Real Loving

   So, the wedding is over, and so is the honeymoon. Why does it sometimes seem a whole lot easier to do the things your “special someone” loves BEFORE you tie the knot? What about after?

  The commitment of love takes all of us down different paths, but most of us travel through frenzied, hurried up, out the door, “I love you’s,” head past the feel good “once in a while” date nights, and land in a pasture that points to the real art of loving. Oh yes, pastures boast many different things! They can boast the most fragrant of flowers, enchanted gates to other pastures and secret hide outs, perhaps even a small stream . . . And sometimes . . .?!? Angry bulls, electric fences, and “cow piles,” just to name a few!

   The real art of loving begins when it’s no longer the consistent, “what about me” but the marriage translation is caught, and the question becomes, “what about _____________.” (Fill in the blank with your spouses name!) It’s amazing to discover a wonderful secret. When we focus on what our spouse is needing, and what we can do for them — many times we find our own needs are met. (Or we forget what we so desperately thought we needed!) Even communicating to one another becomes much easier when are focused on how to make this relationship best for one another.

   There is a lot of emphasis placed on how important communication between one another is in a marriage relationship. While that is a definite need, what we say to others ABOUT our marriage relationship and our spouse is also important! Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

   Who better to build up than those who we love most on this earth. They see us at our best and worst. We see them at their best and worst. So, why not speak about the best? The simple golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” perhaps is best applied within the family circle.

Take it with You  

Building up with words is important! Words form sentence structure — and then write a family chapter in the story of our lives. How will ours read? 4:20

 
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians

There IS a Savior!

What do you need to hear today? Is your spirit broken and you need healing? Perhaps you’re rejoicing and simply need to share your joy! Maybe you’re guilty and need forgiveness. Do burdens and cares of this life overwhelm you? Are you sitting at a crossroads wondering which way to go? Is there emotional pain in your life which threatens to overwhelm you. . . all I can say is, there is a Savior.

God’s Word let’s us in on a marvelous secret when it says simply, “Christ is all and in all.” He truly is the Answer . . . even when our world seems void of answers. He is the Healer, the Giver of Joy, the Forgiver of our sins, the Bearer of our Burdens. His ways are above our ways, and amazingly, He knows us better than we know ourselves. When our pathways of purpose seem plagued with uncertainty, our distinct desires to serve Him alone, facing distraction . . . there is a Savior.

His arms are waiting . . . I wonder if they ever ache, just knowing if we would let Him hold us, He could provide whatever it is we need. His love for us is truly a gift beyond description.

A few years ago, I faced a new day in my walk with God. I was beginning to see Him as He truly is, my loving, Heavenly Father. Oh, I grew up singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know . . . “ but somehow it had only penetrated so deep. I was often concerned that I wasn’t doing enough for Him to really love me. So gently He began to show me that His love for me wasn’t based on how I performed, but in the strong essence of His very being. “God is love.” His very character is love.

Everywhere I looked, I began to see this phrase, “unfailing love.” I would open my Bible to read . . . not looking up a particular passage, and there it would jump out at me. At the most unexpected times . . . and in unexpected places, that phrase began to pop up. Once, as I sat down to watch a family movie – there in a certain place were those words, “unfailing love!” My own eyes began to be opened to the Truth. An inexpressible warmth began creeping up through my heart and onto my face. He loved me! Unlovable me. He truly loved me! That amazing fact is revolutionary. From the inside out it changes me . . . realizing He is love, and He loves me.

His unfailing love is there when circumstances cause of pathway of life to travel some “rough and rocky” roads. When faithfulness seems unseen to the human eye, we can trust and know the unfailing, faithful love of God remains. Our God has no beginning . . . our God has no end . . . and neither does His love. In His love we are secure.

So, today, know . . . there is a Savior. For whatever need – trust Him. He left all of His wealth, came to lowly earth, experienced life as a human. Then, for the sake of the love of us, He hung on a Cross and died. Rising again, he gave us the hope of eternal life in Him. You know what . . . we can trust a love like that . . . we can trust a God like that. Oh, yes, there IS a Savior.

Take it with You

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together

with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to

know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullnes of God."

Ephesians 3:18-19 (NIV)

Radiate

Everything was frost covered – and everyone was COLD! Our morning started early, and after dropping the children off to ride to school with grandma, I pulled back into our driveway. Something caught my eye on the roof of our house.

This time it wasn’t a toy or some other object that had “mysteriously” found its way to the roof. It wasn’t a ball caught in the guttering, or a Frisbee waiting to be retrieved. It was just a clear spot. The only clear spot on the frost covered roof.

It caught my attention because everything else WAS frost covered! How was this “one spot” clear? I looked a moment longer – “the spot” was getting larger each moment.

Turning my head, and looking up, the reason was quite evident. Sunshine was beginning to radiate through the trees – and that must have been “the spot” where its beams were hitting the strongest. Under its warmth the cold of the frost was melting away -- and it wasn’t just staying in that one spot, but was continuing from there to the whole roof!

Radiate. That’s what our Christian life is supposed to do! Into our hearts He beams Himself. Taking time to sit still and intake the warmth of HIS Presence is the key. He shines into our lives, melting away the coldness, the harshness of the world around us. Then, He begins. Through us He radiates Himself, not only to us, but now, THROUGH US to the cold world around us.

               “Dear Heavenly Son . . . help us to wait while You melt our hearts with

                 Your love . . . then, radiate through us to a cold, dark world – so in need

of Your warmth!!!”

In Jesus’ name,Amen

Take it With You

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3 NLT)

By: Janene A. Dubbled/FGG

Unfailing Love

Mom was tired. Actually, Mom was exhausted . . . and of all things, after her busy day, she had to make a stop at the grocery store. As she made her way to her home, her children excitedly greeted her. One child immediately informed her that another of her children had “redecorated” the living room wall paper . . . which had just been put up! “Stressed Mama” began her tears and tirade of how could a child do such a thing as write on the wall, especially the new wallpaper . . . until she got to the living room. There, in bright red marker was a big heart with the childish print, “I love you.” The tears kept flowing, but the reason was different. Guess what, she didn’t change the wallpaper.

Deep within the heart of every human being there is a longing. There is a need. A need for love. Many of us search for this ultimate, filling, love in all the wrong places. We think we will find it in friends, and they disappoint us. If we search for it in pleasure and time filling experiences, we return empty. Perhaps we are sure that the ultimate will be found in a marital relationship -- and while the God given blessing of marriage is wonderful, no human being can provide the answer to our ultimate need or longing for love. However, none of these earthly loves can be enhanced to their fullest without our receiving the ULTIMATE Love. The DEEPEST Love. The FILLING Love. The LOVE OF GOD.

Ephesians 3:17-19 says: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV)

How WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ! His love is UNFAILING! The Psalmist prays in Psalm 119:76, “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

The KJV translation for “according to your promise” says “according to your word.” Remember God’s Word is eternal, unchanging. Isaiah 40 verse 8 tells us “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (NKJV) When God gives us His Word, its stands forever. And He has given us His Word that we have his “unfailing love!”

I looked up the word, “fail” in an old dictionary I had at the house. This is what I found: “fail” to be wanting or lacking; to come short; to decline; to decay; to perish; to die; to miss; to be baffled or frustrated; to become bankrupt or insolvent.

And in the verb form: To be wanting to; to be insufficient; to disappoint

It goes on, but that was enough to make me rejoice! God’s love is UNFAILING! That means it ISN’T wanting or lacking; it never comes short; it cannot decline, decay or perish, it will not die, miss, or become baffled or frustrated. It will not be bankrupt or insolvent; will ALWAYS be SUFFICIENT, and will not DISAPPOINT us! Thank God for His UNFAILING LOVE!

No wonder David calls out from the darkness of his trial in Psalm 143:8, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.”

And it can be OURS! HE can be ours! He loves us! He Is Love!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:5(NIV)



The Greatest of These is Love

“Remember, you’re supposed to love each other!” My voice says again. “The Bible says love is the most important thing . . .” Anyone else been guilty of quoting these words to a van full of children, as you roll 65 miles per hour down the intestate? I mean, I grew up an only child. There wasn’t anyone else to blame – if it was done, I did it. There wasn’t any one to “fervently disagree” with – no one to have a “creative discussion” with -- I certainly wasn’t going to talk back to my parents! So, here I am, the mother of five – never having grown up with a sibling.

Now, before you draw the “all too familiar” conclusion that I was a “spoiled brat” let me tell you a story. Believe me, people rarely give any “only child” the “benefit of the doubt.” As soon as they find out you’re an “only child” they give you that knowing look and you know the words that are coming next. Once, my parents introduced to a preacher they knew but I had never met. I’ll never forget what he said. When he found out I was the proverbial “only child,” he said, “Well, that makes you special, doesn’t it.” I’m not sure what my face registered, but it was quite a shock to hear those words!

 I am sure I had more “things” than children who share with lots of siblings, but I never did get everything I wanted. I begged for a horse for years upon end . . . to no avail! Certain dresses I was so excited about – if they “cost too much” forget it! And, to beat it all, I was expected to be THANKFUL for the SMALLEST gift. It could have been a “toothpick” from “Golden Corral” but I BETTER say thank you and truly appreciate the act of thoughtfulness - - from my heart. (Thank God my parents DIDN'T give me everything I wanted!)

At any rate . . . back to the fact. Because I never HAD a brother or sister, sibling rivalry never even entered my head as a “situation.” Why does it matter what seat you sit in? You’re in the van aren’t you? It wasn’t a real issue (at least most of the time) how long I was in the shower. But seven people needing the shower can certainly make that an issue! LOL! It seems that all of us encounter ways to “learn about loving,” and it can definitely start in our families. It’s comforting to know we’re not the only family on the journey. Walking across the parking lot to a store, I saw a young family in a mini van just outside. As the side door was closing, I heard the man in the driver’s seat, who I presumed was “dad” saying, “All right, everybody in the back just calm down!” I had to smile. Life is pretty much “normal” for all of us.

However, loving is a very important part of life. Scripture commands us to, “love God with all our heart, soul, mind, body, strength” . . . and “to love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Matt. 22:37, 39) Relationships with others are the most important thing in the world outside of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amazingly, this love begins at with our families. Parents, grandparents, guardians, our responsibility is a big one. Our love for God and our love for each other are foundational blocks in our homes. Time growing in these areas is always well spent. We often take the time to just simply read I Corinthians 13 together. Why? Because there is SO MUCH room for ALL OF US to grow in that chapter!

This month is often known as the “love month.” I have a challenge for you. Gather your family together, and read I Corinthians 13 as a family. If you’re children are old enough, perhaps discuss ways you can be a more “loving” family. If your children are gone, or too young, discuss it with your spouse – or simply read it for yourself, and ask God how He can help you be better at loving. Let’s start February off with an awesome goal – loving God more – and each other better! See you” in I Corinthians 13!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

I Corinthians 13:13

A God Who Keeps

He wasn’t very tall in stature, never possessed a great amount of fame -- but his strong faith in Who God is impacted lives all across the nation – and around the world. I remember the first time I had the privilege of meeting him. He had come to our home to stay, and was preaching a revival for the students at a Bible College where my Dad was President. I bounded in the door from piano lessons – and there he was. He was unbelievably kind to a little girl – and, that in itself was the first beam of influence into my heart.

He preached powerfully that week – even though physically his body had weakened to the point where he sometimes had to sit on a stool rather than stand behind the pulpit. I can remember Him expounding on the Awesomeness of our God – telling us extreme statistics concerning the marvels of space – and weaving in the marvels of our God!

Then came the night when he shared a truth from the book of Jude. The Holy Spirit took that word and breathed on it – He breathed it right into my spirit and it has never left me. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24,25 KJV.)

Straight into my spirit pierced the word. His Holy Sprit was able to KEEP me from falling! He had saved me already, I knew that for sure, but now His Word proclaimed let me know there was victorious living for those who loved Him – even in a wicked world.

How I grasped that truth as a child had to be the Holy Spirit working in me – and I am so thankful He did! My prayer is today that you to can grasp this wonderful truth. God has a keeping grace that enables us to live above willful, outbroken sin. His grace redeems and restores – it’s true – AND His grace has the power to KEEP us set apart in Him, for His use.

He can keep us, by His Spirit, full and running over of His love and grace – today! Rely on Him – trust Him – HE is a God who KEEPS!

Take it with You

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 24,25 NIV).