The Homeless Angel
The church bells were ringing
The night was crisp and cold
The carolers were singing
It was a scene to behold
The season, it was Christmas
Celebrating had begun
The mall was teeming with a crowd
Buying gifts and having fun
The people were all shopping
Too busy to stop and see
The man in the wheelchair
Cold and shivering steadily
He sat outside the mall that night
Without a warm coat that he could wear
All the shoppers passed him by
And did not think to share
After sitting in the cold night air
A miracle was staged
An angel came as a homeless man
With a shopping cart full of rags
The angel sauntered up quietly
To the man's very big surprise
Did not ask for money
But looked directly in his eyes
The angel asked the man if he was cold
and could his spirit use a lift
Without waiting for an answer
He stepped over to select his gift
He quickly dug into his cart of rags
and picked out the best blanket that was there
He placed the the gift upon the man
And showed that he did care
The homeless angel dawned a smile
And stepped away with his cart of goods
His simple act of mercy
Sent the message that it should
You see the man in the wheelchair
It was really me
My plight with fighting the cold night air
Only the homeless angel did see
His schedule wasn't too busy
To take a look around
And see the needs of others
And let charity abound
He gave from what was his hard work
He did so with great cheer
He took great pride in what he did
Caused me to shed a tear
I hope this story encourages you
To take a pause for this reason
To bless those you see in need
It is the spirit of the season.
Merry Christmas
Jeff Dyk
Monday, December 24, 2012
Prayer for Connecticut Families and Community
Oh Lord our hearts are broken
With the violence today
Innocent lives were taken
While at their school and play
Please send the victims angels
To hold them in their sorrow
Let not the evil over come them
But build their hope for tomorrow
Send them peace that is from above
And help them know you have their children
You have embraced them in your love
And welcomed them into heaven.
They are in a place free from fear
Where your presence does abound
They are sheltered in your arms tonight
Forever safe and sound.
And so we turn our thoughts and prayers
To those they left behind
We put our faith in your Almighty Love
And with the ties that bind.
Let us be your hand of care
Reaching to their broken heart
Let us weep as one with them
And May your healing start
Lord, As a nation we kneel to you
As we’ve lost these precious ones
We ask for healing in our land
And may your will be done.
Jeff Dyk
With the violence today
Innocent lives were taken
While at their school and play
Please send the victims angels
To hold them in their sorrow
Let not the evil over come them
But build their hope for tomorrow
Send them peace that is from above
And help them know you have their children
You have embraced them in your love
And welcomed them into heaven.
They are in a place free from fear
Where your presence does abound
They are sheltered in your arms tonight
Forever safe and sound.
And so we turn our thoughts and prayers
To those they left behind
We put our faith in your Almighty Love
And with the ties that bind.
Let us be your hand of care
Reaching to their broken heart
Let us weep as one with them
And May your healing start
Lord, As a nation we kneel to you
As we’ve lost these precious ones
We ask for healing in our land
And may your will be done.
Jeff Dyk
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Realization of the Centurion
The centurions (Roman Guard) were the elite of the Roman Army, and were assigned the gruesome task of preparing Christ for the crucifixion. As a group, they beat him severely with a whip on his back, enough to nearly disable him. They crowned him with thorns, drove nails through his hands and feet, hoisted him up and divided his clothes amongst them by casting lots. They were attempting to humiliate him before cruelly hanging him on a cross. As you read through the accounts of the events in the Gospels of the bible, one can barely read, because of the graphic detail of the punishment Christ took.
One centurion who witnessed and participated in the event had a moment of understanding that must have changed his life forever. He had heard of the proclaimed miracles Christ performed, he had watched the people accuse him for nothing of violence or ill-repute. He had watched his demeanor as he toiled carrying the cross up the hill. Perhaps he had helped him. Did he hear the words of Christ on the cross as he uttered "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" ? We do know this... He had a realization when he took it all in that caused him to cry out from the depths of his soul.... "Surely he was the Son of God !!" (Mat 27:54)
I too must come to that conclusion as I read the crucifixion story. I have never seen such strength, compassion, resolve to a mission, forgiveness, agony, separation, mixed into one event, as a result of the best life ever lived. It humbles me and brings me to tears and to my knees.
Perhaps you too will sense what the centurion did, this week as you take time to reflect on the journey of Christ to the cross.
One centurion who witnessed and participated in the event had a moment of understanding that must have changed his life forever. He had heard of the proclaimed miracles Christ performed, he had watched the people accuse him for nothing of violence or ill-repute. He had watched his demeanor as he toiled carrying the cross up the hill. Perhaps he had helped him. Did he hear the words of Christ on the cross as he uttered "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" ? We do know this... He had a realization when he took it all in that caused him to cry out from the depths of his soul.... "Surely he was the Son of God !!" (Mat 27:54)
I too must come to that conclusion as I read the crucifixion story. I have never seen such strength, compassion, resolve to a mission, forgiveness, agony, separation, mixed into one event, as a result of the best life ever lived. It humbles me and brings me to tears and to my knees.
Perhaps you too will sense what the centurion did, this week as you take time to reflect on the journey of Christ to the cross.
He's Alive - I'm Forgiven
Some of the lyrics of my favorite Easter Song.... I hope they help you rejoice today, because He is Risen....
He's Alive (by Don Francisco)
The gates and doors were barred, and windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound..
Half in hopeless sorrow, and half in fear of the day....
Would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away.
Just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall.
The gate began to rattle, the voice began to call.
I hurried to the window, looked down into the street..
Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet.
There was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in.
John stood there beside me, as she told me where she'd been.
She said they've moved him in the night and none of knows where.
The stone's been rolled away, and now his body isn't there.
We both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb, just the way that Mary said.
But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell.
How or where they had taken him, was more than I could tell.
Well something strange had happened there, just what I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high...
Cause I'd seen them crucify him, and then I saw him die...
Back inside the house again... the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I'd promised him just added to shame.
When at last it came to choices I denied him I knew his name
Even if he was alive.... it wouldn't be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume,
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with his arms held open wide.
I fell down on my knees and just clung to him and cried.
He raised me to my feet, and as I looked into his eyes.
Love was shining out from him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release.
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
And on this Easter, I hope you know that Christ has risen from the dead, and He's Alive and forever reaching out to us.
Happy Easter
Jeff
He's Alive (by Don Francisco)
The gates and doors were barred, and windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound..
Half in hopeless sorrow, and half in fear of the day....
Would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away.
Just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall.
The gate began to rattle, the voice began to call.
I hurried to the window, looked down into the street..
Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet.
There was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in.
John stood there beside me, as she told me where she'd been.
She said they've moved him in the night and none of knows where.
The stone's been rolled away, and now his body isn't there.
We both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb, just the way that Mary said.
But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell.
How or where they had taken him, was more than I could tell.
Well something strange had happened there, just what I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high...
Cause I'd seen them crucify him, and then I saw him die...
Back inside the house again... the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I'd promised him just added to shame.
When at last it came to choices I denied him I knew his name
Even if he was alive.... it wouldn't be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume,
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with his arms held open wide.
I fell down on my knees and just clung to him and cried.
He raised me to my feet, and as I looked into his eyes.
Love was shining out from him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release.
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
And on this Easter, I hope you know that Christ has risen from the dead, and He's Alive and forever reaching out to us.
Happy Easter
Jeff
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Passover Week - A week of contrasts
The week we contemplate called "Passover Week" right after Palm Sunday historically was in every way a week of contrasts. Loyalty vs. Betrayal, Good vs. Evil, Lost man vs. Redemptive Christ, Truth vs. Deception. Most of all, in the midst of all the drama, the agenda of heaven was in play. All along, Christ was on stage to display his Glory to man, and to demonstrate in the most personal and intimate of ways that he had come to redeem man to God, their creator. He paid a cost that none other could pay for a debt that we all owed but could not pay.
Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Jesus had spent much time teaching Judas carefully and revealing his intention for the world. Judas had other things in mind (and Christ knew this). Because of greed for an earthly kingdom and the idea that Judas would play an important role in that earthly kingdom, Judas could not accept the realization that Christ had come to redeem man for an eternal kingdom. Betrayal of Christ to gain money and power was the reaction of Judas. A reaction that cost him his very sense of being, and he hung himself out remorse.
In the same event, Christ showed loyalty to his followers by prompting the Pharisees and soldiers to let his followers go, because it was him that they wanted. Demonstrating the complete purity of character that only he could, he willingly went with the accusers because of the will of God. Grace under pressure. And loyalty to the very purpose God the Father had sent him to complete. It was only moments earlier that Jesus was praying in the Garden, sweating drops of blood, crying out God, "NOT MY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE."
Good vs. Evil
The arresting officers and leaders of the Pharisees were bent on cutting out what they perceived as their competition. The life and words of Jesus Christ had threatened their world of self made security and power over people. If you look at what upset them to the point of crucifying Jesus, was simple jealousy and power struggle. Christ was about healing, helping the hurting, feeding the hungry, loving your enemy, and the Pharisee's were all about power and social greed. Evil desires foster evil deeds. Men build up their false pride, and convince themselves of self made righteousness, and seek the condemnation of those who oppose. Imagine the wake up call when they one day realized that they had arrested the Son of God... Evil desires yield evil deeds.
In all of this Christ knew that God's purpose in him would be fulfilled in the face of the evil intentions that wanted to do him in. In fact he had told his disciples that these things would happen and spent careful time preparing them for the event. He had promised them that he would be crucified, buried, but would rise triumphantly in 3 days. Hard for a person to understand who only knew the limitations of life and death here on earth. It seemed so final. But Jesus knew what he must suffer and conquer to bring about our redemption before a Holy God.
Truth vs. Deception
When significant truth is met by significant deception, the deceiving party has to divert to unscrupulous tactics to hide its agenda and defend its stance. Thus was the case when Christ was brought before the high priest of Jerusalem. One of the high priests who was involved in questioning Christ, struck Jesus in the face because of his response of honesty to the high priest... Jesus amazingly maintained composure, and replied... "If I said something wrong,... testify to what is wrong, but if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me"
Do you suppose that the high priest realized he was actually slapping the face of his creator.... The one who gave him his very life and breath ? Jesus had openly shown who he was... he backed it up with words and deeds and miracles... and yet this high priest and the others who followed him to give him up to Pilate actually believed their own deception. Deception is like that. It starts with things like jealousy, envy, anger, and a false sense of what real living is about and can lead to a number of ways that we react to our own deceptions.
So as the drama unfolded, a number of other contrasts are seen. Pilate found Jesus not guilty, and looked for a way out that would make him not have to take a stand on his very own declaration of "Not Guilty"... He had actually said he found no guilt in this man, but because of his fears, he started figuring a convenient way around the truth, and placed the option back to the people. Pilate saw the truth in what Jesus said, but still chose to deceive himself, by offsetting his responsibility. Somehow then, he would not be guilty of condemning an innocent person.
In all of this, Christ stood silent before his accusers, because he knew the mission God the Father had put him on, and man's willingness to be deceived was only a vehicle for God to sacrifice his only Son for the very sins done against him. That is the way truth is... It doesn't have to defend itself before man. It simply stands. It simply convicts. That is why Jesus said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me." And his credentials stood on their own... He healed the sick, raised the dead, turned the water into wine, and he died in our stead on the cross, was buried, and rose again. What a savior.
Redemption vs. Condemnation
As I contemplate the contrasting events of the Passover Week, I am humbled to think that Christ did all he did for us for a simple reason... "Redemption". Romans says that "There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." What an incredible thought. From being at minimum one of the crowd who sent Christ to the cross, because of my sins, to being Forgiven. That is contrast. From hopelessness to eternal hope. Because Christ endured and took on the punishment of my sins.
May the blessing of Christ's sacrifice bless you this week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Jesus had spent much time teaching Judas carefully and revealing his intention for the world. Judas had other things in mind (and Christ knew this). Because of greed for an earthly kingdom and the idea that Judas would play an important role in that earthly kingdom, Judas could not accept the realization that Christ had come to redeem man for an eternal kingdom. Betrayal of Christ to gain money and power was the reaction of Judas. A reaction that cost him his very sense of being, and he hung himself out remorse.
In the same event, Christ showed loyalty to his followers by prompting the Pharisees and soldiers to let his followers go, because it was him that they wanted. Demonstrating the complete purity of character that only he could, he willingly went with the accusers because of the will of God. Grace under pressure. And loyalty to the very purpose God the Father had sent him to complete. It was only moments earlier that Jesus was praying in the Garden, sweating drops of blood, crying out God, "NOT MY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE."
Good vs. Evil
The arresting officers and leaders of the Pharisees were bent on cutting out what they perceived as their competition. The life and words of Jesus Christ had threatened their world of self made security and power over people. If you look at what upset them to the point of crucifying Jesus, was simple jealousy and power struggle. Christ was about healing, helping the hurting, feeding the hungry, loving your enemy, and the Pharisee's were all about power and social greed. Evil desires foster evil deeds. Men build up their false pride, and convince themselves of self made righteousness, and seek the condemnation of those who oppose. Imagine the wake up call when they one day realized that they had arrested the Son of God... Evil desires yield evil deeds.
In all of this Christ knew that God's purpose in him would be fulfilled in the face of the evil intentions that wanted to do him in. In fact he had told his disciples that these things would happen and spent careful time preparing them for the event. He had promised them that he would be crucified, buried, but would rise triumphantly in 3 days. Hard for a person to understand who only knew the limitations of life and death here on earth. It seemed so final. But Jesus knew what he must suffer and conquer to bring about our redemption before a Holy God.
Truth vs. Deception
When significant truth is met by significant deception, the deceiving party has to divert to unscrupulous tactics to hide its agenda and defend its stance. Thus was the case when Christ was brought before the high priest of Jerusalem. One of the high priests who was involved in questioning Christ, struck Jesus in the face because of his response of honesty to the high priest... Jesus amazingly maintained composure, and replied... "If I said something wrong,... testify to what is wrong, but if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me"
Do you suppose that the high priest realized he was actually slapping the face of his creator.... The one who gave him his very life and breath ? Jesus had openly shown who he was... he backed it up with words and deeds and miracles... and yet this high priest and the others who followed him to give him up to Pilate actually believed their own deception. Deception is like that. It starts with things like jealousy, envy, anger, and a false sense of what real living is about and can lead to a number of ways that we react to our own deceptions.
So as the drama unfolded, a number of other contrasts are seen. Pilate found Jesus not guilty, and looked for a way out that would make him not have to take a stand on his very own declaration of "Not Guilty"... He had actually said he found no guilt in this man, but because of his fears, he started figuring a convenient way around the truth, and placed the option back to the people. Pilate saw the truth in what Jesus said, but still chose to deceive himself, by offsetting his responsibility. Somehow then, he would not be guilty of condemning an innocent person.
In all of this, Christ stood silent before his accusers, because he knew the mission God the Father had put him on, and man's willingness to be deceived was only a vehicle for God to sacrifice his only Son for the very sins done against him. That is the way truth is... It doesn't have to defend itself before man. It simply stands. It simply convicts. That is why Jesus said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me." And his credentials stood on their own... He healed the sick, raised the dead, turned the water into wine, and he died in our stead on the cross, was buried, and rose again. What a savior.
Redemption vs. Condemnation
As I contemplate the contrasting events of the Passover Week, I am humbled to think that Christ did all he did for us for a simple reason... "Redemption". Romans says that "There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." What an incredible thought. From being at minimum one of the crowd who sent Christ to the cross, because of my sins, to being Forgiven. That is contrast. From hopelessness to eternal hope. Because Christ endured and took on the punishment of my sins.
May the blessing of Christ's sacrifice bless you this week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
O Holy Night
O Holy Night
I have to admit that I can listen to the song " O Holy Night " at least 20 times in a row near Christmas time because of the message it brings . Singers like Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Amy Grant can bring us as close as we can to that eventful night when Christ was born and his host of Angels announced it so brilliantly.
The time had come to announce the greatest gift ever. The hope of a weary and tired world hung in the balance. In an expression of majestic love a host of angels was sent in the night sky to the humble shepherds to declare that God was sending his only Son to make his dwelling among the people God had created. To the common worker came the noblest and most glorious musical announcement ever to fall upon the ears of mankind.
Set against the backdrop of a crystal clear and starry night, the Host of Angels sent from the very throne of God put on a concert of praise to the shepherds in the field.
Christ the Savior is born to you tonight ! A hope to the nations, a gift to the humblest of men in the most difficult of places.
The words of the song speak the message best.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Break out your favorite singer's rendition and give it a listen. Revel in the message. You are valued by the King of the Heavens. fall on the knees of your heart and worship him in this season.
It'll be like you were there in the fields with the Shepherds yourself.
Merry Christmas !
His Servant,
Jeff
I have to admit that I can listen to the song " O Holy Night " at least 20 times in a row near Christmas time because of the message it brings . Singers like Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Amy Grant can bring us as close as we can to that eventful night when Christ was born and his host of Angels announced it so brilliantly.
The time had come to announce the greatest gift ever. The hope of a weary and tired world hung in the balance. In an expression of majestic love a host of angels was sent in the night sky to the humble shepherds to declare that God was sending his only Son to make his dwelling among the people God had created. To the common worker came the noblest and most glorious musical announcement ever to fall upon the ears of mankind.
Set against the backdrop of a crystal clear and starry night, the Host of Angels sent from the very throne of God put on a concert of praise to the shepherds in the field.
Christ the Savior is born to you tonight ! A hope to the nations, a gift to the humblest of men in the most difficult of places.
The words of the song speak the message best.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Break out your favorite singer's rendition and give it a listen. Revel in the message. You are valued by the King of the Heavens. fall on the knees of your heart and worship him in this season.
It'll be like you were there in the fields with the Shepherds yourself.
Merry Christmas !
His Servant,
Jeff
Monday, July 5, 2010
This Thing Called Love
Throughout the history of man, This Thing Called Love, has been written about, songs have been played, poems written, wars fought, and even lives lost in the pursuit of love, or the act of love. So what is it about love that burns so deep in the soul of human kind. And furthermore, just what is love really. Is it the emotion felt in the passion of a sweetheart relationship? Is it the result of the deep human need to be connected to others? Or is it a God given need within man that like other needs, when allowed to be filled by God, unlocks the human heart to great things in relationship to both man and God.
Significance in the soul of man can be tied directly to the impact of love, or sadly, the lack thereof.
So how do we get our arms around this thing called love, so that it rests in our hearts and soul from our Divine Creator in the manner that it was intended for?
Consider the following verses from I Corinthians 13: 1-4
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
[3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Clearly every effort of our own, every accomplishment, every gift of talent, and every gift we give lacks completeness without this characteristic of love. Pretty heavy words if you think about it. Basically saying if you did what you did without love in your heart…. What have you really accomplished ?
In the movie “Chariots of Fire” depicting the lives of two very different runners in the early century Olympics, one runner ran to express his gift of running back to God, and the fulfillment showed in every stride and struggle in the movie. The other runner ran for fear… Fear of insignificance, fear of losing, fear of not being the best and falling short. At the end of the race, the first runner finished the race smiling as he felt the “pleasure of God” in his running. It was a matter of love that drove him and the satisfaction of his running wasn’t in the win itself, but rather in the expression of his God given gift being given back to God in the best expression of his worship and love for him.
That moment in the movie seeing him wins his race in the manner he did, reflected the very nature in which God desires us to win our races here on earth. The runner could have run the same race with the same satisfaction in front of an audience of only God and been satisfied.
To give love from our heart, we must have love in our heart… And that comes from the gift of God. We must abide in God always to be full of the right kind of love to live satisfied lives.
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. [17] In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
So as we delve into this thing called “Love”, always know that you are loved, and can realize a deep sense of love as you abide in the promises of God toward you.
Have a blessed week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Significance in the soul of man can be tied directly to the impact of love, or sadly, the lack thereof.
So how do we get our arms around this thing called love, so that it rests in our hearts and soul from our Divine Creator in the manner that it was intended for?
Consider the following verses from I Corinthians 13: 1-4
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
[3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Clearly every effort of our own, every accomplishment, every gift of talent, and every gift we give lacks completeness without this characteristic of love. Pretty heavy words if you think about it. Basically saying if you did what you did without love in your heart…. What have you really accomplished ?
In the movie “Chariots of Fire” depicting the lives of two very different runners in the early century Olympics, one runner ran to express his gift of running back to God, and the fulfillment showed in every stride and struggle in the movie. The other runner ran for fear… Fear of insignificance, fear of losing, fear of not being the best and falling short. At the end of the race, the first runner finished the race smiling as he felt the “pleasure of God” in his running. It was a matter of love that drove him and the satisfaction of his running wasn’t in the win itself, but rather in the expression of his God given gift being given back to God in the best expression of his worship and love for him.
That moment in the movie seeing him wins his race in the manner he did, reflected the very nature in which God desires us to win our races here on earth. The runner could have run the same race with the same satisfaction in front of an audience of only God and been satisfied.
To give love from our heart, we must have love in our heart… And that comes from the gift of God. We must abide in God always to be full of the right kind of love to live satisfied lives.
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. [17] In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
So as we delve into this thing called “Love”, always know that you are loved, and can realize a deep sense of love as you abide in the promises of God toward you.
Have a blessed week.
His Servant,
Jeff
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