Category Archives: God Loves You

See How Much Jesus Christ Loves You

Healing the Brokenhearted!!!!

For the Brokenhearted, God Loves You, Spiritual Food, To the Broken

What good romantic comedy or romance film is not centered around a Broken Heart? Whether it is at the very beginning of the film or more towards the middle of the movie, someone’s heart has been devastated by betrayal, lies, or broken trust. If it is true devastation, there will be either a death or complete abandonment, which shatters the heart of the star who is left reeling. But soon this drama will shift, and a new interest will appear, or the one who broke the heart will humbly return as a completely newly reformed individual to win back the love lost. And everyone lives happily ever after….The End. 

It’s funny how real life very seldom shares such a lovely finality. No, sometimes a broken heart 💔 hurts so bad, it’s like everything in you dries up like a desert, or how the Bible captured it in Proverbs 17:22 NKJV A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

I started grabbing Bible verses on the topic of brokenhearted a long while back, when dealing with the fact that my heart was and still is broken. I’d lost the heart of really by best friend years ago and have missed it ever since. It was just like the Bible to put it all into perspective, too—the hurt and pain it caused and the long-term effects. The Bible captured how it impacted famous biblical characters like David, Jeremiah, and even Solomon. I’d been sitting on this until today, when the Bible app used the key scripture that had been helping guide me to comfort: Psalm 34:18 NKJV: The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. 

I’m comforted that the Lord is near when my heart is broken, and my spirit is contrite (crushed). The word ‘contrite‘ really encapsulates the devastation a broken heart can cause. The word contrite in Hebrew means crushed into powder, utter destruction. WOW!!! Is that not how it feels? I’ve grabbed a few other verses on heartbreak below, but the pain and isolation of a broken heart remind me of the life of a leper. Matthew 8:2 NKJV And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 

In Hebrew days, the leper was literally cast off. Heartbreak can initially feel like that, like the one who had your heart, and everyone else around you has turned their backs on you, cast you out, and left you to fend for yourself. The leper was sent to a designated area away from all others not infected with this terrible disease so that nobody else could be contaminated, and even worse, no one would ever touch him again, and he was physically isolated as well, never to be able even to hug, caress, or kiss his loved ones again. Doesn’t heartbreak make you feel isolated, like nobody else understands or can help you, can relieve that hurt…that pain…that embarrassment…that shame. Not only do you feel isolated and abandoned, but literally your spirit is wounded, and your body physically hurts (But a broken spirit dries the bones). 

The devil’s method of (steal, kill, destroy Jn 10:10) begins with isolation. Isolation keeps you away from those who are sent to your life to pour love into you. You have friends that are always encouraging, always looking to make you smile, always wanting to “hang out,” sometimes it’s just getting downright irritating. However, God knows what we need, because He’s been dealing with this devil for a long time. By keeping that love from others away from you, the isolation keeps other voices from you and allows the enemy’s words to loom louder. You’re horrible, you don’t deserve love, it was all your fault, you will never be able to find love again—all kinds of lies, which add to the heartbreak and crushed spirit. 

Last week in the news (which is filled with heartbreak), there was a young college student who jumped to her death on campus. After one of the biggest weekends on campus and heading into the holidays, she was so heartbroken that she decided to end it all. Having a teenage daughter, there is nothing sadder to see than a young person feeling so crushed in spirit, isolated, and broken that a decision like that is all she thought she had. 

OK, let’s get to the good news. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart. Jesus is closer than you ever realize when your heart is broken, and He even said as much when making this declaration in the synagogue to the Jewish leadership: Luke 4:18 NKJV “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Jesus was sent to heal our brokenness, heal our broken hearts, which is why He remains near to those who have a broken heart.

This is also what the leper in Matthew’s Gospel found out: Jesus was not only sent, but He is more than willing to heal us. Matthew 8:3 NKJV Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately, his leprosy was cleansed. The love that Jesus has for us will always be unmatched by anyone or anything. Jesus demonstrated His love for this isolated, brokenhearted, and diseased leper by first touching him, then cleansing and healing him. Jesus restored this leper’s dignity, then his body, then his position in the community, all with one touch, one phrase, one anointing. That same anointing is awaiting you. He has drawn near to you. Ask Him to heal your broken heart 💔 today.

Romans 5:8 NKJV But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Weight of the World on His Shoulders

Giving Thanks, God Loves You, Spiritual Food

Luke 15:4-5 NKJV “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Exodus 28:12 NKJV And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders as a memorial.

I’m a retired Coast Guard Officer, and about a year before retirement I strained my shoulder (rotator cuff) while working out. I did some PT and eventually the pain was gone.  However, over the years every now and then it flares up.  Recently, I’ve noticed after a few rough nights of sleep, that my left shoulder was starting to hurt and a few weeks later my right one.  I was walking this morning when the Lord told me that my shoulders were hurting so bad because I continue to place the “weight of the world” on my shoulders, without giving the cares, concerns and worry fully over to Him.  You would figure that it would be great to know that the Lord cares so much and that He would provide this type of guidance, and it really is, what Love He has for me.  Yet, if I’m honest, it hurt.  It was quite painful, because I quote 1 Peter 5:7 (casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you) every single day, and every morning I start the day thanking God for taking these cares, providing me wisdom, giving me favor and supplying all of my needs. So how could I not be giving Him all of these worries and cares.  Shoot, I definitely dont want them so why am I holding on to them Lord?  That was what I asked Him today.

Now with all of that as background why did I choose these two verses?  

  1. We have to give up (consent).  Luke 15:4-5 NKJV “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  So while this is a very familiar text, I will never forget when Pastor Joseph Prince taught on what salvation truly is (https://youtu.be/W9AkJsf_cwo?si=GTHKhcAD4tAWiZ5h) and how we really repent.  We have to submit to be carried in other words must we consent.  Consent means to be in agreement; to give permission for something to happen.  We have to give Jesus permission to save us, love us and take all of our worries and cares.  If we don’t consent Jesus will not force Himself on us.  However, if we consent, He will overtake us (Deuteronomy 28:2 NKJV And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God) with his abundant Love, Favor and Protection).  
  2. We are already Positioned by our High Priest.  Exodus 28:12 NKJV And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders as a memorial.  This text is from the old testiment and shines light on the role of the High Priest and the position we are in as God’s sons and daughters.  Jesus is our High Priest and has positioned us righteous, next to the Father in heavenly places.  In that positioning we have freely been made righteous by Jesus’ shed blood, and unable to loose it because we did nothing to earn it.  We are already positioned for success, but we must know that and walk from that success and not to it; from righteousness not trying to go after it.   

Listen if we will consent to be loved and cared for by Jesus; He will overflow us with that Love.  When we know where we are positioned with Christ, we will stop trying to do enough to gain His righteousness, and walk in that righteousness to all of the blessing promised to us (Genesis 28:4 And give you the blessing of Abraham…).   

That’s the Way Love Goes

Family Ministry, God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , , ,

1 John 4:17-19 NKJV Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

OK so I guess I was having a Pastor Jamal Bryant moment with the title choice today (Pastor Bryant is known for his very provocative sermon titles).  However, when I read these three verses, and read them together it was the first thing that popped into my mind.  Why?

Maybe it was because it’s the title of a song that somewhat redefined Janet Jackson’s entire singing career.  That song and that album turned Janet from an international singing super star, who had just rose from under the shadow of her famous brother, to a global sensation and sex symbol who had now put herself among the same plan as her brother because she had displayed a new side of herself that no had ever expected.  WHAT??  Then why would I see John’s words and think of this secular star.  

One my brain could be a little warped and these three verses are considered the Consummation of Love; that word consummation means the completion, achievement, attainment, execution or conclusion of love.  It denotes the action of making a marriage or relationship complete by having sexual intercourse. The completion of the covenant. Just as this song and album completes Janet’s quest to become a global phenomenon this section of scripture consummated Jesus’ Love Toward Us when HE died on the cross for our sins.

The crazy thing is this; each of these verses have been preached, taught, meditated on and had entire conferences centered around them.  But when you read them together.  It just makes everything Crystal Clear!!!  

Love Consummated (or perfected)

  1. Perfect Oneness-(The Two Become One): Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.  
  2. Perfect Security: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
  3. Perfect Pursuit: We love Him because He first loved us.

This radically changes how you see a relationship.  Because our relationship with God was perfected the minute He had Jesus come to earth to live and give His life so that we all would be able to be loved.  Jesus made it possible for God to truly demonstrate His love for us.  The cross allowed us to become one with Jesus and be seated at the right hand of God.  Because of His sacrifice, sin which kept us apart from God was destroyed, removed as a barrier to Him.  Now He could pour out His great love toward us like never before.  We were able to literally become One with God (John 17:22 NKJV And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one).   

Next we understand the true Security of His love for us.  To be secure is the be safe, have a feeling of safety or even the constant state of being protected against any danger or threat.  Being secure, stable, firm in your place.  I just looked up the three biggest fears of mankind and they are; death, abandonment, and failure.  Man, O could cry crocodile tears right there because that is the way the devil (our enemy) comes at me damn near every day.  Death, he is always reminding me of when my father and grandfather died so why do you think you will live to much longer; showing me a ton of people dying in and around that age.  Then he attacks with abandonment, being isolated loosing relationship focusing on how everyone around me wants nothing to do with me, I’d they had their choice they would be somewhere or be with someone else.  Always pushing me towards isolation.  Let me tell you first hand for a people person that sucks… Yet, let me also tell you what God says to us (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”) Jesus died on the Crosss and was resurrected to the Father, He never abandoned us but gave us Forever Help (John 15:26 NKJV “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me).  We are not alone….

Then lastly, that failure attack!! It is a non-stop attempt to minimize any accomplishment, overemphasize or stress any setback or unmet goal.  It literally diminished almost any success and makes the world come crashing down with any and every inevitable missed opportunity, problem, or unmet expectation.  I see this every single day as a business owner.  It becomes so hard to celebrate the small victories because of the constant thought of one dropped ball bring the whole thing crashing down.  However, when I find myself here I have to recall Jesus’ perfect love which gives me the option to cast all of these cares on Him (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you).  A big part of God’s perfected love is that He does not force anything, this then causes us to submit ourselves to be loved.  You have to humble you to give all of this stuff in us to God.  When we won’t humble ourselves and allow Him to love us we hold on to the fear of abandonment afraid that if we give it He may decide it’s too much and leave as well not accepting the fact that He cares for you.  His care for us loves the mess out of us.  

God came after us, it was a full out Pursuit.  God chased us down.  To show us why we needed him (the Law; wages of sin); to demonstrate true love (that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us) and lastly giving us blessed assurance (John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”) He has paved the way for us to overcome and He has made a place with Him forever (John 14:2-3 NKJV  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also).  When we were pursued in the manner that God pursued each of us we cannot help but be loved and then return that love (because He first loved us). 

We need this Love, but the majority of the world does not accept it and they look for it everywhere else.  

But you know what….That’s the Way Love Goes.  

A Touchless Society

Emotional, Family Ministry, God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

The Modern Day Leper

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

We live in a day of Touchless Technology.  This technology is used in numerous settings, including restaurants, stores, schools, and was especially vital during COVID.  It allows us to interact with devices and systems without physical contact and was implemented to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.  However, we never returned to interacting with each other.  I believe that while the effects of  COVID increased this trend of usage for safety, today it is used more for convenience, than anything else.  We seem to be looking for convenient ways not to have anything to do with other people.  Sad Right; yet I believe that many people enjoy the isolation. 

Leviticus 13:50 The priest shall examine the plague and isolate that which has the plague seven days.

Isolate: to shut, to close, to be shut up.  

The definition is interesting; shut, closed and be silenced.  Isolation is physically shutting you up and shutting up the community around you.  In isolation the enemy’s voice often becomes the loudest, and in isolation we remove our access to some essential needs.  

What needs: of the top 5 things that are documented as critical needs for a newborn, like being fed, good hygiene, and safety, is the Parental or Caregiver’s affection and interaction.  The affection and interaction include holding, cuddling, talking to, and responding to the baby’s needs; each are vital for the emotional well-being of the child.  Well just like for the baby, Affection is very important to us as children and adults; it contributes significantly to our sense of well-being, connection, and a feeling of being loved.  This need of emotional and physical intimacy through affectionate touch, hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation are key to grown people feeling secure and valued in a relationship.

Leviticus 13:45-46 “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’  46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.

So imagine this leper who is coming to Jesus; this man’s body is literally deteriorating before him.  Not only the physical pain in his body; but the emotional pain of utter neglect had to be excruciating.  A Middle Aged man in Jesus’ day would be married with a pretty large family. So you would have to think that this man had been isolated from the city, from his neighbors, from his wife and from his kids.  Yet not only isolated from them, the very ones who loved him.  But rejected by them because they did not want to catch what he had.  Ridiculed by the people of the city because they treated the lepers lower than vermin.  An even ostracized by the religious leaders as they proclaimed their leprosy was tied to their sin.  Imagine being berated physically, emotionally and spiritually for weeks, months, or even years.  We don’t exactly how long this man was with this agonizing disease but we do know it was long enough that when he went and told the people and church leaders what happened many believed because they knew his condition.  

What does this have to do with Touchless Technology?  We have unknowingly created a bunch of lepers today as we in general have disconnected physically and emotionally.  Just like the leper isolated, lonely and ill repute (the state of being held in low esteem by the public).  The impact of lack of touch and affection, can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even decreased relationship satisfaction.

Phones and other tech have replaced simple dialogue, conversation and even just being present with others.  Hugs, holding hands, cuddling, and normal physical contact is missing.  And just look at the impact below of what we miss, taken from a summary of studies:

*Emotional connection:
Physical affection like hugs and cuddles releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and feelings of closeness, which is crucial for men and women to feel connected to their partner. 

*Self-esteem boost:
Receiving affection can significantly enhance a person’s self-esteem and sense of worth. 

*Stress reduction:
Physical touch has been shown to reduce stress levels in men and women. 

*Communication tool:
Affection can be a powerful way to express love and appreciation, even without words. 

Although the technology has Changed Jesus Remains the same.  When we’re isolated and alone; Jesus is always willing  (“I am willing; be cleansed.”) to touch us!!  His touch restores and makes us whole.  

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Brothers In Christ (BIC) Golf Tournament 

God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

Thoughts from the weekend…

So, if I had to sum up the weekend I spent at Myrtle Beach for the BIC (Brothers In Christ) Golf Tournament, it would be this: To God Be the Glory. 

This Tournament is about God and golf and how, when these men prioritize God correctly, they can be used to Dive Deeper in our walk with Christ, disciple those looking for encouragement and practical steps, and draw those who are on the verge of dynamically changing their lives. 

Dive Deeper:

Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled. When we come together as men, we are a powerful force. When we show up in numbers, the whole world takes notice. (Everyone wanted to know what was happening when these 70 men were together on one accord; they were fearful, frustrated, and then fascinated by our presence in the different courses and restaurants over the weekend). 

When we search for righteousness, the Lord is eager to remind us of what He did to provide it. He reminds us that it is free because He paid the cost and of the power when we walk in it. 

Those who come to fellowship with other like-minded individuals are always blessed. When they are opened to hearing from Christ, they will not be disappointed because He inhabits a group of men who praise and honor Him. This is when we can dive deeper into Jesus. 

Disciple Men: 

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

There were men at this tournament that were not committee to God. Some were curious about what total commitment looked like, and some were saved brothers who just needed some encouragement & practical steps that would help them apply the word to their everyday lives. They needed men who could walk with them during this short time to build relationships and would take some practical steps with them as they returned home. This is when these men who may work on their gold game pretty regularly can now work on their walk pretty regularly. Discuss practical steps that help produce discipline in areas of life that were missing. 

Lastly,

Drawing Men to Christ:

John 12:32-33 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

The consistent focus on Jesus throughout the weekend helps to distinguish the gap of life without Jesus and the eternal promise of hope that only comes with a relationship with Jesus. The real area of passion I could see is the men who showed up just for the golf and to bang out away from home. This is where God is really excited because many of these men were not thinking about Jesus, yet the atmosphere of every event and group setting is to lift up the name of Jesus. When that atmosphere is set, many of these men meet Jesus face to face and have the opportunity to say yes to a God who has been drawing them for some time. 

The week excites me, and I am looking forward to attending in the future and taking a more active role in prioritizing Jesus so that He can execute these three steps in men’s lives. 

The Backstory: Jeremiah 29:11

God Loves You, Spiritual Food, When Going Through Chaotic Times

What is a Backstory? A backstory, background story, background, or legend is a set of events invented for a plot preceding and leading up to that plot.

We should be pretty familiar with it as movie lovers. All of our favorite movie franchises eventually add one, if not more. It is the new sequel. It is where a great franchise like Star Wars wants to make more money, so they go before the movies we love to create a background of how the characters we know came to be. 

I believe that is needed here for one of the most quoted scriptures of Jeremiah the Prophet. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Wow, what great encouragement to know that God has thought about our future and has made plans accordingly. Plans that will bring about peace and give us hope for the future. Man, that must feel good. And while this feels so good to us now, can I tell you how exponentially better it was for Israel to hear those words when Jeremiah wrote them?

We live in a very chaotic time now; fear and anxiety are rampant like never before. Both of these feelings make companies and corporations Billions of dollars monthly so there is no reason they want to see those things change. 

Well, imagine living at a time where you are living in a country where the leaders don’t serve the Most High God but numerous other Gods (easy, right; 2 Tim 3:1-6). Well, now, imagine living your life during that time, then out of nowhere, another country comes in and destroys your land, kills many people, and then takes you and most of who you know that might still be alive captive and forces you to move (walking). 

And get this: today, the distance between Babylon and Jerusalem is only 750 miles (a much more direct route). Well, the route the travelers took in those days was more along the rivers, so they had to walk approximately 1,700 miles. So you are far from home and now captive, living as slaves. A new country is demanding you serve them; they have different rules, food, and customs. Everything is different. 

But check this: not everyone was taken captive; some people were ordered to stay back in Jerusalem (some family members) and forced to live in their homes under Babylonian rule. So they were ripped apart from their families and taken miles away. At the same time, their homeland became colonized by another powerful country (sounding way too familiar, but the devil has one play sheet to kill, steal, and destroy).

Now, as you go through this transition, people are speaking and telling you what the Prophets are saying. Now, a prophet back then was their voice directly from God. Usually, the country has one or two to three Prophets known and allowed by the King to speak, and everyone listens. Well know many prophets were rising up and numerous voices were saying “Thus says the Lord” yet they were not saying the same thing imagine the complete chaos this would bring? 

Many prophets were telling the people to rebel and to try to escape and go back to Jerusalem. Others were saying stay but rebel and do only what we did in Israel. Don’t do what they are telling you to do. You do not know what the mess is going on and what will happen next. “We are doomed.” With all of this background in steps Jeremiah, who had been called and known by the Lord from before birth. His was the most respected voice as what he’d prophesied always came to pass, and everyone knew God’s hand was on him. (It would be as if Pastor Joel came to our house and told us this is what God told me to say to you…). 

First he tells them in chapter 29:4-10 to live, dwell, do life. Live the best life you can, get married, have children, dwell in this land, and make the best of it because you will be here for the next generation (70 years is what he told them). Grow and increase where you are. Keep praying to God; He will give you peace where you are and still be with you in this foreign land. Don’t be fooled by those who say they are from God, but don’t speak for him (know your Word, and no one can fool you…It Is Written Matt 4:4). In all this, once the 70 years are over, I will step in and take you back home. Then comes this most powerful voice; how much more powerful is this verse now, given the backstory??? 

We live in a crazy time; but none crazier than when it was actually spoken to God’s people. So receive this same word today and everyday to help you navigate today’s crazy. I hope this encourages you. God’s Got Plans For You and they are sooo so Good. 

The Miracle of God’s Grace

God Loves You, Spiritual Food,

2 Cor 12:8-9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul more than any of the Apostles of Christ received a wealth of revelation regarding God’s Grace; he had a unique understanding, that he graciously shared with the body. We misinterpret His Grace often often; we’ve heard it taught in many different ways but what is His Grace and when do we need it. Very short answer; Everything and Everyday (min & hour)!! In Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthian church, he gave an incredible lesson on God’s Grace and if we do a little digging into his words, we will be able to see the Miracle that is God’s Grace.

1. First thing we need to address is that God is speaking to us: And He said to me. This is the first miraculous portion of this text; do you recall who exactly Paul was? Paul was a persecutor of those who followed Jesus. He literally had these people jailed, stoned and even killed. Paul couldn’t be more of an enemy of God. Yet, Jesus still spoke to Paul; He actually went way beyond just speaking to Paul, He corrected Paul; He forgave Paul; He equipped Paul and He used Paul to glorify Himself. This is Grace; Jesus made His enemy His Son. This Grace is also extended to each one of us. We were once an enemy of God; yet Jesus corrected, forgave, equipped, and desires to use us. His plans for us are similar to the miraculous transformation of Paul. The Lord spoke to Paul and today speaks to us. What a miracle; God finds us worthy of His Grace

2. Distinction between His Grace and Our Grace: My grace is sufficient for you. The Grace Jesus speaks of to Paul is an inexhaustible empowerment that regardless of what we’ve done or will do; regardless of what we’ll ever need; is available to us in abundance. His Grace is sufficient because it never runs out; this word sufficient actually means to be content, to be enough, to suffice. His Grace however, is always more than enough; because He does exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think (Eph 3:20). No matter what you and I need, what is burdening us (like Paul’s thorn in the flesh), or even what we don’t realize is (God’s plan Jer 29:11) planned for us; His Grace is more than enough. Yet another miracle of His Grace, it’s Inexhaustible.

3. Our Weakness is His Strength: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. The Lord declares that His strength is perfected in our weakness. That means that every time we feel weak, it is an opportunity for God to show His strength in our situation. Therefore, we need to first acknowledge our weaknesses. Now our weakness is clear to us (and especially to those around us) yet when we don’t acknowledge that we have weaknesses, we are being Proud. Peter actually helps us with this, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:5). It is by humility that we acknowledge our weakness, but we then must give those weaknesses to the Lord: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Pet 5:7). When we do this; (Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time), God’s strength will lift us high enough to be seen (witnessed) by others. This means God has the opportunity to demonstrate His Strength in each of us, when we give Him consent (by casting our weaknesses). The miracle is that our weakness draws God’s Strength into our lives.

4. Boast on Your Infirmities: Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. The thought of boasting (the word boast means to glory, joy or rejoice in) in your weaknesses just defies all human logic. We want to glory in our strengths; those things we’re good at. It takes extreme humility to show our vulnerability and to do the exact opposite of what seems right to man. To take joy in or tell others about our weakness or shortcomings is exactly what Paul is doing and exhorting us to do. Being vulnerable and acknowledging our weaknesses gives us the ability to sit back and watch God show Himself STRONG in the very areas need the most. The miracle; is that Strength is demonstrated via our Vulnerability. The things we want to hide are the things that God will use. So Rejoice in the Lord and in your weakness; then God has the opportunity to demonstrate His great power in Us.

The Lord’s Guide to Loving Your Spouse

Family Ministry, God Loves You, ,

John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

I was recently talking to the Lord about marriage and I asked Him to give me a fresh word on the topic. When we’ve been walking with Christ for some time we can tend to hear the same verses preached time and time again.  If a preacher gets up and says the topic is marriage, certain scripture immediately come to mind in the Gospels, 1st Corinthians or Ephesians.  So it made me laugh a little when God took me too a familiar, yet out of the box verse that seemingly has nothing to do with marriage…. oh but it indeed has everything to do with it.

John 15 reminds us of Jesus’ words to His followers; we are to look to God’s love for Jesus as our guide and example to see love demonstrated, receive love and most important (especially in marriage), how to love others (Spouse).  We cannot look to the world, the church or even our own parent when it comes to loving our spouses, because:
*The world tends to treat marriage as a romantic comedy, trashy novel or sometimes both.  What do I mean?  There is always a happy ending, even if it means disregarding the sanctity and principles of marriage.  The world has no standard, instead it has numerous different ones and use whichever one suits their desire.
*The Church because although this should be where we go for examples, but unfortunately the church is made up of man and often when you look to man you open yourself up to disappointment.  Today, the numbers are quite discouraging, but more than 50% of these marriages are ending in divorce, there seems to be a huge disconnect!
*Our Parents, even though this is where most of our actions within marriage comes from; whether we want it to or not.  Many have parents that have been married for years, some have endured divorce and others have parents who have never been married.  Even in the best of situations, if we will be honest, there are many things that we’ve seen, experience or even vowed never to do, that we less than ideal examples to follow.  And while we should not blame our parents, because they did not have perfect models to follow either.

However, we do have hope and a guide provided by the Lord Himself. Jesus makes it clear with His own words that His example of how to love was from only one source. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you,” Jesus loved others as He was loved by his Daddy God.  God’s love for us is amazing, He gave us His very best when we did not deserve it.  God made plans for us (plans to prosper us and give us hope), He made provisions for us and He wrote a book full of love letters for us.  So, we have to first decide if God has loved us like this, which is typically the trickiest thing to do.  If He has then we are to love our spouses in the same manner.

He then encourages us to live, stay and remain in this love, “Now remain in my love.”  The word remain (or abide in the KJV) means to live, dwell or spend your time in God’s love for you.  The most important thing we can do in order to love our spouses is to become saturated in God’s love for us.  I look at it like this, most of us take showers and not baths.  Why?  A shower is much faster, easier, cleaner and focuses maximizing time to do other things.  However, a bath takes much more time, it is more difficult, it can get really messy and is really focuses on you (you feel refreshed when finished).  We do the same with God’s Love, we don’t spend time bathing in it, we allow a little to fall on us so we can get on to other things (there is so much to do).  When we really abide/remain in God’s love for us, our self-esteem is improved, confidence is greater and our trust in God goes through the roof.  We end up filled and are in a much better place to pour out love for our spouses.  When we don’t remain is His love, like I’ve often done, we end up loving out of frustration, disappointment and stress caused by daily life.  Remember; you get out what you put in, so when that is how you’re loving; that is what is being received by those you’re trying to love.  Your spouse is receiving the frustration, disappointment and stress you’re giving in the form of your love.  Did you ever get a gift you did not want 🙂  When we learn to bathe in God’s love for us and get full, we can then effectively love our spouses; and what they receive will become a part of their baths.

How then do we take this bath? Jesus said “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”  Keep and Commands become important words for our understanding.  The word keep means to guard, protect, build a fortress around; this is something very valuable.  The word Commands in this verse denotes a prescription, just like what a doctor would give you to heal an illness.  This prescription is the word of God, the bible the precept upon precept that Jesus came in human form to display for all to see or receive in written form; it is the “Prescription of Life.”  When we guard and protect God’s prescription for life we bathe in God’s love and are fulfilled.

Jesus told us this for one reason “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (full),” and if you receive this for your marriage today, I declare you marriage will be full of the Joy of the Lord!!!

Familiar Worship

Giving Thanks, God Loves You

John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

A few weeks ago during Praise & Worship at church (I told you about that earlier), the Lord took me back to the days of old and reminded me of my love of worship. I was singing a song that we’ve sung numerous times; the words were on the screen and etched in my mind. The problem was the song was great to sing, but that is not why we’re signing it. The reason God took me back was because I found myself singing the words to the song, yet not singing them to the God who loves me so much. True worship is to “worship the Father in spirit and truth.” One thing I’ve always done during praise and worship is change up certain words of the songs, to take it from second to first person. That was always something that helps me intentionally keep my focus on Jesus. I can then sing them as if I wrote them myself specifically to sing to my closest friend. I would change the We to I or the His/Him to You (just a couple so you get the picture).

This is just one small way I keep the worship from becoming too familiar. I’ve heard my wife use the saying, “Familiarity Breeds Contempt,” when speaking about how easy it is to neglect and disparage the very thing that used to be “sacred.” The very words used to lift up the name of the Lord can become familiar and seem like just words. It sounds horrible doesn’t it? I’ve got a suggestion for you should you ever find yourself going thru the motions during praise and worship. Don’t waste time feeling condemned, because the devil would like nothing less. Instead, be excited that the Jesus loves you so much that He’s willing to remind you how to be a “true worshipers.” He will give you ways to keep His worship fresh thru you, in “in spirit and truth.” Whether it be changing the words while singing or saturating yourself in scripture prior to; so you’re reminded of just how much love God has for you. Whatever you choose just believe God receives it in Jesus name. Now go on and get your worship on…..

Name Dropping

Church Leaders, God Loves You,

Phil 2: 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

I was recently in a conversation with a colleague after seeing a picture in his office. The picture was with a former president. I commented and he told me about the encounter, since I also had a picture with the same president, I told my story. What ensued was a battle of name dropping, we both began to tell stories about “important” people we’d met in our lifetime. It was not intentional, it just sort of happened. I realized later in a moment of worship (I hear from the Lord a lot during worship; because He inhabits the praise of His people), that we were putting a great deal of our worth/importance in many of the names we were dropping. Then the Lord gently and graciously reminded me that there is a name greater than all those names we were so excited to share. The name I should have been dropping was Jesus, the name at which every knee shall bow and every tongue should confess.

Philippians reminds us why it is so impactful to name drop the King of Kings, because it is done “to the glory of God the Father.” Rather than try to use the names of others to make yourself look better or to prop us up. Drop the Name of Jesus, who makes all of us better, He loves us and lifts us higher to the Glory of God. He is the only one we need to know J