I walked into work on a Monday morning to find one of my co-workers absolutely beaming with joy. As I made my way over to talk to her, she lifted her left hand and flashed the most gorgeous diamond engagement ring! As I regained my sight, we both went into complete giddiness and she briefly shared the details of the proposal and she shared a little bit about this obviously wonderful man. As she shared, I listened to her chronicle their relationship and how a series of events and life changes led them to each other. She spoke of the beauty of their courtship and how it had so richly blessed her life. She continued to radiate joy as she looked at me and said...." Marsha, things between us have been so wonderful, it's too good, not to be God". As she uttered those words something in my spirit leaped at the vastness of that statement! How many times in our lives have we shared the excitement about what God is doing in our lives with others only to hear the ole statement "Be careful! That sounds too good to be true!"
I stood there in complete awe of her words and realized that with one statement my co-worker completely shattered that notion and forever changed my thoughts about God and his ability to literally BLOW OUR MINDS with blessings we never dreamed or believed possible.
As children most of us start our lives with hopes and dreams of finding that special person to spend life with, dreams of exciting careers, of living a life of joy with friends and family in our perfect dream home, finding our purpose and living a life of significance. Yes, as children we were taught to dream big and believe the impossible. We were told we could be and do whatever we put our minds to. But somewhere between our dreams and reality, the vicissitudes of life set in causing us to become cynical and doubt that our dreams of life, love and happiness would ever come true. The "realness, challenges, set-backs and hardships of life causes us to think that maybe great things happen to other people, people that haven't made the mistakes we've made, people we subconsciously believe deserve God's blessings more than we do. How many times have you heard this phrase "stuff like that only happens on television?"
Aren't you glad that the God we serve doesn't feel that way? The Apostle Paul encourages us to believe in the blessings of God! In fact, he tells us that God longs for us to fully understand the height, length, width and depth of His love. God's extravagant love says to us.....Beloved, your wildest dreams pale in comparison to the things I desire to do for you and long to give you. God says, I want to BLOW YOUR MIND!
As believers we have to set our heart’s flint on God's word and His promise to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. We must believe that God's blessings are real even when they don't happen the way we want them to or in our timing.
So, how do we know when what appears to be too good to be true is God? Here's the litmus test. Ask yourself these important questions. Does it line up with the Word of God? Does it edify God and/or His people? Does it significantly impact your life in a positive way? Does it lead you to Jesus and deepen your relationship with Him? Do you have God's peace about the situation?
If so, then you’ve come face- to- face with God's exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ever ask or think kind of blessing.
So rather than bow to cynicism and concede to doubts of God's extravagant love for you saying to yourself this is too good to be true, instead tell yourself, this is too good not to be God!!!
Scripture of the God: “And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all the followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth. Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights. Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything you know. Far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” - Ephesians 3:19-20
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
An Evangelism Experience
One Saturday at the mall going up the escalator, I turned around and getting on was a man whose face looked familiar. As I turned back around quickly, the Holy Spirit came over me, yes at the mall! I knew right away I was to approach the person, what to say and how to say it. No fear at all. So, I waited for him to get off. With a smile I said, “Hi, you don’t know me but I know who you are, and I want you to know that God loves you and he forgives us of all our sins. No matter what you’ve done, he doesn’t hold it against you like others have done to you. God loves you.” Tears came from both of our eyes and all this man could say holding my hand and nodding his head in tears was, “Oh thank you, thank you so much, thank you. I'll remember that.” This was a moment that only God could have assigned, orchestrated, and appointed
In 2004, a man was released from a California prison, rejected, denied, and protested by cities, communities, and neighborhoods. His face was seen on the local news and in newspapers. This was him. That morning when I woke up, my prayer was “Lord, I want you more than anything and I desire to be more like you.” My prayer also was that I would never walk around thinking that I was too good for or much better than anyone else, to share the love of God with. And the Lord sent this person my way on that day when I left my house? I guess if I were operating in 'flesh' my thoughts would have been, “Oooh, that’s that man. I’m not going near somebody like that!” To let a 'public well known sinner' know that God loves them? A seed was planted in that man's life.
This experience was a confirmation after a message that my pastor had preached on evangelism. I was one in the service who responded to the altar call to those who had a passion for sharing Christ. A prayer was prayed for true commitment, to know the word of God, to have discernment of the Holy Spirit, and to have boldness. I remember walking to the car after that service telling my husband, “Honey that was a message and prayer to take out of here with a yes, and apply it!” That’s what happened to me that day at the mall, an evangelism experience!
Scripture of the Day: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." - John 3:16-17
Saturday, February 11, 2012
His Only
Nothing expresses the concept of God' love more comprehensively than John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." It's a scripture that children are taught to learn and adults learn to lean upon. When the Scripture speaks of God's love, we must embrace the fact that it is not limited to a selected few or one favored group. If that was the case, it's a real possibility we would not be included. But it is an inclusive love that has the breadth to go beyond our failings and the depth to lift us from our falls.
When John declares this gift is for the whole world, it's inspiring because it means that even folk like us still benefit from its reach. Folk that may not be where they need to be yet, but are pressing forward, are renewed by His presence. And His love transforms the possibilities in our lives into purpose and we are simply better because of it.
Think of the ways in which we share our love for our mates, family, friends, even in our giving to strangers. We may choose service, affection, gifts, or simply language to transfer our feelings to that individual. But God's love is expressed in the giving of his most priceless gift, His only son Jesus Christ.
When I reflect on the reality that He gave His only, I realize that normally we wouldn't give people our only of anything. Human nature would caution us to keep back something for ourselves. Even the most benevolent spirit that freely shares would hesitate on giving away their only coat, their only car, or their only dollar.
I recall as a child, if there was only one of something left in the refrigerator, you asked for it. The only slice of pie or only cup of milk had special significance because it might be needed for something important or promised to someone else. If you dared take the only of anything without permission, it was certain that you would bring the wrath of Big Mama upon your little head.
And so I've always been encouraged that John reveals that God "so loved" us that his love is solidified with action and not just in words. It moved beyond rhetoric to the reality of giving that which He valued most, Jesus Christ. And we are all beneficiaries of that wonderful gift.
And so the immense power of God's love is that He says, "I'm not just going to give you what I have, I'm going to give you all I have."
God chooses to love us even when we aren't that loveable and gently looks beyond our faults. And therein rests the power of love. That it gives us not only the chance to become better, but to become a part of something greater than ourselves through His love.
Scripture Of The Day: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Marry Me
By Kerri-Ann Haye-Donawa
The first time I read the story of Hosea and his harlot wife Gomer, I pitied the man. I sympathized with him because his romantic life had seemingly been martyred for the sake of delivering a sermon to his fellow countrymen.
I imagine him praying fervently for his wife to change and live a faithful life as a prophet’s wife. I can almost see him returning home at night after delivering a soul-splitting prophetic message to his wayward listeners, and standing at his doorstep with a heart full of pain. I’ve often wondered what it would take for one person to love another person so much that their affection isn’t lessened in light of that person’s atrocious faults. It’s amazing to me even now that a multitude of sins, a number far outweighing seventy times seven, can be covered by a love this strong.
Yet, that’s exactly how you are loved. That’s how I am loved. We are pursued by a love so ferocious, so all-encompassing, that it cannot be quelled by our repeated blunders and obnoxious errors. No, it’s not because we’re so beautiful that our divine lover has become intoxicated beyond reason. No, it’s not because we are good most of the time, and so our sporadic mistakes can be easily overlooked. And it’s certainly not because we are so needed that He would rather keep us around than lose us. Far from it! Rather, it’s because we are loved unreasonably, unconditionally, unequivocally, supernaturally by a God who looks deep beyond our flawed-ness and sees the love of His life, the apple of His eye.
David’s words ring loudly in my ear as he inquired of God, “What is man that You are mindful of him? And the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Indeed, God loves us more than we are ever capable of loving ourselves. And because He loves us, He continually forgives us. For though our sins are mountainous in light of His purity, His love for us is bigger and the covenant He has forged with our souls is more potent. He loves us with a ‘despite-of’, ‘in-spite-of’, ‘regardless-of’, ‘even-if’, and ‘although’ kind of love. In fact, His love for us is unconquerable by any external force.
Indeed, He has married us, knowing quite well that we would be unfaithful from the start; yet He vows to be faithful to us for all our days.
Today, receive the unmerited love of God that tirelessly pursues you. Allow it to permeate your being and transform you into the spotless bride of Christ. Accept His proposal, in the midst of your situation, even if you feel unworthy; accept His hand – marry Him.
Scripture of the Day: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
The first time I read the story of Hosea and his harlot wife Gomer, I pitied the man. I sympathized with him because his romantic life had seemingly been martyred for the sake of delivering a sermon to his fellow countrymen.
I imagine him praying fervently for his wife to change and live a faithful life as a prophet’s wife. I can almost see him returning home at night after delivering a soul-splitting prophetic message to his wayward listeners, and standing at his doorstep with a heart full of pain. I’ve often wondered what it would take for one person to love another person so much that their affection isn’t lessened in light of that person’s atrocious faults. It’s amazing to me even now that a multitude of sins, a number far outweighing seventy times seven, can be covered by a love this strong.
Yet, that’s exactly how you are loved. That’s how I am loved. We are pursued by a love so ferocious, so all-encompassing, that it cannot be quelled by our repeated blunders and obnoxious errors. No, it’s not because we’re so beautiful that our divine lover has become intoxicated beyond reason. No, it’s not because we are good most of the time, and so our sporadic mistakes can be easily overlooked. And it’s certainly not because we are so needed that He would rather keep us around than lose us. Far from it! Rather, it’s because we are loved unreasonably, unconditionally, unequivocally, supernaturally by a God who looks deep beyond our flawed-ness and sees the love of His life, the apple of His eye.
David’s words ring loudly in my ear as he inquired of God, “What is man that You are mindful of him? And the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Indeed, God loves us more than we are ever capable of loving ourselves. And because He loves us, He continually forgives us. For though our sins are mountainous in light of His purity, His love for us is bigger and the covenant He has forged with our souls is more potent. He loves us with a ‘despite-of’, ‘in-spite-of’, ‘regardless-of’, ‘even-if’, and ‘although’ kind of love. In fact, His love for us is unconquerable by any external force.
Indeed, He has married us, knowing quite well that we would be unfaithful from the start; yet He vows to be faithful to us for all our days.
Today, receive the unmerited love of God that tirelessly pursues you. Allow it to permeate your being and transform you into the spotless bride of Christ. Accept His proposal, in the midst of your situation, even if you feel unworthy; accept His hand – marry Him.
Scripture of the Day: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
Busting the Blackmailer
I’m sure you all have memories of a sibling or cousin or childhood cohort who used to do the “OoooOOOOO! I’m gonna TELL!” trick. You may have been the one doing the accusing, or even outright blackmailing. It’s a horrible feeling when you’re on the receiving end of it. My brother used to pull this stunt on me all the time when we were kids. It was usually, “If you don’t _____, I’m gonna tell Mom you did_____. Sometimes he would even make up crimes with which to blackmail me! “If you don’t smell my socks, I’m gonna tell Mom you cussed!”.
Well, in reality, trying to keep a hidden sin hidden is torment. Our enemy knows this and he takes full advantage of our vulnerability. He loves to use our shortcomings and secret sins as a barrier to keep us from being intimate with our Father. After the fruit fiasco, Adam and Eve trying to hide their naked hides from God. The consequences of Achan's hidden plunder, shooting down the alibi, "I'm only hurting myself." Peter's withdrawal from the others after the triple denial incident, apparent in Jesus' resurrection speech: "Go tell my disciples AND PETER..." Instead of being repentant, they all got on the defensive. Why? Because the enemy convinced them that they could no longer trust God to be compassionate or at the very least, fair.
What’s even worse, guilt and crippling fear are compounded with the fact that our prayers are hindered by the wall that sin puts between us and God. The psalmist wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18)
What I eventually learned, as a kid, that if you just ‘fess up, right then and there, the punishment is much less severe. Sometimes there’s even a hug instead of a hand. As a matter of fact, if I could trade the two now, I’d rather have taken a licking than to walk around in constant fear and dread of being found out. Oh, I couldn’t see it at first, because it seemed as if I were more in control if I could just placate the accuser. Here’s a revelation: God already knows all about that thing you’re hiding. However, He can’t HEAL until you DEAL. Only you can do the confessing and forsaking of sin, and until you do, the wound will never close. The accuser’s singsong, “OooooOOOOO” will reverberate in your ears. You’ll be too busy looking over your shoulder to keep your eyes forward.
We know that God is a holy God, and that He cannot tolerate sin, but we fail sometimes to recognize that His passion for our holiness is fueled by His righteous, perfect love—the love of a Father. Ignore that sin? No, He won’t…but while He’s helping you perfect that area of your life, He’ll be holding your hand every step of the way. David brought an interesting revelation in the 23rd Psalm. He said, “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The sheep can trust the Shepherd’s love, even His tough love, because the Shepherd will never let him fall prey to danger. Beats the daylights out of hiding from Him, doesn’t it?
My word for you today is DE-STRESS…CONFESS. Run to the Lord today. Run, don’t walk. Run to Him before you chicken out, and confess those things which torment you. Get a grip on your temptations by being accountable to a pastor or trusted spiritual leader...and renew your mind daily to the Word, which serves as both mirror and tweezer to pluck out that offensive thought, action or habit. Fortify yourself, then the devil no longer has "the goods" on you! Be free!
Scripture of the Day: “and do not give the devil a foothold..” - Eph. 4:27
Well, in reality, trying to keep a hidden sin hidden is torment. Our enemy knows this and he takes full advantage of our vulnerability. He loves to use our shortcomings and secret sins as a barrier to keep us from being intimate with our Father. After the fruit fiasco, Adam and Eve trying to hide their naked hides from God. The consequences of Achan's hidden plunder, shooting down the alibi, "I'm only hurting myself." Peter's withdrawal from the others after the triple denial incident, apparent in Jesus' resurrection speech: "Go tell my disciples AND PETER..." Instead of being repentant, they all got on the defensive. Why? Because the enemy convinced them that they could no longer trust God to be compassionate or at the very least, fair.
What’s even worse, guilt and crippling fear are compounded with the fact that our prayers are hindered by the wall that sin puts between us and God. The psalmist wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18)
What I eventually learned, as a kid, that if you just ‘fess up, right then and there, the punishment is much less severe. Sometimes there’s even a hug instead of a hand. As a matter of fact, if I could trade the two now, I’d rather have taken a licking than to walk around in constant fear and dread of being found out. Oh, I couldn’t see it at first, because it seemed as if I were more in control if I could just placate the accuser. Here’s a revelation: God already knows all about that thing you’re hiding. However, He can’t HEAL until you DEAL. Only you can do the confessing and forsaking of sin, and until you do, the wound will never close. The accuser’s singsong, “OooooOOOOO” will reverberate in your ears. You’ll be too busy looking over your shoulder to keep your eyes forward.
We know that God is a holy God, and that He cannot tolerate sin, but we fail sometimes to recognize that His passion for our holiness is fueled by His righteous, perfect love—the love of a Father. Ignore that sin? No, He won’t…but while He’s helping you perfect that area of your life, He’ll be holding your hand every step of the way. David brought an interesting revelation in the 23rd Psalm. He said, “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The sheep can trust the Shepherd’s love, even His tough love, because the Shepherd will never let him fall prey to danger. Beats the daylights out of hiding from Him, doesn’t it?
My word for you today is DE-STRESS…CONFESS. Run to the Lord today. Run, don’t walk. Run to Him before you chicken out, and confess those things which torment you. Get a grip on your temptations by being accountable to a pastor or trusted spiritual leader...and renew your mind daily to the Word, which serves as both mirror and tweezer to pluck out that offensive thought, action or habit. Fortify yourself, then the devil no longer has "the goods" on you! Be free!
Scripture of the Day: “and do not give the devil a foothold..” - Eph. 4:27
Monday, February 6, 2012
God Sets The Gold Standard for Love
Sharon Frame
Did you notice? Just days after Christmas department stores started stocking their shelves with cuddly Teddy Bears and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate treats. Yes, Valentine’s Day is around the corner and “Love” is big business. The tens of millions of dollars spent buying flowers and candy every February 14th prove our love affair with the idea of love.
This most romantic day of the year thrills some people, but it leaves others really depressed. For those lonely and longing for love, Valentine’s Day can prove to be dark and dreadful. It may provoke heart-aching memories of a bitter break-up, betrayal or love lost to stupidity or divorce. But failed relationships are part of the unpredictability of human love.
Now God’s love, that’s another matter. It comes with eternal guarantees and is never fleeting. It’s offered at no risk of betrayal to you. God’s love is readily available to all at anytime. It’s not based on emotions or feelings but on God’s commitment to His own Word. Since God is love, He can’t help but to love us. And His love never fails.
God’s love is steadfast, unmovable, always abounding. It is the pattern from which all human love is based. And the more we replicate it in our relationships, the more we’ll resemble God and reflect His loving character. So what does God’s love look like?
For those in relationships why not use this advertised “season of love” as a reminder to strengthen your bonds and embrace the love traits spelled out in 1st Corinthians? As for unattached singles, expect a slew of remedies from relationship experts on how to avoid Valentine’s Day depression. They’ll advise you to “Throw yourself a party.” “Send yourself flowers.” “Hang out with friends.” But if you are lonely and depressed these suggestions are just temporary fixes. The party will end, your self-addressed flowers will fade and your friends will eventually go home. Then your emptiness and longing for companionship will likely resurface.
Before that happens make a determined move to attach yourself to God’s love. Let His Word remind you of how special you are to Him. There is no greater companion or comforter. With that assurance you’ll soon discover that you can be physically alone and not be lonely on Valentine’s Day, or any day of the year.
Scripture of the Day: “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” - Psalm 63:3
Did you notice? Just days after Christmas department stores started stocking their shelves with cuddly Teddy Bears and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate treats. Yes, Valentine’s Day is around the corner and “Love” is big business. The tens of millions of dollars spent buying flowers and candy every February 14th prove our love affair with the idea of love.
This most romantic day of the year thrills some people, but it leaves others really depressed. For those lonely and longing for love, Valentine’s Day can prove to be dark and dreadful. It may provoke heart-aching memories of a bitter break-up, betrayal or love lost to stupidity or divorce. But failed relationships are part of the unpredictability of human love.
Now God’s love, that’s another matter. It comes with eternal guarantees and is never fleeting. It’s offered at no risk of betrayal to you. God’s love is readily available to all at anytime. It’s not based on emotions or feelings but on God’s commitment to His own Word. Since God is love, He can’t help but to love us. And His love never fails.
God’s love is steadfast, unmovable, always abounding. It is the pattern from which all human love is based. And the more we replicate it in our relationships, the more we’ll resemble God and reflect His loving character. So what does God’s love look like?
For those in relationships why not use this advertised “season of love” as a reminder to strengthen your bonds and embrace the love traits spelled out in 1st Corinthians? As for unattached singles, expect a slew of remedies from relationship experts on how to avoid Valentine’s Day depression. They’ll advise you to “Throw yourself a party.” “Send yourself flowers.” “Hang out with friends.” But if you are lonely and depressed these suggestions are just temporary fixes. The party will end, your self-addressed flowers will fade and your friends will eventually go home. Then your emptiness and longing for companionship will likely resurface.
Before that happens make a determined move to attach yourself to God’s love. Let His Word remind you of how special you are to Him. There is no greater companion or comforter. With that assurance you’ll soon discover that you can be physically alone and not be lonely on Valentine’s Day, or any day of the year.
Scripture of the Day: “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” - Psalm 63:3
Friday, February 3, 2012
Pictures of Crazy Love
I guess it is true that love will make you do some crazy things. Imagine the reach of God’s love. He asks us to love our enemies (Matt. 5: 44). He then lives that out in his life. A woman who had ‘many’ sins experienced Christ’s love (Luke 7:47). He knew Peter would deny him three times, but Peter was still chosen as one of the three closest to Jesus. Jesus was God and possesses authority, but because of love, stooped and washed his disciples’ feet (John 13). All of these are examples of how crazy God’s love is. His love is, by definition, against the grain, but it’s radical, unconventional and revolutionary. He even invites us to participate in this same extravagant love. There’s another great display of God’s love and how unconventional it is.
In the Old Testament book of Hosea, God instructs the Prophet Hosea to marry a woman who was better known as a prostitute. It says, “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, take to yourself a wife and children of unfaithfulness.” (Hosea 1:2, NIV)
Why in the world would God tell a Man of God to do something like this? He answers it in the same verse. He wanted Hosea to become a living example of God’s love. The verse says, “Because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.” In other words, because other people have experienced my love and walked away from it, I need them to see someone who willingly loves someone who doesn’t want to be loved, doesn’t know how to be loved, and may even take advantage of that love. Hosea, can you do that?
Wow, this is crazy love to the extreme. What’s even more amazing about this is that we are challenged to love in this same kind of radical way. The truth is that ONLY those who experience God’s love and forgiveness even understand the depth of this. It’s perfect love, without conditions.
As we read further into Hosea, Gomer gets tired of her life with Hosea and starts to live outside of the boundaries of her marriage and ends up pregnant…three different times! And guest what God tells Hosea? Go get her! Go find her, clean her up, take her back in, and love her with crazy love! God is telling Hosea what Paul told the Corinthians, “Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Cor. 13: 7, KJV). God sets a standard and challenge for us. Be LIVING EXAMPLES of my Crazy Love. Live it out and work it out – daily!
As a way to accept this challenge, here are some questions to challenge you to love in a crazy way.
1. Is your love absolutely unconditional?
2. Do you personalize your love?
3. Do you rely on your feelings or on godly obedience to love?
4. Are you challenged to love or do you dismiss loving others?
Today, let’s rise to the challenge of being those LIVING EXAMPLES of God’s crazy love. It looks, sounds, and feels crazy. But so is God’s love to us.
Scripture of the Day: “Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” - 1 Cor. 13:7 (KJV)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
He Knows My Name
Have you ever forgotten someone's name? Do you know that it's easy to forget someone's name, and it does happen? I've said before, "I know that persons face, but I can't remember their name". Or has this ever happened to you - you're greeting someone and you give them the wrong name! Now that's something that will make you want to go and crawl under a rock!
Our name is a word or group of words, by which we're known and identified by. People may sometimes forget your name, but there's someone who will never forget your name, and that's God. There's someone who knew you before you were even born, and that's God. Looking down from His throne up above, He knows each and everyone of us by our name. He also knows our struggles and pains, our tears that sometimes fall, and He hears every prayer and sees the longing, desire, and passion of our heart. We're not tiny, small particles or dots to Him. He's our Maker and Father who loves us and we're worth so much to Him! This should be enough for us to continue to worship Him with an everlasting love, just because of who He is.
There is a song of worship that simply describes Him knowing us by name. "He Knows My Name", by Israel & New Breed is a song that you can let minister to you when a time may come in your life where it feels and seems like everyone has forgotten you and your name. This song will help you realize just how special you are to Him. Not only does He know us by name, He also has a purpose for our lives and He calls us His own. He knew and knows what we're going to go through and face, even before we know it! He'll never leave us; He walks with us wherever we may go. We also want others to know that we know His name! Day by day, we come in contact and interact with a lot of people that don't know us and may never come in contact with us again, from a lonely lost person walking down the street with tears, sharing that they really don't "want to be here anymore", to the waiter waiting your table at the restaurant. How we respond to others will be a witness to our relationship with the Lord.
Let's remember that when our lives are displaying the "f-o-t-s" (fruit of the Spirit); we're showing to whom we belong. And let’s not forget we're also showing our name and character too, and that God loves us.
Lord, we thank you on this day for recognizing and knowing us by name. When we come to you in prayer, you know each of us individually and there is no one like you. You know us better than we know ourselves. Our prayer also is to display what your name and love is all about. Thank you for loving and calling us your own. Amen.
Scripture of the Day - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Lost And Found In His Love
By Sharon Frame
I got lost in Nazareth three months ago. Yes, that Nazareth; the childhood home of Jesus. Why? I failed to follow simple instructions. It reminded me of when Adam and Eve disobeyed one clear command and got us lost in sin.
Darkness settled over the city. Our tour guide instructed us to head to the bus. She was busy rounding up the stragglers, so I decided to dash inside a candy store close to our meeting point. Somehow I lost track of time. When I stepped out into the streets of modern-day Nazareth, there was not one familiar face in the busy crowd. It seems my tour bus was gone and I was left behind! Fear began to close in. I panicked.
I imagine fear closed in just the same way in the Garden of Eden after the fall. It can smother and choke the life right out of you. But II Timothy 1:7 reminded me that God has “not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
Even when we deliberately ignore God’s command, He still offers us love and power to protect us from the unexpected changes of life. Our misbehavior doesn’t shock God. What hurts Him is when we run from His help. While Adam and Eve were naked and running away in shame, God was making provision to die and to kill the curse of sin. It was the only way for this loving God to redeem man.
Consider this: A judge found “Richard” guilty of a capital crime in federal court. He sentenced him to death. Richard had to be executed to propitiate or satisfy the verdict. Everyone knew he was guilty. The evidence was overwhelming. Richard even confessed to the crime. Ironically, the judge on the bench was Richard’s own father.
By law, Richard Sr. had to sentence his son to die. The law demanded justice and offered no leniency for the crime. A ransom or debt had to be paid. So, there sat the loving father with a heavy and broken heart. He’s bound by laws he created. But the same law requires the death of his own child.
So what does he do? He steps down from the bench and his place of power. He takes off starch-stiff black robe. A hush grips the courtroom. The esteemed judge walks over to his son, gently moves him out of the way, and stands in his place. He announces that he will die so his guilty son can live. He waves off the frantic objections from the prosecution, and is led away by the executioner. He casts a loving glance at his son who is paralyzed by shock and disbelief. Soon the floodgates break. Richard Jr. crumbles to the ground overcome by gratitude and a stream of uncontrollable tears.
What Richard Sr. did for his son is what God did for us through Jesus Christ.
Simply put, man sinned when he disobeyed God’s law. The offense of sin demanded a penalty. The penalty was death. That meant blood had to be shed to pay the “wages” of sin. Problem is, only innocent blood could satisfy the requirement and acquit the guilty party.
Since “all had sinned and fallen short,” no human sacrifice could ransom or save the human race. Only God could do it. So, a loving and holy God took off his robe and came down in the “form” of sinful flesh. God the son moved us out of the way of death, and was executed to satisfy the demands of His own law. What manner of love is that?!
From the moment man sinned in the Garden, God set his loving plan in motion to rescue and redeem him. So, why would He leave or abandon you now?
Our Father is like a smitten lover who refuses to give up on a wayward woman who has completely captured his heart. He’s like a doting daddy who is oh so patient with his rebellious, head-strong children. He longs to lavish his love and protect them from harm. He’s like a true friend who sticks “closer than a brother.” No matter what scrapes you get yourself into, you know there is a shoulder to cry on. He’s that close companion who will never violate your confidence or think of you any less because of your failures.
Remember when he said: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Back in Nazareth, I walked around scared and bewildered for about 10 minutes. And just as it seemed all hope was gone, I spotted one of our tour guides peeling through the crowd towards me. They had been desperately scouring the city streets for their wayward tourist.
You sometimes will get lost in the maze of life. If we admit it, much of the pain, hurt and setbacks are of our own making. Our loving God is not looking for ways to hold it against us. Instead, He’s looking for ways to draw us back into his arms of safety and protection.
Now that’s love!
Scripture Of The Day: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” - Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
I got lost in Nazareth three months ago. Yes, that Nazareth; the childhood home of Jesus. Why? I failed to follow simple instructions. It reminded me of when Adam and Eve disobeyed one clear command and got us lost in sin.
Darkness settled over the city. Our tour guide instructed us to head to the bus. She was busy rounding up the stragglers, so I decided to dash inside a candy store close to our meeting point. Somehow I lost track of time. When I stepped out into the streets of modern-day Nazareth, there was not one familiar face in the busy crowd. It seems my tour bus was gone and I was left behind! Fear began to close in. I panicked.
I imagine fear closed in just the same way in the Garden of Eden after the fall. It can smother and choke the life right out of you. But II Timothy 1:7 reminded me that God has “not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
Even when we deliberately ignore God’s command, He still offers us love and power to protect us from the unexpected changes of life. Our misbehavior doesn’t shock God. What hurts Him is when we run from His help. While Adam and Eve were naked and running away in shame, God was making provision to die and to kill the curse of sin. It was the only way for this loving God to redeem man.
Consider this: A judge found “Richard” guilty of a capital crime in federal court. He sentenced him to death. Richard had to be executed to propitiate or satisfy the verdict. Everyone knew he was guilty. The evidence was overwhelming. Richard even confessed to the crime. Ironically, the judge on the bench was Richard’s own father.
By law, Richard Sr. had to sentence his son to die. The law demanded justice and offered no leniency for the crime. A ransom or debt had to be paid. So, there sat the loving father with a heavy and broken heart. He’s bound by laws he created. But the same law requires the death of his own child.
So what does he do? He steps down from the bench and his place of power. He takes off starch-stiff black robe. A hush grips the courtroom. The esteemed judge walks over to his son, gently moves him out of the way, and stands in his place. He announces that he will die so his guilty son can live. He waves off the frantic objections from the prosecution, and is led away by the executioner. He casts a loving glance at his son who is paralyzed by shock and disbelief. Soon the floodgates break. Richard Jr. crumbles to the ground overcome by gratitude and a stream of uncontrollable tears.
What Richard Sr. did for his son is what God did for us through Jesus Christ.
Simply put, man sinned when he disobeyed God’s law. The offense of sin demanded a penalty. The penalty was death. That meant blood had to be shed to pay the “wages” of sin. Problem is, only innocent blood could satisfy the requirement and acquit the guilty party.
Since “all had sinned and fallen short,” no human sacrifice could ransom or save the human race. Only God could do it. So, a loving and holy God took off his robe and came down in the “form” of sinful flesh. God the son moved us out of the way of death, and was executed to satisfy the demands of His own law. What manner of love is that?!
From the moment man sinned in the Garden, God set his loving plan in motion to rescue and redeem him. So, why would He leave or abandon you now?
Our Father is like a smitten lover who refuses to give up on a wayward woman who has completely captured his heart. He’s like a doting daddy who is oh so patient with his rebellious, head-strong children. He longs to lavish his love and protect them from harm. He’s like a true friend who sticks “closer than a brother.” No matter what scrapes you get yourself into, you know there is a shoulder to cry on. He’s that close companion who will never violate your confidence or think of you any less because of your failures.
Remember when he said: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Back in Nazareth, I walked around scared and bewildered for about 10 minutes. And just as it seemed all hope was gone, I spotted one of our tour guides peeling through the crowd towards me. They had been desperately scouring the city streets for their wayward tourist.
You sometimes will get lost in the maze of life. If we admit it, much of the pain, hurt and setbacks are of our own making. Our loving God is not looking for ways to hold it against us. Instead, He’s looking for ways to draw us back into his arms of safety and protection.
Now that’s love!
Scripture Of The Day: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” - Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
Friday, February 11, 2011
It’s Never Too Late
By Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr.
All of us have made some bad decisions in life. Often, God will let us experience the bumps in the road to our destiny. I know you have thought maybe it is too late, I've made too many mistakes.
But realize that the bumps are designed to bring the flesh and the soul into a place of repentance, and reconciliation. God's love and grace keeps us on course because from God's perspective, it's never too late.
God is right in the mix with our destiny. He is not trying to figure out along the way what to do next, nor does God sleep or scratch his head wondering what to do with us.
"God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Number 23:19.
Nothing is too hard for God.
He already has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jesus told us in Mark 9:23, "... If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth." And in Jeremiah 1:12, "...Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it."
Something ought to make you jump up and shout when you read these scriptures. God loves us so much! He confirms his promises to us over and over in the Word. What He said, He will do.
Delay is not denial. Nothing is impossible for God. No matter how many times you've messed up, or how many times you failed. It's never too late!
Scripture Of The Day: "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." - Psalm 36:5 (NIV)
Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the Senior Pastor, CEO and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC). The focus of the ministry is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ with a passion for helping people. For more information, visit http://www.ndcc.tv/.
All of us have made some bad decisions in life. Often, God will let us experience the bumps in the road to our destiny. I know you have thought maybe it is too late, I've made too many mistakes.
But realize that the bumps are designed to bring the flesh and the soul into a place of repentance, and reconciliation. God's love and grace keeps us on course because from God's perspective, it's never too late.
God is right in the mix with our destiny. He is not trying to figure out along the way what to do next, nor does God sleep or scratch his head wondering what to do with us.
"God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Number 23:19.
Nothing is too hard for God.
He already has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jesus told us in Mark 9:23, "... If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth." And in Jeremiah 1:12, "...Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it."
Something ought to make you jump up and shout when you read these scriptures. God loves us so much! He confirms his promises to us over and over in the Word. What He said, He will do.
Delay is not denial. Nothing is impossible for God. No matter how many times you've messed up, or how many times you failed. It's never too late!
Scripture Of The Day: "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." - Psalm 36:5 (NIV)
Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the Senior Pastor, CEO and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC). The focus of the ministry is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ with a passion for helping people. For more information, visit http://www.ndcc.tv/.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
God’s Boundless Love
By Brent Barnett
Sometimes as we go through life, we can begin to lose sight of God or question and doubt His love for us. We can become mired in erroneous thinking that God loves somebody else more than He loves us, which the Bible says is certainly untrue (Galatians 2:6). Circumstances in life can be very unfair, but our God remains the same as He has always been, which is love (1 John 4:8). God is love, He defines love, He does loving things, and He cannot do any unloving things. God's very character, nature, makeup, and personality is love.
The wonderful news is that God doesn't just keep His love to Himself, but He demonstrates it to the world. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God spared nothing by giving us the most special and beloved gift which He could give, His Son, and He sent Him to a world which didn't deserve such a gift. We were sinners, not looking or even desiring to love God or even be loved by Him because we loved our sin and our own selfish ways. Yet God initiated love because love is Who He is; His own nature compelled Him to give us Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
God made man because He loved man and He wanted to have a relationship with man. Yet because of sin, man's only hope at being restored to fellowship with God was for a ransom to be paid. God demanded holiness, and we failed to measure up. Thus, God sent His perfect Son to live a perfect life and die in our place as a perfect sacrifice. Thus, as we repent of our sins and trust in Christ's work on the cross, we can be saved, forgiven, and free to enjoy a relationship with God forever. God loved the world so much that He gave up His Son to utter humiliation, even forsaking Him because of our sin which was placed upon Him (Mark 15:34), so that we could be received by Him (John 1:12-13). God has indeed demonstrated perfect and pure love beyond compare. We have never been loved like this, and only God can love us so perfectly. Only in knowing Him can we find perfect, grace-filled, redeeming, and restoring love. If and when we doubt God's love, we need only consider the cross.
But the love of God doesn't end here, for He keeps on giving good and perfect gifts. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." He hasn't changed, for the same God Who did not spare His own Son is the same God we serve today. As Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Thus, God's love is not only demonstrated in the cross, though the cross sufficiently proves His love, but it is also manifested in the good and perfect blessings which He gives us in this life.
Yet let us not become so absorbed with this life such that we forget that the greatest gifts are yet to come in eternity. At that point, we will experience release from all pain, sorrow, and the burdens and troubles of this world (Revelation 21:4). The coming of Christ will bring with it an end to persecution, strife, struggles against sin, and every kind of hurt and betrayal. Relationships will be perfect, and we will see our Savior face to face. There we will worship Him, and He will bestow upon us the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:20) and all the rewards and honor due us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The best is yet to come because Jesus is coming back, and we who have been redeemed will go to Him. Soon, and very soon, we will be able to enjoy the perfect Lover of our souls, the One Who alone is good, perfect, and the very definition of love. There, forever, we will bathe and bask in the overwhelming, wonderful, and boundless love of God.
Scripture Of The Day: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
Sometimes as we go through life, we can begin to lose sight of God or question and doubt His love for us. We can become mired in erroneous thinking that God loves somebody else more than He loves us, which the Bible says is certainly untrue (Galatians 2:6). Circumstances in life can be very unfair, but our God remains the same as He has always been, which is love (1 John 4:8). God is love, He defines love, He does loving things, and He cannot do any unloving things. God's very character, nature, makeup, and personality is love.
The wonderful news is that God doesn't just keep His love to Himself, but He demonstrates it to the world. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God spared nothing by giving us the most special and beloved gift which He could give, His Son, and He sent Him to a world which didn't deserve such a gift. We were sinners, not looking or even desiring to love God or even be loved by Him because we loved our sin and our own selfish ways. Yet God initiated love because love is Who He is; His own nature compelled Him to give us Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
God made man because He loved man and He wanted to have a relationship with man. Yet because of sin, man's only hope at being restored to fellowship with God was for a ransom to be paid. God demanded holiness, and we failed to measure up. Thus, God sent His perfect Son to live a perfect life and die in our place as a perfect sacrifice. Thus, as we repent of our sins and trust in Christ's work on the cross, we can be saved, forgiven, and free to enjoy a relationship with God forever. God loved the world so much that He gave up His Son to utter humiliation, even forsaking Him because of our sin which was placed upon Him (Mark 15:34), so that we could be received by Him (John 1:12-13). God has indeed demonstrated perfect and pure love beyond compare. We have never been loved like this, and only God can love us so perfectly. Only in knowing Him can we find perfect, grace-filled, redeeming, and restoring love. If and when we doubt God's love, we need only consider the cross.
But the love of God doesn't end here, for He keeps on giving good and perfect gifts. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." He hasn't changed, for the same God Who did not spare His own Son is the same God we serve today. As Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Thus, God's love is not only demonstrated in the cross, though the cross sufficiently proves His love, but it is also manifested in the good and perfect blessings which He gives us in this life.
Yet let us not become so absorbed with this life such that we forget that the greatest gifts are yet to come in eternity. At that point, we will experience release from all pain, sorrow, and the burdens and troubles of this world (Revelation 21:4). The coming of Christ will bring with it an end to persecution, strife, struggles against sin, and every kind of hurt and betrayal. Relationships will be perfect, and we will see our Savior face to face. There we will worship Him, and He will bestow upon us the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:20) and all the rewards and honor due us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The best is yet to come because Jesus is coming back, and we who have been redeemed will go to Him. Soon, and very soon, we will be able to enjoy the perfect Lover of our souls, the One Who alone is good, perfect, and the very definition of love. There, forever, we will bathe and bask in the overwhelming, wonderful, and boundless love of God.
Scripture Of The Day: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Eyes Of True Love
By Sharon Frame
I looked in the mirror yesterday, and focused on what needed fixing. I did admire my disarming smile. But far more time was spent bemoaning my dreary, droopy eyes caused by another hard day’s work. Can you relate?
Funny how God sees something totally different when He gazes at me. I am not quite sure we realize just how crazy God is about us. In Isaiah 49:16, He says “I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands.” Only someone who is madly in love with you would take the trouble to tattoo your name in the palm of his hands!
If that was not enough, Psalm 17: 8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” No doubt you’ve heard that scripture before. It sounds quite comforting. But what does it really mean to be “the apple of God’s eye?" Check it out in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The original Hebrew translation for the word "apple" is not a fruit. It’s “pupil” or “the middle.” It’s also translated, “little man.”
When you look into the pupil of someone’s eyes, what do you see? A small reflection of yourself! Look closely next time. A little you looks back at you.
When God looks at us, He sees a small reflection of Himself! We are a reflection of God. How awesome is that? Just imagine how this one revelation could transform a destructive person’s worthless self-image. Depression, fear, self-defeat would all vanish if we saw ourselves as God does--through the eyes of His pure love.
The pupil is the center of the eye. Since we are the apple (pupil) of God’s eye, it’s reasonable to conclude we are the center of His attention. His daily focus is on us. Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” This love affair baffled another writer who asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)
Our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees His undying love for mere mortals. His adoring gaze reminds Him of Jesus’ great victory at Calvary. That act re-united a father with his children who were lost and destitute. He calls us His “Beloved.” That means we are dearly loved. Now the question is what are we calling ourselves?
Take another look in the mirror; not the one in your bathroom. Take a look in the mirror of the Word of God. When you do, you are actually looking into God’s eyes. And when we look into God’s eyes (the Word, the Light), we see a small reflection of ourselves.
That’s one reason why it’s so critical to consistently read and study the Bible. It obliterates darkness and confusion. It reveals who we really are. It describes our worth and value to God, and our responsibility to Him. We learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It’s all written out in His “will and testament.”
There is no need for Christians to walk around defeated. Go back to the mirror and gaze in the Father’s eyes. Be reminded of who you are and “whose” you are. And also remember, “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8), and there will be hell to pay!
You can’t help but love such a God more dearly.
Scripture Of The Day: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” - Psalm 8:4-5
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
I looked in the mirror yesterday, and focused on what needed fixing. I did admire my disarming smile. But far more time was spent bemoaning my dreary, droopy eyes caused by another hard day’s work. Can you relate?
Funny how God sees something totally different when He gazes at me. I am not quite sure we realize just how crazy God is about us. In Isaiah 49:16, He says “I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands.” Only someone who is madly in love with you would take the trouble to tattoo your name in the palm of his hands!
If that was not enough, Psalm 17: 8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” No doubt you’ve heard that scripture before. It sounds quite comforting. But what does it really mean to be “the apple of God’s eye?" Check it out in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The original Hebrew translation for the word "apple" is not a fruit. It’s “pupil” or “the middle.” It’s also translated, “little man.”
When you look into the pupil of someone’s eyes, what do you see? A small reflection of yourself! Look closely next time. A little you looks back at you.
When God looks at us, He sees a small reflection of Himself! We are a reflection of God. How awesome is that? Just imagine how this one revelation could transform a destructive person’s worthless self-image. Depression, fear, self-defeat would all vanish if we saw ourselves as God does--through the eyes of His pure love.
The pupil is the center of the eye. Since we are the apple (pupil) of God’s eye, it’s reasonable to conclude we are the center of His attention. His daily focus is on us. Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” This love affair baffled another writer who asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)
Our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees His undying love for mere mortals. His adoring gaze reminds Him of Jesus’ great victory at Calvary. That act re-united a father with his children who were lost and destitute. He calls us His “Beloved.” That means we are dearly loved. Now the question is what are we calling ourselves?
Take another look in the mirror; not the one in your bathroom. Take a look in the mirror of the Word of God. When you do, you are actually looking into God’s eyes. And when we look into God’s eyes (the Word, the Light), we see a small reflection of ourselves.
That’s one reason why it’s so critical to consistently read and study the Bible. It obliterates darkness and confusion. It reveals who we really are. It describes our worth and value to God, and our responsibility to Him. We learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It’s all written out in His “will and testament.”
There is no need for Christians to walk around defeated. Go back to the mirror and gaze in the Father’s eyes. Be reminded of who you are and “whose” you are. And also remember, “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8), and there will be hell to pay!
You can’t help but love such a God more dearly.
Scripture Of The Day: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” - Psalm 8:4-5
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
Monday, February 7, 2011
Kept By His Love
By Greg Laurie
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, because you protect what you love.
In the same way, God never forgets what He loves. Writing to first-century believers, Jude addressed his epistle, "to all who are called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ (v. 1)." In the original language, it is in the perfect tense of which the nearest equivalent would read, "You are continually kept by Jesus Christ." It is a continuing result of a past action.
Whatever your difficulties may be today, you need to know that you are preserved in Christ, and that He will maintain His investment, which He purchased at the Cross. He will protect you, preserve you, and keep you.
Yet the Bible also tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21 NKJV). Is this a contradiction? No. It is merely two sides of the same coin. The Bible is teaching that God will keep us, but at the same time, we must keep ourselves in His love. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we keep ourselves safe.
There are things we must do on a daily basis to keep ourselves in a place where God can actively bless us, and to keep ourselves away from all that is unlike Him, and those things that would drag us down spiritually.
Attacks will come our way. Were it not for the preserving grace of God, none of us would make it. Clearly, we are preserved, protected, and kept by the power of God.
Scripture Of The Day: "Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:39
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, because you protect what you love.
In the same way, God never forgets what He loves. Writing to first-century believers, Jude addressed his epistle, "to all who are called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ (v. 1)." In the original language, it is in the perfect tense of which the nearest equivalent would read, "You are continually kept by Jesus Christ." It is a continuing result of a past action.
Whatever your difficulties may be today, you need to know that you are preserved in Christ, and that He will maintain His investment, which He purchased at the Cross. He will protect you, preserve you, and keep you.
Yet the Bible also tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21 NKJV). Is this a contradiction? No. It is merely two sides of the same coin. The Bible is teaching that God will keep us, but at the same time, we must keep ourselves in His love. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we keep ourselves safe.
There are things we must do on a daily basis to keep ourselves in a place where God can actively bless us, and to keep ourselves away from all that is unlike Him, and those things that would drag us down spiritually.
Attacks will come our way. Were it not for the preserving grace of God, none of us would make it. Clearly, we are preserved, protected, and kept by the power of God.
Scripture Of The Day: "Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:39
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
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