GENESIS 22:2 - FIRST USE OF "LOVE"

FIRST USE OF "LOVE"

The first mention of love in the Bible occurs in the passage concerning Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This is a foreshadowing or “type” of the heavenly Father’s sacrifice of His only begotten Son Jesus.

We are not told that Adam loved his wife or that Noah loved his children, although it could be argued that this unstated love was demonstrated. We are not even told that Sarah loved Abraham. It is fitting that the first mention of love in the Bible is a father’s love for his son. We begin to understand some basic concepts about love: 1) Abraham loved his son as a father should, 2) Obedience to God supersedes human love, 3) God loved Abraham and provided the ram to replace Isaac, 4) God loves humans enough to sacrifice His beloved Son, Jesus, 5) As God’s children we are to emulate His sacrificial love.

The first fruit of the Spirit is love. Loving as the Father has loved us. Self-sacrificing love for God and for people. This kind of love can only be cultivated in you if the Holy Spirit is flowing through you. Because Father God willingly offered His Son on the cross, those who believe are the beneficiaries of this tremendously selfless gift of love. Once we come to accept and embrace the love of God our Father, we are filled with His Holy Spirit who enables us to increasingly love others as Jesus first loved us.

Have you experienced the Father’s love? If you have, are you searching out ways to share this love God so graciously bestowed upon you with those within the sphere of your influence? Jesus freely gave His love. Freely give love to others.

TITUS 3:8 - LET THE RIVER OF GOD'S SPIRIT FLOW

LET THE RIVER OF GOD’S SPIRT FLOW

By Susie Hale & Susan Slade, PJM

What had Paul just said? He had explained that we are saved by God’s grace and mercy, not by works. He had made it clear that our regeneration, our new birth, is a gift from God that we could never earn or deserve. It was unmerited favor from a loving, gracious Father, with the emphasis being on UNMERITED. Now he goes on to explain exactly where works do fit in because they are a part of our experience with Jesus. Good deeds are the result and the evidence of our salvation and subsequent sanctification (growing to be more like Christ). When we trusted Jesus, His Holy Spirit came into us to live in us. The Holy Spirit of God will generate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us that will overflow through us to others (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB).

Paul wrote that good deeds are intrinsically good but good for the community as well. When we do something that benefits someone other than ourselves, we bring glory to God. The impact our good deeds have on the family of God and on the community around us is secondary to the fact that we honor the Lord by obeying Him and doing good in His name. The Lord Jesus taught that ministering to others is, in fact, ministering to Him personally: “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?” (Matthew 25:35-37).

However, working in the community gives us many opportunities to share the love of God and present the gospel message to people desperately in need of hearing it. True ministry is doing all those things Jesus listed in Matthew 25 in His name. Sometimes the most effective way to share Jesus is to meet a person’s true needs in His name. This opens the door to share what they need most of all—a life completely changed by the grace of God. Therefore, if you belong to Jesus, if you have trusted Him to redeem you from your sin, if His Holy Spirit lives in you, then LET THE RIVER FLOW (John 7:38). The Holy Spirit is not a pool meant to water only the one who holds Him. The Spirit is meant to flow through you and onto all who know you via your words and deeds. May His works through you be “valuable to the community.”  

Titus 3:4-6 - REGENERATION

REGENERATION

By Susie Hale, PJM

Regeneration, new birth, born again

Words that describe our salvation.

Our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ,

Stepped down to visit His creation.

We did not deserve His mercy.

Our works did not merit attention.

Our own righteousness was repugnant.

Sin held us in endless detention.

But Jesus, God’s Kindness and Love incarnate,

Graciously purchased our redemption.

Our freedom could only be bought by His blood.

There is no other way of exemption

From the sentence of death each of us bore.

No mortal person is holy, sinners without exception.

But when we trust in Jesus, our Passover Lamb,

We are guaranteed a Heavenly reception. 

TITUS 2:11-14 - LIFT UP YOUR EYES

Lift Up Your Eyes

By Susie Hale, PJM

The Grace of God came down to earth in the form of a tiny, human baby. Jesus walked on this earth for thirty-three years, the perfect example of how to live a holy life. Though tempted in all ways as each of us is (Hebrews 4:15), He denied Himself completely and was obedient to the Father, even to the point of sacrificing Himself as our perfect Passover Lamb (Philippians 2:8). He mentored His followers who then wrote the New Testament so that we would know how to be saved and to live godly lives even while on this fallen earth. He paid the price of His life to redeem us from the chains of sin. Then He sent His Holy Spirit to live in each person who believes and trusts in Him. That Holy Spirit works in and through us to purify us, to make us more and more like Jesus (Romans 8:29, Ephesians 5:26-27). We, the church, are His bride, and Jesus is preparing a home for us in His Father’s house (John 14:2-3). Therefore, we should live in awe-filled expectation of the day when Jesus will return in glory. We will be caught up in the clouds with Him and be changed, perfected, to be His spotless, glorious bride (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

All that to ask the question: Are you looking for that glorious hope? Are you looking expectantly for Christ to return? Or are you looking down at all the cares of this world surrounding you? There is a Norman Rockwell painting of St. Thomas Cathedral in New York City. The people walking by are all looking down (literally and figuratively). They look worried, stressed, or depressed. Meanwhile one of the church workers is posting the week’s scripture above the door. It reads, “Lift Up Thine Eyes”.  Sometimes, even believers behave like the people in that painting. We get so wrapped up in our own daily struggles that we fail to look up. Jesus IS coming back. Jesus WILL reign. Jesus IS preparing our forever home. Many biblical signs of His return have already come to pass or are in the process of being fulfilled. LIFT UP YOUR EYES! Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

TITUS 2:3 - A WORD TO THE WISE AGED WOMEN

A WORD TO THE WISE AGED WOMEN

Dear women, who are spiritually mature,

Secure in a faith that will ever endure,

Younger women are counting on you

To teach them the things God would have them to do.

They need to see consistent holiness,

That Jesus has come in and cleaned any mess.

They need to see godly attitudes and deeds,

Behavior that plants the Gospel’s seeds.

They should never hear slander from your lips.

You need to guard your tongue lest gossip slips.

Young women need examples of sobriety,

For substance abuse is the norm in society.

Women who have walked a bit longer with God,

Who in Jesus footsteps strived to trod,

Must disciple young women and try to teach

The next generation toward godliness to reach. 

TITUS 2:1-2 - A WORD TO THE WISE AGED MEN

A WORD TO THE WISE AGED MEN

Older men, many young believers look up to you.

They examine your lives to see what they should do.

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your way?

Are you seeking to follow Jesus each day?

Those who are younger, newer in Christ

Need to see you are serious about your life.

Their eyes are on you more than you realize.

They are watching what things you prioritize.

They need to see you exercise self-control,

That the Spirit guides you, not in part but the whole.

Younger ones need to see you exercise trust,

Reliance on the Lord is an absolute must.

As you set the example for younger men,

They need to see you show love again and again.

Love for your family, for brothers and sisters in Christ,

And love for Lord Jesus, the source of your life.

Demonstrate patience with those who are new

Remembering the times someone did that for you.

Awareness that you’re being watched always,

Should bring you humbly to your knees to pray.

Begin each day asking God for the power

To live as His son each and every hour.

Spend time in His word seeking His face

And He will guide your feet as you run this race. 

TITUS 1:4 - TRENDING NOW: GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE

TRENDING NOW:

GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE

What greeting do you use when you meet a longtime friend or write a letter to a loved one? Do you say, “Hi! How are you?” to which they reply the obligatory, “Fine. How are you?” Paul greeted the believers to whom he wrote by pronouncing “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” You may be thinking that Paul could officially say that to Titus because he was an Apostle and writing scripture. However, can we not confidently say that God bestows grace, mercy, and peace on all who trust in Jesus? Paul desired that his children in the faith understand the grace, the unmerited favor, of God more and more as they grew in their knowledge of Jesus. He asked God to extend mercy to them whenever they fell short of His holiness, as we all do at times. He reminded them of the peace, the wholeness, the contentment that was theirs through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

I wonder what would happen if we began greeting other Christians in this manner? I think it would feel really weird at first, but perhaps it would encourage someone to rest in the fact that he or she is a child of God. Perhaps we would be encouraged to truly minister these gifts from God in our daily dealings with others. In our correspondence—okay, let’s be real—in our emails, tweets, and Facebook posts, perhaps we could remind each other of the grace, mercy, and peace that is ours through the Lord Jesus Christ. I am going to try it! Perhaps if you try it, too, we can start a trend. 

2 TIMOTHY 4:7 - FIGHT AND FINISH BY FAITH

2 TIMOTHY 4:7

FIGHT AND FINISH BY FAITH

By Susie Hale, PJM

Paul fought a good fight

Defended what’s right

Endured persecution

Now faced execution.

He had finished his course

Preached his final discourse

Had encouraged believers

Routed out deceivers.

The faith, Paul had kept,

When awake, when he slept.

His hope was in Jesus.

He taught that grace frees us.

And what about me?

Jesus set me free.

Do I fight for His name

And His message proclaim?

Am I staying the course

With power from the Source

To run a good race

Teaching God’s grace?

When my life here is done

And my race I have run,

Will people testify

I kept the faith ’til I died?

2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4 - TICKLED EARS OR TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

2 Timothy 4:3-4

TICKLED EARS OR

TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

By Susie Hale, Precious Jewels Ministries

This post may end up being one of the least liked that I have ever written, but I hope you will stick with it until the last sentence. I believe the time Paul was writing about to Timothy is here and now. This was already true to some extent in Ephesus when Timothy pastored there. However, many of today’s churches are the epitome of these two verses. People flock to hear of God’s unconditional love but run out the door when His wrath is preached. People turn out in droves to hear that God wants them to be healthy, wealthy, and happy all the time but turn a deaf ear to the prospect of persecution for their faith. There are churches that cater to the homosexual community never lovingly showing them that God has a better plan than continuing to live in what He declared to be “an abomination” (Leviticus 20:13). Many churches turn a blind eye to the fact that members are living together without benefit of wedding vows (a.k.a. fornication, see 1 Corinthians 6:18). Lest you are feeling high and holy, take a look at seven things the Lord finds detestable (Proverbs 6:6-19). Sin is no long called “sin”. Instead we prefer the watered down “bad choices.” When we preach only the love of God and fail to teach His holiness, we neglect to point out a person’s deep need of a Savior. When we no longer teach the fact that our sinfulness separates us from a perfect Father, many see themselves as “good enough” to approach Him instead of knowing that it is only by His mercy and grace we can reach Him. I was reading ahead in my Sunday school quarterly, and was reminded of this truth when I saw, “When sin is not faced as sin, grace is not seen as amazing. A weak teaching on sin leads to cheap grace, and abandoning both is abandoning the central message of the gospel” (Matt Capps in Explore the Bible: Exodus; Leviticus, Fall 2017, Lifeway Christian Resources). Refuse to attend a church where the pastor only scratches the itching ears of those who want to say they trust Jesus while never turning from the things He abhors. A true encounter with the Holy God who created everything results in a life that is pursuing Christlikeness, a life transformed by the power of His Holy Spirit living within. That life may not experience material prosperity on this earth but will be rewarded with much more. Their spirit of fear will be replaced with a spirit of “power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Anxiety will be replaced with confidence that “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). They will know this truth: “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). Do you just want to have your ears tickled or are you ready to surrender your entire being to the most loving Master who created you and desires what is best for you, to give you a total transformation?

2 TIMOTHY 4:2 - LONGANIMITY by Susan R. Slade

2 TIMOTHY 4:2

LONGANIMITY

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering³¹¹⁵ and doctrine.

One meaning of “longsuffering” is longanimity. The definition according to Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language:

Longanimity - Forbearance; patience; disposition to endure long under offenses.

Timothy’s overarching purpose was to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, with abandonment, and without shame. He was to teach the principles of godly living to the believers in Ephesus. He was to identify, isolate, and rebuke the sin of the believers at Ephesus and any others within the sphere of his influence. However, this was to be done with all patience and love, exemplifying the character of Christ.

It is never easy to confront a brother or sister in Christ concerning sin in his or her life. Teaching on how to do so is often lacking in modern churches. Because of this, many people stay stuck on the hamster wheel of sin instead of being lovingly led to victorious living. Their spiritual growth is stunted because a more mature brother or sister failed to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Therefore, the entire body, the congregation is stunted.

I once had to confront a friend about performing in an inappropriate manner during his musical act. It was not easy. It was not pleasant for me. However, he needed to think about his witness for Jesus. If I had not said something to him, I feel I would have been sinning by refusing to speak the truth in love. He actually thanked me for caring enough to point it out. When you approach a person about wrongdoing, it is because you respect and love them enough to do so. It should not be done with a judgmental attitude but gently with patience to wait on the Holy Spirit to convict. The response may not be gratitude immediately. That’s where the longanimity comes in.

Be bold to speak the truth, but be sure you do so with gentleness and patience.