🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, I KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS ARE HARD TO ACCEPT

Rainbow Pastor David

02/24/2018

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BELOVED, I KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS ARE HARD TO ACCEPT, but I also know how much good I can bring out of them.  Many people are troubled by having too much freedom in their lives.  This can have a paralyzing effect.  They face so many possibilities that making decisions becomes extremely difficult.  Your limitations actually provide a solid structure within which you can make choices about your life.  

Significantly, as you say yes to the boundaries I have placed around you, you can look up and see Me smiling upon you.  You realize that up is the only direction where you face no limitations.  What's more, you recognize that this is the most important dimension of your life. 

Sometimes you feel cramped because you can't go very far to the right or the left, forward or backward, without bumping against a boundary.  At such times you face an important choice:  you can give in to feelings of frustration and self-pity, or you can look up to Me for help.  If you choose Me, your limitations will give you wings.  You can use those wings to soar heavenward, closer to Me.  As you enjoy the heights in My Presence, glance down at the ground where your restrictions await you.  

From this perspective they look unimpressive - like lines drawn in the earth.  Even when you return to ground level and your boundaries surround you again, you can look up to Me anytime.  Bask in the Light of My smile, enjoying the easy intimacy of our relationship.  Limitations can indeed be liberating, when your utmost desire is to live ever-so-near Me. 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."  2 Corinthians 3:17

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, I ASSURE YOU THAT I CAN BRING MUCH GOOD out of the times in your life when you are sad.

Rainbow Pastor David

02/23/2018

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BELOVED, I ASSURE YOU THAT I CAN BRING MUCH GOOD out of the times in your life when you are sad.  These painful times teach you to depend on Me more fully, as you seek My Face for help and strength.  I have blessed you with many joyful experiences as well, but you must not cling to them or try to make them permanent.  Rather, hold them lightly - with open hands - enjoying the beauty of the moment.  Thank Me for what you are experiencing, and your gratitude will increase your Joy.  Be willing to release the pleasures to Me in due time, then move on to the next stage of your journey. 

When Sorrow becomes your travel companion, embrace her as a blessing from Me.  If you receive her into your heart, she will bring new depth and richness to your soul.  She can teach you more about Me - a Man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.  She can also give you hope, based on the promise of My Presence.  Hoping in Me will limit how far down you go in your suffering; it assures you that you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence.  

Although this protects you from falling into deep despair, it is not a "quick fix."  You and Sorrow may continue to journey together for a while.  Nonetheless, you will discover along the way a new capacity growing within you, the ability to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 

"He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not."  Isaiah 53:3 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ What Are Your Intentions?

Written by Dianne Neal Matthews

02/22/2018

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“What do you want with us, Jesus from Nazareth?” (Mark 1:24a)

Heads turned as the man’s cries pierced the subdued atmosphere in the synagogue. One look and the worshipers knew that this tortured soul suffered from demon possession. “Oh, no! What do you want with us, Jesus from Nazareth?” the demon screamed. “Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24, God’s Word translation)
Many of the people had witnessed or heard of exorcisms involving incantations, strange rituals, or props. But Jesus spoke only a few simple words: “Keep quiet, and come out of him!” His word was enough to silence the demon. The evil spirit threw the man down on the floor in convulsions and left his body with a shriek.

Only a few minutes earlier, Jesus had amazed the people in the synagogue with the way he taught with such authority; now they were stunned by his power over demonic spirits.

“What kind of command is this?” they asked each other. “With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits, and they come out.” (Luke 4:36)

During his time on earth, Jesus spoke and taught about God with wisdom and authority. He demonstrated power over the weather, evil spirits, diseases and infirmities of all kinds, and even death. Yet most people refused to do what every demon Jesus ever encountered did—acknowledge him as the Holy One, the Son of God. Although demonic spirits strive to carry out the wishes of Satan, they instantly obeyed any command spoken by Jesus.

Today, many Christians call Jesus “Lord” but refuse to submit to his authority in their daily life. Jesus taught that verbal expressions mean nothing if we don’t also obey him. “Why do you call me Lord but don’t do what I tell you?” he asked (Luke 6:46). Being a follower of Christ means so much more than saying the right words or singing the right choruses; it demands a life fully committed to obeying God’s Word and submitting to Jesus as our Master.

James made a convincing case that faith is more than mere intellectual assent. “You believe that there is one God,” he wrote. “That's fine! The demons also believe that, and they tremble with fear.” (James 2:19) His letter explains that true faith will always result in a life marked by godly living and good deeds.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned his followers to make disciples on the basis of the authority given him by God the Father. As we obey that command, our life becomes infused with his authority as we tell others about God, teach from the Scriptures, confront evil in the world, and bring healing to wounded people. If we are fully submitted to Jesus’ lordship over us, then people will see his authority through us as well.

[Jesus said] “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)

Ask yourself: Does my life reflect Jesus’ authority over me and through me?

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, NO MATTER HOW INADEQUATE YOU MAY FEEL, you can always look to Me for help.

Rainbow Pastor David

02/21/2018

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BELOVED, NO MATTER HOW INADEQUATE YOU MAY FEEL, you can always look to Me for help.  You don't need to go to a special place or assume a certain posture to seek My Face.  Nor do you need to use elegant language or otherwise work to win My favor.  I always look favorably on you, because I can see in you My own perfect righteousness.  I am alive in you, and I know your thoughts better than you do.  So a simple glance at Me, made in faith, is enough to connect you to My Power. 

You tend to waste energy trying to determine whether your resources are adequate for the day's demands.  How much better to simply acknowledge your inadequacy when you awaken each morning!  This frees you to rely on My infinite sufficiency.  If you stay in touch with Me throughout the day, I will place enough Power at your disposal to meet your needs as they arise. 

You often run into trouble when you keep checking up on your "power gauge" rather than looking to Me for My Provision.  This self-assessment can lead to panic, which quickly sends you into a downward spiral.  As your mind races, searching for ways to bolster your resources, you become increasingly anxious.  Yet as soon as you turn away from self-help and turn toward me - your ever-present Help - you find that your strength surges:  becoming equal to the demands of your day. 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ God's Love in Action

Written by Cathy Irvin

02/19/2018

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Valentine's Day has come and gone but this scene will always be in my mind. I saw a man buying flowers. He bought three big beautiful roses: one pink, one red, and one white. They were wrapped in a clear bag. When I went out of the store I saw him again, bending down in the snow to gather some up; and he was putting it in the bag so the roses wouldn’t wilt before he got them to their destination.

This was a wonderful idea and he was so thoughtful; I knew it represented his love for someone to take special care of his gift.

I thought about Jesus like the man who didn’t want his flowers to wilt and die. Jesus came that we might have life abundantly here and to give us eternal life so we really never have to die either. Yes, we will leave this earth one day in the physical, but our spirit man will live forever. Our earthly body (like a rose) dies, but our spirit is renewed day by day.

Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 (American Standard Version)

The three roses reminded me of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Father God loved us so much that he gave us His only Son, Jesus, to love and protect us, to heal us and to guide us every day. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and empower us to be His witnesses while we are here on earth. Oh, what Love that is ours! He is the best Valentine I could ever have. How about you? There is a song that says “Like a rose trampled on the ground, He took the fall ... ” Yes, He paid the price for you and me to have eternal life and an abundant life now.

The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. John 10:9-11 (American Standard Version)

I almost wanted to stop and tell that man how thoughtful I thought he was, but I had a short lunch hour and had to be back to work. But then I thought I could write about the experience and hopefully bless others with the story.

I want to tell others of God’s love and say that perhaps you didn’t have someone that gave you a Valentine rose, candy, or a stuffed animal. It is OK, just take Jesus as your Valentine; love on Him and let Him love on you. Remember He will be your Valentine every day! By the way, you can always buy yourself a rose anytime; and when you look at it think about Jesus - one of His names is “The Rose of Sharon” and He will be with you to brighten up your day.

I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1 (American Standard Version)

Copyright © 2006 Cathy Irvin, used by permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, YOUR DESIRE TO KNOW ME MORE FULLY is a delight to My heart

Rainbow Pastor David

02/19/2018

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BELOVED, YOUR DESIRE TO KNOW ME MORE FULLY is a delight to My heart.  Actually, I have been pursuing you for quite some time.  Long before you became a believer, I was working to reveal Myself to you.  I placed experiences in your life that exposed your deep need to know Me.

I brought you people in whom you could see the Light of My Presence.  Even after you trusted Me as Savior I continued to pursue your heart, which was divided between Me and worldly goals.  Finally, you began seeking Me with your whole heart, and I rejoiced! 

Your wholeheartedness has opened the way for genuine intimacy between us.  You have tasted My goodness, and you want more.  I have responded to this desire in several ways.  I've allowed suffering in your life, so that you can learn to trust Me more.  Also, I have blessed you with intimate experiences of My Presence - to boost your confidence in My perfection.  My goal is for you to become so convinced of My goodness that nothing can shake your trust in Me.  Then, your soul will be deeply satisfied - as with the richest of foods. 

"Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"  Psalm 34:8

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Blessed Beings

Written by Gene Markland

02/18/2018 

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Move, get, go, and do! Life can be like a drill sergeant screaming in your ear, “Alright (insert-your-name-here), go, go, go!” A man once said, “We’re human beings, not human doings.” So often we find ourselves in a never-ending frustrating rut of doing. We forget the importance of just being whom we are, the unique individual made by God. He made us first and foremost to be, not to do.

Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48 KJV).

We struggle to do things in order to get what we want in life. We push ourselves to do anything in order to please God, when what He really wants is not so much what we do for Him, but what we are to Him. One of the greatest lessons Lord Jesus ever taught me was just to be. This is more important to Him than anything I’ll ever do for Him.

I asked Him to sanctify me by His blood, to plunge the depths of my inner being, and clean the deep recesses of my spirit, soul, and body. Though I had the assurance of my salvation, He showed me that my soul, like a room swept clean, still had some cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling. The Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things, shone a light in those dark corners exposing some lingering stuff. With the broom of the Holy Spirit we dealt with them and I became a clean pot, a vessel fit for the Lord’s use.

I learned to focus my efforts on being a clean pot, and then He could use me and perform the “doing” through me. I’m the being and He’s the doing. I knew a man who was constantly striving to push himself on people. He went overboard trying to impress the ladies. His focus was doing his best, not being his best. Ultimately he would push them away. The lesson he needed to learn was to be the best that you can be, then they will see and not flee.

Sure, it’s good to have goals in life, but do not fail to appreciate and enjoy who you are and what you have right now. Your life here and now is incredibly important! Don’t worry so much about tomorrow. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34 TM). Tomorrow will take care of itself.

The Apostle Paul said to be content in whatever state you’re in. “I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Philippians 4:11-14 TM).

Enjoy the incredible gift that is today. God wonderfully made you. In the Bible, He states that He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. He knows the desire of your heart. He had a part in putting it there. What He began in you He will fulfill. You might not be able to see it right now, but that doesn’t change His word. Be patient and stand. You will see the salvation of the Lord.

Whether you need deliverance from a bad situation or just want your dream of a happy life to come true, remember that our God is the biggest dreamer of all. He dreamed up everything that exists in the universe, including you. He wants His dream for you to come true as much as you do. When we embrace His dreams for us, and submit our dreams to his will, we find the contentment that the Apostle Paul wrote about, and God’s peace that passes understanding. Have faith in God for you are a blessed being.

Copyright © Gene Markland 2009, used with permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, YOU ARE ALREADY DOING THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Rainbow Pastor David

02/18/2018

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BELOVED, YOU ARE ALREADY DOING THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, communicating with Me about your problem.  It is also vital to find a place where you can sit quietly, letting your body relax.  It's much easier to tone down your thinking when your body is still for a time, since mind and body are so intricately connected.  
 
As you slow down your breathing, you will find your thoughts becoming more manageable.  This makes it possible to focus those thoughts on Me.  While you do so, your entire being will become increasingly relaxed.   

Ponder the wonder of My Presence with you.  Refresh yourself in My promises.  I will counsel you and watch over you.  I will supply every need of yours according to My riches in Glory.  Peace I leave with you:  My Peace I give you.
 
Though My Peace is a forever promise, you need frequent reminders.   When your mind becomes quiet enough, listen for My resurrection blessing:  "Peace be with you." 
 

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."  Psalm 32:8. 

 

 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, GROWING IN GRACE IS ALL ABOUT TRUSTING ME

Rainbow Pastor David

02/15/2018

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BELOVED, GROWING IN GRACE IS ALL ABOUT TRUSTING ME:  in good times, in bad times, at all times.  I am Lord over all your circumstances, so I want to be involved in every aspect of your life.  One of the best ways of connecting with Me - here and now - is trusting Me in the very situation where you find yourself.  
 
When your world seems dark and you trust Me anyway, My Light shines brightly through you.  You may not be aware of this illumination, but it is visible to many, both in heavenly realms and on earth.  Your display of transcendent trust weakens spiritual forces of evil.  People around you are strengthened and blessed by My supernatural Light showing through you. 
 
Clinging to Me in the dark feels like an act requiring all your willpower.  Exerting your will is definitely important, but there is more.  My hand has an eternal grip on yours.  I will never let go of you!  Moreover, My indwelling Spirit empowers you to keep hanging on.  When you feel on the brink of giving up, cry out for His assistance:  "Help me, Holy Spirit!"  This brief prayer enables you to tap into His vast Power.  Be encouraged by knowing that though you may see only darkness, My Light is shining through you in surpassing splendor! 

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8

 

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Why Blood?

Written by Pauline Hylton

02/15/2018 

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Although I was raised in a Christian home, attended church twice on Sunday and heard about Jesus shedding His blood on the cross for my sins almost every week, it was a mystery to me.

I belted out lyrics like What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus, and There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins; and sinners, plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains. 

There was nothing lackluster about my singing, but I admit to a limited understanding of the words.

Why blood?

Today’s CBN readings bring together both. Let’s take a look.

Leviticus 17-18 take place after the time of the Exodus from Egypt and while they wandered in the wilderness. God set up a set of rules and regulations on the way His people were to live, interact, and worship, and blood played an integral part in that worship.
Think about this quote from Leviticus 17:11,

“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”

The context of the above verse prohibits the Israelites from eating blood for two reasons: the life of the creature is in the blood and God established a blood sacrifice to make atonement for mans’ sins. In simpler terms, in the Old Testament, the blood sacrifice for sin covered the sin of man—you have been reading all about this in the book of Leviticus. The animal died as a substitute for man, the sinner.

The word used is atonement. One definition from Dictionary.com is, “satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends.”

Hebrews 9:22 states that without the shedding of blood there is no remission or forgiveness of sins.

The only way to approach the Holy God of Israel was through the life or blood of an innocent victim.

Fast forward to Matthew 27:27-50, the New Testament reading for the day. The perfect, spotless, Son of God was mocked and tortured by the very people He created. He hung naked on a cross while the crowd challenged Him to come down.

Matthew 27:50 states,

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.”

Now, the only way to approach the Holy God of Israel is through the life or blood of an innocent sacrifice.

Jesus traded places with us. He is the sacrificial lamb. Atonement has been made for you and for me.

That makes me grateful. The fact that Jesus died for my sin makes me humble. And it makes me want to sing.

“There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.”

Copyright © Pauline Hylton 2018, used by permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, BRING ALL YOUR FEARS TO ME

Rainbow Pastor David

02/13/2018

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BELOVED, BRING ALL YOUR FEARS TO ME.  Fears that are not dealt with tend to magnify themselves.  Expose them to the revealing Light of My Presence, and they will shrink to manageable proportions.  Some of them may even become comical when you view them from this perspective. 

As fearfulness loosens its grip on you, you are freed to follow Me.  Grasp My hand tightly, as we edge our way out onto the limb.  Since I go before you in this venture, you can keep your eyes on Me as you step out in faith.  Soon we will get to a resting place, and then you can look around.  If you like, glance back at the tree trunk:  the place from which we branched out on this adventure.  While gripping My hand to steady yourself, look toward the horizon:  enjoy the view from this treetop perspective. 

You are actually safer here - out on this limb with Me - than you would be on the ground.  In this new, challenging environment you stay alert:  communicating with Me continually, holding My hand in trusting dependence.  Overly familiar surroundings may feel safer, but they can lull you into sleepy self-reliance.  That is when you tend to forget about Me; it's also when you are most likely to fall.  Follow Me confidently wherever I lead, and the shelter of My Presence will keep you safe. 
 

"If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm, though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."  Psalm 37:23-24 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ BELOVED, YOU ARE RIGHT ON TARGET

Rainbow Pastor David

02/13/2014

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BELOVED, YOU ARE RIGHT ON TARGET.   Openness to My Presence is all about faith:  believing that though I am invisible, I am both Real and really with you.  This is foundational to knowing Me.

However, there is also an art to knowing Me.  It is very personal, because each of My followers has a unique relationship with Me, comprised of all your communication with Me, your love for Me, your receptivity and responsiveness to Me.

Sometimes when you are seeking My Face, My Presence becomes more real to you than the space-time moment you occupy.  The reality of My glorious Being outshines your current circumstances and lifts you above them.  You feel free, and your spirit soars with Me.  You rejoice in Me and are strengthened by that divine Joy.  Thus, you enjoy glimpses of heaven while continuing to dwell on earth.
 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Love Is in the Air

Written by Cathy Irvin

02/13/2018

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Well folks, it’s that time of year again; you know - red hearts, pink roses, balloons, cards, candy, and animals that sing songs of love.

Store shelves overflow with symbols of love. They began the day after New Year's to get ready for Valentine’s Day. Do you know that more roses are sold on that day than any other day in the year? All over the world, it is the day that people show their love for someone special.

Most mothers and wives hope to receive a loving memento, perhaps dinner in a nice restaurant, or to have a meal cooked for them. It is a great occasion to express love and appreciation for any of your loved ones, but it is just as important to show little acts of kindness the other 364 days of the year.

I can do without a dancing gorilla singing Love Me Tender, but I sure would miss getting that hug or kiss from my little great granddaughter when she says, “I love you GiGi.” Or my son’s nightly ritual when he says, “Good Night Mom. I love you.” He says those are the last words he speaks when he is at home. I guess that is because we only have today. We are not promised tomorrow.

When my daughter calls she always says “Bye, I love you.” This is the best gift, day after day, just to know that I am loved.

It means a lot when family and friends want to spend time with you, share a meal, or just talk. God tells us in His Word how much He loves us. He promises never to leave or forsake us, to answer us when we call, day or night. He never slumbers nor sleeps. We need to tell Him how much we love Him 365 days a year as well.

Flowers will die. Candy gets eaten. Balloons will pop. Stuffed animals may stop singing. Cards may get lost or thrown away, but the love that is shared with one another, and God’s love for us, will never pass away.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

May you find little ways to show some acts of kindness to those you love before and after Valentine’s Day this year.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Let Love be in the air at all times!

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

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

Copyright © Cathy Irvin 2008, used with permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️God takes delight in giving you the desires of your heart as long as you continue to worship Him.

Rainbow Pastor David

02/12/2018

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BELOVED, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS through discipline alone.  This pursuit requires much more than an act of your will.  It is largely powered by what is in your heart.  As your Love for Me grows stronger, so does your desire to please Me.  When a couple are deeply in love, they take great delight to pleasing one another.  
 
They may spend hours pondering ways to surprise their beloved with unexpected pleasures.  Simply anticipating the loved one's happiness is exciting to such a lover.  Actually, I Myself am such a Lover.  I delight in increasing your Joy; making it complete.  The best way to grow in your passion for Me is to increase your awareness of My ardent Love for you. 
 
Whenever you seek to please Me, think about Me as the Lover of your soul, the One who loves you perfectly every nanosecond of your existence.  Let your budding desire to please Me flourish in the Light of My unfailing Love. 

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in My love.  If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love.  I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  John 15:9-11

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Shades of Love

Written by Tim Bishop

02/12/2018

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Ambiguity Abounds

Love. We toss around that term as if we’re stuck in Communication 101. Does our language lack suitable alternatives to convey our warm sentiments or do we have an emotional addiction to the word love? If love were a person, she ought to go on strike until we understand better when to call her into service. She must be exhausted!

We all do it. I love my cat. I love to play the drums. I love sunny days. I love my new phone. I love your outfit. I love the Beatles. I love that I get five days off for Christmas. I love Tom Brady. I love my neighborhood. I love my job (well, maybe only some of us!). I love Bobby Sue.
Can you blame Bobby Sue if she’s confused, especially if those words came from a man’s lips? And Tom Brady? He gets more love than he knows what to do with.

Webster’s Take

The Merriam-Webster dictionary lists five primary definitions for the verb love:

1. To hold dear
2. To feel a lover’s passion, devotion or tenderness
3. To like or desire actively
4. To thrive in
5. To feel affection or experience desire

As you can see, love is a versatile word. We may understand its meaning when we know its context. However, as emotional beings, we can’t always be objective. Sometimes, we’ll misunderstand.

Replacements

When National Football League players went on strike in 1987, the league hired replacement players. It’s time we do the same for love. Here’s my list:

1. Cherish
2. Caress, hug, kiss
3. Take pleasure in, really like, drawn to
4. Thrive in, bask in
5. Adore

Let’s not eliminate the use of the word love altogether, but could we change things up to provide clarity and improve our relationships.

Sometimes, we use the word love as an overstatement. Verbs such as respect, like, admire, think the world of, delight in, relish, care about, savor and enjoy may act as more precise replacements. If we use up our love on objects, activities or other people, what’s left for the people who are closest to us? With a newly expanded vocabulary and greater sensitivity to our tone of voice, perhaps people will better understand our true feelings. I know we’re supposed to love our spouse, but do we really love our favorite latte?

The Ultimate Definition

Human attempts at love, in all permutations, seem superficial compared to God’s love. The Bible says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8b ESV). Jesus Himself put love into perspective: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 ESV).

God brought love alive for us. He put it into action – in the form of sacrifice. The Bible puts it this way: “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8 ESV).

With the various meanings we have for the nebulous word love, it’s no wonder people have a hard time grasping the Bible’s version. Our use of the term usually expresses an emotion and may come with tethers. God’s love, however, is unconditional. It doesn’t fluctuate as human love does. We can do nothing to make God love us any more or less than He already does. His love defies comprehension.

Nevertheless, we embrace love with our hearts, not our minds. God has shown us ultimate love, which prompts the ultimate question. Jesus’ shed blood makes peace with God possible – if we accept Him. While improving our communication can help our relationships on earth, our eternal destiny hangs on that ultimate question: How will I respond to God’s love?

Copyright © Tim Bishop 2017, used with permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ When We Give

Written by The Apostolic Faith Church

02/11/2018

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Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. – Luke 6:38

Standing in the checkout line at my neighborhood grocery store, I could not help but notice the lady in front of me. She was emptying her purse as if she were looking for her wallet. At that moment, I felt led to give this lady the difference she lacked for her bill. Yet I thought, If I give her my little bit of money, I might not have enough to purchase my goods. If I were in her position, I would probably just put some items back. 

As I left the store, I felt terribly convicted and apologized to the Lord. After all, anything that I had was given to me by God and did not really belong to me anyway. I asked the Lord to grant me another opportunity to help someone financially who needed it. 

The Lord gave me my desire, only this time He required me to give more money than was needed back in the grocery store. Thank God, this time I paid attention to the Spirit’s leading. Sometime later, a financial need came up in my own life, and God provided the money for me. In fact, God provided more than enough!

God promised to supply all of our need and He does just that. We can never lose when we give, especially when we do it cheerfully. We will feel good to have helped someone in need, and we will be blessed for our obedience to God. As we keep our hearts in tune with Him, the Holy Spirit will let us know when to share with others.

Let’s not hold back anything we have from God. Give, and with the same measure that you give, it shall be measured to you again.

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Beware of false prophets performing FAKE MIRACLES in order to deceive even the elect of God!!!

Written by John W. Ritenbaugh

02/11/2018

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(24) For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Matthew 24:24

(13) And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. (14) Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. Revelation 13:13-14

(22) Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' (23) Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:22-23

(1) If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, (2) and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," (3) you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. (4) It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. (5) That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he preached rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.  Deuteronomy 13:1-5

In each case, Christ's admonition is that we should have a healthy skepticism of miracles because miracles may produce deception. It is not that the miracle does not occur. The more important point is, does it witness to the truth? Does it witness to the ultimate reality, the will of God?

In both Jesus' instruction in the New Testament (Matthew 24:24; 7:22-23; Revelation 13:13-14) and in Moses' teaching in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 13:1-5), it is clear—regardless of the wonder done—if a person even implies that we are free to disobey God, the miracle is not a demonstration of God's truth. A miracle it was, but it does not validate God's truth.

We must be especially skeptical of those who say that they believe in keeping God's laws, and then turn right around and say that the Sabbath and holy days are no longer necessary and that "true Christians" can keep Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. But they "believe" that they are to keep God's laws! It is especially deceptive because so many of such people are really nice individuals.

— John W. Ritenbaugh

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ Death Is Necessary

Written by Sharon Elliott

02/11/2018 

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When my sons were small, we lived for a time in the same house with Poppa and Grandma, my parents. Poppa’s Alzheimer’s didn’t bother the boys at all, and it certainly didn’t hinder their grandfather from loving these little boys. Matthew, however, had a special relationship with Poppa. They shared a quiet intensity of spirit and could often be seen just sitting on the sofa, not saying anything, just enjoying being close.

When Matthew was 5-years-old, Poppa died. After tearfully breaking the news to the boys, that quiet intensity caused Matthew to simply cock his head to the side and ask, “So Poppa’s in heaven, right?”

When I said yes, he queried, “Then why are you crying? Heaven is a good place. I want to go too.”

Somehow I was able to convince Matthew that it wasn’t time for him to go yet and the matter was settled for the moment.

Several days later, though, we arrived at the mortuary. When Matthew saw Poppa in the casket, his logical mind remembered our former conversation. “I thought you said Poppa was in heaven.” Matthew looked at me as if to say, Lady, you’d better straighten this one out, and quick! Okay, so how was I going to explain the separation of body and spirit to a five-year-old?
After a quick prayer for help, the answer formed in my mind. I have since written about this whole incident in a poem, so here’s what I said, only fixed up now in verse:

“Since our bodies weren’t created
To just fly away through space,
He had to leave his body here,
To see God face to face.”
“The part of him that loved us
Will live on in memory.
He now no longer lives in pain;
He’s happy as can be.”
“Please try to understand that
Almost from his time of birth,
Poppa loved others right up close,
And loved God from the earth.”
“Now Poppa loves God right up close;
I think he’s having fun.
He’s hanging out around the Throne,
Just talking with the Son.”
– From Mommy Cried This Morning, Sharon Norris Elliott ©1996

Poppa has been away from us for 18 years now, and I’m still able to look back with wonderful memories of growing up with a father who sincerely lived his whole life for the moment of his death. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 and 50 tell of the necessity of death if we really plan to get to heaven:

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body… Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (NKJ).

People I have dearly loved have died. As hard as it is for us to let go, facing the death of loved ones is not nearly as crippling when we realize believers who have died are much better off in heaven than they would ever have been in this life here on earth. Their death is our loss, not theirs. They have received the ultimate inheritance, only possible through death because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.”

One day, that fabulous inheritance – the kingdom of God – awaits us as well. It’s so great, it’s to die for!

Copyright © Sharon Elliott, used with permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ Trying to Understand

Written By Debbie West

 

02/11/2018

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"At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.” John 12:16 

 

Sometimes I just don’t understand the Bible. I try to read because I know it’s God’s Word and He speaks through His word. But often I don’t know what He’s trying to say. It just seems like there are a lot of stories about a bunch of people who lived a long time ago.

 

The Apostle John, who was very close to Jesus, admits that the disciples — the ones who spent every day with Jesus — did not always understand what Jesus was saying and doing either. I must admit that I take comfort in that. The ones to whom Jesus spent countless hours teaching did not get it.

 

How did these 12 men go from puzzled followers to the pillars of the Christian faith as we know them today? I think the answer lies in the events following Jesus’ resurrection.

 

Luke records in Acts 1:3 that Jesus spent 40 days with them after he rose from the dead. He went to the scriptures that these Jewish men knew well and explained how all of the things that happened to Him were the fulfillment of prophecy. The resurrection and redemption for all mankind were God’s plan all along. He opened their eyes so they could understand (Luke 24:45).

 

Understanding the Bible comes through time spent with God — praying and allowing God to show us the meaning of His Word. It is a life-long practice. But God is faithful to teach us and open our minds to know Him better.

 

Lord, help me understand the words I read in the Bible. Open my eyes and my mind. Amen.

Go Deeper — Find a Bible study in your church or community. You may find one online or on television. A good Bible dictionary or handbook can also be a valuable resource to understanding scripture. Make this week one more step toward understanding God’s Word better.

 

Delve Further — Host a Bible study. You don’t have to be a scriptural know-it-all, just have an open heart and mind, and invite a few people into your home to study it together. Here are some tips.

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