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1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Published January 12, 2023

True Love

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11 (NKJV)

A woman recently decided that life was not worth living anymore. She walked onto a highway overpass, determined to jump into the rush hour traffic. As she stood on the edge, traffic just drove past her; people walked by without a word. Love was nowhere to be found. But then a bus driver saw her. Filled with God’s Love, he pulled over, wrapped his loving arms around her, and pulled her to safety.

This is a picture of true love for one another. True love, unlike the love we often produce, has no strings attached. True love is forever faithful and is never ending. This is the sacrificial love that God has for us: “…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8, NLT)

Only His love enables us to love one another, for we cannot produce such charity on our own: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11 NKJV). How sacrificial is the love you are offering others?

Heavenly Father, please open the floodgates of heaven and let Your love flow through us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, grace and compassion so we may love one another as You have loved us. Amen.

Spend a few minutes meditating on the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Then humbly confess how your love has fallen short.

Ask God: “Who do You want me to go out of my way to show love to today?”

Spend a few minutes listening for the answer.

by Rev. Daniel Forster
Used by Permission

The Way of Love

I awoke early this morning with the “Love Chapter” of the Bible on my mind:

1 Corinthians 13. I got up and read it in several different translations of the Bible. I had not read this passage in (The Message, Eugene Peterson’s paraphrased version), until today. I found it was written in such an understandable way that it left no doubt about what love isn’t and what love is. I decided to use this message of love for my devotional today. May the Lord speak to your heart as He did to mine.

The Way of Love

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain,“Jump” and it jumps, but if I don’t love, I’m nothing.

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.

So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”

Prayer: Father, we want to be so filled with love, that people will see Jesus in us. We realize that we can’t change ourselves on the inside, but Your Holy Spirit can. Today, we yield the control of hearts and minds and actions to You and thank You for producing love in us. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Leaving a Legacy for Christ

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

When you have departed this earth, what do you want to be remembered for and what do you want to leave behind?

It should not the wealth you leave or how you scored by the standards of the glitter and glamour of the world, but the legacy you leave impacting future generations for Christ.

Have you thought about the legacy you want to leave and the impact you want to make on the lives of others?

Nobody who leaves a great life lives a selfish life. Jesus told us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The world preaches a different message.

If you understand your eternal inheritance, you will be more generous with your earthly inheritance.

Recently I was doing some family research and I came across the will of my 8th great grandfather. In it he said he had few possessions of the world to leave behind, but one thing he did have to leave to future generations was his acceptance of Jesus and his confidence in the Gospel.

Jesus calls us to serve others with our time, talents and treasures. He wants us to make an impact on others for His sake.

At the beginning of a new year, people make all kinds of resolutions. What kinds of resolutions are you going to make? Perhaps yours could be to share the Gospel more boldly or to give more of your time with others in need or with the programs of your church.

Thought: Think of ways you can influence others for the cause of Christ in the coming year. Make a list of how you plan to grow spiritually and increase your hunger for God’s Word.

Lord, I want to leave an impact for Christ with the footprints of my life. Help me to glow and grow with your Word during the coming year. May the world I leave be a better place because I lived.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

Excel in the Grace of Giving

“… see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

“What kind of return are you getting on that investment?”

“How are you going to get your down payment?”

“What interest rate do you get?”

These concerns are part of life and we need to be aware of them. Yet they seem in such contrast to what God’s wisdom says.

Excelling in the grace of giving means so much more than the concern of material goods.

Watch for opportunities throughout the busyness of your day to invite God to work through you!

Give compassion today to someone who is troubled over family concerns.
Give time to a family member this evening. Look him/her in the eye and really hear what is being said.
Give forgiveness to someone who didn’t even realize the hurtful comments they carelessly said.
Give encouragement to someone who was feeling frustrated today.

Looking for places to give throughout your day will bring you contentment and a measure of fulfillment that will surprise you. God gives His grace to you and you, in turn, pass it out.

Today why not look for the places you can excel in the grace of giving. If you feel tired and discouraged yourself, go first to God and ask for His grace to strengthen you and to give you grace that you can pass out to those you encounter. You will be surprised at the extra dimension it adds to your day! God wants to use you where you are today to pass out His grace. Excel in it!

Heavenly Father, I ask You to show me how I can give out grace in the situations around me today. Help me to see the opportunities You provide to give out kindness, forgiveness, compassion, a gentle response, a listening ear or time to just be with someone. Thank you that You are my source and will give me what I need to pass on to others. Father, help me today to see my environment as one You want to penetrate with Your grace. Help me to excel in the grace of giving today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

The Christmas Story

Found in the Holy Bible, in the book of Luke.

The story of the Birth of Christ Jesus:

“About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.

There were shepherds camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him.”

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!” (Luke 2:1-20).

It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.

God’s Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn’t how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, “a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift.”

God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.

How are you doing this Christmas?
Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are you at a place in your life where you want to know Jesus and have him in your life? You can start a life surrendered to Christ today. This is a sample prayer, but the words are powerful and full of meaning. If you truly believe them Christ will enter your life and start you on a wonderful journey. (not always easy, but never alone)

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

It starts now!

Merry Christmas

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Going to See the King

Published December 20, 2022

Going to See the King

“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you will come back in the same way you have seen Him go” Acts 1:11

We were driving through the city. Our son, daughter-in-law and three-year-old granddaughter were with us. To keep my granddaughter occupied, I began to sing to her and she sang back to me.

One of the songs I sang was,

“Soon and Very Soon, we are Going to Meet the King.”

I sang it a few times and she listened carefully, then she looked at me and said,

“No, Grandma, we are going to the mall.”

Well, at the time we all laughed, but later I thought about what she said. Don’t we as adults often act as if we prefer to go the mall, rather than looking for His return? Are we looking forward to the King’s coming or are we so busy with stuff – running to and fro – that we rarely give a thought that maybe, just maybe, the King is coming back today?

Are you looking forward to seeing Jesus? When was the last time you thought about His return? We get so busy with living that we forget that we are on earth for a short time compared to eternity.

Are you ready? Are you looking forward to seeing Him? If not, I encourage you to read the articles listed below. You can look forward to His return.

Father, I am so glad Jesus is returning to earth. Maybe He will come today, maybe tomorrow. Give us gladness of heart and readiness because we know our Lord is coming soon. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Eight Christmas Decorations and Their Meaning

People love to decorate for Christmas, even if they don’t believe God came to man in the baby Jesus that first Christmas. Trees, lights and gifts give us a happy feeling. But many of the traditional decorations symbolize something quite significant. They’re not just decorations.

Many of us have heard about the candy maker who incorporated several symbols into his cane-shaped candy:

the cane shape to symbolize the name of Jesus and the Shepherd’s staff
the white to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Christ
the red stripes to represent Jesus’ blood shed by which we receive eternal life
even the hardness of the candy symbolizes the solid rock foundation of Christ and the firmness of the promises of God

But what about all the other decorations? Perhaps we could use a refresher course in a world that’s gotten so far from the true meaning of Christmas. Here’s eight of the most familiar and what they symbolize:

Bells
Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of a bell, bells remind us to follow the Shepherd. When the Shepherd can hear the bells on the sheep, He knows they’re close and safe. When a sheep is lost, the shepherd searches until he finds it, then joyfully puts it on his shoulders and carries it home (Luke 15:4-6).

Gifts

Exchanging gifts reminds us of God’s greatest gift of love to us – our Savior Jesus Christ (John 3:16). It also represents the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:11).

Holly
The prickly thorns of holly and its bright red berries are the symbol of the crown of thorns and drops of blood of our Savior on the cross (Isaiah 53:5).

Lights
We all love Christmas lights, don’t we? The ambience of stringed lights warms the heart like a flickering fire. What light is to the earth, Christ is to men. Lights remind us that Christ is the “light of the world” (John 8:12) and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

Mistletoe
Mistletoe is known for the charming custom of kissing under its bough. It symbolizes the love and good will Christ’s coming brings. In addition, long ago the plant was believed to possess healing ability, which reminds us of the “Great Physician,” who came to give His healing balm for our sin-sick souls (Matthew 9:12-13).

Stars
The star comes directly from Scripture. Just as the star in the east led the wise men to search to find Jesus and worship Him (Matthew 2:2), the star reminds us to seek Him and worship Him. Seek and you will find (Matthew 7:7-8). “Wise men still seek Him.”

Trees

The Christmas tree is full of deep meaning. The Evergreen thriving in the dead of winter gives hope and symbolizes eternal life. The cut tree symbolizes Christ’s death. Bringing the tree into our home gives it new life, and decorating it gives it greater glory. The red ornaments hung on the tree symbolize Jesus’ blood shed for us. Furthermore, the tree’s triangle shape symbolizes the Trinity. The tip at the top of the tree points to heaven, ever reminding us that Jesus came to give us eternal life with Him in heaven. We may search for the perfect tree at Christmas, but Jesus hung on the perfect tree at Easter. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds we have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Wreaths
The wreath’s circle with no beginning or end reminds us of life unending. Its fresh evergreens remind us of the eternal life that is ours because Christ our Savior was born. In ancient times, the wreath was a symbol of victory. “Death is swallowed up in victory!” (Isaiah 25:8). “Thank God! He gave us victory over Satan, sin and death through the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

God came to man to give him the free gift of salvation. Will you accept the perfect gift He has for you, His gift of mercy and grace, of abundant and eternal life in his Son Jesus?

It’s the gift our world needs most.

By Penny Cook
Used by Permission

Website: pennycookeauthor.com

Making Use of God’s Kindness

“We work together with God, and we beg you to make good use of God’s kindness to you. In the Scriptures God says, “When the time came, I listened to you, and when you needed help, I came to save you.” That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, CEV

Imagine that you give someone a fabulous gift. When they receive it, they positively beam with excitement and enthusiasm, and thank you profusely for giving them for giving them such a great present.

Then they toss it into their closet and ignore it forever.

You might wonder about the authenticity of their praise.

We might also wonder about our own spiritual walk when we do not “make good use of God’s kindness” to us (2 Corinthians 6:1). Although we are not saved by our own works, our response in faith to God’s grace given by Jesus’ death and resurrection reflects the change which has occurred in our hearts as the Holy Spirit has come to live and work inside us.

If we believe we have found the greatest hope, the greatest love, the greatest truth in the world, how could we not share this truth with others? The apostle Paul has a stern warning for us: “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22) That’s pretty harsh, but underscores the importance of making use of the kindness God has shown to us.

According to a survey of over 700 Muslims who came to faith in Christ, by far the largest single thing that influenced them to become Christians was seeing the lives of Christians that stood out due to the kindness and love they demonstrated. Therefore, let’s accept God’s kindness with thanksgiving, and not just put it on the shelf, but in turn offer kindness to others, so that they too might come to know the gracious God who proves such a wonderful gift for all who are willing to accept it.

How has God shown you kindness, and how can you through everyday actions show kindness to others?

By Darren Hewer
Used by Permission

What the Lord Values

“…the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

I have been reading a set of books in my devotions by Charles J. Rolls, in which the author writes, in great detail, about the attributes of God. He writes about names and characteristics of God which I had not considered before. One of these names is: God, the Valuer.

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of what God values. He values what we give to Him. One example is in a passage is in Leviticus 27. Here the Lord commands priests to place an estimate on the value of all things that were donated to God by the people of Israel. In Leviticus, the expression, “thy estimation” is used twenty times. God places a value on the things we give to Him. Christ wields the prerogative of estimating the value of all gifts and services that are rendered in His name – gold, silver or stubble.

Take the story of Peter – after he had been fishing all night and caught nothing, Jesus asked for the use of his boat to teach the crowds. Then He told Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets. Even though Peter was reluctant because they had fished in vain all night and were tired, he did it anyway and God rewarded him for the use of his boat, by giving him two boatloads of fish. Christ is no man’s debtor.

There is also the story of Mary who poured the expensive, perfumed oil on Jesus feet. Jesus valued her precious act of worship and told the cynical disciples that this woman’s act of kindness and adoration would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached. He valued her sacrifice of love.

Christ never undervalues a kind word spoken, or underestimates a loving deed done in His name.

He noticed the widow who gave two mites. He understands what giving costs.
He also takes notice of neglect in giving thanks to Him for benefits received, as in the case of the ten lepers who were healed and only one came back to give thanks. Jesus asked where the others were.

Charles Rolls states so clearly, “He weighs the burden of a sigh, he measures the pain of our heartaches, he senses the sorrow of severance from our loved ones, he perceives the motive of a desire, and discerns the aim of an aspiration. He fully knows, sincerely loves and gently cares for each one of us, His people.”

The value that Christ puts on our life never changes. He paid the ultimate price for us. He loved us so much that He paid the price (an unbelievable cruel death) to redeem us from the grip of sin and death.

As in Ephesians 1:18, He considers us “His own precious treasure.” God is the Valuer and places the highest value on who we are, what we do for Him, the time we spend for Him and what we give up for Him. God, the Valuer.

Do you know He values you?

God, we recognize that You place a value on what we do or don’t do for You, but we also realize and are so grateful that You value us so much that You paid the ultimate price for us by dying for us. Thank You! Please give us wisdom and courage to value the things that You value. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Because He Lives

Should they bring a child into this messed up world? Carla played the question over and over in her mind. Jim was unsettled about it too. The evening news was enough to make one cringe at what their child might be facing in another 10 years. Together they asked God for wisdom.

Carla put put in a disc and let the music wash the dust off her weary emotions. The words of the song settled over her with an unexpected peace.

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know, I KNOW, He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.”
(Bill & Gloria Gaither)

Carla shared the song with Jim. Could they trust their Heavenly Father to hold their future in His hand?

Thoughts and emotions tumbled in Carla’s heart and mind. She asked God to speak to her as she picked up her Bible. These words touched her heart…

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Hebrews 6:19

Carla read the surrounding verses and saw the certainty of God’s promise and His unchanging nature. With assurance in her heart she knew she could not allow fear to dominate any decision.

Many decisions face us as we contemplate the future and the condition of our world. Sometimes one can be tempted to retreat; not to travel in case something happens; not to bring a child into the world; or not to pursue a particular stand on an issue. Fear can become our guide if we allow it to. Fear based decisions are not God’s way of doing things. He offers His own wisdom to us. (James 1:5-8)

He is our God. We can count on Him to anchor our soul in a world that is set adrift with very little that is firm and secure. Fear need not rule our hearts when God is our anchor.

Father in Heaven, You know how fear seeks to over-ride my heart and affect my decisions. Help me to trust in You to give me the wisdom that I need. Keep my faith strong and focused on You as my anchor. Thank you for the certainty of Your firm, secure hand giving me hope and help in the face of fear. I declare my trust in You and ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Jesus Requires Total Abandonment

“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4 (NIV)

We’ve taught people it’s OK to let Jesus have a significant place in their lives, a moderate place in their lives, or a compartmentalized place in their lives. We know discipleship involves growth, so people need to grow into “Jesus defines my life.”

But the growth isn’t happening among so many followers of Christ. Why, instead of the abundant life, do so many of us end up living lives of quiet desperation?

We go to church, we read the Bible, we pray, we try to be good people and serve other people. Yet, for many of us, Jesus isn’t central to our increasingly complex lives, where we’re over-stretched and now seem to be facing a tsunami of uncertainty in many areas that for so long have seemed relatively secure, such as our finances, our jobs, our homes — even our fundamental safety.

God never intended for Jesus to be an important part of our lives; he is our life. Colossians 3:4 says, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (NIV). If you try to find your life apart from Jesus, you will lose it; but if you lose your life in Jesus, then you will live an extraordinary life energized by the life of Christ within you.

Jesus will not tolerate wishy-washy disciples.

Clearly, what we call radical obedience here on Earth is the obedience expected in the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, our lukewarm discipleship is actually radical disobedience.

Jesus has his eye on the endgame, and so he intends to break through every program, every ideal, and every form of legalism that keeps us from following him in total abandonment.

Thoughts

In what ways have you allowed your life to be over-filled with things that keep you from growing in discipleship?
What radical steps do you need to take so that you can follow Christ in obedience?

By Jon Walker
Used by Permission

The Knowledge of God

“Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.” Romans 11:33

Thought

God’s plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives.

Prayer

Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by permission.
By Phil Ware from http://www.heartlight.org

Profound Gratitude

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

I have a great life; Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior who’s granted me salvation, unshakable peace, hope, encouragement and contentment.

I am blessed.

Yet, somehow, I manage to complain about ridiculous ‘first world’ problems in my life that really aren’t problems.

From an eternal perspective, whining should never exist. So, why do I do it? Despite how disgusted I am with my sinfulness, the compulsion to whine or complain always seems to lurk beneath the surface. It’s unnerving when I see myself so clearly.

Throughout the week, my composure gradually unravels and it is exhausting. At week’s end and as I come before the cross of Christ at church on Sunday, all the grievances I had been carrying throughout the week pierce my wretched heart. The first notes of worship music fill the air and my eyes fill with tears, drawing my shame out into the open.

Yet, it’s not condemnation I’m receiving from the Lord. It’s mercy, love and forgiveness. My heart bursts with profound gratitude as my lips say, ‘Thank you, God’, again and again. I don’t deserve his sweetness washing over me but I humbly receive it. As service draws to a close and my voice sings praises to God, I am lifted up and restored.

Having been saved, we as believers in the living Christ can flip griping on its head with an attitude of gratitude. In light of eternity, we have so much to be grateful for! We serve a mighty and sovereign God who can do the impossible. Let us not hesitate to verbalize our gratefulness to him, “…with all wisdom, and as you (we) sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (v.16), as well as when we pray.

Father God, I ask you to forgive me when I grumble. There’s no reason for it in light of all you have done and continue to do for me. Holy Spirit, help me to have supernatural self-control over my whining so that I may, instead, praise you in a spirit of profound gratitude. It’s in Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

When you are tempted to complain about something trivial, sing a song of thanksgiving to your heavenly Father instead.

By Melissa Talbot
Used by Permission

Loneliness

We’ll try anything to get rid of our loneliness.

But should we? Should we be so quick to drop it? Could it be that loneliness is a gift? A gift from God? A friend turns away. The job goes bad. Your spouse didn’t understand. The church is dull. One by one he removes the options until all you have left is God. He would do that? Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “The Lord disciplines those he loves.” If he must silence every voice, he will. He wants you to discover what David discovered and to be able to say what David said, “You are with me.”

Loneliness. Could it be one of God’s finest gifts? Scripture says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” If a season of solitude is his way to teach you to hear his song, don’t you think it’s worth it? So do I.

By Max Lucado
From: Travelling Light

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Category: <span>Thoughts by All</span>

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11 (NKJV)

Ask God: “Who do You want me to go out of my way to show love to today?”

Further Reading

I awoke early this morning with the “Love Chapter” of the Bible on my mind:

Further Reading

Have you thought about the legacy you want to leave and the impact you want to make on the lives of others?

Further Reading

“… see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

Excelling in the grace of giving means so much more than the concern of material goods.

Further Reading

The story of the Birth of Christ Jesus:

Further Reading

“Soon and Very Soon, we are Going to Meet the King.”

Further Reading

Further Reading

How has God shown you kindness, and how can you through everyday actions show kindness to others?

Further Reading

“…the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Christ never undervalues a kind word spoken, or underestimates a loving deed done in His name.

Further Reading

Further Reading

Jesus will not tolerate wishy-washy disciples.

Further Reading

Further Reading

I am blessed.

Further Reading

We’ll try anything to get rid of our loneliness.

Further Reading