces. That is what God does for us. It is a gift because He loves us so much and is so very good. His gifts are like fruit just showing up one day. Bam!!!

So what are some of the gifts he gives us so freely? A real affection for others. Nothing fake at all. How about that amazing exuberance for living every day for Him? Remember the serenity that comes from knowing that He is so great? How about that compassion we sensed one day when normally we wouldn’t even care? And that conviction that we have never experienced before. A sense of being set apart for God and His purpose.

Now here is a gift worth receiving. Finding ourselves involved in loyal commitments we have never imagined before.

May we marshal our energy wisely taking full advantage of His gifts.

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“I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. ” ~~Jesus

Jesus is direct with us. He can do nothing but say what He hears His Father say. He knows God’s agenda. His only desire is to do exactly what God wants Him to. He is  speaking to us this way so that we will be saved.

He challenges us is to love. Completely and with our whole heart. This quote is actually from  a very long rant that Jesus gave to the religious (Jews) in church (The Temple) one day. To get it in context read all of John 5.

We need to be careful. Going to church may make us feel good but it won’t “save us”. May Jesus never say this of us as he said to the religious people of His day.

“I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. ” ~~Jesus (John 5:41-44 The Message)

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Should we strut our stuff?

I see athletes do it all the time. Strutting their stuff when they do something cool.

Subtly we are learning in our culture that taking credit is a good thing. Tooting our own horn is supposed to make sense. Not strutting can be seen as a weakness.

God is love. He doesn’t strut and neither should we.

Love doesn’t strut. 1 Corinthians 13 (The Message Bible)

“The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” ~~Jesus

As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of billions and that is the love that our heavenly Father has for His son Jesus. And that is the kind of love He also has for us.

Jesus is included in everything God has in mind for us. When Jesus speaks, he knows what He is saying. His Father has told Him everything. We can trust it.

“The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” ~~Jesus (John 5:19-20 The Message)

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Should I want what I don’t have?

How many times do we envy what someone else has. How come they have such a loving family? How come I can’t speak like that in public? How come I didn’t get that promotion?

The list goes on and on in our minds. We get offended with God. How come He blesses others and not me? The key is to see what He is doing and not what He isn’t. We will be happy if we don’t get offended with Him. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love is happy with what it has.

God is love. He shows us the way to love.

“Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.” 1 Corinthians 13 (The Message Bible )

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Love is about action

“Love is not about concepts; love is about action. The only way to master love is to practice love.” – Don Miguel Ruiz 

 

Should I be the judge?

This theme seems very clear. There isn’t too much to be added here. 8 very specific references citing Jesus, Peter and James. Should I be the judge?

1. Matthew 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
2. Matthew 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3. Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
4. Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5. Romans 14:10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
6. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
7. James 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
8. James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

How passionate is God?

God is passionately in love with us. His love is not just an average run of the mill kind of love. In His word he gives us analogy after analogy about how ecstatic and passionate His love is. It is the thrilling and exhilarating love of a bridegroom for His bride.

It goes way beyond anything we have ever experienced. He can’t remain quiet about it. He is shouting it out!!

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch . . . As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isa. 62:1, 5)

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Do I love enough?

This says so much. And I think St. Augustine knew something about this. God wants us to love him like we love no one else. That is the main thing about the main thing. Do we long for Him?

May my whole existence long for You. Every minute of every day.

“The whole life of the good Christian,” said Augustine, “is a holy longing.”

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“You know both God and how he works.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to not worry and live for what God wants to accomplish today. God takes care of the flowers and the birds. We see that and know that. And yet we get focused on the wrong things.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—Jesus wants us to know that God will attend to us, take pride in us, do his best for us? God is the loving Father who has our best in mind all the time.

Do we know God is in a good mood? If so, we know how he works. We need to understand in our heart the very nature of God. Once we get that, we will always know how He works.

“You know both God and how he works.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:33 The Message)

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What is my give to get ratio?

I live in a culture where there is always something else to get. Today is a day to think about my give to get ratio.

So, what did I give? What did I get?

Jesus is about giving. He came and continues to serve.

Jesus challenges us to give. He is all about love. My evaluation of the day should be based on how much did I give.

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May God’s love smother us all today!!

Our Father is magnificent. There are no boundaries to His greatness. I stand in awe of His great power. He has so much energy and the desire to give me a life filled with every good thing. His absolute perfection is almost incomprehensible.

May God’s love smother us all today!!

Who is God?

Love is not something God does.

Love is something God is.

God  is love.

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“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” ~~Jesus

Jesus warns us to be careful about what we say to others. Our mandate is to love. Anything other than that is not acceptable. Our words to others is a reflection of life or death. This is stark but He gives a whole new way to live through His Holy Spirit.

In His world (Kingdom) there is no loving your friends and hating your enemies. It is only love. What we say to others should reflect that. He demands it.

“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:22 The Message)

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Should I give up hope?

God is great. Nothing is impossible with Him. When the odds seem to be against us, God finds a way to reach us.

Against all odds. Don’t give up hope. Some people change. Love finds a way.
— Kenny Chesney

“If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal?” ~~Jesus

Sometimes we get so proud of ourselves for doing what anyone can do. Jesus challenges us not to see things that way. That isn’t the way it is in God’s world (Kingdom).

Jesus challenges us to love like He does. He was ridiculed, humiliated, killed and yet did it all for love. He empowers us to do it. He gives us the Holy Spirit and a completely new heart.

“If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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Do I have a swollen head?

Love just does it’s job. That is normal in God’s way of doing things. Love doesn’t get all enamored with itself. God does His “love thing” day in and day out. He is love. He doesn’t make a big deal of it at all. That is just the way He rolls.

May just do what I know to do. May I just love. Day in and day out. There is no glory in that. There should be no “pats on the back”. That is my job.

Love doesn’t have a swelled head. ~~Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13)

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How can you build yourself up?

The mission is to keep myself in a faith that is set apart for Him. That is the real deal. That is what the end game is for me. It is a building process. I am not there for sure. But I am making progress. He has a goal where I need to be. He has a strategy for how I will get there. He “whacks” away at it every second of every day. So, bring it on my Master.

There is a coming together of the physical, the soul (heart) and spiritual. So I start with a physical act. Let’s say I raise my hands being open and outstretched to Him. I begin to experience His love being poured out on me. Then the presence of His Spirit invades the scene. Watch out then!! This all leads to love. It leads to experiencing His gift of mercy. Not justice. Just mercy.

What is the real outcome? What is this all about? A life that is unending. A life that is real.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

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What should I be full of?

Imagine being so full of God that there is no longer any room for anything else. Imagine all of His love and having all of that within my heart. Imagine all of His power, His Spirit and what He can do bubbling out because I am so full of Him.

I can experience this if I am grounded in love. It is all about loving Him with everything I have. Every thought captured to love Him totally. My heart soaked in His love and my love for Him. That love will lead me to His power.

This is the kind of love that is hard for me grasp with what I know in the culture I live in now. But in God’s culture, it is the norm. It sets me apart and makes me His.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of the Messiah, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

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Am I free?

The old plan is finished. The rules, the regulations, the spirit of religion. It is done with. I was called to be free. There is a new plan. I only need to know one thing. I must love.

That is it. That is the plan. That is the agreement my Father has with me. That is the agreement I have with those I know. That is the real deal.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-15 NIV

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Is individuality our right?

English: Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We place a great deal of emphasis on individuality. It is “our right”!!

Not really. What is important is do what God wants. That is it. And what He wants is for us to love Him without reservation.

“But our individuality must be yielded to God so that our spiritual life may be brought forth into fellowship with Him.” ~~Oswald Chambers

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What does God want me to do?

Jesus has called me. He wants me. It is His desire that I do what I do right now. He is sending me forward according to His new plan. I have been picked up and cleaned up. While I missed the mark before, that is not the case now since He is so good to show me the way. I was a mess before but not now.

I have been set apart by Him for a life filled with God. He is my Master and He is yours as well. He wants to have this great relationship, founded on love. That is all he wants.

It does come back to “What would Jesus do?” kind of question.

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Am I flying off the handle?

Here is a concept. Our Father is absolutely perfectly in love with me. He isn’t, can’t, won’t fly off the handle at me. He keeps His cool. I don’t frustrate him. He is amazing. OK, this is much better than a concept. It is real. It is true.

May I love like him. May I never fly off the handle. May I keep my cool.

Love doesn’t fly off the handle. 1 Corinthians 13 – The Message

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“If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.” ~~Jesus

We live in a world where there is conventional wisdom. We have a culture of success and infatuation with the beautiful. Look at our celebrity worship. Jesus challenges that. He says, that is no big deal. Why are you impressed with that? Anyone can do that.

What is Jesus standard? Love everyone. Love the “unlovely”. That is God’s world and what Jesus demands of us.

“If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:44 The Message)

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“Don’t act so surprised at all this.” ~~Jesus

Jesus tells us everything we need to know. We know God’s plan. We know what He wants. If nothing else, find someone to love right now. He makes everything clear. There are no surprises with Him.

God gave the plan to men of God way in advance. He made it know. There shouldn’t be any surprises at all.

“Don’t act so surprised at all this.” ~~Jesus (John 5:28-29 The Message)

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How can I be sure I know God in the right way?

It is fairly normal to question our relationship with God. Just think of Thomas. Jesus loved him and chose him as one of the twelve.

John also had his times as well. John also knew it was not only do I know God, but do I know Him in the right way? That is the real question. How can I be sure I know God in the right way?

John simplifies it for us. If you want to be sure you know God in the right way, keep his commandments.

John also knows the commandments are about love. Love God. Love everyone else you know or come in contact with. The focus on love makes sure you have the right relationships. It is that simple.

“Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:2 The Message)

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“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.” ~~Forrest Gump

Love is something that when you feel it, you know it. God is love. He shows us the way. I don’t have to be smart to know that. It is something we all have in our heart. We can rationalize why God is not love. But, we know it in our heart!!

Love is the only thing that counts. All else pales in comparison. I don’t have to be brilliant to express it. No matter what, I can show it to everyone. Jesus challenges us to love. He knows that is the main thing about the main thing. Love God. Love everyone we come in contact with. Do it every day.

Here is to Forrest who shows us the way.

I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.
—–Forrest Gump

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“Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is.” ~~Jesus

Sometimes we are very good at pretending. We want it to look easy. We don’t want anyone to know that living the life God wants us to isn’t as easy as it looks. Jesus challenges us to live a moral life of a whole different way that we normally think. Jesus challenges us live differently. God’s will demands that we love Him first and everyone else all the time. Jesus challenges us to not live in “pretend city”.

Admit that doing God’s will isn’t easy for us naturally. Admit that we need His Holy Spirit to give us supernatural courage. Admit it. That confession frees us up to live a life that meets His goals for us.

“Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:29 The Message)

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Will I force my love on others?

God doesn’t force Himself on me. He is love and love doesn’t know how to do that. He has given me and us all the ability to reject Him. He is gentle and wants us to come to Him. He doesn’t force things though. My choice.

Jesus challenges us to love like God loves us. Love is a choice we all make.

May I love like God loves me. May I be gentile. May I be kind.

Love doesn’t force itself on others. 1 Corinthians 13 – The Message Bible

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“Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire.” ~~Jesus

Jesus sets standards for us based on a whole different world. It is His Father’s world. It is a world of consequences and accountability. Sometimes it is convenient for us to think that it is not that way. Jesus is direct and forces us to deal with that. No free passes at all.

With the help of God’s Spirit, we can control what we say. We are accountable for the hate that comes out of our mouth. It may be thoughtless but it is real. It is not love.

What is it that God demands of us? Jesus knew it. It is simple. It is love. Live a life of love, he challenges us. All the time. That is God’s goal for us. He has given us His Spirit to give us the power to do it. Every day.

“Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:24 The Message)

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Where does my identity come from?

Jesus knew before he selected Judas that he would betray him. He wanted him as a part of the 12 regardless.

He knew Peter would deny Him. He wanted him as a part of the 12 regardless.

He knew Thomas would, at his core, doubt Him. He wanted him as a part of the 12  regardless.

He knew John was way too competitive. He wanted him as a part of the 12  regardless.

Would I do that? Probably not. Betrayal hurts.  Denial hurts. Doubt hurts. Competition hurts. It hurts to the core. But Jesus also knew that his Holy Spirit would fill them. He knew they would perform greater signs and wonders than He did. He knew that day would come, when, after His resurrection, they would be transformed and fill with Power.

Jesus’ identity did not come from anyone but His Father. And he knew how much His Father loved Him. He knew it in his core. So he could select a bunch of men who would betray Him, deny Him, doubt Him, be way too competitive with each other and yet be open to Him. They would leave Him alone at the most important moment. He knew it. He was grounded in His Father’s love and pleasing Him. He loved them no matter what.

May I do the same. May my identity come from my Father who is so perfectly good all the time. May my love come from my Father who is always in a good mood and has my best interest in mind. May my heart be grounded in Him!!

So be it!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

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“Let your enemies bring out the best in you, not the worst.” ~~Jesus

There are people in our lives that simple challenge us. Many times that challenge clearly brings out the worst in us. The boss at work who takes credit for things we have done. The obnoxious uncle who is a bore and dominates the Thanksgiving celebration every year with the same old stories. They are the enemies of what is best in us.

Jesus turns things upside down. He challenges us to think and act differently. His challenge is to love not hate. Easy to say but not easy to do. We can through the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Let your enemies bring out the best in you, not the worst.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:44 The Message)

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How compassionate is God?

God is incredible good.

He is looking for me. He feels compassion for me. His heart pounds when He sees me. He runs to greet me. He gives me a bear hug of an embrace. He kisses me. He wants to do this every day. He wants to do it every time he sees me. He is looking for me now.

This is not a story about the prodigal son. This is a story about our loving Father. He loves us no matter what. His heart goes out to us. He has compassion for us. He is in a good mood, every day, all the time.

May I know, in my heart, our Father’s compassion.

His father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

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God wants to know. Are you good enough to be better?

God has done some amazing things in my life. But, He says to me, “Are you good enough to be better?” There is more, He whispers. He wants to do more.

There are times I feel like saying “Enough already”. He appreciates me saying that. He smiles. Really, He does. He likes me. He thinks what He has done in me is pretty cool stuff. We have fun with each other some days. Him more with me though!! hahaha

So He hugs me. He puts His arm around my shoulder and says, “Here is the next good thing I am willing to do in you. Ready?” Oh my Father. OK, bring it on!!

May I excel in that “next thing” as well. There is more.

 But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2 Corinthians 8:7

 

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Am I a failure?

Some people hear the message in their mind. “I am a failure”.  Hearing it doesn’t make it true. We don’t want to go there. God is not that way. It is not in His nature.  He doesn’t see us that way at all.

God is perfect. His love for me never ever fails. His heart is to love me no matter what. He gave me his son Jesus who died and rose up from the dead conquering death for me that I could be a new creation in Him. I don’t have to keep repeating the failings of the past.  I am not a failure in Him and His kingdom. His perfect love of me banishes fear from me completely.

May I experience His love that never fails. May I know who I am in Him. May I love others the way He loves me.

Love never fails .  1 Corinthians 13:8

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Who am I? What am I living for?

Who am I?

What am I living for?

These are essential questions. Questions that we want answers for. And so we have good news. In Jesus, the Messiah, we find the answers to these questions. He makes it all clear to us. We are living for God. It is our mission to love Him like we love nothing else. Our focus is on what He wants today. He wants us to love everyone we meet or know. Friends, enemies, strangers. We are to love them all.

It’s in the Messiah that we find out who we are and what we are living for. (Ephesians 1:11 The Message)

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“Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is tough on religious leaders. He doesn’t cut them any slack.

He challenges us that we can do better than how religious leaders approach God’s world (Kingdom). He wants us to start from the knowledge that this is God’s world. He is in charge. It is not a democracy.

He wants us to love God more than anyone or anything. He wants us to love everyone we come in contact in a very real and concrete way.

Jesus knows we can do better and it doesn’t start by emulating religious leaders.

“Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering God’s world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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“No more tit-for-tat stuff.” ~~Jesus

Our culture tends to be one of retaliation. Someone hurts us, we envision a way to get them back. There is no thought of taking one for Jesus.

Jesus challenges to live in GOD’s World (Kingdom). In His world, we are to represent Him. He is love. Love acts differently. Love doesn’t retaliate. Love doesn’t plot on how to get even. Love looks for an opportunity to do good no matter what the other person has done. Love rules!!

“No more tit-for-tat stuff.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“I write this, dear children, to guide you out of missing God’s goal for your life.” ~~Apostle John

John has a focus for his message to us. It is one we ought to all make the most of. God has a goal for our life. Without Jesus, we miss it. We shouldn’t. We don’t have to.

God is in a good mood. We have help in understanding how  to meet God’s goal. We have help in living a life of power, in God’s Spirit to hit the mark.

And John is clear about the goal. It is to love one another. It is to love everyone we come in contact with. God’s goal is love.

“I write this, dear children, to guide you out of missing God’s goal for your life (sin).” ~~Apostle John (1 John 2:1 The Message)

 

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“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to go beyond what the rules say. He knows we focus on “what the rule says” and then find loopholes. Religion is about loopholes. GOD is about real love.

Our mission, according to Jesus, is an extraordinary kind of love. Our love is to be like GOD’s love. A love that almost can’t be understood. A love for even our enemies. His Spirit makes it happen for us.

Do we have a passion for that kind of love? Will we live that out today?

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:44 The Message)

Should I go back to “rule keeping” religion?

I grew up in a “rule keeping” church. It was pretty clear that if I didn’t do certain things I could find favor with GOD. So I tried. And tried. But …

I can’t do anything to “win” GOD’s love. It is free. Jesus, our Master, paid the price to win it for me. It is that straightforward.

My relationship with GOD is a gift. I can’t earn it. No amount of Church attendance will get me right with GOD.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.  Galatians 2:21

Charity without love

Without love, all my charity is nothing. Love is the start and end of it all. It doesn’t matter what I say or think or do. I am completely bankrupt without love. Sacrifice is nothing without the starting point of love. Jesus made this so very clear. Paul got it. I must lean in, hear Him and love. Giving from love changes everything. Giving and sacrifice without love is useless. There is a difference.

May I love and be profitable!!

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

“If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to have a GOD World (Kingdom) approach to retaliation. Our normal approach to being sued is to defend ourselves or counter sue. Jesus challenges us to give our enemies what they want and then overwhelm them with love and generosity by giving them something precious they didn’t ask for. GOD’s way is love. GOD’s way is generosity. Our heavenly Father doesn’t want us to retaliate. Being generous gains attention for GOD where retaliation is expected.

Jesus sets a standard for us that requires us to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the power of love.

“If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:40 The Message)

Will God always rescue me?

God promises that because I love Him, He will always rescue me. He will protect me. He knows me by name. How cool is that?

“Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges not to retaliate. It is in our core, when someone hurts us, to strike back. Jesus has a different way. Don’t hit back at all. Just take it. Agree with your adversary.

Jesus has higher standards for us than what the world expects. He expects us to be full of the love of God. Love acts differently. Love is kind and patient. Love does not retaliate.

May I love like God. May I not be defensive and retaliate.

“Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.” ~~Jesus 

God sticks by everyone who loves Him.

God sticks by everyone who loves Him. It is all over for us if we don’t. Jesus challenges us to love God with everything we have. Our passion, our intelligence, who we are at our core. We need to love Him 24/7. That is all there is to it.

“They act like they are worshiping me, but they don’t mean it.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to stop acting. And, He is serious. He means it.

How many times do we just go through the motions? What about our prayers at meals? What about how we sing (or don’t sing) the songs at church? What about our “gifts” at the offering time?

Are we just acting? Do we really mean it?

May we worship God like we mean it. May we be head over heels in love with Jesus and let our worship show it.

“They act like they are worshiping me, but they don’t mean it.” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:6 The Message)

Expect nothing in return

Sometimes I am so very tempted to get upset with the “ungrateful”. OK, truth be told, I do get upset. I succumb to the temptation. I feel justified. I blessed them and they didn’t respond. I gave and they weren’t thankful. I go out of my way and they don’t notice. How righteous I feel. What is wrong with them? Oh my goodness. What is wrong with me? Really. I have been ungrateful to my heavenly Father. What is His response?
 
To show me mercy. To be kind. To love me. To lavish His gifts on me. To put His best clothes on me. To give me my inheritance. To prepare a feast for me. To go find an amazing ring and put it on my finger.
 
He does good, is good and is in a good mood. He doesn’t get offended at all. He is God. He is stunningly great. How amazing? Amazing gifts in spite of my ungrateful heart. He is absolutely perfect.
 
May I be merciful like my heavenly Father. REALLY. My reward will be huge. I will be His son.

If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:34-36

“Go and do the same.”~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us. He tells us stories to shake us up. He wants us to love like our heavenly Father loves.

There is the story about a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’What do you think?

So Jesus tells this to a group of religious leaders. He asks, “Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:37 (The Message)

Is it counterfeit?

It is all about love!! May our Father’s HOLY Spirit bring more love!!! How powerful is that?

 “The Pentecostal power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit.”
—– William J. Seymour (quoted in “Apostolic Faith”)

 

 

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God.” ~~Jesus

We get caught up in the wrong things. What church do we go to or what denomination do we belong to. How good is the worship team or choir. What school did we graduate from. What neighborhood do we live in. What is my title at work. How much money we earn. What car do we drive. The list goes on and on.

Jesus challenges us down to our core. What is my relationship with our loving God and Father? Do I love Him and Him only? Do I seek with all my heart to please Him every day? Do I love the people in my life the way He loves me?

That is all that is important. Jesus challenges us to live that way.

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God.” ~~Jesus (John 4:24 The Message)

No fear

In our Father’s house there are many, many rooms. But the one thing there is no room for is fear. Every room is filled with His love. In fact, the more His love forms in me and matures, this love just pushes out all fear. It is banished!!

Fear can cripple me and my faith. So I pursue my Father’s love. I seek to have it mature in me. Be well formed. That pushes out the fear.

There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

Power and love

I don’t have to be timid or shy. Fear can’t grip my heart. He has given me His HOLY Spirit. The Spirit gives me power that I have never known. I can be bold.

I have His love drenching my heart and soul. With His sensible care I persevere. His love is a gift to me.

The discipline He brings into my life makes a difference. I can focus on His daily direction. I can move according to His long range goals for me. That direction and focus drives out all fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

“I’ve been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is.” ~~Jesus

Oh my goodness. Jesus has everything. It is a great gift from His Father. All authority, power, love. Everything!! Nothing is lacking in Him. Their relationship is like none other. Only that kind of love can produce a world for us that is different than what we know today.

Jesus has it all. Nothing is impossible or lacking. May I know it and live that way.

“I’ve been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:22)

“Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court..” ~~Jesus

Jesus is clear what love looks like. Our words need to reflect His love in us. Jesus knows that being careless in what we say to others can have consequences we don’t want to see.

May what I say reflect His love in my heart.

“Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court..” ~~Jesus

“By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” ~~Jesus

Jesus intends for us to have great relationships with people in our world. He demands that we love one another. This requires being open. When we reflect His love and are open, we are prompting others to have a relationship with our Father. Our generosity and love always points to our Father’s.

May I learn to be open like my Master Jesus.

“By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” ~~Jesus

The promise of rest if we believe. Don’t exasperate God!

Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal for us. This rest requires that we have faith in Him.

If we believe that nothing is impossible for God, that he loves us and has a great plan for us, we can be “at rest”. His peace isn’t easily understood but it is real. His rest is like no other.

There is only one requirement. We must believe.

For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified. We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn’t do them a bit of good because they didn’t receive the promises with faith. If we believe, though, we’ll experience that state of resting. But not if we don’t have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never be able to sit down and rest.” Hebrews 4:1-3

Compassion in the heart

Now this is amazing. One of God’s gifts is a sense of compassion in the heart. Even if I don’t always feel it in the natural, when I am living God’s way, it is a gift He gives me. That is His goal for me and He gives me the power to live that way.

The key is to live God’s way. The fruit of compassion will come. That is how I learn to love more like our Father. He gives me a sense of compassion in my heart.

May I live God’s way. May the fruit of compassion in the heart be mine.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like …. a sense of compassion in the heart. Galatians5:19-26

Should it be me first?

God is love. He isn’t selfish. Plainly put, neither should I be.

May I love the way our Father does. May I always put others first.

Love isn’t always ‘me first’. 1 Corinthians 13

“He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pride of His life

What an amazing day this was. Jesus goes to be baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. His Father validates He is His son. The Holy Spirit comes down on Him.

The sign is a dove. The voice is “You are my Son.” “You are chosen.” “You are marked with love.” “You are my pride of life.”

That is our longing. We all want to know we are loved by our Father. We all want to hear He is proud of us.

We get that in His Spirit. We get that in His love. We are chosen.

How cool is that?

After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Luke 3:21-22

Looking for the best

God is love. He is always looking for the best in us. He doesn’t see our foibles and quirks. He is not keeping a list of all of our failings. He sees us as fully redeemed sons and daughters.

How many times do we have the image of a God who is like us or people we know. Critical. Judgemental. Harsh.

God is not like that at all.

May I love like my Father and always look for the best.

Love always looks for the best. 1 Corinthians 13

“God’s truth judges created things out of love, and Satan’s truth judges them out of envy and hatred.” ~~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.” ~~Jesus

Jesus has a standard that is different than what religious leaders try to make us follow. His standard is one of love. Love of God and love everyone else. Every minute of every day. That is a focus on getting our attitude right, getting what we say right and getting what we do right. Love is the summation of all the laws and “rules and regulations” of the religious world.

Love is God’s goal for us. Missing that goal is the essence of sin. If we love, we won’t get angry which is just as bad as murder.

“This total surrender to “the love of Christ” is the only thing that will bear fruit in your life.” ~~Oswald Chambers

“And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is very clear. We are not to judge others. He is also clear that all judgement has been turned over to Him by His Father. Why, because He is God’s Son. He gets to decide and He will carry it out. God has spoken.

If we know that, we need to act like it. We have no authority to judge. Our only job is to love. Everything else is up to God and Jesus.

“And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment.” ~~Jesus  

Am I humble enough?

Am I humble enough? Not yet and that is important to understand.

Who gets the credit? That is a central question. In God’s world that He rules (the Kingdom), God gets the credit. The victory belongs to the Lord. Humility is central to relationships. Central to my relationship with Him. Central to my relationship with others. Love does not boast. That is how I bless others and receive a blessing.

May I always give the Lord the credit. He is God. He is good. He is great.

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-12

What did it cost Jesus?

I pray that the evidence of the Master’s love in my life will be clearly verified in my life. There is no end to what Jesus has done in me. It is beyond anything I could ever say. It is beyond any thing I could ever know. There is just no end to it. I can’t say enough about the free and open access to our Father that is mine through Jesus. It didn’t cost me a thing but it cost Him everything. It is always open to me. The door is never closed.

May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father be mine.

 

“You’re interested in religion, I’m interested in people.” ~~Zechariah the Prophet

The people of the town of Bethel sent a delegation to the priests and prophets with a question. They wanted to know if the should continue fasting annually as they had been doing on a certain day for a long time now. They had turned something from God into a ritual. God isn’t interested in rituals. God isn’t interested in religion.

He is interested in people and requires that we love them daily.

“You’re interested in religion, I’m interested in people.” ~~Zechariah 7:6

Is God serious business?

Is God serious business? You bet He is. God is love but he is also our Judge. This is what we call “tough love” but in God’s case, it is tougher love. We are accountable to Him.

So is Jesus. He definitely won’t be trifled with. If we think so, we do so at our peril.

God is serious business. He won’t be trifled with. ~~Nahum 1:2

Is it an interruption? Or is it God?

Is it an interruption? Or is it God?

We live in in a world where we see much of what happens as an interruption. But is it?

What if it is God wanting us to show His love to an employee in need?

Different question with an amazingly different answer.

May God help us see Him in the moment.