Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Psalm 107 Love that endures forever
Psalm 107
(adapted from Life Application Study Bible)
Written: NLT
Scroll Over: NIV
This psalm speaks of four different types of people in distress and how God rescues them (in His love):
Psalm 107:1-3
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands,
from east and west,
from north and south.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say..." God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank Him (Psalm 103). He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses are not so much a mandate/ edict to witness. Rather, it is like a declaration that when we live in God's presence we will not be able to keep this glorious experience to ourselves (see also Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Reflect: What has God done for you? Is there someone you can tell?
Psalm 107:4-9
4 Some wandered in the wilderness,
lost and homeless.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
they nearly died.
6 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Lost, hungry, thirsty and exhausted, these wanderers typify the Israelites in exile. But they also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognises his or her own lostness can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy these needs.
Jesus is the way (John 14:6), the bread from heaven (John 6:33,35), the living water (John 4:10-14), and the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
Reflect: Have received His life-giving offer? What are you waiting for if you have not? If you have, how has this acceptance of gift changed your life?
Psalm 107:10-16
10 Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom,
imprisoned in iron chains of misery.
11 They rebelled against the words of God,
scorning the counsel of the Most High.
12 That is why he broke them with hard labor;
they fell, and no one was there to help them.
13 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom;
he snapped their chains.
15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze;
he cut apart their bars of iron.
Do you know anyone who is in prison?
Most people think that those in prison deserve whatever misery they experience as punishment for their crimes. But God loves all men and women no matter how far they have fallen. He wants to reach them with His love and dispel the gloom they face (Matthew 25:34-46). Throughout the world, people are imprisoned for their faith; others suffer as victims of injustice.
Reflect: Can you reach out to them? Pray for those in prison. Pray for ministries Christians chaplains who take God's message of love and forgiveness to prisoners.
Psalm 107:17-20
17 Some were fools; they rebelled
and suffered for their sins.
18 They couldn't stand the thought of food,
and they were knocking on death's door.
19 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
snatching them from the door of death.
Fools and rebels surely bring trouble upon themselves. This psalm offers hope for those who have made a mess of their lives. By receiving God's free gift of forgiveness (Micah 7:18-20; 1 John 1:9), anyone can begin a new life and break the past (see Romans 3:23-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
By faith in Christ, we can break addictions, heal memories, and restore broken relationships. If we ask Christ to take control of our lives, He will answer us. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3). His love reaches even those who have rebelled against Him.
Reflect: When was the last time you called to Jesus? When was the last time you cried out to Jesus?
Is God sitting on the chair of control, chair of decision making in your life or someone else like yourself?
Psalm 107:21-22
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving
and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Psalm 107:23-30
23 Some went off to sea in ships,
plying the trade routes of the world.
24 They, too, observed the Lord's power in action,
his impressive works on the deepest seas.
25 He spoke, and the winds rose,
stirring up the waves.
26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens
and plunged again to the depths;
the sailors cringed in terror.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards
and were at their wits' end.
28 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
30 What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!
Psalm 107:31-32
31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation
and before the leaders of the nation.
Those who have never truly suffered may not appreciate God as much as those who have matured under hardship.
Those who have seen God work in times of distress have a deeper insight into His loving-kindness, If you have experienced great trials, you have the potential for great praise.
Reflect: Are you praising Him for the wonderful things He has done for you in your life? Have you thanked Him for your life this day?
Psalm 107:33-38
33 He changes rivers into deserts,
and springs of water into dry, thirsty land.
34 He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands,
because of the wickedness of those who live there.
35 But he also turns deserts into pools of water,
the dry land into springs of water.
36 He brings the hungry to settle there
and to build their cities.
37 They sow their fields, plant their vineyards,
and harvest their bumper crops.
38 How he blesses them!
They raise large families there,
and their herds of livestock increase.
Psalm 107:39-43
39 When they decrease in number and become impoverished
through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
40 the Lord pours contempt on their princes,
causing them to wander in trackless wastelands.
41 But he rescues the poor from trouble
and increases their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The godly will see these things and be glad,
while the wicked are struck silent.
43 Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.
Open your eyes to see His wonders at work in your life. Don't miss out the opened door He has given to you. Don't miss the opportunity laid before you. Accept this love, His love and live your live in love by the faithful love of God.
Reflect: Do you see Him at work in your life? Share this with the people around you - how wonderful He has been in showering you with His unfailing love. His love never fails. Will you strive to love Him with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind? How?
Prayer: My heavenly Father, how wonderful and great and unfailing is Your love that you lavish on me. Even when I'm not worthy of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, you still love me so. How can I ever fathom Your love? O Lord, how deep Your love, how abundant Your grace. Thank You so much for what You have done for me. Thank You even for the time to dwell in Your words that teaches and directs my path. Lord, help me to walk in Your wisdom and love. Teach me, Father, to love You more by what I do, by what I say. Help me to not be afraid but rejoices in Your truth that sets me free so much so that I will speak of Your love to the world that is lost out there. They need Your love too O Lord. Your love beyond all measures. May Your mercy fall on Your people of this generation as we await Your glorious arrival. Keep us in Your love and help us fight the good fight of faith in love, in Christ's love. Love You Lord. Help me love You even more. In Jesus' most precious and loving name, Amen!
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
(adapted from Life Application Study Bible)
Written: NLT
Scroll Over: NIV
This psalm speaks of four different types of people in distress and how God rescues them (in His love):
- wanderers (vv.4-9)
- prisoners (vv.10-16)
- the sick (vv.17-20)
- the storm-tossed (vv.23-30)
Psalm 107:1-3
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands,
from east and west,
from north and south.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say..." God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank Him (Psalm 103). He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses are not so much a mandate/ edict to witness. Rather, it is like a declaration that when we live in God's presence we will not be able to keep this glorious experience to ourselves (see also Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Reflect: What has God done for you? Is there someone you can tell?
Psalm 107:4-9
4 Some wandered in the wilderness,
lost and homeless.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
they nearly died.
6 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Lost, hungry, thirsty and exhausted, these wanderers typify the Israelites in exile. But they also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognises his or her own lostness can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy these needs.
Jesus is the way (John 14:6), the bread from heaven (John 6:33,35), the living water (John 4:10-14), and the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
Reflect: Have received His life-giving offer? What are you waiting for if you have not? If you have, how has this acceptance of gift changed your life?
Psalm 107:10-16
10 Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom,
imprisoned in iron chains of misery.
11 They rebelled against the words of God,
scorning the counsel of the Most High.
12 That is why he broke them with hard labor;
they fell, and no one was there to help them.
13 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom;
he snapped their chains.
15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze;
he cut apart their bars of iron.
Do you know anyone who is in prison?
Most people think that those in prison deserve whatever misery they experience as punishment for their crimes. But God loves all men and women no matter how far they have fallen. He wants to reach them with His love and dispel the gloom they face (Matthew 25:34-46). Throughout the world, people are imprisoned for their faith; others suffer as victims of injustice.
Reflect: Can you reach out to them? Pray for those in prison. Pray for ministries Christians chaplains who take God's message of love and forgiveness to prisoners.
Psalm 107:17-20
17 Some were fools; they rebelled
and suffered for their sins.
18 They couldn't stand the thought of food,
and they were knocking on death's door.
19 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
snatching them from the door of death.
Fools and rebels surely bring trouble upon themselves. This psalm offers hope for those who have made a mess of their lives. By receiving God's free gift of forgiveness (Micah 7:18-20; 1 John 1:9), anyone can begin a new life and break the past (see Romans 3:23-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
By faith in Christ, we can break addictions, heal memories, and restore broken relationships. If we ask Christ to take control of our lives, He will answer us. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3). His love reaches even those who have rebelled against Him.
Reflect: When was the last time you called to Jesus? When was the last time you cried out to Jesus?
Is God sitting on the chair of control, chair of decision making in your life or someone else like yourself?
Psalm 107:21-22
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving
and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Psalm 107:23-30
23 Some went off to sea in ships,
plying the trade routes of the world.
24 They, too, observed the Lord's power in action,
his impressive works on the deepest seas.
25 He spoke, and the winds rose,
stirring up the waves.
26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens
and plunged again to the depths;
the sailors cringed in terror.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards
and were at their wits' end.
28 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
30 What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!
Psalm 107:31-32
31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation
and before the leaders of the nation.
Those who have never truly suffered may not appreciate God as much as those who have matured under hardship.
Those who have seen God work in times of distress have a deeper insight into His loving-kindness, If you have experienced great trials, you have the potential for great praise.
Reflect: Are you praising Him for the wonderful things He has done for you in your life? Have you thanked Him for your life this day?
Psalm 107:33-38
33 He changes rivers into deserts,
and springs of water into dry, thirsty land.
34 He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands,
because of the wickedness of those who live there.
35 But he also turns deserts into pools of water,
the dry land into springs of water.
36 He brings the hungry to settle there
and to build their cities.
37 They sow their fields, plant their vineyards,
and harvest their bumper crops.
38 How he blesses them!
They raise large families there,
and their herds of livestock increase.
Psalm 107:39-43
39 When they decrease in number and become impoverished
through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
40 the Lord pours contempt on their princes,
causing them to wander in trackless wastelands.
41 But he rescues the poor from trouble
and increases their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The godly will see these things and be glad,
while the wicked are struck silent.
43 Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.
Open your eyes to see His wonders at work in your life. Don't miss out the opened door He has given to you. Don't miss the opportunity laid before you. Accept this love, His love and live your live in love by the faithful love of God.
Reflect: Do you see Him at work in your life? Share this with the people around you - how wonderful He has been in showering you with His unfailing love. His love never fails. Will you strive to love Him with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind? How?
Prayer: My heavenly Father, how wonderful and great and unfailing is Your love that you lavish on me. Even when I'm not worthy of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, you still love me so. How can I ever fathom Your love? O Lord, how deep Your love, how abundant Your grace. Thank You so much for what You have done for me. Thank You even for the time to dwell in Your words that teaches and directs my path. Lord, help me to walk in Your wisdom and love. Teach me, Father, to love You more by what I do, by what I say. Help me to not be afraid but rejoices in Your truth that sets me free so much so that I will speak of Your love to the world that is lost out there. They need Your love too O Lord. Your love beyond all measures. May Your mercy fall on Your people of this generation as we await Your glorious arrival. Keep us in Your love and help us fight the good fight of faith in love, in Christ's love. Love You Lord. Help me love You even more. In Jesus' most precious and loving name, Amen!
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Love to Last the Ages
Broadcast Summary
"Former Focus on the Family President Don Hodel and his wife, Barbara, discuss their enduring commitment to marriage in the face of hardships, including their son's suicide and an accident which left Barbara mostly paralyzed."
may you be encouraged by God's love and faithfulness.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Made to love
Made to Love by Tobymac
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
LOVE LETTER
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Your So-Called Life
Matthew 22:34-40
Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (v.37-40)
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (v.37-40)
If your life were a television show, what would it be like? Friends? Baywatch? My So-called Life? The Brady Bunch? Or maybe 3rd Rock from the Sun?
If your life had a theme song, what would it be titled? Maybe something like "Insensitive"? Or "Jealousy"? Or maybe "The Great Adventure"? How about "I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends"? Or "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother (and She Could Be Jivin' Too)"?
If your life were a cable TV channel, would it be more like the Disney Channel, MTV, the Sports Channel, the Comedy Channel, or the boring Documentary Channel?
While it may be fun to come up with answers to those questions, the answers are probably not particularly revealing. But you know what? If Jesus' life were a television show, it could have only one title - Love. If a hit song were written about His life, it would be called "Love". In fact, if His life were a tennis game, every point would be love.
Jesus' words and life made it clear that love is always right. It is right for all people, for all places,and for all times. It is right not only because He commands love and values love, but also because He ultimately is love. Love is a part of His nature and character as God (1 John 4:8,16). When we love others, even our enemies, we are "acting as true children of [our] Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:45).
Reflect: The paragraphs above refer to the three "steps" in discerning right from wrong (precept, principle, Person). Look back over today's reading and identify the precept, the principle and the person.
Prayer: Father, I want to love You as Your Son, Jesus, has commanded me to do. I want to love the people around me, too. I am so weak and I know, I am unable to love as you do especially the people who are my 'enemies'. Teach me O Lord, to love the way You do, to love unconditionally. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, remind me at times when I slip my mind and go to my old ways of 'an eye for an eye', that You command me to love, even my enemies. Let not the feelings control me but help me to surrender my emotions to You so that I may grow in Your care, molding and shaping. I love you, Lord. Help me, to love You more. In Jesus' name, Amen!
If your life had a theme song, what would it be titled? Maybe something like "Insensitive"? Or "Jealousy"? Or maybe "The Great Adventure"? How about "I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends"? Or "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother (and She Could Be Jivin' Too)"?
If your life were a cable TV channel, would it be more like the Disney Channel, MTV, the Sports Channel, the Comedy Channel, or the boring Documentary Channel?
While it may be fun to come up with answers to those questions, the answers are probably not particularly revealing. But you know what? If Jesus' life were a television show, it could have only one title - Love. If a hit song were written about His life, it would be called "Love". In fact, if His life were a tennis game, every point would be love.
Jesus commanded us to love. He said,Jesus commanded us to love because He values love. The single greatest characteristics of Jesus' life, His most important theme, the center of everything he did and said, was love. He left heaven because of love. He became a man because of love. He went around doing good because of love. He disciplined because of love. He even died - and was resurrected - because of love.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).
Jesus' words and life made it clear that love is always right. It is right for all people, for all places,and for all times. It is right not only because He commands love and values love, but also because He ultimately is love. Love is a part of His nature and character as God (1 John 4:8,16). When we love others, even our enemies, we are "acting as true children of [our] Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:45).
Reflect: The paragraphs above refer to the three "steps" in discerning right from wrong (precept, principle, Person). Look back over today's reading and identify the precept, the principle and the person.
Prayer: Father, I want to love You as Your Son, Jesus, has commanded me to do. I want to love the people around me, too. I am so weak and I know, I am unable to love as you do especially the people who are my 'enemies'. Teach me O Lord, to love the way You do, to love unconditionally. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, remind me at times when I slip my mind and go to my old ways of 'an eye for an eye', that You command me to love, even my enemies. Let not the feelings control me but help me to surrender my emotions to You so that I may grow in Your care, molding and shaping. I love you, Lord. Help me, to love You more. In Jesus' name, Amen!
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
FAITH, HOPE & LOVE
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Your love is extravagant
Your Love is Extravagant by Casting Crowns
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
A Celebration of Love (A more excellent way)
1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:13
But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now, I will show you the most excellent way. (12:31)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (13:13)
Firstly, a very merry Valentine's Day and happy Chinese New Year to all.
You would have heard this going all around in this period of time - love is in the air. Well, it's Valentine's Day! Of course, love is in the air. To the couples, or attached or married, this day is a day for surprises and celebrating their love for one another. A few days ago, a thought came to mind. How about those without a partner yet? This year probably would be a more fortunate year in the sense that Valentine's Day coincides with the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. (You won't have to spend this day alone.) Still, who won't think about love on this day? Indeed, on this day, most people commemorate and celebrate love. But have you ever thought about how exactly is it to love?
On Sunday, the title of this entry was what was preached at the service - A Celebration of Love (A more excellent way). Here are some points, here are some thoughts...
I) A Proclamation of Love - Message of the Gospel (John 3:16)
Prayer: God, help us not just to love, but to love the way you love - agape love. Teach us to be an army of biblical love so that this love of Yours will be shown in our living as Christians, as Christ disciples to the world who do not know of the unconditional love You have for them. May Your Spirit remind us not to corrupt love but to love all, even when we think they do not deserve it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
i love you because He first loved me. (",)You would have heard this going all around in this period of time - love is in the air. Well, it's Valentine's Day! Of course, love is in the air. To the couples, or attached or married, this day is a day for surprises and celebrating their love for one another. A few days ago, a thought came to mind. How about those without a partner yet? This year probably would be a more fortunate year in the sense that Valentine's Day coincides with the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. (You won't have to spend this day alone.) Still, who won't think about love on this day? Indeed, on this day, most people commemorate and celebrate love. But have you ever thought about how exactly is it to love?
On Sunday, the title of this entry was what was preached at the service - A Celebration of Love (A more excellent way). Here are some points, here are some thoughts...
I) A Proclamation of Love - Message of the Gospel (John 3:16)
"Nothing can separate you from God's love."
- A Gospel of Love
Romans 8:35God is love. (1 John 4:8, 16b)
- A God of Love
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world (as an atoning sacrifice for our sins - v.10) that we might live through Him. (v.9)
Reflect: Do you accept the love of God?
II) A Revelation of Love
- A Command to Love
You will love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-40(NLT), Luke 10:27)
1 John 4:7-21
What is an unconditional love?It is not what the person do but how I react. No matter what you do, it changes not.This is God's love for us, and we ought to love our neighbour (everyone) in this.
Reflect: Are you making 'love' your way of life?Ask 1, give 2. --> not by your own strength but by relying on His.
- A Way of Love
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other. (Matthew 5:39). If one example is not enough, here's another. If your shirt is taken away, give your coat too. (Matthew 5:40(NLT)). How about a third one: If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (Matthew 5:41).
Love your neighbour as yourself.
Very often, we associate love with nice things, with sweet stuff. However, we often neglect or forgotten that there is also another form of love. - discipline
God's dealing with us are always out of love.
"slow to anger, quick to forgive"
to love a person ≠ kidnapping the person when he/she rejects/refuseReflect: Are you being a "model of love" to the people of the world?≠ jump down the building to make him/her feel guilty for not loving in return
John 13:35
Ultimately, love always win.God always win.
moved with compassion --> Jesus loves them so much.III) A Revolution of Love
His motivation of healing is not to 'show-off' but all out of love.
Let it be the love of Gos in you and not an imitation of God's love.
God's love is not based on feelings but it's a character. You are impatient because it is your character, not a feeling. You are impatient, You don't feel impatient. Similarly, God is love. Not a feeling of love.
Imagine a disease suddenly infects a village. The people of the village who are healthy, fled. There is a group of unaffected missionaries who have the means to move elsewhere, stayed. When nobody wants to stay, they stayed. That's why, through this, the needs of the people in the village were met because this group of people was around to fill in the gaps. That's the love of God. By our love that people will know of His great love. Not our works.
True love of God is not out to save the world but to serve the need of the one next door, anyone in need.
It will then be, "What do you want me to do?" rather than "eee...so...eee..."
Remember the opening of the grave of Lazarus? Jesus wept. (John 11:35-36)
Because of His love, He prayed for His disciples.
Because of His love, He rebuked His disciples. - 打是疼，骂是爱。
God's love knows.
Reflect: What are you conditioned by?
He emptied Himself.
He was despised.
Yet He said, "Father, forgive them."
How could He have said this?
God's love.
There are 4 main types of love:
- eros (ἔρως) - sense of 'being in love'
- philia (φιλία) - strong bond existing between people who share common interest or activity (friendship)
- storge (στοργή) - fondness through familiarity (family affection)
- agape (ἀγάπη) - unconditional love (God's love)
Agape:selfless, sacrificial, characteristics, heart, commitment, lasting, guides, builds, motivates, internal, unconditionalFeeling:selfish, self-seeking, reaction, head, excitement, temporal, controls, destroys, drives, external, conditioning
The basis for commitment, for relationship.
Out of focus. Sometimes, you just have to play your part well.
Pray
Love
Livein a way that they see Christ so they realise.
anger --> an emotionI'll end with a quote I found:
feeling --> an emotion out of control that it's driven you
"go by feelings and live in regret" - Ps Mike
emotions are meant to guide and steer you to help you in the right direction
Romans 8:28
He loves.
No matter what.
He loves.
Reflect: Are you acting in love?
Christian army of biblical love--> not appearance, not even the need. not by the outward. Though it works on the outwards. Simply, the love of God inside, the fruits of the Spirit of love inside.
If we reduce love to a feeling, we are corrupting love.
He loved and loved them till the end. When they didn't deserve it.
Who, being loved, is poor? ~Oscar Wilde
Prayer: God, help us not just to love, but to love the way you love - agape love. Teach us to be an army of biblical love so that this love of Yours will be shown in our living as Christians, as Christ disciples to the world who do not know of the unconditional love You have for them. May Your Spirit remind us not to corrupt love but to love all, even when we think they do not deserve it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a wonderful time celebrating love this season of spring. =P
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