| Archive - January 2008 What Greater LovePosted Jan-30-08 06:14:27 PST In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:1-3
In Greek, the term "Word" refers to the all-pervasive Mind, the entity that ruled the universe and gave meaning to all things. John understood this term. That is why he used it. He wanted his readers to know that Jesus was - and is - more than just a mere man; he is God in the flesh.
The next time the sky is clear at night, as you look up at the stars, spend some time contemplating the power and might of your Creator. And thank God that while he is as big as the universe, he clothed himself in flesh so that you could know him. Jesus, the Word, the one who was "with God," the one who indeed "is God," walked the surface of this earth in human form. For you. For all of humanity. John wrote about this huge concept in as simple terms as possible because it is difficult for us to wrap our minds around. But it is the Truth. We must remind ourselves of that truth each and every day as go about our lives remembering His Grace and Goodness upon our lives. Even when we are going through, He is there. He came to earth and endured incredible hardship just so that we would know that He loves us. What greater love is there?
God Bless you,
JH Did You Have Breakfast Yet?Posted Jan-28-08 06:02:58 PST Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:1-4,6
Food costs money, last only a short time, and meets our physical needs only. But God offers us a free nourishment that feeds our soul. How do we get it? We come, we listen, we seek, and we call on God. God's salvation is freely offered, but to nourish our souls we must eagerly receive it. We will starve spiritually without this food as surely as we will starve physically without daily bread. With the holidays behind us, it is easy to once again fall into the rigors and routine of daily living. We must maintain our focus on what is important: the things of God. We all have bills to pay and things to do, but we must remember to seek God in all things that He may restore our faith and our soul when times are wanting. We cannot do it all on our own, and we know this, yet why do we continue to try? "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33). Let go and Let God.
God Bless you,
JH God's GiftPosted Jan-23-08 06:08:56 PST However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the feast the Jews were watching for him and asking "Where is that man?" Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man."
John 7:10-12
Jesus came into the world with the greatest gift ever offered, so why did He often act secretly? The religious leaders of the time, the Pharisees, hated Him, and many would refuse His gift of salvation, no matter what He said or did. The more Jesus taught and worked publicly, the more these leaders would cause trouble for Him and His followers. So it was necessary for Jesus to teach and work as quietly as possible. Many people today have the privilege of teaching, preaching, and worshiping publicly with little or no persecution. These believers should be grateful and make the most of their opportunities to proclaim the Gospel. The freedom that we have in the United States is not a freedom that extends across the world. There are many countries in which it is illegal to simply proclaim the Gospel. There are many people around the world who have been incarcerated just for being a member of a church. Today, we have great freedom. We have freedom to worship, and we have freedom to proclaim the Lord's Glory. What are we doing with that freedom? How are we using the gifts that God has given us? I pray that we use them wisely.
God bless you,
JH Love is the AnswerPosted Jan-16-08 05:55:26 PST Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:9-16a
Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others-how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to feel moved with compassion when we hear of others' needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice around the world. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It requires some degree of sacrifice. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. By God's standard, no individual has the capacity to express love to an entire community, but the body of Christ in your city does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.
God Bless you,
JH The Cheerful GiverPosted Jan-15-08 05:54:15 PST Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
II Corinthians 9:6-8
People may hesitate to give generously to God if they worry about having enough money left over to meet their own needs. Paul assured the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs no matter what. The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return. Do not let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously. Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount that we give. We do not have to be embarrassed if we can only give a small gift. God is concerned about how we give from the resources that we have. The idea behind giving is to pay attention to someone other than yourself. The goal is to change our focus from an entirely inward to outward. And we do not "give" in order to "get." Simply, we give because it is the right thing to do.
God Bless you,
JH Be CommittedPosted Jan-11-08 05:58:54 PST In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.
Psalm 31:1-6
We say we have faith in God, but do we really trust Him? David's words, "Into your hands I commit my spirit," conveyed his complete trust in God. Jesus used this phrase as he was dying on the cross-showing his absolute dependence on God the Father. Stephen repeated these words as he was being stoned to death, confident that in death he was simply passing from God's earthly care to God's eternal care. We, in the same way, should commit our possessions, our families, and our vocations to God. But first and foremost, we should commit ourselves completely to Him.
God bless you,
JH |
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