FREE? HOW CAN IT BE?

 October 30, 2024

2 Corinthians 12:9


9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.


2 Timothy 1:9

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time …”



Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.



Grace is a gift most of us do not know how to receive. I believe our society's systems of give-and-take and work-for-reward have made the concept of grace difficult for us to comprehend. Yet, the Bible demonstrates it is solely through grace that lives can be transformed. It is grace that gives us freedom. We are saved by grace alone. That is the message the Reformers recovered from the study of the scriptures. The rich, powerful, message of free grace in Jesus, or as they put it salvation “By Grace Alone.”

The concept of Grace is a recurring theme in many of our worship songs: Amazing Grace, Grace Greater than All My Sin, Your Grace is Enough, This is Amazing Grace, and many more.  What is it about Grace that captures our hearts and voices in song? Why do we ask God to 'tune our hearts to sing His grace'? I wonder if it is because Grace meets a deep need within us that nothing else can.

Take a moment to reflect on the thoughts and deeds of the human heart, observed in ourselves and others. A glance at a day's news reveals numerous accounts of misguided thoughts and actions. Isaiah 64:6 likens even our finest efforts to "filthy rags." This suggests that if salvation hinged on our actions, our good deeds, liberation from the "sins that so easily ensnare" would be unattainable. The Reformers echoed Paul's message in Ephesians, affirming that salvation is not for sale or earned by deeds; it is a gift of grace alone.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But [God] said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” What great comfort we hear in these words of Paul. And what amazing love our heavenly Father has for us, that our God would give his all sufficient grace to each of us.

Our God approaches us, steps towards us, and sacrifices his life so that we may live through him. In his grace, he simply asks that we keep our hearts open, willing, and welcoming to his presence.


Let us remember that God's grace is completely sufficient for us. It is by living in His grace that we find our strength. As the heavenly Father says, "My power is made perfect in weakness." Through His ministry, Christ showed that His power comes alive when people recognize their need for Him. From the woman reaching out to touch His garment, to Zacchaeus the tax collector, to the paralyzed man being lowered through a roof, God performs amazing miracles in the lives of those who approach Him in their brokenness and need. It's all about grace, God's unearned favor given to us through Jesus Christ.

Yes, “… it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”



LET US PRAY

Lord, you are aware of my desire to be self-sufficient. Yet, let me always be filled with wonder and gratitude for the gift of salvation you offer, which is not earned but given freely. Amen.

GETTING the LAST WORD

 

October 29, 2024

2 Timothy 3:15-17

“. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Jeremiah 23:29

“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” 




In Monday's devotion, we affirmed that God's Word is sufficient and possesses the highest authority for all aspects of life. "Sola Scriptura" emphasizes that the Bible alone is the trustworthy Word of God and holds supreme authority over every area of our lives that it addresses.We read in 2 Peter 1:19, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

When it comes to the spiritual life, Sola Scriptura means that the Bible, the word of God gets the final word. As Christians, we hold that the Bible is the primary source of wisdom and provides answers to our questions, give us a "roadmap" to abundant living. The Bible tell us that "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

The Bible gives a wide range of pictures of itself—various images to describe what God’s Word is and does.

• God’s Word is a seed that he plants.

• Scripture is rain that soaks in and nourishes,

• It is something sweet and delightful to eat, and

• God's Word gives light and understanding.

• The Bible is a sword that penetrates and makes sharp distinctions.

• God’s Word is also a fire and a hammer to deal with what is cold and hard.

Don't you find that there are moments when we need the gentleness of a soft rain. Likewise, there are moments when we require a hammer to shatter our cold, hardened spirits. 

As those who follow Jesus, we place the Word of God above our traditions, cultures, emotions, desires, and personal views. Embracing the Bible, as we do, we acknowledge its God-breathed authority with joy, dedicating ourselves to its reading, meditation, and study. This deepens our understanding of God and guides us in embodying the principles of His Kingdom.

This teaching from the Reformation period, "Sola Scriptura" is crucial, as it encourages us to return to the Scriptures over and over for wisdom and insight on life's matters. The Bible instructs us in the knowledge of God and aids in our self-understanding.(Who we Are) The Scriptures direct us in living a full life that is pleasing and glorifying to God.

Life, wisdom, and love are all encompassed within God's Word, everything from hammers to honey!!

LET US PRAY

Lord, I am grateful for your guidance. Thank you for the tools and blessings you provide through your Word. Assist me in remaining attentive, that I might embrace the abundant life you promise. Amen.

"I DID NOTHING"

 

October 28, 2024

Our Devotions this week will focus on the historical period know as the Reformation. Over the next few days we will consider together some of the key developments in thought and practice during the Reformation period. 

_________________________________

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Today, let's reflect on the importance and worth of God's Word. The Reformation era's teachings were summed up by the phrase "By Scripture Alone." With the Bible as the central focus, being God's voice, word, and purpose, scripture was considered as the foundation for both belief and action.

Recently, I came across an article that was discussing Martin Luther, as a pivotal figure of his time, praising Luther for his influential work that led to profound changes in the Church and Christian history. What caught my attention was Luther's humble reply to the honor and recognition he received in his time. He said, "I did nothing. The WORD did everything!" He attributed all accomplishments in reform and transformation to the power of God's word.

The Contemporary Church may find a valuable lesson in the idea that our vision, mission, and structure should be established by the study of God's Word. Allow the Word to lead. Martin Luther once expressed, "The Bible is alive; it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me." May we engage with the Word of God with enthusiasm and intimacy like the "reformers", allowing God's word to be authoratative in our lives, for our own improvement and the strengthening of the world we live in.

TAKE AWAY

Read the following verse and take note of what “scripture is saying about scripture.” Write down key words or phrases or even questions that may come up for you.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

“… from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

INTO THE CLOSET

 

October 25, 2024

Matthew 6:6

when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  NIV


when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret .... KJV

Jesus frequently sought solitude and silence for prayer, distancing himself from the constant activity around him. In stepping back from the busyness of life, he could concentrate on his prayers, likely finding rest, moments for reflection, and no doubt a deeper connection with God.

Growing up, Matthew 6:6 was a verse we would sing and memorize in Sunday School: "Enter into thy closet, and  shut thy door, to communicate with the Lord" While more recent translations use "room" in place of "closet," I find "closet" to be quite meaningful. It suggests a secret, private place, free from distractions, visible only to God.

Creating a personal space away from life's distractions can be beneficial to our moments of prayer. I know, finding a place of solitude can be difficult in our hectic lives, however perhaps quietness can be found in such places as our car, or at your favorite peaceful outdoor spot, or any place where you go to be alone where silence and focus can be attained. What the Bible is saying is that we need to find a space where we can eliminate or limit interruptions, so that we can experience a deeper connection with God. Matthew 6:6 ends with the promise that praying like this will yield rewards.

Prayer is a personal conversation with God and he wants, as we noted yesterday, to listen to the true honest feelings and desires of our heart. So let us not hold back in our prayer content, let us too find that "closet" to communicate with our creator. I know we will blessed if we do. 

HONESTY

 

October 24, 2024

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’               Matthew 26:39

We know that prayer incorporates themes such as repentance, forgiveness, and gratitude. However, prayer also is a practice in which we can bring before God any concerns that are heavy upon our hearts. Now that is important to remember, isn't it? Prayer is a sincere and honest communication with our Creator. Silencing distractions in order to focus on our own inner thoughts and feelings, and bringing how we truly feel about life, and experiences is crucial when we seek intimacy and connection with God. Look at our passage above, talk about honest inner thoughts and feelings! "Let this cup pass from me."

Jesus example in our Bible reading today shows us that we can be truly honest in prayer. Praying to God about our joys and struggles with honesty opens up a genuine connection to God. Prayers that reveal the honest feelings in our heart invites God to meet us where we are and provides real healing and comfort in that space.

Let us deepen our communication with God by praying openly, honestly and transparently. We are talking about real relationship stuff when we come to our Creator. For years, my prayers we not honest, not genuinely revealing where I was spiritually, Not "let this cup pass from me" kind of praying. In my prayers, the content was saying things to God I thought I had to pray, like, acknowledging God as "good", for example, however, in truth I was doubting God's goodness in my life, because things were hard. The book of Psalms opened my eyes to examples of honest, trasparent and authentic prayers.

Praying in this more open and honest way brings us to a relational depth with God, and creates a place of healing, where God's word can speak into our lives with power.

Go ahead, pray with honesty and truth, believe me God can handle it, God invites it!!

TIME to PRAY

 October 23, 2024

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

 Luke 6:12

In yesterday's devotion, we observed that the Gospels reveal prayer as central to Jesus' ministry. He not only practiced prayer to connect with God but also taught his disciples how to pray. Jesus' prayer life serves as a model for our own. For the rest of the week, let's concentrate on the key elements of Jesus' prayer life.

Jesus often retreated from his disciples, family, and the crowds to spend time alone. He valued these moments as essential for communion with the Father.

Setting aside time for prayer can be a grounding practice, allowing us to concentrate on our conversations with God in life's busyness. Isn't it true that so often we get caught up in our daily grind that the thought of praying slips our mind. Many people testify that to ensure more consistent communion with God, it is helpful to schedule prayer time during parts of the day when we are less likely to be interrupted. 

We read in the New Testament that Jesus often engaged in extended periods of prayer. Our verse for today tell us this, Jesus "went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God."

Now it is important to note, that this practice wasn't Jesus daily routine as far as we can understand. What it does mean that there may be times, situations where we need longer periods for prayer, however our own prayer times could be as brief as five minutes at night before bed or during the first 15 minutes of our morning. Our prayer life could be modeled on Brother Lawrence's "Practice of the Presence of God" of a daily prayer life that allows room for distractions.

Regardless of the duration, beginning with small steps is the key, the time we spend in prayer, will result in a closeness to our creator, we will grow in our knowledge of God, ourselves, and God's presence in the moments of our everyday.

That is a worthwhile outcome don't you think? 

AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

 

October 22, 2024

 

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus"

1 Timothy 2:5

 

Prayer holds a significant place in Christianity. The scriptures recount the Jewish people's prayers to God for protection, blessings, and forgiveness. In the Gospels prayer was central to Jesus' ministry on earth. He not only prayed to God but also instructed his disciples in prayer. Jesus' own practice of prayer provides an example for our own. 

The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, the world's savior, and the sole path to God, serving as the mediator between God and humanity. Prayer allows us to communicate with God through Jesus Christ. His earthly mission was to restore our connection to God, with prayer being an essential element of that bond.

In John 5, we see Jesus facing intense opposition, with his opponents even seeking his life. Despite this, Jesus confidently affirms his unity with the Father. He makes a profound declaration in John 5:30, stating, "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me."

Jesus himself is God, yet he recognizes that he and every human being is dependent on God. If Jesus the son understood this, it is equally important for you and me to grasp this too. We need God in our lives, and we are to look to him for every good and perfect gift. Our knowledge and experience of God results in our learning that all we need in life is given to us through our good God, and the access point to this help, hope, and blessing is through prayer. Prayer provides a means to communicate with God and receive guidance in how we ought to live as God's loved people. 

You will recall that Jesus was asked by his disciples  how they should pray.  Matthew 6:9-13, the Lord's Prayer, is the answer to this question.  What Jesus taught his followers in and through this prayer was not just a model to follow, but an important lesson regarding what things we should be praying about, the rule of God and our dependency on him for all things.

It is grasping this truth that enables the writer to the Hebrews to say

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

Hebrews 4:16 

CLOSER than YOU might EXPECT

 

October 21, 2024

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. — Psalm 145:18

 

I have been doing a lot of reading of late on Prayer, more specificaly about prayer practices that can help us see, or notice God in all things. The Bible reminds us often that God's presence is with us in our daily routines, closer than we might expect, I know this, but sometimes I need to ask God to help me notice his presence in my experiences. 

St. Ignatius of Loyola, (1491-1556) a Spanish priest and theologian, believed that discernment came out of awareness of how God moved uniquely in each soul. He developed the spiritual practice of the Daily Examen, a practice that was rooted in Scripture. Examen carries the meaning of an act of appraising or scrutinizing something, in this context it is analyzing our day.

The longing to recognize God's presence more in our lives is worthwhile, yet we often fail to pursue this desire, or maybe we're not even sure how to begin. The Prayer of Examen is an approach designed to guide us in discerning God in everything around us. The result of this heightened perception of God is spiritual development, transforming us to reflect Christ's image and to be amazed at His love, grace, and mercy.

St. Ignatius' spiritual practice can afford us some, maybe all of the following benefits.

• Keeping company with Jesus throughout the highs and lows of the day
• Becoming quicker to recognize God’s presence in your experiences
• Developing more discernment and receptivity to God’s voice
• Fostering gratitude
• Being aware of areas you can grow
• Becoming more prayerful throughout your day

Paul, you may recall prayed continually for the sisters and brothers at Colossae the following:  We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:10-12)

The Prayer of Examen, is one help among many, that the Spirit gives us to assist our growing in the knowledge of God and his will. Living a life worthy of Lord, being able to live is such a way that pleases God developes as we recognize God in all things. 

The prayer of examen can be done in a few ways and revised to your preference. You may write your responses in a journal or simply respond in your head in conversation with God. Here are five steps you can use as a guide to lean deeply into God for your own daily Examen:

1. Gratitude: Psalm 100:4 says to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praises.” Give thanks to God for his benefits today and all that you are grateful for. Starting with gratitude is a beautiful way to acknowledge God's goodness and the blessings bestowed on your life.

2. Ask for Light: Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to view your day with His perspective and truth. Although challenging, the practice of daily examen aims to offer a profound and honest reflection.

3. Review: Review your day as if you were watching a short film. What happened? Where did you sense God’s presence? When did you feel far from him? Do your best to actively remember your day and notice where he was particularly present.

4. Repent: You may ask yourself, Where did I feel emotional pain today? or, Where did I stray away from God? Then, ask God for forgiveness. Invite his mercy and compassion to be with you. In this you create space for both self-awareness and the experience of the overwhelming grace of God.

5. Renew: Conclude by seeking renewal from God, asking to be made more available, and to persist in recognizing His presence in all things. If your day was challenging or uneventful, it's alright! Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to experience tomorrow in a new way.

I am learning that, by regularly practicing the Daily Examen, you can reflect on how certain experiences have shaped you to become closer to or further from the image of Jesus. Through this practice you may start to recognize His presence increasingly in your daily life and truly, what a wonderful gift that is!

 

GIVE ME THE SIMPLE LIFE

 

October 18, 2024

SIMPLICITY the PATH to CONTENTMENT

 

October 17, 2024

MEDITATE on these SIMPLE TRUTHS

 

October 16, 2024

Matthew 6:21 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Ecclesiastes 4:6  

Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

Now that is SIMPLE

 

October 15, 2024

 

Psalm 116:6

The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

 

Hebrews 12:1a

“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down …”

One BLESSING, Two BLESSING, ....

 

"If the only prayer you make is 

"thank you," that will suffice."

Meister Eckhart 

October 11, 2024

Psalm 136:1-4

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

Psalm 95:1-2

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

GIVING THANKS in the HARD PLACES

 

“The thankful heart sees the best part of every situation. 

It sees problems and weaknesses as opportunities, 

struggles as refining tools, 

and sinners as saints in progress.” 

GOD HEARS

 

“If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving.”

Lysa TerKeurst

October 9, 2024

John 11:1-7

11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. ² (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) ³ So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

⁴ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, ⁷ and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

John 11:38-42

³⁸ Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ³⁹ “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

⁴¹ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. ⁴² I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were close friends with Jesus, they loved Him, and He loved them, but one-day tragedy struck, and Lazarus died. Word was sent to Jesus, but he did not seem to be in a hurry to get to them. Although he did state that Lazarus “condition would not end in death.” He still waited days before he showed up, Lazarus was already buried, and by then his body would be in the decaying process.  Yet, this did not limit Jesus; he prayed the simplest prayer of thanksgiving…. What? There was nothing to give thanks for; the man had begun to decay, give thanks? I would have said, “There is no hope because too much time had passed.”

Jesus we are told cried out in a loud voice; Lazarus come out! There the miracle of bringing Lazarus back to life took place. Before calling Lazarus out of the tomb Jesus thanked God for hearing Him, for always hearing him.

The essential message here is that Jesus taught that the seemingly desolate and dead places of our lives could be revived. Do you believe this? You may be confronting a tragedy today, such as the death of a loved one, or challenges in your marriage, with your child, your finances, or even your physical or mental health. While I may not know the specifics of the difficult situation you face, I do know this that God's desire for you and me, is to experience the miracle of renewal and rebirth.

Why not just take this day to give God thanks for hearing your prayers and petitions.  Like Jesus, declare your gratitude to God today, rest in His faithfulness, and love for you, and give Him room to move.  

SMALL THINGS, BIG RETURN

Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God 

and keep us engaged with Him; 

it will take our attention from ourselves 

and give the Spirit room in our hearts."

Andrew Murray (1828-1917)

 October 8, 2024

Psalm 100:4

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

 

Matthew 14:13-21

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

ENTER the PASSWORD

 

“The Bible tells us that whenever we come before God, 

whatever our purpose or prayer request, 

we are always to come with a thankful heart.”

October 7, 2024

 

Psalm 100:4

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.

John 15:5

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

LET THEM!

 

October 4, 2024

1 Thessalonians 3:12

“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows” 

Knowing that you are loved is a wonderful feeling. It means so much to have others who care for you, pray for you, and desire for you to enjoy spiritual growth, contentment, and the fullness of life that God provides.

As we conclude our series today, I wanted to end with this: when people want to love you… let them. Let them bless you. Let them give you advice. Let them encourage you. Let them pray for you. Let them serve you. Let them love you.

Generally, thats hard to do isn't it? I have known many people over the years that are exceptional at loving others, yet, have a resistance to receiving love from others. I'm like that, are you? Now there are many reasons that we find it hard to receive love from others. Here are few I have encountered with people I know:

• A Trauma in their life creates a protective shield around them
• Low Self Esteem - feeling undeserving of love
• A Sign of Weakness - in the need of letting others in
• Past relational and emotional wounds - betrayals, hurt, and dissapointment in others

The list is a long one, as varied as we are different from one another. It is an interesting reality, great at showing love but receiving love that is a whole other story. Letting others love us, does mean some vulnerability that makes most people uneasy. Here is what I have experienced in letting others love me, letting others "in", by allowing someone see me for who I am, I have gained access to a world of fulfillment, joy, creativity, and love. We all can!!

As has been true for all the "One-Anothering" we have looked at there are two sides, each one goes both ways, You "One-Anothering" others and others "One-Anothering" you.

So, when people want to love you,… let them!!

As the David Haas song goes

Will you let me be your servant?
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant too.

EASY LOVING?

 October 3, 2024

1 Thessalonians 3:12

“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows” 

God's Word highlights the importance of love and commitment toward two distinct groups. The term "one another" refers specifically to fellow believers. Paul's message to the community of faith emphasizes the need to cultivate love with one another and to support each other's spiritual development and journey with God.

That sounds simple enough, right? Yet it is more difficult that it appears at first look. Think about it.Consider the numerous theological debates among Christians, encompassing topics such as spiritual gifts, prayer, evangelism, and worship. Who is in and who is out.

Disagreements arise regarding methodology. Debates occur over musical style preferences, budgeting for the church's finances, strategies for outreach, and use of the building.

Political differences can create divisions. It's possible for one Christian to become upset with another just for supporting a different political party.

Divisions over social issues are prevalent. Individuals who share a love for Jesus find themselves in debates over racial matters, gender topics, poverty alleviation, immigration, and various other concerns.

Setting aside theological, methodological, political, or social debates, the fundamental Biblical principle is that we should love each other. If you profess Jesus as the Lord of your life and consider yourself His follower, then I am committed to supporting your spiritual well-being and growth. It's my calling to love you with the love that God grants to me.

So the message is that as a Christian, it is not for us to select whom to love among my fellow believers. God's command is for us to love all fellow believers.

See what I mean loving one-another is a little more of a challenge than we might expect. However, remember the key message from yesterday?

This love is supernatural, a spiritual work that only God possesses and can give us. “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows” (1 Thess. 3:12) The phrase “one another” emphasizes all believers, the phrase “all people” refers to everyone else. Now if we have differences within the community of faith, then we definitely have different views with the "all People" around us. Here is the thing, the Bible teaches that regardless of where these "all people" sit in life or lifestyle or belief we are still to extend love to them. The only way that kind of love is going to happen is if the Lord himself by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit enables you and me to love them. Let's face it some of the "all people", not everyone but some, can be quite antagonistic toward you and me, they may ridicule, be deliberately crude and uncaring just because we follow Jesus. We are going to need that outside help aren't we. Well, remember the saying I mentioned in one of our devotions recently "a Command of God is equal to a Promise." we can count on this. If God commands this radical love from us he will stand ready with the promise to give us what we need to obey. Thanks be to God!!

Consider whom God might be guiding you to show love to. Reflect on how you can manifest that love.

Consider those who have shown you love, made sacrifices on your behalf, served you, blessed you, and prayed for you. Why not take a moment to express your gratitude for their love and friendship.

I NEED SOME OUTSIDE HELP

 OCTOBER 2, 2024

1 Thessalonians 3:12

“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows” 

Today let us think about the practice of loving one another as spiritually produced.  Look closely at today's verse, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows”. Observe who is nurturing and expanding our love to its fullest. It is none other than the Lord Himself. The phrase "may the Lord make" carries two profound meanings.

First, we are inspired to love others because of the Lord’s love for us. We have made this point a few times in this series of devotions. As followers of Jesus we look to his example as a pattern for living. Now, the teaching here around "may the Lord make" is not suggesting you love against your will, as in “if you don’t, I will make you.” What God’s Word is saying is, due to the fact that Jesus loves you so much and He has poured His love into your heart and life, you are so overwhelmed by this love that it causes you, makes you, motivates you, and inspires you to love others. The overwhelming love of Jesus toward us fills us with such joy and gratitude and LOVE that we are transformed in our way of dealing with others. I guess we could say that Jesus love for us makes us more loving loving people.

There is a second implication we should note from this phrase,  “may the Lord make” your love grow and overflow. It points us to the true source of true love. Only the Jeus has the power to instill genuine love for others and nurture true love within us. Jesus stands as the cornerstone of all authentic love. That is why we seek God's grace to expand our love and let it abound. I believe we all understand that neither you nor I can stir up the kind of love that extends and overflows into the lives of others on our own. 

A love that "grows and overflows" into the lives of others, even into the life of those that are hard to love, I think we all have one or two folk like that in our life. Perhaps they are individuals that  ignored, neglected, abused, and shamefully treated you, but yet you are able to extend love to them. This can only be an outcome that is the work of a God of perfect love. Deepening our love involves seeking growth through God. We ask for His help to broaden our love for others. The Bible teaches us that God embodies love and is the ultimate source of all true love.

This love is supernatural, a spiritual work that only God possesses and can give us.  

LET US PRAY

Jesus make our love for one another and for all people grow and overflow by your power and love that is at work in us. Amen