. . . Love your enemies . . . If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Matthew 5:44, 46).
"A love that risks nothing is worth nothing" (Alexander McKeag).*
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*A favorite character of mine in James Michener's Centennial. Perhaps the mention of his name will stir up some Centennial fans. In any case, McKeag's thought about love is true.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
THAT WHICH CALLS FORTH LOVE
Finally, brothers, whatever is . . . lovely . . . think about such things (Philippians 4:8).
Last Thursday, about noon, the parking lot of the local convenience store was clogged and I was in a hurry--not a good combination. Helen and I were going to travel to my daughter's to celebrate her birthday and to watch my grandson play basketball. When I pulled into the parking place, I thought I needed to square up, so I backed up, not noticing that a young man in a 2014 Chevy Cruze had pulled in behind me. He honked the horn to warn me, but it did not register in my hurried brain. I did stop, however, but not before I scraped his new car. The young man was very angry and said some very bad things, but I did understand his feelings. It was his first new car after years of driving old "clunkers." I have had that same kind of experience. We exchanged insurance company information and the local police came and investigated the accident. Prior to our leaving the scene the young man apologized to me for his behavior. I was truly amazed. He didn't have to do that. I am pretty sure if I would have given the young man the same behavior that he gave me at the beginning there would have been no apology forth coming! I do give this young man a lot of credit!!
The Greek word is prosphile, lovely, in Philippians 4:8. In his commentary, The Daily Study Bible, William Barclay says that this word could be translated, That which calls forth love. One of the things that Christians are called to consider is, What do my thoughts, attitudes and behavior "call forth" in others? Fear and bitterness will call out the same in those around us. Criticism and rebuke can call forth resentment and anger in others. However, empathy and kindness can well call forth the best in others--I found that to be true in the convenience store parking lot that day.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Last Thursday, about noon, the parking lot of the local convenience store was clogged and I was in a hurry--not a good combination. Helen and I were going to travel to my daughter's to celebrate her birthday and to watch my grandson play basketball. When I pulled into the parking place, I thought I needed to square up, so I backed up, not noticing that a young man in a 2014 Chevy Cruze had pulled in behind me. He honked the horn to warn me, but it did not register in my hurried brain. I did stop, however, but not before I scraped his new car. The young man was very angry and said some very bad things, but I did understand his feelings. It was his first new car after years of driving old "clunkers." I have had that same kind of experience. We exchanged insurance company information and the local police came and investigated the accident. Prior to our leaving the scene the young man apologized to me for his behavior. I was truly amazed. He didn't have to do that. I am pretty sure if I would have given the young man the same behavior that he gave me at the beginning there would have been no apology forth coming! I do give this young man a lot of credit!!
The Greek word is prosphile, lovely, in Philippians 4:8. In his commentary, The Daily Study Bible, William Barclay says that this word could be translated, That which calls forth love. One of the things that Christians are called to consider is, What do my thoughts, attitudes and behavior "call forth" in others? Fear and bitterness will call out the same in those around us. Criticism and rebuke can call forth resentment and anger in others. However, empathy and kindness can well call forth the best in others--I found that to be true in the convenience store parking lot that day.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, February 08, 2014
HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him (I John 3:14-15).
I was motivated to post this Scripture because a little congregation I am currently serving is going through some strife right now. I ask for your prayers. Our labors are in vain if our people are unconverted in their hearts and do not love.
Our Father's Love
Tom
I was motivated to post this Scripture because a little congregation I am currently serving is going through some strife right now. I ask for your prayers. Our labors are in vain if our people are unconverted in their hearts and do not love.
Our Father's Love
Tom
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
JESUS CHRIST: SOURCE OF GRACE AND PEACE
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).
Isn't it interesting that what God does Jesus does? God the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are the source of grace and peace. The greeting that Paul uses to address the Christians at Rome is duplicated in nearly each of his epistles. With out Christ there is no grace--You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4)(See also 2 Timothy 1:9-10). The "Bullets" I write are not comprehensive studies, but are only intended to plant seeds and be thought starters. Many, many scriptures could be added in terms of reference for Jesus being the source of grace.
Grace isn't just about justification, it also has to do with training in righteousness; it isn't just about getting to Heaven, it is about how to live on this earth. These words from Paul to Titus are instructive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . (Titus 1:11-13 emphasis mine).
Being taught by the grace of God, being assured about life after death brings peace to the lives of those that have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who possess true faith in Jesus are committed to replicate His life in theirs--to be like Him. It is in that effort that Holy Spirit strengthens and gives peace to the believer.
In Hope,
Tom
Isn't it interesting that what God does Jesus does? God the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are the source of grace and peace. The greeting that Paul uses to address the Christians at Rome is duplicated in nearly each of his epistles. With out Christ there is no grace--You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4)(See also 2 Timothy 1:9-10). The "Bullets" I write are not comprehensive studies, but are only intended to plant seeds and be thought starters. Many, many scriptures could be added in terms of reference for Jesus being the source of grace.
Grace isn't just about justification, it also has to do with training in righteousness; it isn't just about getting to Heaven, it is about how to live on this earth. These words from Paul to Titus are instructive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . (Titus 1:11-13 emphasis mine).
Being taught by the grace of God, being assured about life after death brings peace to the lives of those that have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who possess true faith in Jesus are committed to replicate His life in theirs--to be like Him. It is in that effort that Holy Spirit strengthens and gives peace to the believer.
In Hope,
Tom
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