Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Gift of Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).  One of the most poignant expressions of the real meaning of love is presented by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. He concludes this letter by saying: "Now abides faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest is love.  The love being referenced here is an overflowing love that is faithful, committed and loyal amid adversities of life.  True love can flourish, persevere and endure, even among the most difficult or challenging circumstances. There is only one person who exemplified perfect love on earth-Jesus Christ.  Because of love, He was presented as a gift to bring hope, peace, joy and love to the whole world.  This is how God showed His love among us, He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1John 4:9,10)  In a world filled with hatred, rebellion, disobedience, unrest, etc., many are running to and fro trying to find love in all of the wrong places.  The love of God is greater than any other force and will last throughout time and eternity; it is a gift that keeps on giving. Christianity is a lifestyle of love and obedience to God's will, based upon a personal relationship with Christ, not just an intellectual exercise.  Love is where joy gestates, hate is where anger incubates, it is a choice. There are many spiritual gifts, but the greatest is love, so we endeavor to love God, love one another as He loves us.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.
Amid all the challenges of the season, the faithful can intentionally focus on the good news and sing joyful songs of praise. Although there is a steady stream of bad news coming from various sources, we can share the good news that Christ came into the world to give hope, peace, joy and love. Rejoice in the Lord always and again rejoice for our God is awesome, He reigns above every circumstance and is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can imagine. All things all possible if we can believe by faith that He is always there in every situation to help us ride safely through stormy and difficult seasons.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blasts of the ram's horn-shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Psalm 98:4-6

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Faithful Perseverence

One of the most important qualities along the Christian journey is Faithful Perseverance. Jesus said to those who believed in Him, "If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples". John 8:31. He who endures until the end shall be saved. MT.24:13. Persevering amid a multiplicity of challenges demands courageous and righteous standing on promises set forth in the word of God. Having done all to stand, keep on standing and trusting that God is faithful to fulfill every promise. He gives more grace as difficult situations increase and always causes us to triumph over every circumstance.   Patient endurance is not easy, however it is very necessary for learning the art of waiting, training, character building while pressing through narrow, tight and difficult places. The deep, dark valley places along life's journey help to define who we really are at the core and our need for God's help.  During these times it is so very important to listen carefully to His voice for clear instructions so that we can avoid moving ahead too quickly. In every trial, it is critical to make sure that every lesson for the season is learned while humbly, obediently and silently waiting in His presence.
Spiritual maturity is developed when we stay in an assigned place long enough, even amid a great deal of adverse situations.  Resistance is a faith builder that provides an opportunity for spiritual growth and development. Sometimes we are tempted to take the easy way out, but there are no shortcuts in God, therefore we must remain resolute, committed to stay the course, outlast oppositional forces and move forward into our designed "There"place. We are crossing over into greater dimensions of blessings and favor. God is exalted; the devil is defeated; Jesus is Lord.  Let God arise; Let His enemies be scattered.
Strategies for Courageously Standing Amid Oppostion:
  • Praise, Prayer, Pursue Love
  • Meditate on the word; trust, believe God
  • Wait for manifestation with faithful perseverance, hopeful expectation
  • Stay focused, connected, undaunted, accept what God allows
  • Grateful for the opportunity to rise to the occasion; never quit; never give up
  • Confident that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can imagine according to the power that is working within
  • Watchful Prayer; Stay Alert; Be Aware of diabolical schemes designed to block your success   
The Lord be with you. +MEA