THIS IS WHAT, "I LOVE YOU," MEANS

"Love...does not seek its own...." (1 Cor. 13:5) "Doesn't think about itself" (GWT) 

A psychiatrist of many years ago said, "I suppose all the ills of human personality can be traced back to one thing, not understanding the meaning of the phrase, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"  Far too many preachers, and most everyone, have fallen into the cliche trap by propagating this as relating to money only.  "It is more blessed to give than to receive", is the Biblical definition of love.  

John 3 says, "God loved the world this way:  He gave...."  Romans 5 tells us, "God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...."  Our text says, "Love...doesn't think about itself."  Galatians 2 says, "I live by the faith of the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

Love?  "....do good.., expecting nothing in return." (Luke 6)

Father, in Jesus' Name, deliver me and Your Church from translating Your Words from our cultures rather than from Your Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

SOMEONE NEEDS THIS TODAY

I pray this fill you will a renewed joy today

https://youtube.com/watch?v=C0iBeEThSFA&feature=share

"....A JUST JUDGE"

"God is a just judge...."  (Psalm 7:11a)

I have shared before about a teenage girl who was standing in front of the Mona Lisa in the 1960s and blurted out, "I don't like it."  A guard standing there said, "This painting has been here for over 400 years.  You don't judge it; it judges you."

I say the same to all who judge the Bible.  

In all which we read in the Pentateuch, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in the Historic Books, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in the Wisdom Books, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in the Prophets, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in the Gospels and Acts, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in the Epistles, "God is a just Judge."

In all which we read in Revelation, "God is a just Judge."

Our Lord Jesus Christ says of His Words, "The Word I have taught will be their judge on the last day."  Regardless of what the "seeker friendly" people, and the closet I-just-don't-understand-how-God-could-do-that folk say and/or think, "God is a just Judge."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, no matter what I understand or do not understand, "[You are] a just Judge."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY"

"According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for the work..."  (Ezra 2:69)

Notice the Biblical Principle throughout Holy Writ, "According to their ability."  Now the tithe is the exception.  "Ability," does not apply here.  The tenth is for us all, no matter our income.  The Bible tells us that Abraham and Jacob introduced the concept of the tithe.  "The Word of God," Jesus Christ, then, in effect, said, "I accept your commitment and will codify that."

We now have over $4000.00 for Ukrainian Relief.  The East Europe Winter is fast approaching, and I can tell you from personal experience that it can be brutal.  The pariah nation of Russia and the Devil Inspired nation of Iran are increasing their barbarity towards the Ukrainian People.  What, Church, is going to be our, "According to their ability?"

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray especially for the Followers of You in Ukraine.  My trust is in You to increase our, "According to their ability."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2