A Patterned String

A Patterned String

Is it possible to have a life reflect a string of loving acts?

A life wholly devoted to never ending loving deeds?

What would someone look like who was so devoted?

It can be argued that people who are wholly devoted

to the Lord will reflect Him. So much so that all

those around can easily see that Christ is central to their life.

John 13: 34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: 

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples,

if you have love for one another."(ESV)

In verse 35 the word "love" means

affection or benevolence; a love feast; feast of charity,

 brotherly love, affection, good will, benevolence

It is a word by definition, requiring action.

So let's clarify... One act of love is great!

It can mend a broken heart, give hope,

and make you feel pretty good.

But the type of love described here is a repeating love.

Our lives need to be a pattern of loving acts

done consistently all throughout our lives.

Would someone say you were a reflection of Christ

when you did only one act of love in your life?

Of course not!

Christ's life here on earth was a daily sacrifice, and giving

of Himself in love to all those around Him.

Daily, Consistently, Sacrificially, and Purposefully.

We must love like He loved.

If we don't, the reflection will be of ourselves.

Be a reflection of Christ, Love, daily.

So that all those around will see you are 

a Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Let your actions be like the string of Bleeding Hearts above.

I truly believe, the Lord has given us a picture of His

Love in creation.

One act after another, stringing a life together so that all those 

around have no doubt who you reflect.

Let our hearts bleed love, over and over our whole life through!

A World of Love

A World of Love

Have you ever said the world needs more Love?

No matter which way we go in life,

we find trouble caused from selfish ambition

and absence of caring.

We have all heard the famous saying,

"Love is patient, Love is kind."

Some know not where it comes from.
Something that good could only come from God!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;

it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way;

it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things. (ESV)

I would like to concentrate on one particular part.

"It does not insist on its own way"

I truly believe if we remove our selves,

we will love others more!

We will fight less, care more, and endure.

If we are truly honest with our selves,

we should see the source of most issues is selfish ambition.

We want something and we are not getting it.
Countries go to war because they want something
the other country has, or has taken away.

What would a personal issue look like if you
removed self issues from it?
Take a look at the root of the problem,
admit the issue with the other person,
ask for forgiveness, and then listen to each other..
Real change is rooted in understanding.

I know from personal experience that I get defensive
when someone tells me I am wrong.
I selfishly want to defend and justify, instead of listening.
In these cases, I need to set myself aside
and listen to the other person.
Which I admit, is very difficult at times.

I do believe if we set aside our selves, and open our ears,
we will find ourselves being more patient and kind.
We would be more concerned about the other person,
and we would take better care of them.
And lets face it...
If we ALL thought more about the other person,
we would ALL be taking better care of each other.

Our world would be centered on LOVE!

And who wouldn't love that?!

Someday!

Someday!

As I walked through my life, where sin did exist.
I trusted my Savior, to make something of me.
Where daily I fail, His hand can be seen.
Guiding my moves and paving the way.
As I looked all around, His blessings did abound.

But,

Now my body lays silent, my spirit is moved,
A place of light, unlike the sun or the moon.

Where I am, I feel undone.
So much light, where can I run?

Witnesses all around, my secrets are told.
I fall to my knees, for the Father sits before,

Where no sin can hide, all can be seen.

The shame in my heart, revealing its weight,

A life deserving death, I cover my face.

One question He asks, the answer I cannot say.
Why? He asks again!
Why are you here?

No worldly act have you done,
To make you worthy before me!

His wrath is ready, I feel it now.
A feeling I cannot describe!

Not wrath, but calm,
Like a breath, Peace enters in!
 My Savior's hand I feel on my back.
As I look, in His arms is a book.
He opens it and takes a look.

Look here Father, We wrote down his name!
He trusted in me, and I took his shame.
Nothing more was said then,
The Father's wrath was held back.
He stood me up just as He did before.
 He wiped my tears, with a smile on His face.
Welcome home good servant, I've been expecting you!
 Your whole life through, I've guided your hand.

The praise from your lips, the love that you showed,
Gave praise to My Father, whom the world did not know.

But the end is the beginning,
Which rests only in Me.
Forever I will teach you.
Together, let us now walk.
A life now made new.
A body that lasts,
For eternity at best.
O, the things I will show you,
The things you will learn!
I have so much planned. Take now My hand.
Forever we will walk, My hand guiding you.
Let us start now, eternity awaits!
Sin is no more, death is now gone.

I see in your heart, your desire for Me.
Now see what is in store, what I saved up for you.
What you want, you will have.

To be next to Me.

Come sit with Me now,
A hug just for you!
I love you so much!
Forever I will be with you!