Stimulus….Bailout…Bankruptcy…War…Recession…Depression…
Foreclosure…Catastrophe…Loss…Unemployment…The Housing Market Collapse
These are just some of the “Buzz” words that I pulled from various headlines just today. It appears that the world is spinning out of control like Taz (the Tasmanian Devil) from the Looney Tunes cartoons. If you listen and believe everything you hear, you could almost compare the current world situation to being on a plane in which the pilot and co-pilot have had heart attacks and the plane is accelerating toward the ground and a deadly crash is imminent.
The pressures and the challenges that we face personally and collectively can seem overwhelming. We can easily get pulled in various directions by the cares of this world and these days…peace of mind seems so hard to find.
People are turning to all sorts of “temporary” fixes to “ease the pain”. Unfortunately some have even looked toward death as their only hope to find peace and to end their quest to find solutions to their problems. In doing so, they think that they will be able to “Rest in Peace”…but…
How can we live in peace???
Philippians 4:6-9 (The Message)
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
True peace can only come through a relationship with God. Knowing that God’s power is superior to any problem that we face can give us the confidence and blessed assurance that we need to turn our problems into praise.
The key is to be grounded. Too many people build their lives on weak foundations that are centered on their own strength, intellect and abilities. So when the storms of life (like the one we are currently experiencing) start to rage, they collapse. A person who is grounded through an eternal relationship with God, can withstand whatever comes his/her way for it is not his/her strength that is allowing him/her to stand.
You may be facing what seems like insurmountable challenges in you marriage, in various family relationships, in you career, in your finances, in your community, in your church…etc and you may be searching for peace. I urge you today to evaluate your relationship with God. Many of us have tried it our way and already know where that will lead us. We have sometimes been the architects of the plans that lead to self-demise.
Why not try it God’s way? Why not shift your focus from your problems to God’s solutions. By having God’s perspective or take on your life you can begin to see how the “challenges” you face are just a small piece of the Great Masterpiece that is “You”. When you have His perspective you can have joy through uncertain and desolate times for you know that everything is working together for your ultimate good as you seek to love God more and more each day.
Let today be the day that you find peace through your relationship with God.
May you L.I.P. (Live in Peace)
Be Blessed,
B
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Not Easily Broken
This weekend my wife and I saw the movie, “Not Easily Broken”. Without giving it totally away, the movie tells the story of how various people cope with the challenges of life and the complexities of changing life situations. The story centered around a couple who on paper were perfect; yet life’s changing circumstances forced them to take a deep look inside to realize that they had ignored and neglected the true strength behind their relationship and the bond that they vowed to protect when they committed themselves to one another.
Life is filled with distractions. These distractions come in many forms and have may names. Careers, Friends, Family, Stress, Death, Loss, Success, Health, etc. Anything in your life that takes your focus away from you ultimate purpose or from your relationship with God is a distraction. As with the main characters in the movie, as they drifted away from their “1st Love”, the strength that came with putting God first also diminished in their lives. They began to drift apart and they tried to fill the void left by the absence of the Love of God with other things. They soon found out that the voids in their lives reserved for God to fill could only be filled by Him…nothing else would do.
Instead of relying on one another and on God, they became inward focused and tried to find fulfillment in themselves. God has not called any of us to be “solo artist”. Everyone has a purpose and function within God’s plan and each person is a contributing part to the whole. There is strength in numbers especially when God is in the “counted”.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says:
9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! 11 Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. 12 By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped
This was the basis for the movie and holds a simple truth. We are more apt to fail when we go it totally alone. We increase our chances for success when we partner with others. Furthermore, if we operate with the “three-stranded rope” mentality where we allow God to be the 3rd strand that binds together our partnerships/relationships, we will find that our relationships will be successful and fulfilling and our lives they will become “Not Easily Broken”.
Individually, we can easily find ourselves overcome and overwhelmed with our situations and circumstances. The strength of all of our relationships can and will be tested. It is those relationships that are fused together by God that will empower us to press on and to be victorious.
Take time today to reflect on your relationships. With God, with your spouse, with your children, with your siblings, with your friends, with your extended family, with your neighbors, with your co-workers… Have you gotten off track and forgotten your 1st love? Are those relationships suffering because you have allowed the “distractions” of life to dominate your thoughts, to dictate your actions and to put a strain on your relationships? Take time today to sincerely express your love toward someone who you have been too “distracted” to love. Let him/her know that the bond of love that you share is one that is “Not Easily Broken”.
Be Blessed,
B
Life is filled with distractions. These distractions come in many forms and have may names. Careers, Friends, Family, Stress, Death, Loss, Success, Health, etc. Anything in your life that takes your focus away from you ultimate purpose or from your relationship with God is a distraction. As with the main characters in the movie, as they drifted away from their “1st Love”, the strength that came with putting God first also diminished in their lives. They began to drift apart and they tried to fill the void left by the absence of the Love of God with other things. They soon found out that the voids in their lives reserved for God to fill could only be filled by Him…nothing else would do.
Instead of relying on one another and on God, they became inward focused and tried to find fulfillment in themselves. God has not called any of us to be “solo artist”. Everyone has a purpose and function within God’s plan and each person is a contributing part to the whole. There is strength in numbers especially when God is in the “counted”.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says:
9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! 11 Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. 12 By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped
This was the basis for the movie and holds a simple truth. We are more apt to fail when we go it totally alone. We increase our chances for success when we partner with others. Furthermore, if we operate with the “three-stranded rope” mentality where we allow God to be the 3rd strand that binds together our partnerships/relationships, we will find that our relationships will be successful and fulfilling and our lives they will become “Not Easily Broken”.
Individually, we can easily find ourselves overcome and overwhelmed with our situations and circumstances. The strength of all of our relationships can and will be tested. It is those relationships that are fused together by God that will empower us to press on and to be victorious.
Take time today to reflect on your relationships. With God, with your spouse, with your children, with your siblings, with your friends, with your extended family, with your neighbors, with your co-workers… Have you gotten off track and forgotten your 1st love? Are those relationships suffering because you have allowed the “distractions” of life to dominate your thoughts, to dictate your actions and to put a strain on your relationships? Take time today to sincerely express your love toward someone who you have been too “distracted” to love. Let him/her know that the bond of love that you share is one that is “Not Easily Broken”.
Be Blessed,
B
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Can I Have Some?
As a child I remember my Dad would sometimes intentionally test my character. These tests would come in several forms. One test was the “selfishness test”. This would often occur while I was enjoying my favorite snack, meal or desert. My dad would look at me while I was totally consumed by the pleasure that I was receiving from my treat and he would simply ask…”Can I have some?” Sometimes he would ask after he had finished his share of the same item, but other times he would ask when he didn’t. He wanted to see where my hart was and if I realized that the things that I had the pleasure of enjoying usually were a direct result of the sacrifices that he made. He would go without so that I could have. All that he asked on occasion was “Can I have some?”
On several occasions, after he made the request, he had something greater in store for me than what I was giving up. For instance, if I shared “my “ chips with him, he would surprise me and let me know that he had picked up my favorite drink or cookies from the store and they were in the kitchen just waiting on me. This was great, but it was not always the case or it would not have been a true test of selfishness. If you know you are going to be immediately rewarded whenever you act unselfishly, then you may not have the proper motivation for giving. Being selfless is not about earning future rewards it is about demonstrating love.
…so there I was with the choice.
Do I give up what I have in the hopes that I might get more???? Or do I just act selflessly and share with the one who has sacrificed himself for me. Looking at it through my eyes as an adult…it is a "no brainer", but as a kid this was tough stuff.
In this season of giving, we are also faced with a society that is telling us to cut back because the times are lean. They say…Help yourself because your employer and the market are not concerned with you. Hold and save every penny you can because you may need it tomorrow. I think that this is a time where we can lose track of the BIG PICTURE. People more than ever are in need. This is not the time to hold on to everything, but it is a time to help those in need. God through His love for us has given us so much. He has put us in a position to let His Kingdom come and His will to be done on Earth. He needs us to be His ambassadors of Love. One of the ways that we express His Love is by giving. God’s principle is that as we give we will be blessed.
Prov. 24:11-12 says:
24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
As we approach the thick of the holiday season, let us be mindful of the world outside the 4 walls in which we live. There are people that are hurting, dying and in dire need of just a portion of our excess. Why not choose to go against the tide and give to those in need this year? Go above and beyond what you have done in the past and truly allow God’s Love to be demonstrated to the World through your giving. Give your time, your talents and you $$$.
Remember, just as my Dad reminded me as a child….God is more concerned with what you keep for yourself, than what you give. The true spirit of giving is about sacrifice, for if you have not sacrificed, you have not even begun to genuinely give.
God is asking…”Can I have some?” The choice is now yours.
Be Blessed,
B
On several occasions, after he made the request, he had something greater in store for me than what I was giving up. For instance, if I shared “my “ chips with him, he would surprise me and let me know that he had picked up my favorite drink or cookies from the store and they were in the kitchen just waiting on me. This was great, but it was not always the case or it would not have been a true test of selfishness. If you know you are going to be immediately rewarded whenever you act unselfishly, then you may not have the proper motivation for giving. Being selfless is not about earning future rewards it is about demonstrating love.
…so there I was with the choice.
Do I give up what I have in the hopes that I might get more???? Or do I just act selflessly and share with the one who has sacrificed himself for me. Looking at it through my eyes as an adult…it is a "no brainer", but as a kid this was tough stuff.
In this season of giving, we are also faced with a society that is telling us to cut back because the times are lean. They say…Help yourself because your employer and the market are not concerned with you. Hold and save every penny you can because you may need it tomorrow. I think that this is a time where we can lose track of the BIG PICTURE. People more than ever are in need. This is not the time to hold on to everything, but it is a time to help those in need. God through His love for us has given us so much. He has put us in a position to let His Kingdom come and His will to be done on Earth. He needs us to be His ambassadors of Love. One of the ways that we express His Love is by giving. God’s principle is that as we give we will be blessed.
Prov. 24:11-12 says:
24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
As we approach the thick of the holiday season, let us be mindful of the world outside the 4 walls in which we live. There are people that are hurting, dying and in dire need of just a portion of our excess. Why not choose to go against the tide and give to those in need this year? Go above and beyond what you have done in the past and truly allow God’s Love to be demonstrated to the World through your giving. Give your time, your talents and you $$$.
Remember, just as my Dad reminded me as a child….God is more concerned with what you keep for yourself, than what you give. The true spirit of giving is about sacrifice, for if you have not sacrificed, you have not even begun to genuinely give.
God is asking…”Can I have some?” The choice is now yours.
Be Blessed,
B
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Give them what you "Got"
Fall is in full force and winter is right around the corner. This is the time of year that is famous for the flu, colds, stomach virus, pink eye etc... Those of you with kids know this season oh too well. The kids bring all kinds of germs home to “spread the love” all around the house to the rest of the family. In my house we take extra precautions to try to make sure that when someone is sick they and they alone are remain sick (until the illness has pass). To accomplish this we make the “infected person” wear a hospital mask and we quarantine him/her. The contagious person is confined to his/her bedroom and their bathroom. Once remarkable signs of wellness are displayed, we then allow the person back into the common areas of the house.
You may think this is cruel, but hey…it works for us.
Being contagious carries with it a stigma. If you don’t think so, the next time you are in a crowd place say the words “I’m contagious” in a voice that is slightly louder than your regular speaking voice and just watch people’s reactions. I’m sure they will frown, shy away from you or totally remove themselves from your presence.
As Children of God, we are called to be contagious. We should have a burning desire to spread the “affectious” (Jesse Jackson word of the day) nature of God around. We are called to “infect” those in our circle of influence. We should give them what we “got”. We are carriers of God’s Love, His Peace, His Strength, His Power, His Wisdom…etc. and it is only through us that His Kingdom can be brought forth and His “Good News” delivered.
Love is one of the most contagious “infections” that we carry. God loves His Son (Jesus), Jesus loves us (He died for us) and we are called to love one another. Jesus said:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love… 17This is my command: Love each other”. John 15:9, 17
Most people in the world will not hear the gospel if it is not delivered with love from a person that has demonstrated love toward them. Just think…if you are ministering to the hungry and you are offering them the “Bread of Life” but not meeting their physical need 1st, it will be hard for them to hear the “good news” over the roaring growl of their stomachs. True Love is the only way to have an impact on the lives of others. We must act in love at the direction of the Spirit of God.
What spiritual infection are you carrying? Are you keeping yourself quarantined? Are you keeping it to yourself? Why not make today the day that you “infect” those around you and boldly show that you are contagious? Make today the day that you “Spread the Love”.
Be Blessed,
B
You may think this is cruel, but hey…it works for us.
Being contagious carries with it a stigma. If you don’t think so, the next time you are in a crowd place say the words “I’m contagious” in a voice that is slightly louder than your regular speaking voice and just watch people’s reactions. I’m sure they will frown, shy away from you or totally remove themselves from your presence.
As Children of God, we are called to be contagious. We should have a burning desire to spread the “affectious” (Jesse Jackson word of the day) nature of God around. We are called to “infect” those in our circle of influence. We should give them what we “got”. We are carriers of God’s Love, His Peace, His Strength, His Power, His Wisdom…etc. and it is only through us that His Kingdom can be brought forth and His “Good News” delivered.
Love is one of the most contagious “infections” that we carry. God loves His Son (Jesus), Jesus loves us (He died for us) and we are called to love one another. Jesus said:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love… 17This is my command: Love each other”. John 15:9, 17
Most people in the world will not hear the gospel if it is not delivered with love from a person that has demonstrated love toward them. Just think…if you are ministering to the hungry and you are offering them the “Bread of Life” but not meeting their physical need 1st, it will be hard for them to hear the “good news” over the roaring growl of their stomachs. True Love is the only way to have an impact on the lives of others. We must act in love at the direction of the Spirit of God.
What spiritual infection are you carrying? Are you keeping yourself quarantined? Are you keeping it to yourself? Why not make today the day that you “infect” those around you and boldly show that you are contagious? Make today the day that you “Spread the Love”.
Be Blessed,
B
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Dream Again
No matter whom you voted for on Tuesday, you must acknowledge that there is a sense of excitement in the atmosphere. It is the excitement that accompanies Change. Hopefully America is not changing for the sake of just changing. Change is more than a trend…Change is way of life. My prayer is that America is changing with the hope that tomorrow can be better than today and at least twice as good as yesterday. Change is the manifestation of a Dream. A Dream is merely a:
D-Desired
R-Reality
E-Evoking
A-Alternative
M-Movement
We all have dreams. Dreams for a “better” life, dreams for our children, dreams for the world, but what good is a dream that is not put into action. A dream put into action is the piston that powers, drives and brings forth change. Dreams and Hope inspired people to brave long lines and adverse conditions across this county to vote for their “agent of change”. Throughout this political process, supporters on both sides boldly declared their support for their choice, were determined to let their voices be heard (and votes counted) and tried feverishly to convince people on “the other side” to come to the “light”. I marveled at the enthusiasm that America had as we all supported the man that we wanted to lead us.
I could not help but think:
Have we been as bold about our support of God, as the ONE we want to lead us?
Have we displayed the same enthusiasm to spread His message to the world?
How many more times have we mentioned the names of the candidates than we have uttered anything about God to others in recent weeks?
I’m definitely guilty here.
God has called us to be lifelong dreamers. Life is about Change. In life, we are constantly moving from one stage to another. As children of God, we are given dreams and visions during our lifetimes to change the world, to make an impact and to enlarge God’s Kingdom. Maybe that is why Christians have become so “boring” and ineffective in the eyes of the people of this country….It may be the direct result of our inability to dream as it relates to God’s Kingdom and to put “feet to our dreams”. We constantly box God in and constrain Him within the limits of our life experiences. We rarely completely use the creativity, vision, enthusiasm and determination that make us successful in other aspects of life (work, hobbies, and relationships) to “God’s Campaign”.
I encourage you today to take time and …”Wonder if…”
“Wondering if” is the beginning of dreaming and your dreams are merely your Desired Reality Evoking Alterative Movements in your life.
This is the time…the world is hungry….Let’s dream again.
Be Blessed,
B
D-Desired
R-Reality
E-Evoking
A-Alternative
M-Movement
We all have dreams. Dreams for a “better” life, dreams for our children, dreams for the world, but what good is a dream that is not put into action. A dream put into action is the piston that powers, drives and brings forth change. Dreams and Hope inspired people to brave long lines and adverse conditions across this county to vote for their “agent of change”. Throughout this political process, supporters on both sides boldly declared their support for their choice, were determined to let their voices be heard (and votes counted) and tried feverishly to convince people on “the other side” to come to the “light”. I marveled at the enthusiasm that America had as we all supported the man that we wanted to lead us.
I could not help but think:
Have we been as bold about our support of God, as the ONE we want to lead us?
Have we displayed the same enthusiasm to spread His message to the world?
How many more times have we mentioned the names of the candidates than we have uttered anything about God to others in recent weeks?
I’m definitely guilty here.
God has called us to be lifelong dreamers. Life is about Change. In life, we are constantly moving from one stage to another. As children of God, we are given dreams and visions during our lifetimes to change the world, to make an impact and to enlarge God’s Kingdom. Maybe that is why Christians have become so “boring” and ineffective in the eyes of the people of this country….It may be the direct result of our inability to dream as it relates to God’s Kingdom and to put “feet to our dreams”. We constantly box God in and constrain Him within the limits of our life experiences. We rarely completely use the creativity, vision, enthusiasm and determination that make us successful in other aspects of life (work, hobbies, and relationships) to “God’s Campaign”.
I encourage you today to take time and …”Wonder if…”
“Wondering if” is the beginning of dreaming and your dreams are merely your Desired Reality Evoking Alterative Movements in your life.
This is the time…the world is hungry….Let’s dream again.
Be Blessed,
B
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hero
My son’s birthday is October 19th. Part of his birthday celebration this year included an outing to place called Ridemakerz (which is basically “Build-A-Bear” but for cars and trucks), where the kids can design, trick-out and assemble cars and trucks. The kids had a blast and I think a few of the adults are considering coming back to “pimp” their own mini rides as well. We finished the day with dinner at a restaurant close to Ridemakerz. I was given the awesome responsibility of “entertaining” 7 pumped up 6 to 8 year old boys, while making sure that they didn’t draw too much attention to our table. I came up with a memory game. I asked the kids a series of questions and whoever was able to remember everyone’s answers, would be awarded a prize.
The game was a success. I asked a series of questions ranging from “What is your favorite food and why? To what is your favorite color?” I decided to step it up a notch by asking the kids, “Who is your favorite superhero or who is your hero and why?” The answers ranged from Superman to Capitan Underpants. One kid however stopped and thought for a moment or two and said with total confidence…My Dad is my hero. This was the last kid to answer the question. When I asked him why…He said because He is Strong and Buff.
After playing this game I thought about the fact that, whether or not I know it, I’m a hero in somebody’s eyes. My kids and even those who may be younger in the faith than I am, are looking to me to see how I will react to times of trouble, respond to evil and to uphold the standards of what is right and just. My life may be the catalyst that propels someone toward everlasting life or everlasting death. This is an immense responsibility. Even closer to home…my kids look up to me and pattern themselves after me, so their spiritual destinies are somewhat contingent upon how I conduct myself as their hero.
One of the kids said that Superman was his hero because he flew around and saved people. Another mentioned Spiderman, because he used his web-slinging skills to help others as well. There was a consistent theme that qualified people as being heroes. It wasn’t just the fact that they had superpowers (the “bad guys” had similar powers too). It was the fact that the heroes used there powers to help others in a responsible way. God has called us to be Heroes in this present generation. We should:
" You're here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them."." Ps 82:3-4
The game was a success. I asked a series of questions ranging from “What is your favorite food and why? To what is your favorite color?” I decided to step it up a notch by asking the kids, “Who is your favorite superhero or who is your hero and why?” The answers ranged from Superman to Capitan Underpants. One kid however stopped and thought for a moment or two and said with total confidence…My Dad is my hero. This was the last kid to answer the question. When I asked him why…He said because He is Strong and Buff.
After playing this game I thought about the fact that, whether or not I know it, I’m a hero in somebody’s eyes. My kids and even those who may be younger in the faith than I am, are looking to me to see how I will react to times of trouble, respond to evil and to uphold the standards of what is right and just. My life may be the catalyst that propels someone toward everlasting life or everlasting death. This is an immense responsibility. Even closer to home…my kids look up to me and pattern themselves after me, so their spiritual destinies are somewhat contingent upon how I conduct myself as their hero.
One of the kids said that Superman was his hero because he flew around and saved people. Another mentioned Spiderman, because he used his web-slinging skills to help others as well. There was a consistent theme that qualified people as being heroes. It wasn’t just the fact that they had superpowers (the “bad guys” had similar powers too). It was the fact that the heroes used there powers to help others in a responsible way. God has called us to be Heroes in this present generation. We should:
" You're here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them."." Ps 82:3-4
"Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart." Zech 7:9-10
"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." Prov 22:9
“Feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked.” Is 58:7, 10
People of this world and especially the children of this world are looking for purpose and to define who they are. First they look to the people around them. If we are those people, we should consider it our duty to have our “spiritual spidey” senses tuned in so that we can seize each opportunity to responsibly use our powers to point them in the direction of the source of our power and strength….the Ultimate HERO…..Jesus Christ.
It has been said…With great power comes great responsibility. What are you doing with your great power?
The world still needs Heroes.
Be Blessed,
B
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Love Before Sight
Love at first sight. Believe it or leave it. Most if not all people experience this phenomenon at least once during their lifetime. You may or may not have experienced it with your spouse or current special friend (I’ll leave that one alone for fear of starting trouble)…nevertheless you have experienced it at some point. Well Tuesday night, I had the unexpected pleasure of witnessing “Love at first sight” play out when I “reluctantly” saw Beverley Hills Chihuahua with family and friends.
The main character named Chloe was a spoiled, pampered Chihuahua from Beverly Hills (of course) who ended up getting lost and eventually “puppy-napped” in Mexico. Early in the story a lowly Chihuahua named Papi (who was owned by a landscaper), fell in love at first sight with Chloe. She rejected him, but he didn’t let her rejection stop him in his relentless pursuit to have a relationship with her and to rescue her from danger.
I couldn’t help but think about how this story had some parallels to my life. God loved me before He even laid eyes on me and my life in its simplest form is a series of connected events whose common denominator is His relentless pursuit of me as manifested through His Love for me.
Before I decided to love Him. He chose to Love me
In spite of how I treat Him…He Loves me
He was willing to face death to save me
He sees beyond the “Outer Me” and loves me for the “Inner Me” (the real me)
I can be who I am in His presence
As a younger Christian I had book/head knowledge of God’s love. I knew about His love based on what I read in the Bible or what others said about His love. Now I know He loves me because I’m aware of His hand in my life. I live through His Love. I can see Him orchestrating opportunities to demonstrate His Love, His Faithfulness and His Commitment to me. I look for and I anticipate His Love. I have an awareness of God that has come from a personal relationship with Him.
There is a confidence and a certain swagger that inherently accompanies the persona of one who knows that they are loved by another. I have a Godly Swagger that this world can’t shake because my confidence is based on the fact that the Creator of love…loves me. God is not bashful about the fact that He loves us. He openly loves us. Every breath…every heartbeat…every blink of the eye is evidence of His Love.
In a world filled with uncertainty, distrust, “two facedness” and “hateration” know that the One who First loved us…will always love us and He is always demonstrating just how crazy about us He is.
It is much deeper than love at first sight…call it…Love before sight.
The main character named Chloe was a spoiled, pampered Chihuahua from Beverly Hills (of course) who ended up getting lost and eventually “puppy-napped” in Mexico. Early in the story a lowly Chihuahua named Papi (who was owned by a landscaper), fell in love at first sight with Chloe. She rejected him, but he didn’t let her rejection stop him in his relentless pursuit to have a relationship with her and to rescue her from danger.
I couldn’t help but think about how this story had some parallels to my life. God loved me before He even laid eyes on me and my life in its simplest form is a series of connected events whose common denominator is His relentless pursuit of me as manifested through His Love for me.
Before I decided to love Him. He chose to Love me
In spite of how I treat Him…He Loves me
He was willing to face death to save me
He sees beyond the “Outer Me” and loves me for the “Inner Me” (the real me)
I can be who I am in His presence
As a younger Christian I had book/head knowledge of God’s love. I knew about His love based on what I read in the Bible or what others said about His love. Now I know He loves me because I’m aware of His hand in my life. I live through His Love. I can see Him orchestrating opportunities to demonstrate His Love, His Faithfulness and His Commitment to me. I look for and I anticipate His Love. I have an awareness of God that has come from a personal relationship with Him.
There is a confidence and a certain swagger that inherently accompanies the persona of one who knows that they are loved by another. I have a Godly Swagger that this world can’t shake because my confidence is based on the fact that the Creator of love…loves me. God is not bashful about the fact that He loves us. He openly loves us. Every breath…every heartbeat…every blink of the eye is evidence of His Love.
In a world filled with uncertainty, distrust, “two facedness” and “hateration” know that the One who First loved us…will always love us and He is always demonstrating just how crazy about us He is.
It is much deeper than love at first sight…call it…Love before sight.
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