Tag: love

Jude 1:21, “keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

God’s love is powerful. Remembering that His love can change people and circumstances, gives us hope to keep praying, trusting and believing. As God’s children, we carry His love inside of us, so through Him, we have the power to touch the lives of people.

1 John 4:7

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.

We often speak of how important it is to “walk in love.” However, we should ask God to help us to do this daily. He will make us aware of the specific ways and relationships where we are neglecting to walk in love.

I have personally been on an intentional journey of learning to understand and receive God’s love as well as learning to apply it correctly in my relationship with others. It is not an easy journey but it has brought me much freedom, understanding and healing.

We should also ask God to show us ways that we are not walking in love toward ourselves. Understanding your own worth and value is vital in having the ability to show love to yourself and others. Learning to love yourself can also sometimes mean removing yourself from circumstances or relationships where you are not being loved properly. It is a reality that some people do not value you and they do not love you. And their inability to love you, is often related to the fact that they do not even love themselves.

Regardless of whatever situation you may be facing, the moral of the story is that, the love of God is powerful and can pull you through anything. It can bring healing, strength and peace to your life and the lives of those around you.

No matter what is happening in our world today, may we never underestimate the power of God’s love to change us, change people, change circumstances, and ultimately change our world. So as the Bible tells us, keep yourselves in God’s love.

Psalms 1:1-2, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

There is so much information available to us nowadays. We have to be careful to make sure the things we are hearing and reading are in sync with the Word of God. His Word is full of wisdom and will guide us into truth.

Knowing that God is working in our hearts to mature us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him and help others, brings joy, in spite of circumstances. Following the ways of the Lord will not always be easy, but our obedience will lead to a blessed life.

Psalm 146:1-2, “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

The words of these verses remind us of the true commitment and passion that it takes to live for the Lord. Resolving to give God praise, for all of our lives, as long as we live, happens one day at a time, as we willingly surrender our hearts to the Him. The Lord will give us the strength we need to trust Him each day. Don’t hesitate to cast your cares upon the Lord today, as you give Him praise for who He is and all that He is doing, right now today, in your life and the lives of those you love.

I recently remembered a time towards the end of last year, when my daughter and I were leaving the hospital after visiting my mom. As we were walking out, there was a woman sitting on the bench. When we walked by she said, “Excuse me. Can I ask you a question?” We said, “Yes.” She said, “Why is it that those addicted to crack (she didn’t put it quite so nicely) are the only ones who want to help you?” She continued on by expressing that the “good people” never want to help you but the crack addicts will invite you into their world and help you anyway they can, even offering you more crack.

Seeing and hearing her frustration that night, I thought of how often her statement may have been true, even in my own life. I wondered how many opportunities I may have passed up to do good and help someone in need.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible, is the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, found in John chapter 4. Jesus was willing to go against the societal norms and speak to someone He should not have spoken to. By doing so, He changed her life. Although Jesus already knew her story, He was still willing to listen to the woman. I love the example that Jesus set for us.

It is quite easy to come up with conclusions about a person, but until we hear someone’s story, we don’t know the truth of their journey. Taking time to listen to someone, is not always encouraged nowadays, especially if the person doesn’t meet our standard of normal. But operating in the Spirit of Love, and challenging the “norm,” will open the door for meaningful conversations; conversations that can bring about positive changes that make a difference in the lives of people.

May we be a beacon of hope to those in need; freely giving all that God has called us to give.

John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

When we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives, we are set free from the grip of sin. We receive salvation and eternal life. The Holy Spirit even comes to live within us. However, when reading this verse, I am also reminded of the obedience that is necessary to walk in this freedom on a daily basis.

Obedience is not always going to be easy, it can be a challenge, especially when God requires us to change something we do not want to change. That could be a job, certain relationships, wrong mindsets, or bad habits. The reality is, that certain sins can be appealing to us, so we want to hold on to them. We may even make excuses for them. But God wants to set us free. He knows that once we are free, it draws us closer to Him. And who doesn’t want to draw closer to Jesus Christ?

Something I have noticed in my own walk with the Lord, is that when I obey Him, and do that simple thing or not so simple thing, He has been telling me to do, things change for the better.

I love Ephesians 3:20 that says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

With God’s power working in us, we are set free to experience even more than we can ask or think. Some versions say, ask or imagine. God’s freedom is greater than anything we can ask for, think or imagine. But remember, this freedom comes only when we are willing to trust and obey Him.

Heavenly Father,

We are thankful for the freedom you give us. We want to trust and obey as you lead us through this life so that we can walk in the freedom you have promised. Help us not to be in bondage to certain sins or ignore the things you bring to our attention that need to be changed. Thank you for being a loving and compassionate God, who is patient and understands our struggles, but also wants to heal our hearts and set us free.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs 2:1-5 AMP

1 My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,

2 So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

3 Yes, if you cry out for insight,
And lift up your voice for understanding;

4 If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures;

5 Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome]
And discover the knowledge of God.

Theses verses encourage us to pursue godly wisdom and understanding. Through godly wisdom and understanding we can see people and situations from God’s perspective. We can also make decisions that are in line with God’s will. Godly wisdom and understanding will help us to stay secure in God’s truth and love. So don’t hesitate to cry out to the Lord for insight, no matter what you are facing.

May our hearts be filled with joy as we show reverence to Him and continue to grow in the knowledge of how awesome He truly is.