Unfailing Love
by Max Lucado
“Love,” Paul says, “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8 NIV).
The verb Paul uses for the word fail is used elsewhere to describe the demise of a flower as it falls to the ground, withers, and decays. It carries the meaning of death and abolishment.
God’s love, says the apostle, will never fall to the ground, wither, and decay. By its nature, it is permanent. It is never abolished.Love “will last forever” (NLT).
It “never dies” (MSG).
It “never ends” (RSV).
Love “is eternal” (TEV).
God’s love “will never come to an end” (NEB).
Love never fails.
Governments will fail, but God’s love will last. Crowns are temporary, but love is eternal. Your money will run out, but his love never will.
How could God have a love like this? No one has unfailing love. No person can love with perfection. You’re right. No person can. But God is not a person. Unlike our love, his never fails. His love is immensely different from ours.
Our love depends on the receiver of the love. Let a thousand people pass before us, and we will not feel the same about each. Our love will be regulated by their appearance, by their personalities. Even when we find a few people we like, our feelings will fluctuate. How they treat us will affect how we love them. The receiver regulates our love.
Not so with the love of God. We have no thermostatic impact on his love for us. The love of God is born from within him, not from what he finds in us. His love is uncaused and spontaneous.
Does he love us because of our goodness? Because of our kindness? Because of our great faith? No, he loves us because of his goodness, kindness, and great faith. John says it like this: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10 NIV).
Doesn’t this thought comfort you? God’s love does not hinge on yours. The abundance of your love does not increase his. The lack of your love does not diminish his. Your goodness does not enhance his love, nor does your weakness dilute it. What Moses said to Israel is what God says to us:The LORD did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! It was simply because the LORD loves you. (Deut. 7:7–8 NLT)
God loves you simply because he has chosen to do so.He loves you when you don’t feel lovely.
He loves you when no one else loves you. Others may abandon you, divorce you, and ignore you, but God will love you. Always. No matter what.
This is his sentiment: “I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved” (Rom. 9:25 MSG).
This is his promise. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself” (Jer. 31:3 NLT).
From A Love Worth Giving
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Weekend over...
Doesn't it seem like the weekends just fly by?!?!?
It's 3:30 on Sunday and we are just getting settled in. Sectional was yesterday, we lost our game to Barr Reeve but I think they played well considering they were playing the #1 team in the state! We ended the season 19-7, which is the best season for many, many years now. Basketball season here we come!! This is my favorite sport season, I LOVE basketball. Love to watch my kids, UK and most any college basketball. hard to believe Aimee's senior year is flying by!! Which also means Cole's freshman year is flying too!!
Wednesday we go to Hanover to meet with Aimee's counselor as well as the softball coach. We are interested to see what all we learn then!! Hanover is a beautiful campus. I am looking forward to seeing it this time of year!
Last night we had a Sunday School dinner with all the other classes, it was so nice! Today we had the Pastor appreciation dinner, the turnout was great. Pam, our youth leader along with Dianna (another youth helper) presented pastor with a prayer shawl, it was beautiful. The youth also wrote essays on a lesson out of the Crazy Love study. It was titled "What will I do with my life before me". I was very proud of Aimee and Cole for what they wrote and how they presented it.
Ed and I went to do laundry and now we are settled in. I already have my jammies on and I plan on not doing much the rest of the evening. This week our Crazy Love lesson is on "Not being lukewarm" and let me tell you, it convicted me. This lesson was the turning point in the book so far for me. It really makes you think. I always look forward to our grouping with the Ya Ya's, not so sure about leading this study but there seems to be ample sharing at this point. I hope for more to step out and share.
Have a great week ahead!!
It's 3:30 on Sunday and we are just getting settled in. Sectional was yesterday, we lost our game to Barr Reeve but I think they played well considering they were playing the #1 team in the state! We ended the season 19-7, which is the best season for many, many years now. Basketball season here we come!! This is my favorite sport season, I LOVE basketball. Love to watch my kids, UK and most any college basketball. hard to believe Aimee's senior year is flying by!! Which also means Cole's freshman year is flying too!!
Wednesday we go to Hanover to meet with Aimee's counselor as well as the softball coach. We are interested to see what all we learn then!! Hanover is a beautiful campus. I am looking forward to seeing it this time of year!
Last night we had a Sunday School dinner with all the other classes, it was so nice! Today we had the Pastor appreciation dinner, the turnout was great. Pam, our youth leader along with Dianna (another youth helper) presented pastor with a prayer shawl, it was beautiful. The youth also wrote essays on a lesson out of the Crazy Love study. It was titled "What will I do with my life before me". I was very proud of Aimee and Cole for what they wrote and how they presented it.
Ed and I went to do laundry and now we are settled in. I already have my jammies on and I plan on not doing much the rest of the evening. This week our Crazy Love lesson is on "Not being lukewarm" and let me tell you, it convicted me. This lesson was the turning point in the book so far for me. It really makes you think. I always look forward to our grouping with the Ya Ya's, not so sure about leading this study but there seems to be ample sharing at this point. I hope for more to step out and share.
Have a great week ahead!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
When You Are Low on Hope
by Max Lucado
Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it.
Water.
Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west.
Water.
He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window. All day he looked for the dove’s return. Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water.
Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the …You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You’ve known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse.
You’ve seen the floodwater rise, and you’ve likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You’ve been on Noah’s boat.And you’ve needed what Noah needed; you’ve needed some hope. You’re not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice.
Hope doesn’t promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.
That’s all Noah needed. And that’s all Noah received. Here is how the Bible describes the moment: “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!” (Gen. 8:11 NIV).
An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn’t that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf—evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk. Don’t we love the olive leaves of life?
“It appears the cancer may be in remission.”
“I can help you with those finances.”
“We’ll get through this together.”
What’s more, don’t we love the doves that bring them? Perhaps that’s the reason so many loved Jesus.
To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, he proclaims, “Yes!” And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.
Have you received yours? Don’t think your ark is too isolated. Don’t think your flood is too wide.
Receive his hope, won’t you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it. Love always hopes. “Love … bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4–7 NKJV, emphasis mine).
From A Love Worth Giving
by Max Lucado
Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it.
Water.
Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west.
Water.
He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window. All day he looked for the dove’s return. Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water.
Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the …You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You’ve known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse.
You’ve seen the floodwater rise, and you’ve likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You’ve been on Noah’s boat.And you’ve needed what Noah needed; you’ve needed some hope. You’re not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice.
Hope doesn’t promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.
That’s all Noah needed. And that’s all Noah received. Here is how the Bible describes the moment: “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!” (Gen. 8:11 NIV).
An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn’t that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf—evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk. Don’t we love the olive leaves of life?
“It appears the cancer may be in remission.”
“I can help you with those finances.”
“We’ll get through this together.”
What’s more, don’t we love the doves that bring them? Perhaps that’s the reason so many loved Jesus.
To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, he proclaims, “Yes!” And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.
Have you received yours? Don’t think your ark is too isolated. Don’t think your flood is too wide.
Receive his hope, won’t you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it. Love always hopes. “Love … bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4–7 NKJV, emphasis mine).
From A Love Worth Giving
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday Tunes
From the corner of my eye
There's a tear I'm trying to cry
But the feeling can't be found
Like a note thrills in a song
When I play it again, it's gone
Cuz it was never in the sound
And it keeps me wanting
That mysterious thing
Like a night is waiting for a dawn
Every prayer I say (a little closer)
To my resting place (a little closer)
Where my final breath
is the beginning
To never needing
And I will find my last Amen
I could swear I have two hearts
[ Downhere Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
One to stay, one to depart
This sad, tragic kingdom
And it burns me down to the core
Because I know
there's so much more
It's just a pale reflection
And it keeps me wanting
That mysterious thing
Like an outcast waiting to belong
And while the thrills are fading
The joy is in the waiting
Somewhere in the grand design
It's good to be unsatisfied
It keeps the faith and hope
a little more alive
Monday, October 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Ed!!
Today is my Ed's birthday!! Words cannot express what a great husband and father he is. I love him for the little things he does for me like; tucking me in every night, changing the oil on my car, listening to me gripe and whine, helping me and babying me when I am sick (and I am NOT a good sick person), being active in our kids life, going to church with me... I could go on and on but just know this: My life wouldn't be near as blessed without him.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Do for Others What God Does For You by Max Lucado
You and I have the privilege to do for others what God does for us. How do we show people that we believe in them?
Show up. Nothing takes the place of your presence. Letters are nice. Phone calls are special, but being there in the flesh sends a message.
Do you believe in your kids? Then show up. Show up at their games. Show up at their plays. Show up at their recitals. It may not be possible to make each one, but it’s sure worth the effort.
Do you believe in your friends? Then show up. Show up at their graduations and weddings. Spend time with them. You want to bring out the best in someone? Then show up.
Listen up. You don’t have to speak to encourage. The Bible says, “It is best to listen much, speak little” (James 1:19 TLB). We tend to speak much and listen little. There is a time to speak. But there is also a time to be quiet.
That’s what my father did. Dropping a fly ball may not be a big deal to most people, but if you are thirteen years old and have aspirations of the big leagues, it is a big deal. Not only was it my second error of the game, it allowed the winning run to score.I didn’t even go back to the dugout. I turned around in the middle of left field and climbed over the fence. I was halfway home when my dad found me. He didn’t say a word. Just pulled over to the side of the road, leaned across the seat, and opened the passenger door. We didn’t speak. We didn’t need to. We both knew the world had come to an end. When we got home, I went straight to my room, and he went straight to the kitchen. Presently he appeared in front of me with cookies and milk. He took a seat on the bed, and we broke bread together. Somewhere in the dunking of the cookies I began to realize that life and my father’s love would go on. In the economy of male adolescence, if you love the guy who drops the ball, then you really love him. My skill as a baseball player didn’t improve, but my confidence in Dad’s love did. Dad never said a word. But he did show up. He did listen up.
To bring out the best in others, do the same, and then, when appropriate:Speak up.
You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words that you speak. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21 NKJV). That’s why Paul urges you and me to be careful. “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger” (Eph. 4:29).
Earlier I gave you a test for love. There’s also a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger. Your words are to their soul what a vitamin is to their body. If you had food and saw someone starving, would you not share it? If you had water and saw someone dying of thirst, would you not give it? Of course you would. Then won’t you do the same for their hearts? Your words are food and water!
Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you.
From A Love Worth Giving
You and I have the privilege to do for others what God does for us. How do we show people that we believe in them?
Show up. Nothing takes the place of your presence. Letters are nice. Phone calls are special, but being there in the flesh sends a message.
Do you believe in your kids? Then show up. Show up at their games. Show up at their plays. Show up at their recitals. It may not be possible to make each one, but it’s sure worth the effort.
Do you believe in your friends? Then show up. Show up at their graduations and weddings. Spend time with them. You want to bring out the best in someone? Then show up.
Listen up. You don’t have to speak to encourage. The Bible says, “It is best to listen much, speak little” (James 1:19 TLB). We tend to speak much and listen little. There is a time to speak. But there is also a time to be quiet.
That’s what my father did. Dropping a fly ball may not be a big deal to most people, but if you are thirteen years old and have aspirations of the big leagues, it is a big deal. Not only was it my second error of the game, it allowed the winning run to score.I didn’t even go back to the dugout. I turned around in the middle of left field and climbed over the fence. I was halfway home when my dad found me. He didn’t say a word. Just pulled over to the side of the road, leaned across the seat, and opened the passenger door. We didn’t speak. We didn’t need to. We both knew the world had come to an end. When we got home, I went straight to my room, and he went straight to the kitchen. Presently he appeared in front of me with cookies and milk. He took a seat on the bed, and we broke bread together. Somewhere in the dunking of the cookies I began to realize that life and my father’s love would go on. In the economy of male adolescence, if you love the guy who drops the ball, then you really love him. My skill as a baseball player didn’t improve, but my confidence in Dad’s love did. Dad never said a word. But he did show up. He did listen up.
To bring out the best in others, do the same, and then, when appropriate:Speak up.
You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words that you speak. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21 NKJV). That’s why Paul urges you and me to be careful. “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger” (Eph. 4:29).
Earlier I gave you a test for love. There’s also a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger. Your words are to their soul what a vitamin is to their body. If you had food and saw someone starving, would you not share it? If you had water and saw someone dying of thirst, would you not give it? Of course you would. Then won’t you do the same for their hearts? Your words are food and water!
Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you.
From A Love Worth Giving
Friday, October 16, 2009
God in the beauty shop....
Yesterday I had a hair appointment, I really enjoy going where I go because the girls are a hoot and we always have a good time. Well yesterday as I was getting my hair "touched up" I felt God nudging me to talk with them about Him. Well I was a little hesitant because I do not know exactly where they are in their walk. I prayed that if this was of Him that he give me an opening....
Well God never lets us down!
Another customer asked my hairdresser how life was treating her and her reply was "wonderful except I wish I was a better Christian". I thought aha BUT I still waited... man I can be so dense at times! A little while later she looked at me and said "I can't quit cussing, I try but I still do it". I said well it sounds like you are aware of it and are trying. We talked a while about that and then she said "Have you heard of Crazy Love"...
I was like YES!! I said as a matter of fact I have, we are doing it in my women's group as well as Sunday school. I said "This book is changing my life... for a while now I have prayed that God would soften me, make me LOVE more and see people through His eyes". As I thought about it I thought after all He has done for me how can I NOT share Him with others. She went on to say that I always have good things on my facebook and she enjoys them. I went on to tell them there are NO perfect Christians but we serve the one perfect God and there is nothing we can do that merits His love, mercy and grace. We talked for a while and I left feeling good about the day.
Well God never lets us down!
Another customer asked my hairdresser how life was treating her and her reply was "wonderful except I wish I was a better Christian". I thought aha BUT I still waited... man I can be so dense at times! A little while later she looked at me and said "I can't quit cussing, I try but I still do it". I said well it sounds like you are aware of it and are trying. We talked a while about that and then she said "Have you heard of Crazy Love"...
I was like YES!! I said as a matter of fact I have, we are doing it in my women's group as well as Sunday school. I said "This book is changing my life... for a while now I have prayed that God would soften me, make me LOVE more and see people through His eyes". As I thought about it I thought after all He has done for me how can I NOT share Him with others. She went on to say that I always have good things on my facebook and she enjoys them. I went on to tell them there are NO perfect Christians but we serve the one perfect God and there is nothing we can do that merits His love, mercy and grace. We talked for a while and I left feeling good about the day.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New Creations
John 1:11-12
(New International Version)
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
All who welcone Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out-rearranging our attitudes, desires, & motives. Being born makes you physically alive & places you in your parents' family. Being born of God makes you spiritually alive & puts you in God's family.
Have you asked God to make you a new person?
(New International Version)
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
All who welcone Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out-rearranging our attitudes, desires, & motives. Being born makes you physically alive & places you in your parents' family. Being born of God makes you spiritually alive & puts you in God's family.
Have you asked God to make you a new person?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Crazy Love
Last week we started the Crazy Love Study. This book is one of the best I have read, although it can be a little convicting. We had 11 women there last week with a couple missing, the more the merrier we say!!
The first sentence of last week's study said: "What if I told you to stop praying". I read that and said huh?!?! But he went on to say that we need to stop before we pray and realize WHO God is and quit talking at him but to him. He challenged us to try to pray the week without asking for anything. Simply praise God for who he is. You might think that sounds easy but it isn't! All too often we go to God with out "shopping list" and rattle off what we need from him when what we really need to do it be in awe of who He is! Here is a couple of quotes from chapter 1:
- I haven’t always felt this way. I grew up believing in God without having a clue what He is like. I called myself a Christian, was pretty involved in church, and tried to stay away from all of the things that “good Christians” avoid—drinking, drugs, sex, swearing. Christianity was simple: fight your desires in order to please God. Whenever I failed (which was often), I’d walk around feeling guilty and distant from God.
- He goes on to say on page 21 that we need to stop giving people excuses not to believe God. OUCH!!! He then goes on to say that: But before we look at what is wrong and address it, we need to understand something. The core problem isn’t the fact that we’re lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He’s great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers.
Tonight is chapter 2, so as to not give anything away to those attending tonight, I will update about this one later!!
The first sentence of last week's study said: "What if I told you to stop praying". I read that and said huh?!?! But he went on to say that we need to stop before we pray and realize WHO God is and quit talking at him but to him. He challenged us to try to pray the week without asking for anything. Simply praise God for who he is. You might think that sounds easy but it isn't! All too often we go to God with out "shopping list" and rattle off what we need from him when what we really need to do it be in awe of who He is! Here is a couple of quotes from chapter 1:
- I haven’t always felt this way. I grew up believing in God without having a clue what He is like. I called myself a Christian, was pretty involved in church, and tried to stay away from all of the things that “good Christians” avoid—drinking, drugs, sex, swearing. Christianity was simple: fight your desires in order to please God. Whenever I failed (which was often), I’d walk around feeling guilty and distant from God.
- He goes on to say on page 21 that we need to stop giving people excuses not to believe God. OUCH!!! He then goes on to say that: But before we look at what is wrong and address it, we need to understand something. The core problem isn’t the fact that we’re lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He’s great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers.
Tonight is chapter 2, so as to not give anything away to those attending tonight, I will update about this one later!!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Call to Common Courtesy
by Max Lucado
Perhaps you’ve never placed the word courteous next to Christ. I hadn’t until I wrote this chapter.
But you know how you never notice double-cab red trucks until your friend says he wants one—then you see a dozen of them? I had never thought much about the courtesy of Christ before, but as I began looking, I realized that Jesus makes Emily Post look like Archie Bunker.
He always knocks before entering. He doesn’t have to. He owns your heart. If anyone has the right to barge in, Christ does. But he doesn’t. That gentle tap you hear? It’s Christ. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20 NASB). And when you answer, he awaits your invitation to cross the threshold.
And when he enters, he always brings a gift. Some bring Chianti and daisies. Christ brings “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And, as he stays, he serves. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45 NIV). If you’re missing your apron, you’ll find it on him. He’s serving the guests as they sit (John 13:4–5). He won’t eat until he’s offered thanks, and he won’t leave until the leftovers are put away (Matt. 14:19–20).
He is courteous enough to tell you his name (Exod. 3:15) and to call you by yours (John 10:3). And when you talk, he never interrupts. He listens.
He is even on time. Never late. Never early. If you’re checking your watch, it’s because you’re on a different itinerary. “There is a time for everything” (Eccles. 3:1). And Christ stays on schedule.
He even opens doors for you. Paul could preach at Troas because “the Lord had opened a door” (2 Cor. 2:12 NIV). When I asked my dad why men should open doors for women, his answer was one word: “respect.” Christ must have abundant respect for you.
He knocks before he enters. He always brings a gift. Food is served. The table is cleared. Thanks are offered. He knows your name and tells you his, and here is one more.
He pulls out the chair for you. “He raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens” (Eph. 2:6).
My wife has a heart for single moms. She loves to include a widow or divorcée at the table when we go to a restaurant. Through the years I’ve noticed a common appreciation from them. They love it when I pull out their chair. More than once they have specifically thanked me. One mom in particular comes to mind. “My,” she blushed, brushing the sudden moisture from her eye, “it’s been a while since anyone did that.”
Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. We snatch parking places. We forget names. We interrupt. We fail to show up. Could you use some courtesy? Has it been a while since someone pulled out your chair?
Then let Jesus. Don’t hurry through this thought. Receive the courtesy of Christ. He’s your groom. Does not the groom cherish the bride? Respect the bride? Honor the bride? Let Christ do what he longs to do.
For as you receive his love, you’ll find it easier to give yours. As you reflect on his courtesy to you, you’ll be likely to offer the same.
From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2002) Max Lucado
by Max Lucado
Perhaps you’ve never placed the word courteous next to Christ. I hadn’t until I wrote this chapter.
But you know how you never notice double-cab red trucks until your friend says he wants one—then you see a dozen of them? I had never thought much about the courtesy of Christ before, but as I began looking, I realized that Jesus makes Emily Post look like Archie Bunker.
He always knocks before entering. He doesn’t have to. He owns your heart. If anyone has the right to barge in, Christ does. But he doesn’t. That gentle tap you hear? It’s Christ. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20 NASB). And when you answer, he awaits your invitation to cross the threshold.
And when he enters, he always brings a gift. Some bring Chianti and daisies. Christ brings “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And, as he stays, he serves. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45 NIV). If you’re missing your apron, you’ll find it on him. He’s serving the guests as they sit (John 13:4–5). He won’t eat until he’s offered thanks, and he won’t leave until the leftovers are put away (Matt. 14:19–20).
He is courteous enough to tell you his name (Exod. 3:15) and to call you by yours (John 10:3). And when you talk, he never interrupts. He listens.
He is even on time. Never late. Never early. If you’re checking your watch, it’s because you’re on a different itinerary. “There is a time for everything” (Eccles. 3:1). And Christ stays on schedule.
He even opens doors for you. Paul could preach at Troas because “the Lord had opened a door” (2 Cor. 2:12 NIV). When I asked my dad why men should open doors for women, his answer was one word: “respect.” Christ must have abundant respect for you.
He knocks before he enters. He always brings a gift. Food is served. The table is cleared. Thanks are offered. He knows your name and tells you his, and here is one more.
He pulls out the chair for you. “He raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens” (Eph. 2:6).
My wife has a heart for single moms. She loves to include a widow or divorcée at the table when we go to a restaurant. Through the years I’ve noticed a common appreciation from them. They love it when I pull out their chair. More than once they have specifically thanked me. One mom in particular comes to mind. “My,” she blushed, brushing the sudden moisture from her eye, “it’s been a while since anyone did that.”
Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. We snatch parking places. We forget names. We interrupt. We fail to show up. Could you use some courtesy? Has it been a while since someone pulled out your chair?
Then let Jesus. Don’t hurry through this thought. Receive the courtesy of Christ. He’s your groom. Does not the groom cherish the bride? Respect the bride? Honor the bride? Let Christ do what he longs to do.
For as you receive his love, you’ll find it easier to give yours. As you reflect on his courtesy to you, you’ll be likely to offer the same.
From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2002) Max Lucado
Friday, October 9, 2009
Forgiveness
So last night Ed says, that is 2 songs in 2 days on your blog. Not fair, I don't want to see songs I want to read what you write. To which I replied, do you even read the words to those songs? He said no. We have had this on going debate for years about music. I hear the words while the majority of the time he just hears the beat etc... Music speaks to me in times when nothing else seems to help. But today I will write my own words....
Paul wrote, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 3:13-14
A few months ago, well February to be exact, I did something that I am not proud of. I let my emotions get the best of me and let a situation get way out of hand. It was a moment in my life where I went to the bottom and was so ashamed of what I had done. For a while after it I was pretty hard on myself for a couple of reasons. 1. I had hurt people I had once cared about very much and had a good relationship with and 2. It could have caused someone to stumble in their walk, as I didn't portray myself as the Christian that I claim to be.
I don't tell you this to "brag" about where I have evolved to from this moment but I tell you this to encourage you because I had a hatred for a person that controlled who I was everytime I was around this person and the reasons for that are so juvenile. Most of you that know me know that I am a very passionate person and there was a time when I didn't care what I said and who I said it to. I always made it right in my mind by saying "Well, people always know where I stand" or "At least I tell the truth". But to whose expense did I tell those things to? The one thing I left out was I didn't do it in love. I am told that I was a very intimidating person and that I "scared" people. Holy Moly! I had no clue of that.
Anyway, after this incident (that got blown a little out of proportion) I had to evaluate what kind of person I wanted to be and more so what kind of person God wanted me to be. I sat down one day after this incident and emailed the person to which the offense was directed. My apology wasn't taken very well then. Which was something I was expecting but I thought in my mind my part was done. This week while at work I got to thinking about it again and felt led to email them again just to let them know that I intend to uphold my end of my promise to change who I was around that person. Well here is how that conversation went. I will omit names.
With the upcoming season approaching quickly I wanted to let you know that I intend to commit to my promise that I made to you at the end of last season. I call myself a christian & I did not conduct myself in a christian manner & in turn could have caused someone to stumble in their walk. That was a low point for me but I praise God that he has forgiven me & brought me to a new place in Him. Once again I apologize for any actions I have done in the past & vow to conduct myself in a manner of kindness. I know she may not believe it at this point but I have always loved ____ & still do. I want only the best for her & realize that is a relationship that may always be strained by my actions. I pray that God restores it in His timing. Thank you,Christy Farhar
_________________________________________________________________
Christy:
Thank you so much for those sentiments. I stumble around facebook from time to time and have viewed some of the very inspiring things you have posted on various people's pages. I think those things are a window to your true nature.
I too apologize again for my actions which were also not Christ like and made me feel ashamed and disappointed in myself. I wrote a Bible verse and put it in front of my bench nearly every game last year. It dealt with a loose tongue. Some times it caught my eye and made me stop and think before I spoke. Other times, I rushed to respond when I shouldn't have.
I try every year to do better because we are examples to our players, our fellow coaches, fans, officials, parents, etc. I will try again to do better this year. We all stumble and fall short...
Thank GOD for his grace and mercy for we are all imperfect and can never earn our way into Heaven on our own merits.
Let's both start by forgiving each other and promising to do our best (with GOD's help) this year to be good Christian examples to those around us.
Again, thank you for those good words,
_________________________________________________________________________
You have just made my day. I prayed before I sent it that it be received well, & it will have to be with God's help as we are both passionate people. Thank you for your kind words. I will use this as a testament of God's mercy & show people that if Christy Farhar & yourself can forgive anyone can! Lol
________________________________________________________________________
Thank you as well Christy. You don't know how it saddens me to know relationships which once were great, were damaged by the events that transpired over the last 3+ years. I've prayed many, many times that God might heal those. I know what I did and what I didn't do, as does God. I am a Christian, I am also a human being. I make mistakes and I ask God to forgive me and I'm happy you've given me the chance to apologize to you and ask your forgiveness as well.
I hope my current class doesn't see the tears in my eyes as I type this. They are real, I promise you. Certain sermons in church have struck me to the core as well on this subject. I know when God is speaking right at me and it convicts me.
__________________________________________________________________________
Christy,
I will make it a point to stop at the scorer's table at our game this year. We can shake hands or I'll offer a hug if you're up for one.
_________________________________________________________________________
How cool would that be? God is so good. Once again thank you & have a good day. Christy
_________________________________________________________________________
Christy,
My day is going to be great, now!
Thanks for taking the first step. That was a courageous thing to do.
I did leave out a few things involving other people. That is not for me to be involved in. But you see what happened here folks. We both admitted to mistakes but we also both realized our actions weren't of God. I'm not saying everyone needs to go out and find someone they have a strained relationship with and make it right. You have to do what you feel in your heart is right. For me it took lots of prayer on what was right and how to approach it. I talked with Ed about it a lot and he agreed with my decision. I shared the above with a couple of my friends that know the whole situation well and they said to me that it took a lot for me to be able to do that. I tell you friends, it was all God.
Paul wrote, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 3:13-14
A few months ago, well February to be exact, I did something that I am not proud of. I let my emotions get the best of me and let a situation get way out of hand. It was a moment in my life where I went to the bottom and was so ashamed of what I had done. For a while after it I was pretty hard on myself for a couple of reasons. 1. I had hurt people I had once cared about very much and had a good relationship with and 2. It could have caused someone to stumble in their walk, as I didn't portray myself as the Christian that I claim to be.
I don't tell you this to "brag" about where I have evolved to from this moment but I tell you this to encourage you because I had a hatred for a person that controlled who I was everytime I was around this person and the reasons for that are so juvenile. Most of you that know me know that I am a very passionate person and there was a time when I didn't care what I said and who I said it to. I always made it right in my mind by saying "Well, people always know where I stand" or "At least I tell the truth". But to whose expense did I tell those things to? The one thing I left out was I didn't do it in love. I am told that I was a very intimidating person and that I "scared" people. Holy Moly! I had no clue of that.
Anyway, after this incident (that got blown a little out of proportion) I had to evaluate what kind of person I wanted to be and more so what kind of person God wanted me to be. I sat down one day after this incident and emailed the person to which the offense was directed. My apology wasn't taken very well then. Which was something I was expecting but I thought in my mind my part was done. This week while at work I got to thinking about it again and felt led to email them again just to let them know that I intend to uphold my end of my promise to change who I was around that person. Well here is how that conversation went. I will omit names.
With the upcoming season approaching quickly I wanted to let you know that I intend to commit to my promise that I made to you at the end of last season. I call myself a christian & I did not conduct myself in a christian manner & in turn could have caused someone to stumble in their walk. That was a low point for me but I praise God that he has forgiven me & brought me to a new place in Him. Once again I apologize for any actions I have done in the past & vow to conduct myself in a manner of kindness. I know she may not believe it at this point but I have always loved ____ & still do. I want only the best for her & realize that is a relationship that may always be strained by my actions. I pray that God restores it in His timing. Thank you,Christy Farhar
_________________________________________________________________
Christy:
Thank you so much for those sentiments. I stumble around facebook from time to time and have viewed some of the very inspiring things you have posted on various people's pages. I think those things are a window to your true nature.
I too apologize again for my actions which were also not Christ like and made me feel ashamed and disappointed in myself. I wrote a Bible verse and put it in front of my bench nearly every game last year. It dealt with a loose tongue. Some times it caught my eye and made me stop and think before I spoke. Other times, I rushed to respond when I shouldn't have.
I try every year to do better because we are examples to our players, our fellow coaches, fans, officials, parents, etc. I will try again to do better this year. We all stumble and fall short...
Thank GOD for his grace and mercy for we are all imperfect and can never earn our way into Heaven on our own merits.
Let's both start by forgiving each other and promising to do our best (with GOD's help) this year to be good Christian examples to those around us.
Again, thank you for those good words,
_________________________________________________________________________
You have just made my day. I prayed before I sent it that it be received well, & it will have to be with God's help as we are both passionate people. Thank you for your kind words. I will use this as a testament of God's mercy & show people that if Christy Farhar & yourself can forgive anyone can! Lol
________________________________________________________________________
Thank you as well Christy. You don't know how it saddens me to know relationships which once were great, were damaged by the events that transpired over the last 3+ years. I've prayed many, many times that God might heal those. I know what I did and what I didn't do, as does God. I am a Christian, I am also a human being. I make mistakes and I ask God to forgive me and I'm happy you've given me the chance to apologize to you and ask your forgiveness as well.
I hope my current class doesn't see the tears in my eyes as I type this. They are real, I promise you. Certain sermons in church have struck me to the core as well on this subject. I know when God is speaking right at me and it convicts me.
__________________________________________________________________________
Christy,
I will make it a point to stop at the scorer's table at our game this year. We can shake hands or I'll offer a hug if you're up for one.
_________________________________________________________________________
How cool would that be? God is so good. Once again thank you & have a good day. Christy
_________________________________________________________________________
Christy,
My day is going to be great, now!
Thanks for taking the first step. That was a courageous thing to do.
I did leave out a few things involving other people. That is not for me to be involved in. But you see what happened here folks. We both admitted to mistakes but we also both realized our actions weren't of God. I'm not saying everyone needs to go out and find someone they have a strained relationship with and make it right. You have to do what you feel in your heart is right. For me it took lots of prayer on what was right and how to approach it. I talked with Ed about it a lot and he agreed with my decision. I shared the above with a couple of my friends that know the whole situation well and they said to me that it took a lot for me to be able to do that. I tell you friends, it was all God.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
This is all I have to say today.....
1000 Generations - Fail Us Not
Failure doesn't phase you.
Worry doesn't win.
Lost doesn't leave you afraid to start again.
Our sin doesn't shock you.
Our shame doesn't shame you at all.
Mistakes do not move you.
Terror doesn't tame.
Death doesn't doom you to life in the grave.
Our suffering doesn't scare you.
Our secrets won't surprise you at all.
At all.
There is nothing above you.
There is nothing beyond you.
There is nothing that you can't do.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No matter the war, our hope is secure.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
You fail us not.
Hatred doesn't hide you.
Evil doesn't ail.
Despair can't disguise you and tell you that you fail.
Our doubt doesn't daunt you.
Our darkness won't defeat you at all.
At all.
There is nothing above you.
There is nothing beyond you.
There is nothing that you can't do.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No matter the war, our hope is secure.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No, You fail us not.
You fail us not.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mandisas Exclusive Video Debut He Is With You posted by Mandisa Mandisa tangle com
There's a time to live
And a time to die
There's a time to laugh
And a time to cry
There's a time for war
And a time for peace
There's a hand to hold
In the worst of these
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can't even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby's gone
And your house is still,
And your hearts a stone
Cryin' God, what'd You do that for
He is with you
There's a time for yes
And a time for no
There's a time to be angry
And a time to let it go
There is a time to run
And a time to face it
There is love to see you
Through all of this
He is with you in the conference room
[ Mandisa Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don't know you anymore
He is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don't know what to do
And it scares you to the core
He is with you
We may weep for a time
But joy will come in the morning
The morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there's too much space
And you feel alone
And you're worried if you
got it right or wrong
Yes He is with you
when you've given up on ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home
He is with you
When nothing else is left
And you take your final breath
He is with you
Monday, October 5, 2009
Stealing my joy...
Ever notice how just when you think that the certain "something" hasn't happened lately, as soon as you verbalize it, then it happens to show up?!?!
I hope I haven't lost you just yet, but there is a certain "thing" in my life that is probably my most trying thing I have to deal with and quite honestly I haven't dealt with it good in the past. Usually it is far and few between (which I happen to like it that way). It threatens me.... or so I think.
The ole scum dog really knows when to sock it to ya....BUT this time I have vowed not to let it steal my joy. Now dear friends, to be quite honest this all sounds good and looks good written down BUT it will try me to my very last fiber! No matter how hurt it makes me, or breaks my heart I am going to let it ride and see what happens.
I realize you are all scratching your heads thinking what in the world is she talking about now... just trust me on this one and if you get a second and want to pray for my sanity in this situation... I know God will know just what you are talking about.
Love you all!!
I hope I haven't lost you just yet, but there is a certain "thing" in my life that is probably my most trying thing I have to deal with and quite honestly I haven't dealt with it good in the past. Usually it is far and few between (which I happen to like it that way). It threatens me.... or so I think.
The ole scum dog really knows when to sock it to ya....BUT this time I have vowed not to let it steal my joy. Now dear friends, to be quite honest this all sounds good and looks good written down BUT it will try me to my very last fiber! No matter how hurt it makes me, or breaks my heart I am going to let it ride and see what happens.
I realize you are all scratching your heads thinking what in the world is she talking about now... just trust me on this one and if you get a second and want to pray for my sanity in this situation... I know God will know just what you are talking about.
Love you all!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Your Kindness Quotient
by Max Lucado
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship.
Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me, Max. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift? No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself? Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.
From A Love Worth Giving
by Max Lucado
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship.
Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me, Max. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift? No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself? Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.
From A Love Worth Giving
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ninevah
So everyday I have been reading scriptures & journaling them as well as parts of the commentary on them. Today I had several to read & almost skipped some of them (I know, I know) but this is what I read:
Jonah 3:3-10 (New International Version)
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:"By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
The commentary says: God's word is for everyone. Despite the wickedness of the Ninevite people they were open to God's message & repented immediately. If we simply proclaim what we know about God we may be surprised at how many will listen.
God responded in mercy by canceling his threatened punishment. God had said that any nation on which he had pronounced judgment would be saved if they repented. The purpose of God's judgment is correction, not revenge. He is always ready to show compassion to anyone willing to seek Him!!
As I was reading this I was texting with one of my dear friends Susan. She & I almost always daily share scripture or struggles. I've told her & along with us I feel that God is moving in big way to prepare us for something but along with the Jones' concerning out church. As I think about it I have seen God take the Ya Ya's so much more deep with Him. I feel that He is preparing His church for His returning. After I finished writing in my notebook I turned my Bible & it opened to Mark. Now I'm not one to say "ok God show me what you want me to see" & flip my Bible open & it be this big prophetic message for me BUT today as I turned my Bible it opened to Mark 13:32-37. I'm not going to quote it to you. I want YOU to go read it for yourself BUT I can say this was my comfirmation from Him. I LOVE it when he does that. You are an awesome God!!!
Jonah 3:3-10 (New International Version)
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:"By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
The commentary says: God's word is for everyone. Despite the wickedness of the Ninevite people they were open to God's message & repented immediately. If we simply proclaim what we know about God we may be surprised at how many will listen.
God responded in mercy by canceling his threatened punishment. God had said that any nation on which he had pronounced judgment would be saved if they repented. The purpose of God's judgment is correction, not revenge. He is always ready to show compassion to anyone willing to seek Him!!
As I was reading this I was texting with one of my dear friends Susan. She & I almost always daily share scripture or struggles. I've told her & along with us I feel that God is moving in big way to prepare us for something but along with the Jones' concerning out church. As I think about it I have seen God take the Ya Ya's so much more deep with Him. I feel that He is preparing His church for His returning. After I finished writing in my notebook I turned my Bible & it opened to Mark. Now I'm not one to say "ok God show me what you want me to see" & flip my Bible open & it be this big prophetic message for me BUT today as I turned my Bible it opened to Mark 13:32-37. I'm not going to quote it to you. I want YOU to go read it for yourself BUT I can say this was my comfirmation from Him. I LOVE it when he does that. You are an awesome God!!!
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