Sharing with people in need

Ephesians 4:28 (ESV)

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Again and again, the Bible calls us to share with people in need: in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, in Jesus’ teaching, and here in the letters of Paul.

The command to work hard, “doing something useful with [our] own hands,” earning enough that something might be left over, goes hand in hand with being compassionate.

What’s more, Paul presents working and sharing as a way to climb out of a dishonest way of life. There’s something clean and good about doing something useful—and then giving the surplus away. It reverses the old way of life in which a person would steal from unsuspecting, innocent passers-by, often by lurking in dark places and waiting to prey on them.

Paul calls us back from the abyss of a corrupt life to the truth that our first ancestors had God-given work to do. How good to plant seeds, water them, and see them send up shoots; how good to tend and prune and sweep, taking care of the garden of creation we were given (Genesis 2:15).

Paul shows us a way of life that is characterized by growth in Christ, in a loving community of believers who do something good and useful—not sitting around idly gossiping, sniping at each other, fueling conflict and bitterness. How wonderful is the fellowship of loving, kind, compassionate people redeemed by Christ!

Dear Lord, we long to grow into a loving community in Christ.  Help us to be useful and compassionate to people around us in need. We pray that You will Guide us, In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Let God's love shine through you

1 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.

When someone does you wrong, how do you respond? When someone gets the part in the school play that you wanted, how do you react? Most people when faced with being treated wrongly, or being jealous of someone else tend to blow up. They might get angry, be mean and want to get back at the other person.

However, in this verse, we’re encouraged in this verse to be patient, to be kind. When someone does better than us, we’re encouraged to not get envious of that person. These are all hard things to do in our own strength and ability.

No matter how hard it might seem to love someone when you’ve been wronged there is good news. The Bible tells us God’s love is already in our hearts. So what we need to do is let that love dominate the way we act and treat others. The love is already there, it’s just up to us to bring it out!

Dear Lord, help us to let Your love shine through us in whatever circumstance we are in. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Is God real?

Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Have you ever questioned God’s existence? If you have you are not alone. Many people wonder the same thing. So how can we know if God really exists?

Let’s start by looking at an everyday example. Most people with  teenagers probably have a gaming system in your house. The XBox or Playstation at your home is complex and has lots of small complicated parts that make it work. It has controllers, a hard drive, and tons of wiring. All those complicated pieces have to function together to make the game work properly. All the parts that go into making the game are too complex to just have “happened” one day. Your XBOX didn’t just show up in your living room. It had to be put together…it had to be created. The complexity of the game system shows that it had to have a creator.

In the same way our world is complex. The trees, the oceans, animals and people that make it up are way too complex to just have “happened”.

We can see that there was evidence of a creator in the world around us, but it is up to us to choose to believe that creator was God. There is nothing that 100 percent proves God’s existence. There is no scientific study that proves that God is real. If there was every person would believe God exists.

We have to take what we see in creation and read about God in the Bible and we have to choose to believe it. That’s really the definition of faith.

We see evidence of God’s existence all around us every day. The trees, the sun, the birds, all speak of a great creator. When you wonder if God is there or if He really does care about you, stop for a minute and examine the creation around you. God took the time to create each animal and plant and most of all He took time to create you. Take some time today to thank God for everything He has made.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the things all around us that remind us of you and how You love us. Help us to take the time to slow down and see all there is to see. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

He just loved us

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (ESV)

7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Charlotte Mortimer described her adult education, creative writing class. The teacher asked all the students to write “I love you” in 25 words or less, without using the words, “I love you.”

The class was given 15 minutes to complete the assignment. Charlotte wrote that one woman spent about 10 minutes looking at the ceiling and wiggling in her seat. Then the last five minutes, she wrote frantically. Later she read her composition to the class. It consisted of three loving statements:

“Why, I’ve seen lots worse hairdos than that, honey.”

“These cookies are hardly burned at all.”

“Cuddle up-I’ll get your feet warm.”

It tells us something about her husband. It also tells us something about the practical side of love.

I don’t know if anyone else spends much time wondering why God loves us, but sometimes His love is a mystery to me. I know my inadequacies and shortcomings. I also know that God loves me in spite of them. Moses’ words to Israel in Deuteronomy 7:7-8

Our might and importance have nothing to do with God’s affection for us. He just loves us. John 3:16 may be the most memorized verse in the Bible: “God so loved the world...”

In the book Love Beyond Reason, by John Ortberg he describes a doll, Pandy, that belonged to his sister, Barbie. By the time he knew Pandy he says, “She had lost a lot of hair, one arm was missing, and she’d had the stuffing knocked out of her.” Not impressed with Pandy’s beauty, he felt that she was too damaged to be even given away.

He remembers his family going to Canada from Illinois for vacation. On the return trip they realized that they had left the doll in Canada and had to drive all the way back to Canada to retrieve her. Pandy was that important to his sister.

When Barbie married and had a little girl of her own, Courtney, his sister had Pandy restored and kept her as Courtney’s doll. Ortberg’s reflection on Pandy’s story impacted me deeply. He wrote, “When Pandy was young, Barbie loved her. She celebrated her beauty. When Pandy was old and ragged, Barbie loved her still. Now she did not simply love Pandy because Pandy was beautiful, she loved her with the kind of love that made Pandy beautiful.”

That’s what God’s love has done for us. He doesn’t love us because we are beautiful, His love makes us attractive.

Sometimes it is hard for us to receive undeserved love, so we try to earn it.

Richard Bellinger, a young boy in South Carolina, was the son of a Baptist minister. One Saturday night, Richard decided to shine his father’s shoes. The following night his father put a silver dollar on the bureau of his son’s room with a note commending his son for what he had done, and telling him that the dollar was his reward. The next morning, when the father put on his shoes, he felt something hard and metallic in one of them. When he took the shoe off and reached inside, he found the silver dollar he had given to his son the night before. Along with the dollar was a note that simply read, “I did it for love!”

What God has done for us, He did for love. Instead of trying to understand it, or deserve it, or pay for it, He just wants us to receive it and say, “Thank you.” When we do that, His love begins to change us. And does His love ever have the power to change us!

God loves us. When we are about to step into heaven because we have believed in Him, if someone asks us why we made it, we can confidently say, “He just loved us.”

Dear Lord, we thank You for loving us. Help us to not question it but to just take Your love and show it to those around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Happy Valentines Day

There are so many verses about the "heart" of Valentine's Day, which is L-O-V-E!

Probably the most well known and one of the best Bible verses on love is John 3:16 - “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 is Love

1 John 4:8 - "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

1 John 4:16 - "We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

God's Love Described

1 Corinthians 13 is typically called "The Love Chapter" because it describes love; verses 4-8 say - "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;"  Verse 13 continues - "But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

Jeremiah 31:3 says God loves with a never ending love - "The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness."

Why we can love

Matthew 22:37-40 records when Jesus was asked which of the commandments was the greatest - "He replied And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Luke 10:27 records the same - "He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

How we should love

1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."

John 13:34 - Jesus tells us to love others like He has loved us:  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

John 13:35 - Jesus goes on to say that when we love each other as His followers, all men (both other believers and unbelievers will see & recognize:   "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Take the time to share God’s love today and every day.

Dear Lord, we thank You for Your great love. Help us to show it to those You bring into our life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen

Expectations for Valentine’s Day

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

There are a lot of expectations for Valentine’s Day. Someone, probably a Hallmark employee, decided that February 14th would be the day to declare and demonstrate your love to that special someone. Cards, flowers, and chocolates caught on quickly and became a near requirement even for preschool children. But what gets lost in finding the perfect card or gift is the very essence of what love is and how we can best share that with those around us.

I Corinthians 13 is the famous biblical love chapter in Christian circles and beyond. It’s beautiful because it describes the kind of perfect love that God has for us and through him we are able to love our spouses, children, extended family, co-workers, and neighbors this same way. It’s an active love; a love that is more committed to that person than our own feelings at the time. Gift giving isn’t even mentioned because this love, God’s perfect love, is worth so much more than anything money could ever buy.

Sometimes a gift is a hit and sometimes it’s a miss. In any case, as either the giver or recipient, let’s not fool ourselves into thinking the gift is the sum of how much we love or are loved. We can enjoy Valentine’s Day as a good excuse to spoil the ones we love and share God’s love in a special way with those who are lonely and hurting. But let’s stay focused: no material thing or sentimental card can ever replace the simple gestures of God’s love expressed every day. 

Dear Lord,  we ask that You would show us practical ways to demonstrate Your perfect love to others on a daily basis.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Ultimate Valentine

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

This Valentine’s Day, remember that love is so much more than flowers and candy and cards.  It is even more than the deepest feelings you experience, because real love is expressed by unconditional commitment and unwavering dedication to our loved ones—which should be everyone!

That’s why God didn’t spend billions of dollars on us, He sacrificed His priceless Child.

He didn’t send us flowers, but He allowed a crown of thorns to be put on Jesus’ brow.

He didn’t send us a card, but He demonstrated the ultimate Valentine:

John 3:16 - The Ultimate Valentine

Let’s make every day a “Valentine’s Day” because God so loved the world, so should we.  Picture yourself as God’s living Valentine to a world that desperately needs to know what love is truly all about.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the greatest Valentine we could ever have received. Help us to share that same love with the world around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Ultimate Valentine

1 John 4:8 (ESV)

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

There really isn’t any other day on earth like it.  If you just look at Valentine’s Day by the numbers, it boggles the brain a bit:

♥  $130.97 – The average estimated amount an individual will spend on Valentine’s Day.

♥  224 million – The estimated number of roses grown for Valentine’s Day.

♥  $18.6 billion – The projected total amount Americans will spend for Valentine’s Day.

♥  $1.6 billion – The amount people will spend on candy

♥  $1.9 billion – The amount people will spend on flowers

♥  $4.4 billion – The amount people will spend on diamonds, gold, and silver

Not only that, but over 6 million folks will propose on February 14th, and if you are a member of the club that sees Valentine’s Day as S.A.D. (i.e., Single Awareness Day), you can actually pick up a Valentine’s card and/or treat for your pet!

Picture yourself as God’s living Valentine to a world that needs His love. Take the time this week to share God’s love.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be Your love to the world today. Help us to look for the chance that You give us to reach out to those around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

God's Love

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

One of my favorite Bible verses begins, "For God so loved the world." I was thinking about that verse and wondering -- just how great is God's love and how could we measure it?

Sometimes we use a measuring cup to measure things. If I were making some cookies, I would use a measuring cup to make sure that I put in exactly the right amount of flour, sugar, and milk. I wonder if we might use a measuring cup to measure God's love? The Bible says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want....my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:1,5) Well, if our cup runs over with God's love, I don't guess we could use a measuring cup to measure it.

If we were building something in my shop, I might use a tape measure to measure the length, width, and height of different things. I wonder if we might use a tape measure to measure God's love? The Bible tells us that God's love is higher than the heavens. (Psalm 108:4) If God's love is higher than the heavens, I don't think we could use a tape measure to measure it, could we?

I use a watch to measure time. I wonder if we could use a watch to measure how long God's love will last. The Bible tells us that God's love is from everlasting to everlasting. (Psalm 103:17) Wow! If God's love is from everlasting to everlasting, I don't guess we could measure it with a watch.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." How do you measure a love like that? We can't measure it -- we don't need to -- but we do need to experience it.

My prayer for you today is, "That you may understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience it, though it is so great you will never fully understand it." (Ephesians 3:18-19)

Dear Lord, we thank you for Your love -- a love so great that You gave Your one and only Son so that we could have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Cover of her wings

Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

He will cover you with his pinions,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.

The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast. She had been willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.

What a great example of what the Lord has done for each of us.  He didn’t have to stay on the cross and fie for our sins, but He did out of His great love for us.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the reminders that You give us in nature of Your great love. Help us to never take it for granted. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

We need to show God's love

John 13:35 (ESV)

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

One day, a man was walking across a bridge and saw another man standing on the edge, about to jump off. He immediately ran to him and said, "Stop! Don't do it!" "Well, why shouldn't I?" he replied. The other said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" "Like what”? "Well ... are you religious or atheist?" "Religious." "Me too! And are you Christian or Jewish?" "Christian." "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?" "Protestant." "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?” "Baptist." "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?" "Baptist Church of God." "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" "Reformed Baptist Church of God." "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?" "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!" To which he said, "Die, you heretic!" and pushed him off the bridge.

So often we often find ourselves discussing and even arguing our views on various topics, political, spiritual, etc. We need to remember the body of the Lord is one big family. Yes, we differ in opinion on some issues. But we are going to be together for eternity and we must learn to live in peace with one another! In order for us to make a real difference in the world, the world needs to see us loving each other.

Let’s not be like the man who pushed the other off the bridge.

Dear Lord, help us to get along with the world around us so that they can see Your love through us. In the Name of Jesus Amen. 

The flow of God's love

John 7:37-38 (ESV)

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

An estimated 500,000 tons of water go over Niagara Falls every minute. On March 29, 1948, the falls suddenly stopped. Those who lived near enough heard the overwhelming silence, and immediately they thought it was a sign – the end of the world had come! However, after thirty hours had passed – the flow of water resumed.

What happened? Heavy winds had set the ice fields of Lake Erie in motion and tons of ice had jammed the Niagara River entrance near Buffalo. The ice blocked the flow of water until finally, there was a shift in the blockage and the river began flowing again.

The river had stopped flowing because of ice.

If we really want the flow of God’s love, peace, joy, and anointing in our lives – we cannot allow our hearts to become like ice. If we do, His life-giving current will stop.

Let the Lord search your heart for those areas where the ice has built up and needs to thaw out. He will show you where they are if you ask. Our hearts should be burning for Him, so let the river flow.... once again.

Dear Lord, help us search our heart today and see the areas that need to thaw so Your love can flow through us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

A lesson from a Blue Hummingbird

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I found this little story that has some good lessons for each of us.

Once, long ago, there was a young boy who lived in a distant land called Tandow. He was a cheerful lad with not a care in the world. A special friend had he, the little blue hummingbird. Now this little boy didn't have a lot of great friends, but the little bird and the boy were inseparable friends. The boy loved the little hummingbird so, he built him a home. The bird also loved the boy and would follow him wherever he would go. As time went by their love grew and grew.

Then one day the young lad met a pretty young girl in school. The girl had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a cute little smile. This was about the time of the biggest dance of the year. All the boy could think about was how he would love to take the girl to the dance. He gathered his courage all day and at the end of school confronted the girl and asked her to go with him to the dance.

Now this young girl was very popular and felt she did not want to be seen with the boy who cared for her so, but she did not want to hurt his feelings and so figured out a way to avoid saying no or yes. She told the boy if he brought her a red rose she would allow him to escort her to the dance. This hurt the little boy because he knew that in the land of Tandow there had never been a red rose, in fact the only roses in the land of Tandow were white.

On the way home the boy kept mumbling to himself why couldn't she have asked for a white rose. There were hundreds of them in his front yard. Feeling sorry for himself the boy didn't even notice his friend the hummingbird fluttering above him. Now the bird loved him so, that it could tell instantly the boy was troubled. The bird hovered closer as the boy mumbled on home. Now the bird knew why the boy was so troubled.

The bird could not rest all the night long, it pondered all night, a solution to the boy's problem. Finally as the sun began to rise the answer to how the bird could help his best friend entered his mind. The little blue hummingbird flew to a rose bush and searched for a large rose with a stem bearing thorns directly above it. Now the bird chose a thorn and with all the power in his wings cast his small body against the sharp thorn. It entered with great pain, as the tear drops of blood fell upon the white petals of the rose.

Now as the boy was ready for school, as he left the house he saw a red rose, he could hardly believe it, he ran to the bush and plucked the red rose. In his excitement he failed to notice the lifeless little body that lay below the bush in a puddle of blood.

Happy as could be, he began with his red rose on his way to school. Before he got there some other boys playing football in a field called to him and asked him to come and play. His first thought was, no, he had something more important to do. But they begged him and said they really needed him to even the teams. He looked at the rose, then them, then back at the rose. He said to himself. Ah!!! She didn't really want to go with me anyway. Then, throwing the rose down, the boy went and played football.

You've probably already figured out the allegory...

1. The boy is each of us.

2. The humming bird is Jesus Christ.

3. The girl is eternal life.

4. The rose is the atonement.

5. The football game is the worldly things we sometimes feel are so important.

Dear Lord, we thank You for all that You have done for us. Help us not get distracted by the things around us to take us away from You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

God's blessed gift of earthly love

John 15:12-13 (ESV)

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Born in January of 1949, Baca grew up in San Diego, he was in and out of juvenile hall numerous times. Eventually, he fulfilled the conditions of his parole and was drafted into the military.

On February 10, 1970, Baca led his unit through intense fire to rescue a platoon, which was pinned down. Successful in setting up a protected firing position, Baca and his pals started to fight back. That was when a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the middle of him and his pals. Without hesitation, Baca covered the grenade with his helmet and covered his helmet with his body.

On top of his helmet -- that's where Baca was when the grenade exploded.

That was love. The kind of love, which on June 15, 1971, had the Medal of Honor bestowed on John Baca.

It is also the kind of love the Lord speaks about -- the kind of love that is willing to die for a friend.

That's the kind of love John Baca had. It's certainly the love that Jesus has.

No, that's not quite right. Jesus has a love that is far greater than that of John Baca. You see, while Baca was ready to die for his friends, he was also willing to shoot at his enemies. Jesus was crucified for those who loved Him, but also for those who hated Him, who mocked Him, spit on Him, whipped Him and beat Him.

He also died to save sinners like you and me.

This is why even as we celebrate God's blessed gift of earthly love, we also give thanks for the fact God so loved the sinful world He gave His only Son.

Dear Lord, we give thanks for the many people who have loved us. We also wish to express gratitude for the opportunity of showing love to others. May we reflect such a selfless, giving love to others today. In the Name of Jesus.  Amen.

The biggest risk

Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Merrie Harris of Manhattan is a risk taker.

No, she doesn't bet on the horses, nor does she make frequent trips to Vegas. Merrie Harris does something which most of us would think is far more risky.

Recently, when a homeless man came up to her and asked for some money to buy vitamin water and a pack of cigarettes, Ms. Harris was cash poor. But she did have a Platinum American Express Card.

She handed her card over to the man, and the man promptly disappeared.

The man was gone for five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen. During that quarter-hour Merrie Harris' friends made fun of her. The longer the man and card were gone, the more fun those friends had.

Well, the man did return and he did hand back Ms. Harris' card. I'm glad Ms. Harris' faith in humankind wasn't shot down -- at least on that day. Her risk had paid off.

But it occurs to me the Lord did something far more risky. He sent His Son into this world to save humanity. From start to finish Jesus risked Himself. He even sacrificed Himself for us. Jesus risked everything so that all who believe on Him might be saved.

Scripture records how little His work was appreciated while He was here. Since His ascension into heaven, history tells us things haven't gotten much better. Far too many souls despise Jesus, ignore Jesus, and disregard His great sacrifice.

So was Jesus' life, death, and resurrection a bad risk?

God would say to Himself, "I'm glad I did what I did. It has all been worthwhile."

Dear Lord, looking at this sinful world must sometimes be a sad thing for You to do. You gave humanity so much, and we have appreciated Jesus so little. Today, and every day, make my life one of gratitude and thanksgiving. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Valentines Days 2016

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God showed us what true love is. This Valentine’s day here are 21 ideas to show your love to the love of your life.

1. Make a homemade card with a picture of the two of you on the cover. Get ideas for a verse by spending a few minutes browsing through a card shop.

2. Write a poem. It doesn't have to rhyme.

3. Send a love letter listing the reasons "Why I love you so much."

4. Pledge your love for a lifetime. Write it on calligraphy or design it on a desktop computer and print it out on parchment paper and have it framed.

5. Plan a surprise lunch, complete with picnic basket, sparkling grape juice and goblets.

6. Bake a giant cookie and write "I love you" with heart shaped red-hots or frosting. 

7. Make a coupon book and include coupons for a back rub, a compromise when about to lose an argument, a listening ear when needed, and doing the dishes when the other cooks.

8. Kidnap the car for a thorough washing and detailing.

9. Design your personal crest combining symbols that are meaningful to both of you.

10. Compose a love song.

11. Arrange for someone to sing a favorite love song to you and your love when you're together.

12. Call a radio station and have them announce a love message from you and make sure your love is listening at the right time.

13. Make a big sign such as: "I Love You, Kristi. Love, Joe" and put it in front of your house or her apartment complex for the world to see.

14. Buy favorite fruits that aren't in season, like a basket of strawberries or blueberries.

15. Hide little love notes in the car, a coat pocket, or desk.

16. Place a love message in the "personal" section of the classified ads in your local paper.

17. Florist flowers aren't the only way to say "I love you." Pluck a single flower and write a message about how its beauty reminds you of your love. For greater impact, have it delivered at work.

18. Prepare a surprise candle light gourmet low-calorie dinner for two.

19. Write the story of the growth of your relationship from your perspective, sharing your emotions and your joys. What a treasure!

20. Make a paperweight from a smooth stone, paint it, and write a special love message on it.

21. Promise to change a habit that your love has been wanting you to change.

Dear Lord, we thank You for loving us so much You died on the cross so that each of us can experience everlasting life.   In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

How much does God love us?

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A family in Texas was facing unimaginable odds. Mom was expecting a baby in two weeks, but dad was dying. The year before he had been diagnosed with colon cancer, and although surgery and chemotherapy were considered successful, ten months later he began experiencing a breathing problems, and two months after that, he was so sick that he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The cause? More than likely, the very chemotherapy that had saved his life.

Thirteen days later, the news grew even grimmer. His condition was fatal; he had only five to six days left to live. His baby wasn’t due for another two weeks. He would never get to see his baby girl.

Dad had only one wish, a wish so dear to him that it touched mom’s heart: “I’d like to see my baby”.

Mom requested to have her baby induced two weeks early, and the procedure was scheduled. Dad and mom lay next to each other during the delivery, dad in one bed, mom in another. As soon as the baby girl was born, she was placed in her father’s arms. He wept as he held her, and the next forty-five minutes must have been the most special in his life. But then exhaustion stepped in, and he had to relinquish his baby.

Due to his weakened condition, dad was only able to hold the baby twice over the next two days, and then, only for a few minutes each time. Sadly, when the tiny baby was just two days old, dad slipped peacefully into a coma and passed away two days later.

There was another father who was dying to see his child. In this case, his child had wandered away from home with his part of his inheritance. Dad had no idea where his son was, but he walked up the hill daily to scan the horizon. “Maybe today will be the day when I will see my son again!” He never gave up to this ardent wish, and year in and year out, he scanned the horizon for this prodigal son.

Meanwhile, his son had come to his senses. “How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” (Luke 15:17)

After spending all his money on wild living, he found himself feeding pigs, longing to be able to eat even the pods these pigs were eating.

“I will set out and go back to my father . . .” (Luke 15:18a) He is my father after all! “. . . And say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. . .” (Luke 15:18b) I truly have missed the mark! I thought I had it all in control. Look at me now: feeder of pigs! What kind of control did I truly ever have? My waywardness was truly a rebellion against my dad and his reign.

Wow! Have we ever realized that ourselves?

“I am no longer worthy to be called your son . . . ” (Luke 15:19a)

None of us truly are! Even our meager sacrifices are insignificant compared to what Jesus did for us on the cross!

“. . . Make me like one of your hired men.” (Luke 15:19b)

Even if I could be just a fly on the wall in my Father’s kingdom, I would be truly completely satisfied!

Sooner or later we all realize this fact: We may imagine that we are in total control, but our controlling nature is really a rebellion against the authority of our Father in heaven! We are either a Christian who gives all authority to God, or we are wasting our time performing our weekly pew-warming activities.

We cannot just accept Jesus as our Savior without accepting Him as our Lord as well. Just like we can’t drive a car without gasoline! The “it’s MY car!” philosophy will not help keep the vehicle moving. We have to accept the fact that it can only function with gas.

What can we expect, when we give ourselves, just as we are, with all our imperfections, over to the will of God?

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20b)

There was a great celebration right then and there! The only thing this wayward son had ever done right was to simply go home! Going home means we accept the sovereignty of our Father. We understand that He truly cares for us, despite what our opinions may have been during our wilder days.

Let’s remember that this same son had turned his back on his dad in favor of wild living, a living that was diametrically opposed to his father’s wishes. However Dad never opposed him. Opposing would only have made matters worse. Instead Dad kept on praying for his wayward son to come back home. And after years of patient waiting, His prayers were, indeed, answered.

Your loving Heavenly Father is also scanning the horizon, looking for you. His only wish is for you to come back home and hold you in His arms.

How much does He love you? So much that He was willing to die for you on a cross.

Dear Lord, we thank You that even when we weren’t looking for You, You were looking for us. Help us to not stray form You but keep focused on You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

He is our rest! He is our peace!

Romans 8:6-8 (ESV)

6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Living in the Middle Ages wasn't easy. (Are we any better with our hectic self-appointed schedules? We may be more health-conscious, but we aren't "healthy". Heart attacks are on the rise. So are headaches. Where do they come from? We have Aspirin and Acetaminophen to cover the symptoms, or Ibuprofen for those who can't tolerate the above two, nonetheless, they keep appearing. What's wrong with our medicines? Don't they do what we want them to do?)

The people of the Middle Ages used swords as weapons (We don't have to worry about these anymore . . . In our day and age, we have automatic machine guns!). And since people back then didn't want to be killed (guess we haven't changed!), they invented ways of protecting themselves.

Or at least the wealthy did!

They tried just about everything, from leather to wood to -- silk! As these (especially silk!) didn't do much to stop the swords, someone invented chainmail for those who could afford it. Suddenly it was harder to pierce a wealthy person to death, but more often than not, the sword found a vulnerable part of the chainmail. These vulnerable spots served as a real handicap to its wearer. And if the chainmail was found to be invulnerable, the head of the bearer was simply sliced off, as chainmail could not protect the head (An oversight, I am sure).

It was time for better protection, and metal plates were invented to cover the entire body (Try to pierce me now! Ha!)

Every piece of armor was made to perfection according to the specifications of the individual who would wear it.

The weight was distributed in such a way, that a rider could move around quickly and rise up when he fell from his horse.

As a result, noble wealthy men could be more in control for the outcome of certain skirmishes. Until firearms appeared, that is, making those tomb-like contraptions worthless to the wearer, as it offered no protection against bullets.

History keeps on repeating itself. We tend to think we are in control until . . . We find out we are not! Then we try to do something about the problem that is controlling us, and it seems we are back in the game. Until something again goes wrong, that is!

Anger bursts out of our mouth without us even planning it. Spouses and children may betray us without us even being aware. Jobs are terminated and we find ourselves desperately roaming the streets. Where did all of our control go?

In all reality, the more we hold on to control, the less we have it. It always seems as if circumstances and anyone around us, with some exceptions, are rising against what we think we are in control of. Peace is fleeting as despair fills in the cracks. Life seems without meaning.

Reality is not found in our capable hands, but in God Himself. Once we leave control to Him, we can experience a meaningful life, filled with inner peace. Unless we try to be in control again, that is!

Turmoil and trials will always arise, but we won't have to worry about these. God is in control! No one can bypass Him, and not only does His armor cover Him completely, it is also impenetrable, even by bullets. He is the One who will re-energize us, just like those rechargeable batteries. He is the One who will give us rest during turmoil. He is our rest! He is our peace! He is the One who gives meaning to our lives, as long as we leave everything in His care.

And why not? He's our Lord and Savior, after all!

Dear Lord, thank You for that You are our rest and our peace. Help us put our complete trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.