12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.(Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Each day we stand at the crossroads and we have a choice to make. Will I serve God and do things his way, or will I go on in my self-willed ways? Are you going to do things your way or God's way? Sometimes we need to get beyond the self-will no matter how difficult that may be. Let the Lord set the course as you follow him.
When we self-will out of the way; when we want NOTHING but God's will, when we seek him with our whole heart. Then we will find him, then we will call upon him and he will answer.
If we prepare ourselves to carry out God's plans, if we seek him with our whole heart, nothing can stop those plans from being realized. God has given each of us free will, and we must will to obey his word if we want to see his plans come to fruition in our life.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Love yourself as God loves you.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
What do you think Jesus meant when he said to love others as we love ourselves?
What is the you of you?
Stop to feel your pulse
Life is running through you
Life is a gift of God
Feel your fingertips
Look at the pattern on them
Each is unique
You are unique
You are made in God's image
You are loved by the Creator who is proud of you, the created.
Look again at the mirror
Ask God to show you the real you, the you without image, the you that God sees.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
What do you think Jesus meant when he said to love others as we love ourselves?
What is the you of you?
Stop to feel your pulse
Life is running through you
Life is a gift of God
Feel your fingertips
Look at the pattern on them
Each is unique
You are unique
You are made in God's image
You are loved by the Creator who is proud of you, the created.
Look again at the mirror
Ask God to show you the real you, the you without image, the you that God sees.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Monday, November 15, 2010
THE EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST
Yes, indeed, and I count all things to be loss, because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom of the all things I suffered loss, and do count them to be refuse, that I may gain Christ, 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11)
What does it mean to pursue excellence? Often times we have a sense of bettering ourselves to become excellent at something, maybe even to impress others at what we do. Maybe we are trying to simply see how good we are at a given task. What does it really mean to be excellent? What does God mean when he tells us to be excellent? What is Paul saying when he tells us to pursue an excellent knowledge of Christ.
When Paul became a disciple of Jesus, he gave up his brilliant prospects in regard to this life, and everything indeed on which his heart had been placed. He abandoned the hope of honor and distinction; he sacrificed every prospect of gain or ease; and he gave up his dearest friends and separated himself from those whom he tenderly loved. He might have risen to the highest posts of honor in his native land, and the path which an ambitious young man desires was fully open before him.
But all this had been cheerfully sacrificed in order that he might obtain an interest in Jesus, and partake of the blessings of relationship with him. We do not know of the exact extent of Paul's loss in becoming a follower of Jesus. It is by no means improbable that he had been excommunicated by the Jews; and that he had been disowned by his own family- Philippians 3:7-8
What mattered now was for him to "know Jesus Christ".
"...I also count all things loss for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..." (Philippians 3:8)
What Paul didn't say is noteworthy:
Paul didn't say, "I want to know all the issues."
Paul didn't say, "I want to know all the answers to selected questions."
Paul didn't say, "I want to know what every person believes."
Paul did say, "I want to know Christ."
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
What does it mean to pursue excellence? Often times we have a sense of bettering ourselves to become excellent at something, maybe even to impress others at what we do. Maybe we are trying to simply see how good we are at a given task. What does it really mean to be excellent? What does God mean when he tells us to be excellent? What is Paul saying when he tells us to pursue an excellent knowledge of Christ.
When Paul became a disciple of Jesus, he gave up his brilliant prospects in regard to this life, and everything indeed on which his heart had been placed. He abandoned the hope of honor and distinction; he sacrificed every prospect of gain or ease; and he gave up his dearest friends and separated himself from those whom he tenderly loved. He might have risen to the highest posts of honor in his native land, and the path which an ambitious young man desires was fully open before him.
But all this had been cheerfully sacrificed in order that he might obtain an interest in Jesus, and partake of the blessings of relationship with him. We do not know of the exact extent of Paul's loss in becoming a follower of Jesus. It is by no means improbable that he had been excommunicated by the Jews; and that he had been disowned by his own family- Philippians 3:7-8
What mattered now was for him to "know Jesus Christ".
"...I also count all things loss for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..." (Philippians 3:8)
What Paul didn't say is noteworthy:
Paul didn't say, "I want to know all the issues."
Paul didn't say, "I want to know all the answers to selected questions."
Paul didn't say, "I want to know what every person believes."
Paul did say, "I want to know Christ."
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Blessed are you when people insult you.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
Jesus seems to be suggesting that the prophets’ reward is great because they anticipated the message He brings. As for “rejoice and be glad,” we must ask what the alternative is: to be ground down by the persecution one must suffer; to give up; to let go of the message of Jesus and to wallow, paralyzed, in one’s despair. Jesus is giving hope to those who are suffering. There is a reward that will come if only we have faith and trust in him. Jesus lets us know that all will be well and those who put their faith in him will not be disappointed.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Jesus seems to be suggesting that the prophets’ reward is great because they anticipated the message He brings. As for “rejoice and be glad,” we must ask what the alternative is: to be ground down by the persecution one must suffer; to give up; to let go of the message of Jesus and to wallow, paralyzed, in one’s despair. Jesus is giving hope to those who are suffering. There is a reward that will come if only we have faith and trust in him. Jesus lets us know that all will be well and those who put their faith in him will not be disappointed.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Blessed are they who are persecuted.
"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:10)
Jesus said many times that those who follow Him will be persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20-21). Stephen, Peter and Paul, nearly all of the Apostles, and many Christians in the Roman era suffered martyrdom. The twentieth century with its two World Wars and endless regional conflicts has seen its share of martyrs such as Maximilian Kolbe, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the Central American martyrs. But Jesus promised those that suffer for his sake will be rewarded with the Kingdom of Heaven!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Jesus said many times that those who follow Him will be persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20-21). Stephen, Peter and Paul, nearly all of the Apostles, and many Christians in the Roman era suffered martyrdom. The twentieth century with its two World Wars and endless regional conflicts has seen its share of martyrs such as Maximilian Kolbe, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the Central American martyrs. But Jesus promised those that suffer for his sake will be rewarded with the Kingdom of Heaven!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Blessed are the peacemakers.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."
(Matthew 5:9)
Peacemakers not only live peaceful lives but also try to bring peace and friendship to others, and to preserve peace between God and man. St. Gregory of Nyssa calls a peacemaker a man who brings peace to another; but one cannot give another, what one does not possess oneself. Therefore the Lord wants you first to be yourself filled with the blessings of peace and then to communicate it to those who have need of it. By imitating God's love of man, the peacemakers become children of God.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
(Matthew 5:9)
Peacemakers not only live peaceful lives but also try to bring peace and friendship to others, and to preserve peace between God and man. St. Gregory of Nyssa calls a peacemaker a man who brings peace to another; but one cannot give another, what one does not possess oneself. Therefore the Lord wants you first to be yourself filled with the blessings of peace and then to communicate it to those who have need of it. By imitating God's love of man, the peacemakers become children of God.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Blessed are the pure of heart.
"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
Moses (Exodus 33:20), John (1:18), and Paul (1Timothy 6:16) all say that no one can see God here on earth! But Jesus says the pure of heart shall see God! To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires. What a beautiful goal! How many times have any of us performed an act perfectly free of any personal gain? Such an act is pure love. An act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Moses (Exodus 33:20), John (1:18), and Paul (1Timothy 6:16) all say that no one can see God here on earth! But Jesus says the pure of heart shall see God! To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires. What a beautiful goal! How many times have any of us performed an act perfectly free of any personal gain? Such an act is pure love. An act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Blessed are the merciful.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7)
Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. We say in the Lord's Prayer: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. As we are merciful to others, so our Heavenly Father will be merciful with us! Jesus reminds us that whatever "you did to the least of my brothers, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-46)." St. Paul calls for the obedience of faith in the beginning and end of his Letter to the Romans (1:5, 16:25-27). The following are ways to be merciful to your neighbor, as well as obedient in faith to Christ our Savior.
The Corporal Works of Mercy
1 Feed the Hungry
2 Give drink to the thirsty
3 Clothe the naked
4 Shelter the homeless
5 Comfort the imprisoned
6 Visit the sick
7 Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
1 Admonish sinners
2 Instruct the uninformed
3 Counsel the doubtful
4 Comfort the sorrowful
5 Be patient with those in error
6 Forgive offenses
7 Pray for the living and the dead
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. We say in the Lord's Prayer: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. As we are merciful to others, so our Heavenly Father will be merciful with us! Jesus reminds us that whatever "you did to the least of my brothers, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-46)." St. Paul calls for the obedience of faith in the beginning and end of his Letter to the Romans (1:5, 16:25-27). The following are ways to be merciful to your neighbor, as well as obedient in faith to Christ our Savior.
The Corporal Works of Mercy
1 Feed the Hungry
2 Give drink to the thirsty
3 Clothe the naked
4 Shelter the homeless
5 Comfort the imprisoned
6 Visit the sick
7 Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
1 Admonish sinners
2 Instruct the uninformed
3 Counsel the doubtful
4 Comfort the sorrowful
5 Be patient with those in error
6 Forgive offenses
7 Pray for the living and the dead
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)
A continuous desire for justice and moral perfection will lead one to a fulfillment of that desire - a transition and conversion to holiness. This is true for all the virtues - if you hunger and thirst for temperance, you will head towards the goal you have in mind. St. Augustine, in his discourse on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, notes the correspondence of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their necessity in fulfilling the Beatitudes. For example, one must have the gift of fortitude so one may be courageous in seeking justice.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
A continuous desire for justice and moral perfection will lead one to a fulfillment of that desire - a transition and conversion to holiness. This is true for all the virtues - if you hunger and thirst for temperance, you will head towards the goal you have in mind. St. Augustine, in his discourse on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, notes the correspondence of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their necessity in fulfilling the Beatitudes. For example, one must have the gift of fortitude so one may be courageous in seeking justice.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Friday, November 5, 2010
Blessed are the meek.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)
St. Gregory of Nyssa taught that the Beatitudes build one upon another. A humble person becomes meek, or becomes gentle and kind, and exhibits a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship. A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control. St. Augustine advises us to be meek in the face of the Lord, and not resist but be obedient to him. Obedience and submission to the will of God are certainly not in vogue these days, but they will bring one peace in this world and in the next.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
St. Gregory of Nyssa taught that the Beatitudes build one upon another. A humble person becomes meek, or becomes gentle and kind, and exhibits a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship. A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control. St. Augustine advises us to be meek in the face of the Lord, and not resist but be obedient to him. Obedience and submission to the will of God are certainly not in vogue these days, but they will bring one peace in this world and in the next.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Blessed are they who mourn.
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
If we are humble and appreciate that all of our gifts and blessings come from God, we grow in love and gratitude for Jesus Christ our Savior. But this can only produce mourning and regret over our own sins and the sins of this world, for we have hurt the one who has been so good to us. One also mourns for the suffering of others.
St. Gregory of Nyssa describes another reason to mourn: the more one ascends in meditation of Divine Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, and then realize the poverty of human nature; man can only be left in sorrow. When one contemplates that we were made in the image and likeness of God and lived in Paradise, the Garden of Eden, and compare that to our present state after the Fall, one can only mourn our present condition. But the sentence continues that they shall be comforted, by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and hopefully one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mourning in this context is called a blessing, because mourning our fallen nature creates in us a desire to improve ourselves and to do what is right!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
If we are humble and appreciate that all of our gifts and blessings come from God, we grow in love and gratitude for Jesus Christ our Savior. But this can only produce mourning and regret over our own sins and the sins of this world, for we have hurt the one who has been so good to us. One also mourns for the suffering of others.
St. Gregory of Nyssa describes another reason to mourn: the more one ascends in meditation of Divine Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, and then realize the poverty of human nature; man can only be left in sorrow. When one contemplates that we were made in the image and likeness of God and lived in Paradise, the Garden of Eden, and compare that to our present state after the Fall, one can only mourn our present condition. But the sentence continues that they shall be comforted, by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and hopefully one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mourning in this context is called a blessing, because mourning our fallen nature creates in us a desire to improve ourselves and to do what is right!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
"Poor in spirit" means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means to be completely empty and open to the Word of God. When we are an empty cup and devoid of pride, we are humble. Humility brings an openness and an inner peace, allowing one to do the will of God. He who humbles himself is able to accept our frail nature, to repent, and to allow the grace of God to lead us to Conversion.
It is pride, the opposite of humility that brings misery. For pride brings anger and the seeking of revenge, especially when one is offended. If everyone were humble and poor in spirit, there would be no war!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
"Poor in spirit" means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means to be completely empty and open to the Word of God. When we are an empty cup and devoid of pride, we are humble. Humility brings an openness and an inner peace, allowing one to do the will of God. He who humbles himself is able to accept our frail nature, to repent, and to allow the grace of God to lead us to Conversion.
It is pride, the opposite of humility that brings misery. For pride brings anger and the seeking of revenge, especially when one is offended. If everyone were humble and poor in spirit, there would be no war!
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
My reward is with my God.
1 Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the LORD called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand,
and my reward is with my God.” (Isaiah 49:1-4)
In this passage from Isaiah, Jesus is speaking, and calling the nations of the world to listen and pay attention. He prophetically makes reference to His human birth, being called from the womb, and being named by God while still inside the body of His mother. Of course, we are well familiar with this history, not only because of Christmas, but because Isaiah has already written of this.
This mystery of Jesus birth, death, and resurrection had been alluded to by the prophets, but it was only when Jesus walked the earth that the mystery was made manifest. None of the prophetic passages were really understandable until Jesus was revealed, and the mystery was uncovered. Jesus was his Father's spokesman, the servant of God who did his will no matter what the circumstances and no matter what the consequences.
Do you feel like your situation today is unjust? Like you've drawn
the shortest straw? Like life is not treating you fairly? God has a wonderful blessing and reward waiting for those who endure. Whether the wonderful reward God has for you is in this life or the next, rest assured, there is joy before you, if you keep on keeping on. Endure. Even if you're in this all alone, you're not in it all alone. And there is joy on the way. This attitude enabled Jesus to go to torture, crucifixion, and death. It can help each of us weather our lesser trials.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the LORD called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand,
and my reward is with my God.” (Isaiah 49:1-4)
In this passage from Isaiah, Jesus is speaking, and calling the nations of the world to listen and pay attention. He prophetically makes reference to His human birth, being called from the womb, and being named by God while still inside the body of His mother. Of course, we are well familiar with this history, not only because of Christmas, but because Isaiah has already written of this.
This mystery of Jesus birth, death, and resurrection had been alluded to by the prophets, but it was only when Jesus walked the earth that the mystery was made manifest. None of the prophetic passages were really understandable until Jesus was revealed, and the mystery was uncovered. Jesus was his Father's spokesman, the servant of God who did his will no matter what the circumstances and no matter what the consequences.
Do you feel like your situation today is unjust? Like you've drawn
the shortest straw? Like life is not treating you fairly? God has a wonderful blessing and reward waiting for those who endure. Whether the wonderful reward God has for you is in this life or the next, rest assured, there is joy before you, if you keep on keeping on. Endure. Even if you're in this all alone, you're not in it all alone. And there is joy on the way. This attitude enabled Jesus to go to torture, crucifixion, and death. It can help each of us weather our lesser trials.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
Monday, November 1, 2010
God never fails.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
I believe that in this passage, Paul is not just talking about how Christians should view love. Paul is describing God. These are the characteristics that most resemble God. You could change the word "love" to "God" and you will understand the beauty of God.
God is patient. No matter how often we fail, God will always give us another chance.
God is kind. God only wants to be there for us.
God does not envy. God will always take us back if we turn away from him.
God does not boast. God speaks in a whisper. We need to quiet ourselves in order to hear him.
God is not proud. God will do whatever is necessary to win our love.
God does not dishonor others. God honors each one of us and comes to meet us where we are.
God is not self-seeking. God only wants what is best for us.
God is not easily angered. Despite what many may say about God being vengeful, he suffers alot of abuse and returns it with compassion and understanding.
God does not keep records of wrongdoings. If he did, we would all be in alot of trouble. God forgives and then forgets and continues to hope that we will not continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.
God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God is truth and when we recognize the truth that is God, he and all of heaven rejoices.
God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God wants to be there for us; he trusts in our ability to live our lives as his beloved children; he hopes that we will make the right choices; and if we fail God will always help us to get up and try again.
God never fails. We can always count on God to be there when we need him. There will never be a time when God will turn away from us. There will never be a time when God does not love us. There will never be a time when God will not try to help us find what is best for us.
Thank God that God is God.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
I believe that in this passage, Paul is not just talking about how Christians should view love. Paul is describing God. These are the characteristics that most resemble God. You could change the word "love" to "God" and you will understand the beauty of God.
God is patient. No matter how often we fail, God will always give us another chance.
God is kind. God only wants to be there for us.
God does not envy. God will always take us back if we turn away from him.
God does not boast. God speaks in a whisper. We need to quiet ourselves in order to hear him.
God is not proud. God will do whatever is necessary to win our love.
God does not dishonor others. God honors each one of us and comes to meet us where we are.
God is not self-seeking. God only wants what is best for us.
God is not easily angered. Despite what many may say about God being vengeful, he suffers alot of abuse and returns it with compassion and understanding.
God does not keep records of wrongdoings. If he did, we would all be in alot of trouble. God forgives and then forgets and continues to hope that we will not continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.
God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God is truth and when we recognize the truth that is God, he and all of heaven rejoices.
God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God wants to be there for us; he trusts in our ability to live our lives as his beloved children; he hopes that we will make the right choices; and if we fail God will always help us to get up and try again.
God never fails. We can always count on God to be there when we need him. There will never be a time when God will turn away from us. There will never be a time when God does not love us. There will never be a time when God will not try to help us find what is best for us.
Thank God that God is God.
Peace and love,
Sue
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. " (1 John 4:9-10)
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