Choosing To Love

 

 

The Apostle John wrote, We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16)

Love is not something we manufacture ourselves. Human nature is bent toward selfishness. Love is a choice, and sometimes that choice is easy, but other times it's not. In fact, it might seem impossible to love certain people at various times.

But choosing to not love doesn't make life easier; it makes it worse. Over time a lack of love for others will take its toll on our hearts and minds, and even physically. Hate, anger, holding grudges, and having a general feeling of unrest: these emotions cause stress. It's not good for us.

When others hurt, annoy, or infuriate us, what are we to do? We may or may not be part of the problem, but either way, a solution is possible--a way to cope with strained relationships, impossible people, our own short tempers and selfish hearts.

We have come to know and to believe the love God has for us... These words of John follow a directive he gives: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

He's pointing us to a greater love. Not mere human love that can be picked up and discarded at will, but Divine love; God's love. Love that remains through the highs and the lows. Love that can endure all things.

He goes on to say, If we love one another, God abides in us. Jesus used similar words: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...love one another just as I have loved you." (John 15:10,12)

 

 

Choosing to love is the secret to abiding. Receiving God’s love and passing it on to others: It's the very means by which we connect fully with God and have fellowship with Him.

Loving others in our own strength and humanness is indeed impossible in many circumstances. We can't do it, or it’s an ongoing struggle. But we can ask God to remedy our inability to love fully and unconditionally. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do.” (John 14:13)

 

“Change my heart, Jesus.”

 

“Help me to believe you love me, Jesus.”

 

“Help me to love others the way you love me, Jesus.”

 

 

This is how John was able to say, I have come to know and to believe the love God has for me. He asked, and he received; and he called himself, The disciple Jesus loved. (John 13:23)

 

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.

Scripture taken from (ESV)

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from 1 John 4

“My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work." John 4:34

What would you have to say about 2020 so far?

It's hard to believe it's already July. Once March hit, the days and weeks seemed to run together. It hasn't been too bad though. I've been able to have more time with my husband and children. My book readership has doubled with so many having more time on their hands. And my daughter was able to graduate from college and find a teaching job for the upcoming school year. Life is more uncertain than usual, but God is still good.

These times in our world actually remind me a lot of the time of Jesus as told in the Gospels. People were suffering from incurable diseases, many were mentally unstable, the religious elite were lording their views over everyone else, political divisions were strong, and many of the common people were poor, helpless, and oppressed.

Jesus said they were like sheep without a shepherd. He was able to heal many, give sight to the blind, feed the hungry, free people from demons, and liberate those who were being oppressed--not with military force but His teachings that taught them to think differently about God, others, and themselves.

He could speak truth and show love and tell great stories, but He also had to rely on the Spirit to move in people's hearts and wait for them to recognize their sin and the great love God had for them. Even with all the miracles He performed, many were skeptical of His true identity and teachings.

There was a man who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus' disciples to be healed, but because of his unbelief, they couldn't do it. When Jesus hears about it, He says, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?"

And we all know what the religious elite thought of Him: So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath (by healing a man on that day), he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. They accused Him of blasphemy and ultimately ordered His death.

Jesus was often the center of attention in great crowds, in both positive and negative ways, but in John 4 we see Jesus in a rare moment where He had a solo encounter with someone. He was traveling through Samaria, a region of ethnically mixed people. Jews did not normally associate with them and avoided the area whenever possible, but Jesus takes the route willingly and sits down to rest at Jacob's Well in the heat of the day. While His disciples go to the nearby village to get lunch, a woman comes to the well to draw water, and He talks to her.

She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?"

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

They continue their discussion, and the woman discerns He isn't an ordinary man, but a prophet, and Jesus reveals His even greater identity of being the promised Messiah. And for reasons that aren't entirely clear, the woman is convinced and runs into town to tell everyone about Him.

When His disciples return with the food, they offer Him some and strongly encourage Him to eat, but Jesus replies with what I imagine as amused joy.

“I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 😆😂😆

The disciples are confused, wondering if someone else brought Him food. 😕❓😕

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

"You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest!" 😄😄😄

Are you that thrilled about doing the will of God? Of fulfilling the purpose He has given you?

Personally I don't believe Jesus had a lot of these moments--times where He was able to not only delight in His mission of sharing the truth, but also in the woman's belief.

For the most part, as the prophet Isaiah said, He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.  I don't believe this divinely inspired prophet was only referring to the trial and crucifixion Jesus would suffer, but as a daily way of life. Many were amazed at His teaching and eager to be healed, but we don't see a lot of transformation taking place. And at the end of three years of ministry, He only had about 100 faithful followers.

But He wasn't focused on the results. He was focused on what His Father was asking Him to do, and that brought Him joy. That was His food. That's what sustained Him.

Whatever it is that God is asking you to do--the special life-calling and gifts He has given you or the day-to-day opportunities you have to bless others, let your joy be in the work itself, not the results. The harvest will come sooner or later and make you giddy with happiness and fulfillment. But each day can be a time of feasting in the Kingdom--being a part of something that tastes and fills and satisfies like nothing else in this world.

In these times, the fields are indeed ripe for harvest. Don't be distracted by the strong opinions of others, arguments, and endless rhetoric. People are hurting, confused, worried, weary... The needs are so great.

Perhaps your "food" will involve you continuing on with what you've been doing for years, or maybe it will involve you doing something new. But whatever it is, take joy in it, and don't let anyone or anything take away from simply doing the will of God. For you are God's unique creation, fashioned after Jesus, so you can do the good work He planned for you long ago.

Scripture taken from Mark 6:34, 9:19; John 5:18, 4:9-11, 13-14, 32, 34-35; Isa. 53:3; NLT

Ephesians 2:10, paraphrase mine

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

"I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards."  Ezekiel 28:25-26 (NLT)


What do you think about when you hear the word holiness? In Christian culture, holiness is often defined as being perfect, sinless, or set-apart. In the Bible, the words holy, consecrated, sanctified, hallowed, and sacred are used interchangeably. They can be used of God—as the One who is holy; and they can be used of people and things that have been made holy by God: set apart for His service, purpose, or to display His glory.

In the verses above, God is making a statement about Himself regarding His holiness. At this time, His People had been exiled to Babylon because of their rebellion. Israel had become very corrupt and many were worshipping other gods. Because of their unfaithfulness, God allowed enemy nations to come in and take over. God's people were forced to live in submission to foreign powers after God had graciously led them to their own land.

But God promised to be merciful. He told His People (through the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others) that He would bring them back to their homeland after a time. In Ezekiel 28, we read these words: "I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards."

I find this interesting because God is talking about setting Himself apart and revealing His glory to other nations by how He treats His People. He isn't saying, 'I am a great God because I am holy.' He says, 'I am holy because I am a great God. I love My People. I will care for them even though they rebelled against Me. I will keep them safe and provide for their needs.'

God's holiness isn't about keeping our sin at a distance, as if He can't handle being in our presence. In His anger, He sent His People away; but in His love, He restored them. His holiness draws us near. Why? Because we need Him. We need His love. He only wants us to recognize that, not to try and make it on our own. He knows we can't have true life without Him.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a holy God expects you to be perfect. "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" doesn't mean sinless; It means complete or finished. It's closely related to the word Jesus used on the cross when He said, "It is finished."  He was talking about bringing His purpose to a conclusion—to have done what He came for. He came to bring forgiveness to all, and it was done. Our completeness, our holiness comes from Him. It is not of ourselves. It is a gift.

We have a holy God. He is our righteousness. We bring nothing to the table except our broken, sinful, and needy hearts. But what does He bring? Everything! He brings His love, His mercy, His power. He brings Himself; and that's more than enough to meet our every need.

Trying to save ourselves with our own goodness and effort is not only futile, it's exhausting. Trying to provide for ourselves, protect ourselves, and sustain ourselves is futile too. Living this way isn't truly living. It's dying a slow death. If you want true life, cry out for mercy, forgiveness, and faith that God will meet your every need and make you whole. Just rest in His love, His goodness, and His power. Let Him make you holy and complete, lacking in nothing. That is true worship. That is true submission to a holy God.

For no one is abandoned by the LORD forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.

(Lamentations 3:31-32 NLT)

Photos by Roma Flowers, cristiano galbiati, and Adam Jackson. Freeimages.com
Scripture taken from Matt. 5:8, John 19:30

From Distress To Peace

From the ends of the earth I call to you.
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Have you ever been deeply and truly heartbroken?  If you have lived and loved or put your whole heart into anything, I know the answer is yes.  Life is full of good moments, triumphs, and joys; but it can also be heartbreaking.

It is believed David wrote Psalm 61 during such a time in his life--when his son Absalom betrayed him by devising a plan to overtake the throne of Israel, sending him to the ends of the earth, a poetic way to describe the way he felt away from his home in Jerusalem.  David had already suffered the consequence of his sin in losing one of his sons, and this was another.  To put it mildly, this was not David's finest hour as the King of Israel, nor as a father.  His family had fallen apart.  His throne was in jeopardy.  And he was much to blame.  Although not specifically expressed here, he likely knew that.  Past sins or failures tend to come back and haunt us during trying times, don't they?

The phrase David used of being fainthearted literally means "to be wrapped in darkness".  Betrayal, strife, fear, guilt, regret--these can overtake our emotions and mind in overwhelming, heartbreaking ways.  

I suspect Jesus' disciples had similar feelings on the night He was arrested.  When Jesus told them He was going to Jerusalem, some said they were ready to die with Him, but when the time came, they fled.  At the Last Supper, Peter said, "I will lay down my life for you."  But Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13:37-38) 

Jesus knew it would be too much for Peter.  No matter how much Peter loved Jesus and desired to remain faithful and strong, he couldn't.  The circumstances and fear were beyond him.

Your troubles today are likely different than David or Peter's, and may or may not be caused by your own failures; but whatever the circumstances, that doesn't make them any less real and debilitating.  When your peace and strength is gone, it's gone—no matter what has taken it away.

David had the right response in asking God for help.  For you have been my shelter, a strong tower from the enemy. (v. 3)  He knew Whom he was calling on and asked God to lead him to a place of strength and rescue--not only from his circumstances, but from the darkness of sin, betrayal, disappointment, and heartbreak.

After Jesus said the coming days would test their loyalty, He also told His disciples that the Father would send them what they needed to endure.  "[The Spirit] will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

The word troubled means "to agitate; to disquiet, make restless, to strike one's spirit with fear and dread, to render anxious or distressed."

Sound familiar?  Many things can trouble us in this world, whether it be sickness, financial hardship, emotional distress, broken relationships, loss, disappointment, or oppression.  We can be overwhelmed by trials that leave us wrapped in darkness, along with our own sin or mere thoughts and feelings of failure. (Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.)

But Jesus is our peace.  Our refuge.  Our rock.  The One who lifts us out of the darkness and wraps us in light--in truth and love and hope.  He forgives and cleanses and heals and restores our peace and joy.

Peace is not something for us to conjure up in our own strength.  "Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:4, 7)

If you need peace, ask for it!  Greater love for others?  Joy, faith, self-control?  All of these will be given to us when we ask.  God wants to bear this fruit in us.  That's why Paul said, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)

We need Him to grace us with these gifts of mercy.  He is our righteousness.  It is not of ourselves.  Without Him we are overwhelmed, living in darkness that seems inescapable; but with Jesus--the One who loves us, we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)

Like David we need to admit we are weak and void of peace without Him.  Only He can take us to that higher place of refuge and hope.  And like the disciples, we need to remember His words of love, mercy, and promise:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid...remain in me, and I will remain in you...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given."

If your faith is weak today, your understanding limited, your hope absent, your heart filled with fear, guilt, dread, anger, or pain: Ask for what you need to rise above, and follow Him to the rock that is higher.  A place of rest, peace, and power to overcome.

Answer me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief

when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me

and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1 (ESV)

Psalm 61:3 (NKJV)
Word definitions for "fainthearted" and "troubled" taken from www.blueletterbible.org
Gal. 5:22-23; Romans 8:37 paraphrase mine 
Photo words taken from Psalm 23 (NASB)

Easter: A Time To Remember

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

 

Psalm 62:5-6

Easter is a time to remember. We remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We remember and celebrate His resurrection from the dead. We remember we are forgiven and set free. We remember the promise of eternal life.

On the evening Jesus was arrested for claiming to be the Son of God, He had dinner with His disciples. It was the holiday known as Passover, and they shared a special meal together. At one point Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces. He gave them some and said, "Eat this and remember me."

We remember the sacrifice Jesus made and how He didn't stay dead. We know the next part of the story. But when Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, all of that hadn't happened yet. So I wonder, what did Jesus want them to remember?

The disciples had spent three years with Him, and I'm sure they had a lot of memories. Jesus wanted them to think about the past because it would help them through what was coming. Their leader was going to be arrested, tried unfairly, beaten, crucified, and buried.

 

But He didn't focus on that and tell them to run and hide; He says, "Remember."

Remember the miracles. Remember My power over death. Remember what I have taught you. Remember to love. Remember...

As you celebrate Easter, what do you need to remember about Jesus? 

 

How have you seen His faithfulness?

 

What has He done for you?

 

What has He taught you and shown you in the past that can apply to your current struggles?

Faith is all about remembering. It starts with knowing the One you put your faith in and why. It grows with remembering all the things that made you believe. And it carries you through the good times and the hard times.

More than anything He wants you to remember Him. He wants you to remember how much He loves you. He wants you to know you are forgiven. He wants you to remember you are never alone, because He has promised to never leave you.

Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Butterfly photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Faith in God's Faithfulness

I thank my God who gives me counsel; even in the night His Spirit instructs me. I follow the Lord and trust Him; Because He is at my right hand, I have unshakable confidence.

Psalm 16:7-8

I was reading Psalm 16 this week, again. With so many nuggets of truth, it's one of my favorites. And if I truly believe David's words about faith and God's faithfulness, they bring me so much peace and joy no matter my circumstances. It can be a daily battle, a daily choice; especially in times like these. But faith is often like that.

Verse one says, Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. David had much to fear: running from a crazy king, battling his enemies, and leading a young nation, just to name a few of his life challenges. It's no wonder he wrote so many psalms of praise, despair, wonder, victory, and hope. He certainly ran the gamut of emotions during his lifetime, and I can relate to his fear, uncertainty, his highs and lows. But David knew where to place his trust:

In you, God, I take refuge.

Considering my current fears and worries, I ask myself, "Am I asking God to keep me safe? Am I taking refuge in Him? Do I believe He can protect me and those I love? Do I believe He is with me? Do I believe in His faithfulness?" 

 

Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

It's a simple prayer, something I can say at the beginning of each day and before I head into unpredictable situations. But it's more than a request for protection, it's also a declaration of faith: You are my refuge; You keep me safe. It's not a prayer to the changing winds of uncertainty, but to a faithful, mighty, powerful God.


In verses seven and eight, David addresses another way of involving God during times of uncertainty: I will praise the LORD who counsels me...I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.  David had obviously figured that out. He knew God would guide him, even while he slept.  And he trusted in that counsel, in the incomparable wisdom of God. I can ask for it and expect His guidance.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Daily faith requires me to believe this; to go into each day with that mindset. To have unshakable confidence in God's presence and care. To have faith in His faithfulness. We know it led David all the way to the throne of Israel and beyond--into his old age when he said, I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)

Trusting God and finding my confidence in Him will not only benefit me, but others too: my family, those in need, anyone who crosses my path, or I reach out to in His name.

This kind of faith can change my day, my week, my life; it can change my children's lives; it can change the lives of friends and neighbors--and subsequently their families, friends, and neighbors.

It can change the world. Our world right now during a time of calamity and uncertainty.

You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

He leads me, and He will lead you. Cry out to Him. Believe in His protection, care, and guidance, and you will find yourself in a steady place of peace, joy, and hope.
 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the enemy's trap and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.

Psalm 91:1-4

Hands photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Forest road photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 16:7-8; Psalm 91:3-4 paraphrase mine

The Gift of Love

"I tell you her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." (Luke 7:47 NLT)


Once when Jesus was at a dinner-party held in His honor, He told a story to the host who had invited Him. It involved two people who owed a man a lot of money, but one owed much more than the other. When neither of them could repay, the lender decided to cancel both debts. Jesus asked the host this question: "Now which of them will love him more?"

He told this story because a woman heard He was there and came to anoint His feet with perfume and her tears. The host was disgusted with her behavior because she was a sinful woman, and he didn't understand why Jesus allowed it. After telling the story, Jesus pointed out to the host the ways the woman was honoring Him, and the ways he was not. In truth, they both were in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, but one of them knew it and the other didn't.

The man who invited Jesus to dinner was a member of a sect called the Pharisees. In general, the Pharisees didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah. He was too humble, ordinary, and didn't associate with the right people. Jesus got after them a lot regarding their self-righteous behavior and how they were oppressing the poor, sinful, and anyone not like them. They needed forgiveness as much as anyone, perhaps even more so, but they didn't recognize their sinful ways. For them it was all about trying to earn God's favor rather than simply receiving God's favor. They were focused on their own duty and righteousness (and that everyone else should be like them), rather than being focused on God's love.

I'd like to say I've never fallen into this same trap, but I can't. And in a way, I'm glad. I know what it feels like to take love out of the equation in my relationship with God. And I never want to go back there. It's a dark, lonely place of confusion and pain. I am thankful God rescued me from that. He has taught me to rest in His grace every day. No matter how I fall short--through disobedience, misguided choices, disappointing others, or not being all I think I should be: His grace is enough. He loves me.

Believing that makes me more loving, more forgiving, and more giving. I believe I am precious in His sight. I believe in all He has done for me. I believe His ultimate gift to me is Himself: His peace, His presence, and His mercy. What are you believing this Christmas?