LOVE INEXPLICABLE ...

Hi Friends

I pray you have had a blessed week thus far

It has been a little while since I’ve written … so much going on

I have actually had this post in my mind for several days - as I think about the situations currently occurring and those that have transpired over the past few years

THIS HAS BEEN A TIME OF GREAT LEARNING …

THIS HAS BEEN A TIME OF GREAT HUMBLING …

THIS HAS BEEN A TIME OF GREAT GROWTH ...

And, in the midst of it all –

I keep receiving regular reminders of the fragility of human life

I am becoming increasingly & keenly aware of how quickly things can change – in an instant

I am identifying more and more the things which truly matter to me

Earlier this year, I spent quite a bit of time on the subject of LOVE

It was appropriate as those series of posts occurred around Valentine’s Day

HOWEVER –

This love thing is so much bigger than a day on a calendar

It is so much bigger than a season or time of year

EVERYTHING in this world [and beyond this world] hinges on LOVE

The presence of it … or the absence of it

Every genuine act of compassion … the presence of love

Every hate-filled rant, every despicable act of violence … a result of a lack of love

I was on a site earlier which asked its readers to define love in five words

If I had to sum it up in five words – this thing called LOVE – it would be this:

LOVE FOR GOD, SELF & OTHERS

All three loves are important

• ·       It is impossible to love others as yourself … if you do not first love yourself
• ·       It is impossible to love yourself without first receiving the love of God and being in a love relationship with Him
• ·       It is impossible to live this life in any sort of meaningful way without the love of GOD

    There is a spot in each one of us that only He can fill.

There have been countless situations which have tried to steal all of these things from me –

LOVE FOR GOD, SELF & OTHERS

Yet, I will not surrender them so easily

AMAZING LOVE ...

I love my children – and I cannot imagine any situation which would ever change that

Yet – it is that type of love which I see developing in my heart for others

It is being formed and fashioned through experiences that I will not go into detail discussing

It is mind-blowing and it has me thinking a great deal about the love Jesus has for us

The love which kept Him moving toward the cross … for me … and for you

• I imagine – for those guards who were close enough to hear Jesus mutter the words, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)’ – I imagine they thought to themselves, ‘Fool!’
• As He looked through blood-caked eyes toward the criminal that hung on a cross beside Him, and as He offered the assurance, ‘Today you will be with Me in paradise (Luke 23:33-43)’ … I imagine that other criminal hanging on the other cross to the other side thought, ‘Idiot!’

Yet, none of that deterred Jesus in His love for those individuals and for all of humanity.

I believe He also does not desire for us to be deterred when it comes to love

I LOVE THE LORD

I do not love Him perfectly, but I do love Him sincerely and I will never apologize for it

I LOVE MYSELF

I have not always loved myself, but I have reached a point where I love me dearly

I will not apologize for that either

I LOVE OTHERS

And again, it may not be perfect. Indeed, many might call it foolish

However, I can see an earnest love developing deep within my heart … a love for people

A LOVE INEXPLICABLE …

Praying You Have Blessed Evening 

MEMORIAL DAY 2019

Good Morning Friends & Happy Memorial Day …

Today is a holiday here in the United States - MEMORIAL DAY

It is a day where we reflect upon those who have paid the ultimate price –

It is a day where we remember military service members,

Those who have lost their lives while serving & defending this country

UNDERSTAND –

Ours is not a perfect country – none are

However, I am proud to call this country home, 

Always happy to be back home each time I have traveled outside of the United States

And, while I have not always been an extremely patriotic person,

I have always held a special place of respect for our military service members

Scriptures tells us in John 15:13,

‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’

JESUS modeled this behavior – with His sacrifice at the cross for our SALVATION

SERVICE MEMBERS mirror this behavior – with their sacrifice for our SAFETY

EVERYDAY –

I honor my LORD and Savior who gave His all for me

TODAY –

I honor those who gave their lives in service to this country and to protect our liberties

I honor their families who lost their most precious and treasured loved ones

I say … ‘THANK YOU!’

HOWEVER, THERE IS ANOTHER GROUP ON MY HEART TODAY

THE SERVICE MEN & WOMEN WHO ARE STILL LIVING,

BUT WHO HAVE ALSO GIVEN THEIR ALL ...

You see, in addition to those who are no longer with us, who sacrificed their lives

There are also those, who live among us, who have also sacrificed their lives

There are those who may not have experienced a loss of physical life;

Yet, they are the ones who have suffered the loss of a way of life which they held dear,

A life which was compromised while they selflessly served [and still serve] this country.

There are those who have experienced the death of relationships –

Those who have suffered the painful demise of a marriage … while they served.

There are those who have endured the loss of a loved one –

Where they could not be present because they were off serving this country on foreign soil.

There are those who have experienced the loss of a life which they knew –

Those who have lost health and wealth while serving or upon returning from service to this country

There are those who have cried tears that only they and God know about –

Those who deal with the ongoing emotional trauma of having served.

I celebrate all these service members as well today and say … THANK YOU!

May God Bless You All … Happy Memorial Day

Praying You Have a Blessed Day!

LOVE: IT IS NOT LIKE ...

Hi Friends!

Only two more days until Valentine’s Day!!!

Can you tell I am just a bit excited?

I love this time of year!

Actually, I love loving on people all the time – any excuse to get creative and do something nice: Buy a gift, cook a meal, bake a cake … you name … I’m all in!

AND, NOW – we continue our discussion on LOVE

YESTERDAY – we talked about how LOVE IS NOT LIKE LUST … AND LUST IS NOT LOVE

TODAY, we will be focusing on the second area of what love is not like –

SO – where do we begin in evaluating what love is not like?

WE START AND END RIGHT HERE … LOVE IS NOT ‘LIKE’

This is important because many people confuse ‘like’ with love

And others think that love is dependent upon ‘like’

So, let’s get the confusion part out of the way first since it is easiest to tackle

If someone says, ‘I like you’ – it is a pretty safe bet to take that at face value

The have communicated they like you – AND THAT IS ALL

If they have not even communicated that … be realistic!

When someone says ‘I love you’ – however – this is a different situation

It can often be taken more serious than ‘I like you’ –

However, there should still be some corresponding action

After all, some people will say anything:

To avoid hurting your feelings, to make you feel good or to get what they want

NOW – I am not one for playing games

I don’t play them with people and my expectation is that they not be played with me

Generally speaking – I say what I mean and I mean what I say

I do not believe in playing cat & mouse, hiding & chasing games.

THAT BEING SAID HOWEVER –

I still hold onto something my pastor has shared in the past: ‘The proof is in the pursuit’

UNDERSTAND THIS –

WHAT WE WANT – WE GO AFTER – WE PURSUE IT

When we want to spend time with someone;

Even if we cannot find an extra minute in our day under normal circumstances;

We will ‘find’ time to be with that individual.

Things and relationships which are a priority to us get prioritized in our lives

If we ‘like’ someone – we might not put forth the additional effort

But if we ‘love’ someone – we are like me with Valentine’s Day – WE ARE ALL IN!

We make a conscious decision and are intentional in ensuring 'talk' with a 'credible walk’

So, ‘LOVE is LOVE’ and ‘LIKE is LIKE’ and we must not get the two confused

This brings us to the second half of our discussion on ‘LOVE IS NOT LIKE…’

AND THIS IS IT ... LOVE IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON ‘LIKE’

I always found it so sweet when I would listen to my pastor talk about how he would get off work and then drive many miles just to spend a short time with the beautiful woman who is now his wife. His story of pursuit was not a situation based upon game-playing; it was a story of commitment and determination. He may not have ‘liked’ the tiredness, the long drive or the distance between them. But he ‘loved’ her and that took precedence. I believe he understood what I am hoping to convey today.

LOVE IS NOT LIKE and LOVE IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON ‘LIKE’

Once you are in a committed relationship [marriage or serious dating] –

It is important to understand that love is not like and it is not dependent upon it

We talked about love yesterday and how love is a choice and a resolve.

This is important because there will not always be romantic feelings

And during these times, it will be necessary to rely upon the unconditional & intentional aspect of love

Love is mature when ‘like’ does not get its way and wants to behave childishly

Love says ‘I’m sorry’ even when it feels it was wronged; 

     when it does not like how it was treated

Love stays when ‘like’ walks out the door.

Love gives even when ‘like’ has faded because it feels the other person is selfish

I may not ‘like’ what someone says or does but that does not determine my ‘love’ for them

I can ‘not like’ you [at the moment] and still ‘love’ you [with a lasting love]

LOVE IS NOT LIKE and LOVE IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON ‘LIKE’

The problem arises when LIKE is made to be equal with LOVE

This is when people start making decisions which have far-reaching consequences

·       I do not like my spouse [today]; therefore, I no longer have to honor the [everyday] love commitment that I made?

·       I do not like the way my mate looks; so I can allow my eyes to wander?

Absolutely Not – 

Love honors even when it does not like; ‘love’ stays focused when ‘like’ is waning or fleeting

In my book, When Storms Rage, when discussing the need to Count the Costs,

I discuss how Jesus set the perfect example for us;

     ‘for the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross’ Hebrews 12:2

He possessed a ‘complete and proper perspective which enabled Him to endure…’

The love Jesus had for God and for humanity [for us] overrode the dislike of His situation

Yes – that is an extreme example. 

     Generally speaking, no one  is being asked to lay down their life.

But – you might be required to lay down your pride; 

     Which can be harder [for many of us] than dying.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN LIKE

So, never allow ‘like’ [or dislike] to stand in the way of how you respond in ‘love’

And, never forget LOVE IS NOT LIKE – AND LOVE IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON ‘LIKE’

Praying You Have a Blessed Evening!

Wishing You Much Love …

LOVE: IT IS NOT ...

Good Evening

I pray your week is off to a great start.

Only three more days until Valentine’s Day!!!

TODAY – we continue our discussion on LOVE;

However, we will not be focusing on the types of love and what love is;

We will be looking at what love is not

This segment in our journey is important. However, I feel I might lose a few of you.

I have struggled with whether to share this post but I must be transparent with my own failures.

Failure does not negate truth.

It may impact whether that truth is received by others – but it does not negate truth

Failure is not final. It can be utilized to create success in the lives of others

While you should learn from your own mistakes; you are miles ahead if you can learn from the mistakes of others

WITH THAT SAID – HERE IT GOES

Today is important because we will be focusing on the first of two areas I would like us to take a look at what love is not:

·         LOVE IS NOT ‘LUST’

·         LOVE IS NOT ‘LIKE’

LUST - 

We will begin with lust and follow up with like tomorrow.

LOVE IS NOT LUST & LUST IS NOT LOVE

The Cambridge dictionary defines lust as:

1. a very strong sexual desire: 2. a very powerful feeling of wanting something: 3. strong desire:

And one can lust for many things – for power, for influence, for finances.

However, for the sake of our discussion today, we will focus on the ‘very strong sexual desire’ definition. Lust is a strong desire to satisfy a fleshly hunger.

So, why is it important to understand that LOVE IS NOT LUST.

It is important because lust often gets confused with love. It is also important because it can fast-track a relationship when things should be moving  at a slower pace. And it is not just what you do physically, but what you fantasize about and what you speak about. Scripture notes that if you think lustfully, you have already committed adultery in your heart [Mt. 5:28]

I shared previously that I have not been on the dating or relationship scene for seventeen years. However – that does not mean that there has not been failure in this area. I have had conversations which would make some married people blush – conversations I am not proud of and which required me to turn [to repent] and to get back in the presence of God to get my priorities straight. I do not share this because it is comfortable or because it is anything to boast about. I share it in order to, prayerfully, help someone else avoid the same missteps and to help people understand that this is what can happen when proper boundaries are not maintained; when established boundaries are not tended to.

Is passionate conversation wrong?

No – not in and of it itself and within proper context.

The problem is when it is taken out of context and timing and rushed.

The Song of Solomon warns against arousing and awaking love [sexual desire] before it is time. [v 8:4] The Message Version of that same verse says: ‘Do not excite love, do not stir it up, until the time is ripe – and you are ready’.

‘All things should be done decent and in order’ [I Cor. 14:40].

Yet, this is not always the case, especially when lust – instead of love – is the focus.

I have been in my current home for three years – however, I still call it my ‘new house’. And, of all the things I love about my home, one the items at the top of that list has to be the fireplace. In my old house, we had a wood burning fireplace and – most likely because I lacked the discipline to get the chimney swept regularly – I probably only used twice in the fourteen years that I lived there. However, my ‘new house’ – with its three stories – is a different story. I love my fireplace and use it often. And, because it is a gas fireplace, all I have to do is hit the switch on the wall and … FIRE!!!

It is beautiful! It creates a relaxing atmosphere, it provides warmth and it is pleasant to look at. The fire and flames are mesmerizing and they make for an absolutely wonderful experience … because they are properly contained within my fireplace behind a glass enclosure.

However – if you take that same fire and place it in the center of my living room – it becomes a destructive force with the potential to harm me, to compromise the safety of my loved ones, to destroy everything I have worked to achieve and potentially impact my future as well – all because the fire was taken out of its proper setting [the fireplace].

THIS IS HOW IT IS WITH LUST

There is nothing wrong with fire – with passion [and dare I say eroticism] – in its proper context; in its proper setting  which is a committed marriage relationship between husband and wife where each is respectful of the other. Anything outside of this, however, is like that fire if it were to be placed in the center of my living room. It is foolish, dangerous, destructive and has long-lasting consequences.

I remember one of the last Christmases that I spent in Boston, MA where I grew up. It was Christmas evening and the smell from the fireplace suddenly seemed especially strong. It was because there was more burning than the logs in the hearth. My brother’s room was on fire – his cat had knocked over a candle he left burning. We were all safe and the firefighters were able to contain that damage to his room and part of the attic space near his room. However, over a year later, you could still see traces of smoke damage from the fire. And I do not believe the cat ever got rid of the dark gray color that the smoke gave him. All because of one moment of carelessness.

Likewise – a fire of passion – ignited in the wrong context and allowed to burn recklessly is simply not wise. AND IT IS NOT LOVE.

It has far-reaching and damaging effects and should be avoided by all - single and married.

Remember – you do not have to make all your own mistakes; you can learn from the mistakes of others.

LOVE IS NOT LUST – AND – LUST IS NOT LOVE

It is not love toward the other person and it is not love toward self.

‘Do you not know that he who sins sexually sins against his own body?’ [I Cor. 6:18]

And, even if there is no physical contact – there can still be the establishment of unhealthy  emotional ties and debilitating strongholds in the life of the individual – areas where guilt and shame take control, where purpose is tainted and potential is thwarted; where reputations can be destroyed, hearts broken and dreams shattered

Remember that David’s sin began with a glance. In actuality, his sin began the day he decided to neglect his boundaries and borders. ‘At the time when kings go off to war’ [II Sam. 11:1] – David was AT HOME; somewhere he should not have been, with idle time on his hands, lounging on his rooftop and clearly without accountability to himself, his wife [wives] or anyone else.

Our executive pastor shared in his sermon yesterday, “My devotion determines the direction and destiny of my life.” So I ask, ‘What will you be devoted to? Lust or Love? The desires of the flesh or the purposes of God?

I share this not to bring condemnation upon anyone or to act like I have lived the perfect life. These are questions I had to ask when I saw myself veering off course. I share this to demonstrate how easy it is to get off track. It is also my hope that something shared here will help introduce freedom into the life of one in our reading community by sharing what not to do. If you are in a romantic relationship, hopefully what has been shared will provide some pointers to help secure the borders & boundaries. If you are still seeking a romantic relationship, perhaps something here [some added perspective] will help with avoiding dangerous pitfalls and confusing lust with love.

Even if you began in lust, you can still turn and finish in love.

If you are currently in a relationship which you thought was love – and are realizing it is actually rooted in lust, lacking boundaries, out its proper context and devoid of its God intended purpose – YOU CAN TURN

The enemy may not want you to forget; the world may not ever forgive;

BUT THE LORD – He says that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old is passed away, behold all things are new [II Cor. 5:17]

His mercies are new every morning.

Praying You Have a Blessed Evening!

Wishing You Much Love …

LOVE: IT ALL BEGINS WITH HIM

Good Morning Friends!

I pray your Saturday – and your weekend – is off to a great start

Me? I am taking the opportunity to relax at home this morning and think on this thing called: LOVE ... AGAPE LOVE 

What is and why start our three week love journey here?

Agape love is the highest form of love – IT IS A GODLY LOVE

And without it, none of the other types of love we will be discussing over the coming weeks is possible. IT IS A SELFLESS, SACRIFICIAL AND UNCONDITIONAL TYPE OF LOVE

The closest that I believe most humans are able to get to this type of love is the love a parent has for a child. Which is fitting – since it is a love that should reflect the love our Heavenly Father. Yet, even the love of parents fail. Turn on the news any day of the week and you will, unfortunately, hear some horrific tale of some heinous action of a parent who was filled with anything but love for their child.

YET – THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNFAILING & UNCHANGING!

It can be seen from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation ...

and everywhere in between

Genesis 1: 26-28 chronicles our beginning: ‘Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness … So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them [and] v28 ‘God Blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase…”

He loved us so much that He made us in His image. And the first action on His heart after that, was an act which flowed out of His tremendous love for us:

GOD BLESSED THEM

Revelation 22:17 extends this invitation to all, ‘Let the one who is thirst come, and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.’

There are so many who are thirsty nowadays – thirsty for life, thirsty for love, thirsty for God

His love – that agape love – IT IS A NEVER ENDING LOVE

His love – that agape love – IT IS NOT BROKEN … like so many are on the inside

His love – that agape love – IT MEETS US WHERE WE ARE & cuts through our brokenness

His love – that agape love – IT IS AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING LOVE

His love – that agape love – IT SURROUNDS US

His love is without demand or condition

Knowing us fully – with all of our faults – HE STILL LOVES US COMPLETELY

That is some kind of love!!!

Praying Your Day is Blessed &

The Remainder of Your Weekend, Filled with Love

PRESS

Yesterday – in my post 'LABOR FREE' – I made mention of my middle son and the fact that, when he was delivered, it was pain free and almost completely labor free.

I also mentioned how I felt that:

“God is causing some of you – and me – to enter into some LABOR-FREE blessings”

I STAND BY THAT

However – it should be understood that EVERY work of God in your life

REQUIRES YOUR PARTICIPATION

The degrees of effort being exerted on your part may vary

BUT – THE NEED TO EXERT SOME ENERGY is UNCHANGING

There is a pastor who has been affiliated with my home church for many years. He is a man whom I respect greatly and is phenomenal leader himself and mentor to many leaders in the body of Christ. This morning, he shared a post on Facebook which said:

“Anything you’re unwilling to contend for, you’re willing to live without” ~ Bishop Tony Miller

YOU MUST PRESS PAST THE DISTRESS...

With the deliveries of each of my children,

How ridiculous and dangerous would it have been for me to declare, “I can’t take any more … I quit”

QUITTING WAS NOT AN OPTION …

QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION

For those blessing which require some muscle on your part – 

Spiritually, emotionally & physically,

Do what you must – BUT

DON’T EVER LET THE FLAME THAT GOD GAVE YOU BURN OUT

DON’T EVER STOP CONTENDING FOR YOUR DREAM!

I’ll now return you to your unique life story – VICTORY IN PROGRESS!

Have a Blessed Evening!

2014: The Light ... At Home

‘… and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:8

Many are well familiar with the commissioning declaration in Acts 1:8. However, in verse four of that same chapter, we find the disciples being commanded to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father – The Holy Spirit.

Jesus told them that they would be His witnesses,

And that it would begin right where they were … at home

Yet all too often, it is the home which suffers the most – even among those who have dedicated themselves to being the light in their church, in their workplace and in their communities. Know that you cannot effectively and credibly export what is not first cultivated and established at home.

Noted humanitarian Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, ‘We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.'

I Timothy 5:8 tells us [when speaking of families caring for widows] that anyone who does not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel.

We must understand – whether physical needs, spiritual needs or emotional needs – the light which emanates from one’s life should first be impacting the ones closest to them. My children would have a tremendously difficult time understanding all the giving that has taken place over the years if I only concentrated my attentions outward. However, my aim has always been to convey – by my words, my actions, my life – that they are my number one priority. So I ask …

• Do our families get the best part of us or what is left over after work and other obligations?
• Do they get quality and quantity time?
• Do they know they are loved?
• Do we speak the truth in love?
• Does our commitment to quality and respectful communication extend to the family – or do we raise our voices and use sarcasm?
• Do we actively strive to block the day’s frustrations from entering our home?
• Is there an overwhelming feeling of peace in the home?
• Is dinner special every night or only when there are guests?
• Are we able to laugh and have fun?
• Do they know they are loved unconditionally?
• Do we pray and demonstrate and unyielding and unwavering commitment to the LORD?
• Do the fruits of the spirit permeate the atmosphere - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
• If our family members were asked to describe us, what words would they use?

Understand, no one will hit the mark every day, in every instance – not at home or anywhere else. However, our heart desire should be to want to give our very best to our loved ones, to be our very best – in Christ – for our loved ones. 

I fail often. Yet I will quickly acknowledge my faults, apologize and work to remedy the situation. It is not a matter of being a perfect, excellent, shining example in every interaction with family. It is, however, a matter of striving for excellence in every interaction.

Ultimately, as we tend to the light in our hearts and in our homes, we will realize that the task of shining a light for others is significantly eased. Rather than searching for opportunities to shine the light of Christ, we will find people curiously drawn to the light of love which floods every area of our lives.

2014: The Light … keep it shining … start at home

May God Bless You Abundantly … Have a Great Week!

doing well ...

"Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before the LORD" Acts 10:4  

In this passage, Cornelius has been visited by an angel of the LORD who has come to let him know that God has heard and seen ...        

He heard the prayers of Cornelius and He made record of the service of Cornelius to His kingdom purposes - ministering to those in need and demonstrating the love of God in the earth.       

He is a seeing and hearing God ...    
When the enemy screams in your ears and it appears that all is for naught, there still exists a God in heaven, the one true and living God Almighty, who sees and hears everything!        

Often times it is quoted, 'Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' Galatians 6:9   

However, I like the verse in II Thessalonians 3:13 which simply states, "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good." [PERIOD] 

He does not admonish the brethren to persevere because of some reward that they will receive. He simply commands that they not grow weary in doing well. Neither the challenge nor the remedy have changed in over two-thousand years.

'Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.' Col. 3:17

'The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]' John 14:21AMP

Have confidence that God sees and hears and let that be reward enough, knowing that you have pleased the heart of the Father by doing what is acceptable in His eyes and in His estimation.      

I have to remind myself of this truth from time to time (as recently as this past week).    

We serve an awesome and faithful God who deserves all honor and glory. And we can confidently place our trust in Him and in His principles. 

Have A Blessed Day!

you give them something ...

'But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something...!”' Matthew 14:16

Several weeks ago, I had someone say something very interesting to me. They said, 'God has been showing me your face all week and I was praying, "God I don't know what her need is but I pray You supply every need."' And for some reason, that comment got me thinking about this verse.

This week, I saw a living example of a response to this comment/command  from Jesus.

Each morning I leave the house at 5:40AM to get to work by 8:00AM - walking approximatley two miles to catch a bus and then walking about another two miles after getting off the bus. Well, as I walked to work this week, I was offered a ride three days in a row (once by a friend and twice by a 'complete stranger'). It just so happens that 'the stranger' also turned out to be a fellow Christian who works at the same company where I am employed.

Independent of my expressing a desire for assistance or any prompting from an individual, they each made decisions that could not have been more aligned than if they had planned it. They decided that they would not pray for the need to be met. Instead they took action to meet the need.

I believe they each had the sentiments from James etched in their minds and heart: 'far be it from us to tell someone 'be warm and filled' when it is within our power to do something.' (See James 2:15-17)

They were not providing warmth -
Warmth was not needed since it was 80-degrees
But, the air conditioning from their vehicles was refreshing

They were not offering food -
But, they were 'feeding' a need

This is what Jesus was emphasizing to His disciples that day. They viewed the situation as too great for them to be able to effect change. But Jesus had a different perspective. Just for the record, He often does.

He said, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something!'

Please do not misunderstand my intent and the value that I know exists in prayer. Yet how often do we pray when God has called us to be the change that we desire to see? How many times have we missed participating in a miracle because we felt like what we had to offer was insignificant? Worse, how many times have we missed out on partnering with God due to laziness or selfishness?

Having been on the giving end in countless instances - it is very different, heart-warming and humbling to be on the receiving end. It reminds me of God's faithfulness and His words of promise, 'Give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, shall men pour into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it shall be measured back to you.' (Lk. 6:38) What a blessing!

I pray that my eyes and heart will be open to recognize opportunities to partner with God in being the answer to someone's prayers - whether it be financial, material, emotional, physical or spiritual. And may I act with a sense of urgency, eagerly and joyful responding to the needs of others and the call of Christ.

'I Do' ... Do I Have to Stop Dating?

Sounds like a ridiculous question doesn’t it? Who would ask such a thing? And if they had the audacity to make such an incredulous and insensitive inquiry, one would wonder why they would say ‘I do’ in the first place.

Imagine the scene …

It’s the big day. She has dreamed of this moment since the day she got her first doll-baby. He is so proud, and still a little dumbfounded, that she actually said ‘yes’. Everything was perfect. The lighting, flowers and music in the sanctuary were, well, heavenly. The reception, nothing like it! The décor, the food, the music, the dancing and, of course, the beautiful cake – it was like something out of a fairytale. All of the guests remarked that they were not sure they’d ever seen two people so in love.

They boarded the plane, reached their destination and entered the honeymoon suite. Naturally, he carried her across the threshold. Finally! The night they had waited for – and what a night it was. Yet, in the days (weeks and months) that followed, there was one pressing question. ‘I know I said, 'I do' but does that mean I have to stop dating?’

WHAT???!!!!

Now, to avoid the risk of offending my male or female readers, I won’t say who posed the question. It really doesn’t matter anyway. The real issue is how someone could do such a thing to someone they loved.
-- A pledge to love forever …
-- An agreement to be separate by nothing but death …
-- A gift, so precious and intimate - unmatched in value and unable to be returned or exchanged…

Unspeakable! How, after experiencing such a wonder, could one want to return to their old life? And not just return, but to actively engage in both lifestyles and expect their spouse to humbly accept such behavior.

Sounds like a crazy situation, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, it is a true story – very sad, but true.
Some details may have been altered to protect certain parties.

‘They honored and worshiped God, but not exclusively ...They honored and worshiped God, but they also kept up their devotions to the old gods of the places they had come from.’ II Kings 17:33 (MSG)

This verse caught my attention as I tried to read yesterday and I couldn’t shake it off. It was a story thousands of years old. However, I can tell you that I know many people who are experiencing this very situation today – in their relationships with people and their relationship with God. Yet, if we can ever get the heavenly/spiritual relationship right the earthly relationships will follow suit.

When I read the verse in II Kings, I immediately questioned how someone could fear, revere and even worship the LORD AND serve other gods. I just could not get my mind around it. However, I knew it must be possible since He put it in His Word. And as I prayed for understanding, it became clearer.

You see, there are countless opportunities to be that partner who has committed themselves to what should be an eternal relationship - but who still goes outside of that relationship searching for fulfillment. It happens in the natural and it definitely happens in the spiritual. We become the bride of Christ – perhaps even enjoying a wonderful ‘ceremony’ and honeymoon phase and then the response is the same as our ill-fated couple, ‘I know I said ‘I do’ but does that mean I have to stop dating?’

Sometimes there is a draw to old experiences – an impure relationship with an old boyfriend or girlfriend, a drug addiction, an eating disorder. Do I have to give up the people and practices that have become so familiar and comfortable to me?

Sometimes there is the pull toward new gods of career, home, car or self. I’ve heard it said multiple times over and again …
• Just because I don’t pray doesn’t mean I don’t love God. He understands.
• I’m too busy working to go to church. That doesn’t mean God is not a priority.
• I love God … I just don’t believe in tithing.

The same mouth that praises God gossips and complains while boldly declaring, ‘God knows my heart!' We not only serve other gods but we go a step further and try to make God, The Holy & Righteous One into a kind of god that is comfortable to us.

Like the heartless spouse, there is the desire to be married (to experience the benefits of covenant relationship) – yet there is the urge to continue in behaviors and heart attitudes which reflect an individual who has never come into relationship with the One True and Living God. We allow worldly desires to pull us away from our One True Love.

The straying from covenant relationship does not result in a divided heart – it begins with a divided heart.

Therefore, let us put aside unholy actions, wanton gazes and selfish desires. ‘For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16).’ We must understand that, ‘those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).’ They have said ‘I do’ to Christ – they have agreed to keep themselves only unto Him - not just until death, but into all eternity.

Yes, saying ‘I do’ does indeed mean we must stop dating.


'You shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.’
Deuteronomy 6:5 (AMP)

will you stay in the fire?

This is not a message for everyone. Just for those truly unique and brave individuals who trust in the One True and Living God, who are bold enough to call themselves, Christian.

Once again, I was wrestling to understand the age old question which gnaws at many people, ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ As I considered several perspectives, three arrested my attention:

 First: It must be acknowledged that good is relative. ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ Romans 3:23
 Second: We live in a fallen world where things occur that God never intended as a direct result of the sinful nature of man. ‘Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, [no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned.’ Romans 5:12AMP
 Third: It is what must be – at times.

Now you may be questioning that third possibility, just as I did. How can a good God allow bad things to happen to His people – to people who trust in His Word, who call on His name, who follow His commands and who live for His purpose? Yet if we look through Scripture, we see many examples of God allowing (seemingly) terrible events to befall His people. Why would He do this?

For me the answer came in the form of a question. ‘Will you stay in the fire long enough for somebody else to see Jesus? This is the question of the day. This is the question that I ask in my upcoming book, When Storms Rage. This is the question that I ask of you today, the question that God asked of me several years ago.

Now, all throughout my life, I have been advised that you should not answer a question with a question. Yet we understand from His Word that, our thoughts are not His thoughts – neither are our ways His ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9). Faithful and true, God knew that I would discover the answer that I sought if I would only consider the question that He asked.

Remember the three Hebrew boys. Daniel 3:16-18 tells us that ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king …. ‘let it be known to you , O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.’ They refused to disobey God, they stood up for righteousness and they were thrown in the fire. Not only were they thrown in the fire, they were kept in the fire … until someone else (the king and all the onlookers) could see Jesus. Daniel 3:24-29

Next, let us review the situation of three siblings whom Jesus loved – Mary, Martha and Lazarus. As we know from Scripture, Lazarus became ill and His sisters sent for Jesus. Yet He (Jesus) did not respond immediately to their cries for help. He waited until Lazarus died so that He could raise Him from the dead and the glory of God could be seen (John 11). ‘Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.’ John 11:45

Lastly, we have Tabitha - certainly not the last that there is, but the last that we will consider. Scripture states, ‘This woman (a disciple) was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died’ But Peter came and prayed and raised her from the dead. ‘And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.’ Acts 9:36-42

All were serving the Lord. All were loved by the Lord. All were facing and endured terrible situations and circumstances – with the consent of the LORD!

So I ask you again, ‘Will you stay in the fire long enough for somebody else to see Jesus?’ Will you face the illness and even death? Will you endure the ridicule and bouts of poverty? Will you stand up under the disappointment of delayed or broken dreams? Will you selflessly and joyfully subject yourself to extreme conditions to ensure the salvation of another?

Will you be like Jesus, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross?

Hebrews 12:1-3 (Message Version)
'Do you see what this means—
all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?

It means we'd better get on with it.
Strip down, start running—and never quit!

No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Keep your eyes on Jesus,
who both began and finished this race we're in.

Study how he did it.

Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—
that exhilarating finish in and with God—

He could put up with anything along the way:
Cross, shame, whatever.

And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

When you find yourselves flagging in your faith,
go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through.

That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!’

Sometimes a little perspective is all that is needed to give us the strength to stand the test. And when you have done all to stand … keep on standing!

May God Richly Bless You …