With Christ You Can

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The somberness of Friday has passed.  The silence of Saturday is gone and the celebration of Sunday has now passed.

The thing that hasn’t changed is that Jesus Christ is risen and He still lives today!  They killed His human body, but He only came to save us and that purpose was accomplished.  He went back to the Father until the appointed day of His return to gather His church.

What He left behind was the promise of eternal life with Him.  He left a hope that is only available  through Him!  He buried the I Can’ts and left a legacy of I Can’s!  He’s Alive!

 Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 With Christ You Can

Max Lucado

The women who buried Jesus on Friday returned to visit him early Sunday morning.  They brought spices and perfumes to anoint the body.  What they found is the substance of Easter hope:  no stone in front of the grave, no body within the grave.  They found an angel, clothed in white, seated on the stone.   “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Mt. 28:6 NKJV).

When they did, they saw the first signs of the resurrection:  a vacant slab, an abandoned burial cloth, a folded shroud, and a beaming angel.  And, could we examine the empty grave with them, we’d find something else.  Languishing in the corner, in the dust, doomed to be sealed and buried forever…your stack of I can’ts.

God buried your I can’ts  in the grave of Christ.  Every last one of them.  You say you can’t forgive someone?  You can’t, but with Christ you can.  Can’t survive the struggle?  You can’t, but with Christ you can.  Can’t hang on any longer?  Turn to Christ for help.  “God’s power is very great for us who believe.  That power is the same as the great strength God used to raise Christ from the dead” (Eph. 1:19-20 NCV).  The same steely, burly force that raised Christ from the dead will turn your “I can’ts” into “I cans”: “I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me the strength” (Phil. 4:13 NCV).

With Christ you can face the struggles of Friday.  Set your mind on the joy that awaits you.

With Christ you can endure the silence of Saturday.  Be patient.  Christ will come.

With Christ you can celebrate on Sunday.  The same power that defeated His death will give you life.  Have you asked for it? Have you asked God to help you?

He will.  He will give you strength in this life and eternal joy in the next.  All you need to do is ask him.  Make this prayer a part of your Easter celebration.

“Dear God,

Without you I can’t solve my problems, remove my sins, or go to Heaven.  But with you I can.  I ask you to help me, cleanse me, and save me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Sunday’s Coming!

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Welcome to Holy week.

Have you ever found yourself imagining that you are following behind Jesus in the Holy week, actually walking in his footprints that final week of his human life?  I have.  Have you listened to Him, dined with Him and had your feet washed by Him?  Have you ever made that final journey with him to the very end?  I haven’t.  I know that if I could make it to Sunday, everything would be all right.  All the prophesies have come to pass!  We have a risen Savior who lived, suffered and died, for me and for you.

Somehow, I can’t get beyond Thursday though.

“Jesus was alone. He had come to His own, and His own did not receive Him. When He was being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, we are told that “all the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). The crowds who had so recently shouted, “Hosanna!” would soon shout, “Crucify him! … Crucify him!” (Matthew 21:9; 27:22–23). Now even His loyal Twelve had left. And at last we hear Him cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Not only had He been forsaken by His human companions, but now in that desperate and lonely hour, He— because He was bearing our sins in His own body on the cross—had been forsaken by God. Jesus was enduring the suffering and judgment of Hell for you and for me.” (“Victory”)

“Jesus was alone”??  Those three words alone break my heart!  The disciples had been such an important part of His ministry, and yet, they deserted Him when trouble came.  One of those disciples, betrayed Him, the Son of God, for 30 pieces of silver.  And all of the crowds who had listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles and been blessed by His love, shouted “crucify Him!”

I can’t get beyond Thursday because even though Sunday is coming, we still have to acknowledge Friday.  And I don’t want to.  I don’t want to acknowledge that because of my human weakness and sin, it was necessary for Jesus to go through with Friday.  He would be beaten, spit on, nailed to a cross to suffer until death claimed Him.  He knew it was coming and what it would entail and He still went through with it.  Because through His selfless sacrifice, He could save us.  That’s why I can’t get through Thursday in his footsteps or even this post without crying from a broken heart.  How strong He is and how weak I am!

I can’t get through Thursday without falling on my knees and begging for forgiveness again.  Because even knowing all He gave, I am still a lowly sinner in need of His grace and mercy.

But Sunday’s coming!

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Excerpt from “Victory” Preparing for Resurrection Sunday by Billy Graham

Easter is a season of great gladness for those who know Christ. But for those who are without “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” (2 Corinthians 4:6), there is nothing to rejoice over. Jesus left us with the great hope and certainty that He is going to return to bring a new Heaven and a new earth where, we are told, there will be no more sorrow, trouble, or death for those who have believed and followed Him. There will be trouble, sorrow, and suffering for those who have neglected or rejected Him. As Christians, our great task is to obey the command to tell the whole world about Christ crucified, buried, yet risen again. My prayer for you during this season of the year, when we meditate on our Savior’s great sacrifice for us on the cross, is that you will be filled with great peace and hope, because “He is risen!” That is the Good News.

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear

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Hello everyone!

Well, we continue to see lots of bad stuff with the coronavirus.  My prayers are with each and everyone of you!

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear

We are in a “season of disruption”.

There seems to be no such thing as a normal day anymore, because our days have changed drastically!  It seems like the “end” must be near!

After actually thinking this through though, when hasn’t there been disruption?  For as long as I can remember, there has been a crisis somewhere, political shenanigans in elections, plagues, famines and pestilence!  The biggest change is the year and which disruption is current.  When has there not been something to be afraid of?

Once again, let me emphasize that I am NOT downgrading the seriousness of this latest crisis, the coronavirus.  What I AM saying, again, is that we have to be diligent, we have to be careful and we have to put our trust in the ONLY ONE who controls it all.  If we place our trust in the politicians, the doctors, and big pharm, we can count on being on the downside.  The simple truth is, we know just about as much about this as they do.  This is new and unknown.

The other difference is that this is worldwide.  What a perfect time to practice what we have, hopefully, been studying in our Bible readings – eyes to see and ears to hear.  There is a common theme in all the governments that I know of, out of necessity, we are to isolate ourselves from others.  That means no fellowship with other believers, no physical contact with others who inspire and motivate us daily.  I don’t know about you, but in my life, that is disruption!  I am a converted introvert and I thrive on that contact with others!  I miss hugs!

As we move through this daily process, for whatever time it takes, remember all the things we have glibly taken for granted.  With eyes to see and ears to hear, we realize how very fragile our society truly is.  With eyes to see and ears to hear, we will hopefully realize how important it is that we unite and come through this together!

Perhaps, there are many lessons to be learned here.  Never take for granted what we have.  Not our family, our friends or our church.  It can all disappear in a moment.

I don’t like disruption.  Maybe though, we need disruption to bring us back to where we need to be.

*Always putting our faith and trust in God!  He is there through every disruption.

*Never take those we love for granted.  We never know when there will be no tomorrow.

*What needs to change within us to glorify God, even in times like this.

*What needs to change within us to share and minister to others who don’t know God as their personal Savior.  Their time may be running short.

In this, and everything, praise Him!  And always

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Faith Over Fear

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Hello everyone!

I pray this finds each of you, healthy and well.

Maybe you have noticed all the panic, anxiety and fear around us and how it seems to prevail.  Businesses are shutting down, jobs are lost, schools and sporting events have been cancelled.  Store shelves are empty.  It’s not just toilet paper, it is food too.

Churches are closing their doors…

Meanwhile, there is a great celebration taking place.  Everything Satan has been working towards is taking place.  Anxiety, fear, panic and a loss of concern for others as food, water and other necessities are stockpiled by some, leaving none for the most vulnerable.

Churches are closing their doors and social distancing is being practiced.  What a victory for him!  No worship services, no singing of praise hymns to prepare hearts for God’s message, no Christian fellowship among believers.  Crime rates will increase, some from desperation, some just out of pure meanness.

Looking at the other side, this is a time of opportunity.  The opportunity, first and foremost, to draw nearer to God.  He wants us to come to Him.  He wants our faith and our trust.  It’s an opportunity to become closer as a family.  Time to sit down to dinner, as a family.  A time to reassess what is really important.  Time to sit and communicate with your children and show them the love of being a part of family.  This is the time to put our faith over our fears.

We can still worship!  If you can’t attend services, have your own home church.  Sing some hymns, read Bible scriptures, and pray.  Check your church website.  So many have their sermons online!   Rebuke the devil and send him back where he came from.  God is still in control!

Take responsibility for what you can do.  Wash your hands, eat a healthy diet and take some good vitamins.  Vitamin D3 is a great immunity builder.  Drink plenty of water.

Help those who can’t help themselves.  Do a grocery run for an elderly neighbor or young mother who can’t take her kids to the store right now or pick up a meal for someone who isn’t able to get out.

Above all, PRAY UNCEASINGLY!!  God bless you all.

Lois

Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 

****************************
Me: Okay, God, here’s the thing. I’m scared. I’m trying not to be, but I am.

God: I know. Want to talk about it?

Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know.

God: Let’s talk about it anyway… We’ve done this before.

Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger of something by now.

God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed.

Me: Okay. So, I’m afraid I’ll do everything I can to protect my family and it won’t be enough. I’m afraid of someone I love dying. I’m afraid the world won’t go back to what it was before. I’m afraid my life is always going to feel a little bit unsettled.

God: Anything else?

Me: EVERYTHING ELSE.

God: Remember how Jaxton woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom?

Me: Yes.

God: You were still awake, so when you heard him running, you started calling out to him before he even got to you… remember? Do you remember what you called out to him?

Me: I said, “You’re okay! You’re okay! You’re okay!”

God: Why did you call to him? Why didn’t you just wait for him to get to your room?

Me: Because I wanted him to know that I was awake, and I heard him, and he didn’t have to be afraid until he reached the end of the dark hallway.

God: Exactly. I hear you, daughter. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There’s an other side to all of this. I’m there already. I’ve seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you’re okay. I haven’t gone to sleep, and I won’t.

Me: *crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all?

God: There’s nothing I’d love more.

**For more hope and encouragement, follow: Becky Thompson**

Instead of Worry, Remember What God Has Done

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Happy Monday!

And it is a happy Monday because this is the day that the Lord has made!  We are surrounded by fear and worry and doubts right now but our God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.    As believers, don’t we know that ultimately, it is all in God’s hands?  When the fear, worries and doubt strikes, throw it all into God’s hands.

I believe we should do our due diligence EVERY day!  Not just when something is going on around us.  Stay away from sick people and if you are sick, stay away from other people.  Wash your hands.  Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet that will strengthen your body, not tear it down.  Did I mention washing your hands?  Do NOT hoard toilet paper, baby wipes and food.  By doing so, you are effectively guaranteeing that others will do without.  Is that really how you want your life to be defined?

If you need to, turn off the television.  Don’t buy into what the fear mongers are selling.  If you get anxious, read a book.  I can recommend one that’s full of passion, violence, history and so much more and it is the one book that has been able to withstand all the critics for thousands of years!  If you need to ponder on something, try the scriptures below and, as always,

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

2 Chronicles 7:14   14” If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

 Psalm 91  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” … “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”

 Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

(Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.- Corrie Ten Boom)

Philippians 4:6-7  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Instead of Worry, Remember What God Has Done

Rick Warren

Matthew 19:26 NLT  “With God everything is possible.”

When you’re facing tough times, worry is a natural human response. But, instead of worrying, God wants you to worship. One way you can worship God is by believing who he is and what he can do.

In the book of 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat and Israel found themselves in a tough spot. Three enemy nations were on their way to make war against them.

Though he was afraid, the king’s first response was to gather his people to pray. He stood before the whole nation and prayed aloud. His prayer is a great model to show you how to pray when you feel stressed out and overwhelmed.

First, when you pray during a stressful time, remind yourself of who God is. Focus on his strength, character, and power. God can handle anything, including whatever you’re facing right now.

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says, “With God everything is possible” (NLT).

King Jehoshaphat knew this is true. He reminded himself of it as he prayed, “Are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 NIV).

The king’s enemy was coming against him. But he chose to take his eyes off the problem and instead put his eyes on God’s strength and power. He reminded himself of who God is.

After you remember who God is, remind yourself of what he has done. Remember when God has helped other people and when he has helped you. Recalling those things will give you confidence that God will handle whatever you are facing.

When King Jehoshaphat prays, “Did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel?” (2 Chronicles 20:7 NIV), he’s remembering when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

Jehoshaphat reminded himself of when God had helped Israel drive out enemies before. That gave him confidence that God will do it again.

What are you worrying about today? Instead of worrying, spend some time in prayer, remembering who God is and what he has done. Believe he can handle whatever you’re facing.

God says there’s a purpose in your trials

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Happy Monday, in a week of time change, full moons and Friday the 13th!

Isn’t it great that our faith is in someone SO much more powerful than superstition!

Happy Monday in a world of turmoil, health crisis and political dysfunction.

Isn’t it great that our faith is in Someone So much bigger than the turmoil, is fully aware of every “crisis” and has continued to reign, despite political dysfunction since the world began.

What a wonderful God we serve!

The turmoil and politics are continuous, so we need to continuously pray.  For all of our present and future leaders, even.if.you.don’t.like.them.  The Bible doesn’t tell us to pray for those we like, approve of or agree with.  It tells us to pray for all of those in authority, whether we like them or not.

And then, there’s “the virus”.  PLEASE don’t misunderstand me.  This is a serious situation.  Unfortunately, because of modern media techniques, this is all we hear about, to the point of panic.  There are shortages of all kinds of products that may or may not help to prevent it and they are even (gasp!) telling us to wash our hands!  It seems the biggest and best preventative is also suffering from a shortage.  It’s called common sense.  We know we need to wash our hands, a lot!  If we don’t feel well or are running a temperature, stay home!  If you end up around someone who didn’t stay home, or didn’t know, disinfect everything you touch, including you.  Keep your hands away from your face.

The absolute most important thing you can do though is place your faith, not in the media hype or what’s around us, but in the One who created us!

Put on the full armor of God and be ready for battle!

Thank you, Lord for your saving grace, mercy and love.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

God says there’s a purpose in your trials

Pastor Rick Warren

God says when you run into troubles, it’s an opportunity to experience joy. That doesn’t make much sense, unless you understand the supernatural power of God.

He uses the problems in your life to help you mature spiritually as you become more like Christ. That means none of your problems are arbitrary or outside the power and grace of God. He can take any difficulty you face and turn it toward his purpose.

God uses your troubles to strengthen your faith. It’s similar to the way you strengthen your muscles. If you were lifting weights, each time you added more weight, the stronger your muscles would become.

In the same way, God uses problems to help you grow spiritually, building your character through a series of tests that strengthen your patience, your persistence, and many other traits he wants to

develop in you.

Ultimately, he’s transforming you into a living image of Jesus. As you trust God in the midst of your troubles, you will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

So how do you pass these tests? The good news is you get to use the textbook to check out the answers. They’re all right there in the Bible.

Here’s a good verse to remember: “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT).

Why is it an opportunity for “great joy”? Because this year, as you face trials, you can trust God is at work, using them for your good. And as you lean into him, you’ll experience more of his supernatural strength and joy lifting you up, even in a difficult situation.

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

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Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20

So many scriptures come to mind, even if I can’t quote them like so many do.  I DO, however, know enough of them to find them.

The scriptures I am using today are very personal to me right now and just keep running through my mind.  Some of you know most of the story, but some don’t, so those who do, please be patient with me.

One of my two remaining brothers had a stroke in 2019.  It was very serious but that stroke may have saved his life in so many ways!  He was in serious physical and Spiritual trouble.  His earthly life and his eternity were in jeopardy.

After many tests, the doctors discovered that he also had lung and brain cancer with multiple tumors both places.  They finally said he had two – three months to live.  He was told that there was no need in even trying to treat the lungs if they couldn’t get the brain cancer under control.  I think, for the first time, the seriousness of his physical condition set in.

My sisters and I had been trying to show him the love and power of Jesus for a long time and one day when one of them called him, it finally set in.  He gave his life to Jesus!  God is so good!

1 “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:1-7

After that, his attitude changed.  He finally realized he was in God’s hands.  Radiation on his brain was started and the older tumors would shrink some, but new tumors popped up faster than they could shrink them.  Each time I spoke to him, he would say things like “well Sis, I made it till Thanksgiving, now I’m looking at Christmas.”  Christmas and New Year’s came and passed.  Early this year, they decided to go on and scan his lungs again and map out treatment.  The doctor came in to give him the results and was amazed!  There was no mass or tumors in his lungs.  Nothing!  Recently, he had his latest brain scan.  When he got the results, they were amazed again.  There were NO tumors there.  The scan was clear!

He is a baby Christian.  But even so, he believes.  People all over the United States are praying for him and I believe God offered him as a living, breathing testimony.  But most of all, he was lost and now is found!

We pray for people every day, and sometimes, we mean to but never seem to get around to it.  My question now, and this was brought to my attention by someone who finds it hard to believe in miracles, is when you pray for someone, do you really believe that your prayer will be answered?  It’s so easy to become complacent, breathing a short prayer and forgetting it.  And yet “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20

I believe in miracles.  My brother is one.  I know a few others too.  I don’t know why some people are healed and some aren’t, but I know that God knows, and His plan is so much better than mine.  I know I will continue to pray for people and I will believe those prayers will be answered, even if they aren’t in my time frame or the way I envisioned.  I hope you will too.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Unity of Our Nation

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Happy Monday!

If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you attend church meetings and, hopefully, are at least familiar with the Bible.

One theme you see repeated is unity.  The church (not the Pentecost, Methodists or any other denomination, but the church, all of us who accept and follow Christ) is to unify under one head, Jesus Christ.

On that note, we are now in an election year.  I do not like politics.  I like very few politicians.  I don’t like the effect that power has on so many.  My personal opinion does not release me from the responsibility of due diligence in investigating their platforms and their opinions on what affects me, my family and our country though.  The only way my opinion counts is in the ballot box and in my heart.

What are we supporting, unity or division?  Are we praying for our leaders and our future leaders?  Elections aren’t always going to turn out the way we hope, or vote, but do we still pray for our leaders?  Do we actually believe that God knows best and that He is still in charge?

As for me, I will pray first for God’s guidance, He already knows what will be and how His plan will be put into action.  He is the only One who really knows what should happen.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Jason Soroski

As our nation finds itself in yet another highly divisive election season, our tendency can be to draw firm lines between ourselves based on which candidates we support, and that can in turn lead to personal dislike for one another, anger towards those who lead, and eventually division.

As Christians, we are to live in a fine balance; standing for that which is true while seeking unity amongst ourselves whenever possible, standing firm in the faith while showing grace to those who do not, holding our leaders accountable while praying for their wisdom and well-being.

We are to learn from the words of Ezekiel 22:30, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” We are to be those who stand in the gap, who lift up our nation with all it favors and faults before the throne of God, and pray that He continues to work in our midst.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Peter 2:17  – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Romans 13:1 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Without Love, You’ve Wasted Your Time

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Corinthians 13:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Good morning!

I thought I was done with “love” for a while but I couldn’t pass this up.  Scripture after scripture tells us to love, so why do we find it so hard to do?

Granted, some people just aren’t very lovable.  Sad as it is, it’s true.  But then, I think about Jesus.  His love and compassion surpassed everything else!  On occasion, we saw righteous anger, but He always loved.  No matter their race, what they looked like, what disease they had or what their past was.

 Have you ever been tempted (maybe more than tempted) to say “I am not worthy or I’m not good enough for His love!”   I know I have!

But then you read about Saul (Paul) or the woman at the well.  Look at the apostles or so many of the “chosen ones”.  He chose them deliberately and with a purpose.  He also chose me, and you, for a special purpose in this thing we call life.  We may not see it, but if we let Him lead our lives, His purpose will be accomplished.

He loved us and had a plan for us long before we were formed in our mother’s womb.  He created us and will ALWAYS love us!  Throughout your day, look at people differently.   Look at them as a child of God.  They may have problems, but most of us do.  They also may have pain that we have no clue about.    Love, as He loves us.

Pray Unceasingly!!

In His light,

Lois

 
Without Love, You’ve Wasted Your Time
Rick Warren
 
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV).
Love is our greatest aim in life because we were put here on earth to learn to love God and others. The Bible makes it clear in the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 13 why love is the most important value.
Without love, all that you say is ineffective. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV). Words without love are just noise. People resent and reject unloving words. But they will listen and respond to words spoken in love.
Without love, all that you know is incomplete. “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge . . . but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV). The world is exploding with information and knowledge. Yet many of our most basic problems are not being solved, because the world is not looking for more knowledge. The world is looking for love.
Without love, all that you believe is insufficient. “If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV). Many people have the misconception that being a Christian is just about believing certain truths and doctrines. But do you love Jesus? Do you realize he loves you? Christianity is about experiencing the love Jesus has for you and learning how to love like him.
Without love, all that you give is insignificant. “If I give all I possess to the poor . . . but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV). There are all kinds of motivations for giving, including obligation or prestige or guilt. Just because you give doesn’t mean you’re doing it in love. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
Without love, all that you accomplish is inadequate. “If I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn’t love others, it would be of no value whatever” (1 Corinthians 13:3 TLB). You can have all kinds of great accomplishments. You can even sacrifice your life for the greatest cause in the world—the Kingdom of God—but without love, it’s wasted effort.
You can have the eloquence of an orator, the knowledge of a genius, the faith of a miracle worker, the generosity of a philanthropist, and the dedication of a martyr. But if you don’t love, it doesn’t count.
The good news is that you can love others because God first loved you. Jesus says that as you live within his love, he will help you to love others. When you draw closer to him, your ability to love will increase—he makes it possible for you to live out the calling to love others.

 

 

5 Ways to Express Love

/in /by

Happy Monday!

This seemed like an appropriate week for this article.

Have you ever felt like this?  If so, maybe you should determine your love languages and work from there.

Happy Valentines Day!

Pray Unceasingly!!

In His light,

Lois

 

5 Ways to Express Love

by Gary Chapman

In my early years as a marriage counselor, time and time again, I often noticed that couples would voice similar complaints regarding their marriage. One spouse would say something to the effect of, “I feel like he doesn’t love me,” as the other spouse would then retort, “I don’t know what else to do. I’m doing everything I ought to.” Realizing there was a pattern, I scoured through the 12 years’ worth of notes I made while counseling couples and then asked myself the question, “When someone said, ‘I feel like my spouse doesn’t love me,’ what do they want? What are they attempting to communicate?” Remarkably, I found their answers fell into five categories, revealing a unique approach in how to effectively love another person.

Many years later, this revolutionary concept has improved millions of relationships and continues to do so across the globe. The premise is simple: Different people with different personalities express and receive love in different ways. These ways of expressing and receiving love are called love languages­—there are five, and every individual has one they prefer above the others.

These five love languages are:

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION:  Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.

ACTS OF SERVICE:  Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.

RECEIVING GIFTS:  Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.

QUALITY TIME:  In Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether it’s spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.

PHYSICAL TOUCH:  A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.

Discovering and learning to speak the primary love language of someone you love can radically strengthen and improve your relationship with them. My files are filled with letters from people I have never met saying, “A friend of mine gave me a copy of The 5 Love Languages® and it has revolutionized my marriage. We struggled for years trying to love each other, but our efforts missed each other emotionally. Now that we are speaking the appropriate love languages, the emotional climate of our marriage has greatly improved.”

To discover your own love language or that of someone you love, visit www.5lovelanguages.com or download Love Nudge (the official app of The 5 Love Languages®) for iOS or Android for free.