Love is Patient

Quite a few years ago, a pastor, who was in his 80's, left a lasting impression on my mind about patience...

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What 'Love' is Not

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels,

but didn’t love others,

I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I had the gift of prophecy,

and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge,
and if I had such faith that I could move mountains,

but didn’t love others,

I would be nothing.

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body,

I could boast about it;

but if I didn’t love others,

I would have gained nothing."

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Paul begins his definition of 'Love' by describing what it is not. In Galatians 5, he introduces a list of the characteristics that will be evident in the life of someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit (the Fruit of the Spirit) with a list of the characteristics of a life that is void of the Holy Spirit (the desires of our sinful nature)...

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LOVE

Recently, I did a quick comparison between 1 Corinthians 13 (the Love Chapter) and Galatians 5 (the Fruit of the Spirit). 'Love' has been on my mind lately...

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Down but not Out

Its easy to lose sight of the big picture when I'm confronted with the nitty gritty details over and over again. Each time I am faced with a statement or circumstance that threatens to call the truth a lie, its like the devil would like to rub my face in his ugly 'reality' to try and convince me that that is all there is and all there ever will be. Over and over again, I have to call it what it is and place my trust in God Almighty who sees past my moment, past my desires.
I have no where else to go. I know no other place that is strong or trustworthy enough to place my hope in. I resign myself to His will and His alone. The alternatives are not in any way appealing.

When I have been emptied of physical and emotional strength, it would be easy to give up. Last night, I saw myself, in a battle field, worn out from standing and fighting, even with the Lord beside me. I had grown so weary and had fallen to the ground, and I found myself pleading with the Lord, "Either fill me up again, or give me some more help. I am at the end of my physical strength. Or, go on ahead of me because I know that the battle is not mine and will not be won by my strength and presence alone. The battle is Yours and whether I am standing or not, You will have the victory. I have given all I have and I know that we are not defeated."

Even tho' I may be wrung out, I do not give up hope. The Lord God is far greater than I and He is able to do exceedingly beyond what I can ever dream He can do. All I can do, is do my part. I can trust in Him because He is good. I know that He has been and is and ever will be at work and His will will be done regardless of how adverse my physical circumstances look. I cannot, I dare not try to imagine what He will do. I cannot put a tag or a picture to His thoughts, for they are far beyond my ability to imagine.

I choose to fear Him. I place my hope and faith in Him and look continually for His face.

In my lowest point of strength, I still see Him. I still praise Him and I worship Him for that is when I see Him like no other.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; " 2Corinthians 4:7-9

I'll be back soon

My apologies for not getting any new articles out recently. I am having a struggle getting things down 'on paper'. Please be patient - I'll be back soon. Until then, keep seeking the Lord's wisdom in all that you do - He will meet your every need. He promised He would, and I know that ALL of His promises are TRUE! May your light shine for all to see and may your life be truly CAPTIVATING! ! !

Key #3 – Restrain Yourself

It's very hard to think clearly and walk carefully when we allow our thoughts and emotions to 'jump on their horses and ride off in all directions at once!' Jeff and I learned from past experiences that snap decisions and instant emotional reactions accomplish very little and are usually regrettable, having done more damage than good.

Calling names or hurling insults in your 'emotional crisis' will do nothing but...

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