- Faithful Lamb

Published on: February 2, 2022

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

"THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL" AUDIO BLOG

"But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]." 1 Corinthians 12:31

"Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails, never fades away, nor ends.

"And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

'THE CHOICEST GRACES':

1. Faith

2. Hope

3. Love

'The greatest of these is love.'

1 Corinthians 12

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1 "Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit].

3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers].

5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served].

6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

8 To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit;

9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit;

10 and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.

11 All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ.

13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

14 For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs].

15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body?

16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

18 But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function].

19 If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be?

20 But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

22 But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary;

23 and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty,

24 while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it,

25 so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.

26 And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function].

28 So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]."

Or, as the King James version tells us at 1 Corinthians 12:31, "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way," which is followed immediately in 1 Corinthians 13, describing the 'excellence of love.'

Unselfish love is a gift from God, God's choicest grace (favor) for man, and one for which we should earnestly desire and strive.

Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Published on: December 23, 2021

THE SOURCE

"THE SOURCE" AUDIO BLOG

Mary, did you know that when you kissed your baby boy you kissed the face of God? Hallelujah!

At the end of 2020, God put on my heart that 2021 would not be just another year, but would be the year that America and the world would begin to wake up and realize that there is only One God, who can save us, even with Eternal Life. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Now, at the end of 2021, He has put on my heart that He is the source of all things: “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, who is the source of all things. . ." 1 Corinthians 8:6

And, that all things, as we know them, as well as what we do not know, visible and invisible, are in existence because of Him: "For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him." Colossians 1:16

We are coming into an amazing time, where we will begin to see more of God's miracles, signs and wonders. I would not be surprised to see miraculous births, healings, possibly even resurrections. I heard a prophet say that God said He is going to put His DNA in some people! He is letting us know He is here. Right now, His Spirit is pouring out into His children all over the world, in masses, and they are receiving powerful gifts and talents from the Holy Spirit.

Keep focused on God: “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts] (laws, commands)." Matthew 6:22

If we are not spiritually focused on God, it may look gloomy and dark around us, or even that that is normal. This is why God tells us to wear His full armor Ephesians 6:11-24, because our adversary the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can destroy. If we wear the full armor of God, then our bodies will be full of light, and we know that Satan dwells in the dark, and runs from the light: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19

Jesus tells us that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all of your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. Two simple things that could change the world. Remember, God's Word is alive. These are not JUST words.

Love God and others as yourself! I know it can seem easier to love a God we cannot see than to love other people, standing right next to us. Forgive us, Lord. This is the world we have created for ourselves. When we can look at the homeless person on the corner, and feel compassion for him as if it were us standing on the corner, then we will understand Jesus' commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

The homeless person is too easy though. Most people have a tug at their heart strings when they see homeless people, especially children.

What about the grumpy pants in the convenience store you go to everyday? Or, that neighbor who has a Biden (or Trump, depending on your preference) sign in their front yard? Or, what about our family that we have not spoken to in years? Or, that car behind you riding on your bumper with his bright lights on? Can we muster some love for these people?

When we can look past our initial 'feelings' of hate, or indifference, and make a step towards freedom, liberty, emancipation from the bondage of hate, then we will understand God's Words. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Hate, indifference, or feelings of superiority, keep us where Satan wants us, not where God wants us. When we realize that we are not superior, but we are actually the very person at which we are looking, that we are ONE from 'the source,' God, then we will truly understand Jesus' words, to love our neighbor as ourself, because they are US!

So, yes, when Mary kissed her baby boy, she kissed the face of God, but she also kissed her own face, and the face of her mother and father, her neighbor next door, the grumpy pants down the street.

We are all ONE, and we all return to 'the source.' "Earnestly remember your Creator before the silver cord [of life] is broken, or the golden bowl is crushed, or the pitcher at the fountain is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust [out of which God made man’s body] will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

We must 'earnestly remember our Creator' before 'the spirit returns to God who gave it," and by remembering our creator, thus remember ourselves, and who we are: ONE!

Find your connection with God, and ultimately with all of mankind, by reading the bible and praying. Read and pray, pray and read. Do random acts of kindness. Everyone knows that the things we do repeatedly become habits. Let's make our habits for the greater good. We cannot control the choices the world makes, or even our own friends and family make. We can only control the choices we make.

I pray that we all make a choice to "Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Kiss the face of God today, and, remember, you are kissing your own face!

Jesus promises us only good if we follow Him. Again, not JUST words.

Psalm 91

Security of the One Who Trusts in the Lord.

1 "He who [a]dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

3 For He will save you from the trap of the fowler,

And from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,

And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror of night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.

7 A thousand may fall at your side

And ten thousand at your right hand,

But danger will not come near you.

8 You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes

And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High].

9 Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil will befall you,

Nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will command His angels in regard to you,

To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12 They will lift you up in their hands,

So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra;

The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him;

I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].

15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

16 “With a long life I will satisfy him

And I will let him see My salvation.”

Footnotes

Psalm 91:1 The wonderful promises of this chapter are dependent upon one’s meeting the conditions stated in these first two verses (see Ex 15:26) (see below).

"saying, “If you will diligently listen and pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments, and keep [foremost in your thoughts and actively obey] all His precepts and statutes, then I will not put on you any of the diseases which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Thank you, Father. Amen.

Published on: February 22, 2021

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

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Why is GOD great? What makes Him great to believers? For a lot of believers, they know God is great because it is proven in their lives every day.

We could say, synonymously, God is Love, because through Love, all things are great!

There is common agreement among philosophers, scholars and scientists that Love is the most powerful emotion there is. Love makes the world go round, and, CHRISTians know that through God, Love is the key to our happiness, because it creates positivity where there was negativity, turns disagreement into accord, and hostility into reconciliation.

There are many stories in the Bible that prove God's greatness:

The Creation Story, Genesis 1;
Noah's Ark, Genesis 7;
God's liberation of the Israelites from Egypt, Exodus 14;
Sodom and Gomorrah: God asked His friend, Abraham, what he thought before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:1-29. God agreed with Abraham that if he could find 10 righteous people in the cities, among men, women and children, then he would not destroy them. Of course, we know that God could not find 10 righteous people, so the cities were destroyed; and,
Jonah and the whale: Jonah was angry with God because he knew that God was great and merciful, and that if the people of Nineveh repented, God would forgive them, and Jonah did not want that. But God told him, there are many people in Nineveh that do not know their right hand from their left hand, and should He not spare them? And, of course, he did spare Nineveh.

There are many other stories and instances of God's greatness in the Bible, but perhaps the greatest of all is the story of God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ, and undoubtedly, the single-most reason people say, God is Great!

John 3:16-21

16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that does evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

1 Chronicles 29:11 "Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all."

And, finally, Psalm 46:1-11

1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

Our Prayer Today:

Father, we love the message You gave that first Christmas morning, when a heavenly choir sang, “Glory to God In the Highest.. and peace on earth to men.” How we rejoice in recalling the reason that You gave Your only begotten Son, to be born perfect, living with us sinners, so that by Your grace, His blood sacrifice would cleanse our sins forever.

We pray that this glorious message of grace shines deep into the hearts of men, so that Jesus Christ is lifted up in the hearts of many. Jesus promised, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

We pray that many are drawn into Your arms of grace, forgiveness and mercy, and that we never fail to glorify You and Your message of peace on earth and goodwill towards men, for You alone are worthy of all honor, praise, glory and thanksgiving.

Courtesy of: www.prayer.knowing-jesus.com

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Published on: January 24, 2021

THE PROVERBIAL ELEPHANT...

"THE PROVERBIAL ELEPHANT" AUDIO BLOG
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"Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:12-14

2020 was a trying year for many people. We send prayers for God's loving mercy and grace and healing for everyone affected by the virus, or by the lockdowns, in general, and for a healthy, prosperous and abundant 2021. Hallelujah! Amen.

Now, while 2020 was trying for many people, 2021 will be a revelation, A Great Awakening, for many CHRISTians, who strive and yearn to follow and love the living God, with all of their heart and all of their mind and all of their soul, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 22:37: "Jesus said unto him, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.'"

So, let me start by stating that I stand with God first, family second and country third. God has much to say, however, through His Word and His Prophets, about the 2020 Presidential Election. I cannot stress enough that God will not overlook sin. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

It is impossible to discuss CHRISTians' upcoming role in the Great Awakening without addressing the literal elephants and donkeys in the room. I know this may offend some people, because the Truth often does. As CHRISTians, when do we become complicit in others' sins? CHRISTians must start telling the Truth, the Hard Truths, God's Truth. As I have said before, God has made it clear to me that the time for the "Lukewarm CHRISTian" has passed. See my Blog titled, "Are You A Lukewarm Christian" here?

No pun intended against the elephants or the donkeys, but, as a LAMB OF GOD, I must call out the proverbial elephant in the room: It is alarming to me the number of "Christians" who supported, and then cheered and celebrated a fake win, from a party that stands for most of the things that are an abomination unto the Lord.

16 "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19

Think about that. Abominations unto the Lord. This should not be taken lightly. "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD." Proverbs 17:15

And our God, and we, as faithful Lambs of God, know that Satan is the great deceiver: "And cast him [Satan] into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more. . ." Revelations 20:3

Man's laws are not God's laws, and while the Bible tells us in Romans 13:1 that we are to obey our leaders, because they are ordained by God, we are well-served, in our Godly and righteous endeavors, to also remember Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

In addition, as Peter and the other apostles said to the Sadducees, who were filled with indignation, because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among the people, after being expressly instructed not to, and who said to Peter and the other apostles, did not we command you that you should not teach in this name? Acts 5

"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

If the ordained leaders, who all have free will, choose to pass laws that are against God's laws, then we "ought to obey God rather than men." Amen.

This puts CHRISTians in a unique, and perhaps awkward, position.

Why is this a unique position for CHRISTians? Because there are a multitude of our fellow "Christian" brethren, and others, who are in desperate need of a refreshening or awakening of the Spirit. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 And, what does a CHRISTian Love more than bringing souls back to the living God? There isn't a lot! Hallelujah! Praise Yahweh!

Why is this an "awkward" position for CHRISTians? Because, as Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [expose] them." Ephesians 5:11

And, because speaking the hard truths, God's hard truths, can be a daunting task. CHRISTians have been asleep, and have become complacent in God's Word, striving more for a status quo, "political correctness," than living in God's Word. God will not overlook sin: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30

CHRISTians can no longer be complacent, nor complicit, in the lukewarmness of other "Christians": “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16 It is time to proclaim God's Truth from the housetops: "Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." Luke 12:3

The aftermath of the 2020 Presidential Election has produced some "Christians" who are celebrating and cheering victory, albeit an alleged false victory. "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Acts 5:39

The aftermath has also produced "Christians," who are in fear, who gave up, threw in the towel and surrendered. The fake news, social media censorship, "Trump versus The World," has beat them down. See my blog titled, "God versus The World" here for more about Trump vs The World.

And, finally, the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential Election has also produced CHRISTians who are steadfast in their faith and belief in God's Words. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

We are coming into a time of Spiritual harvest, where our faith and good works will be rewarded thirty-, sixty- or an hundredfold. "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." Mark 4:20

God is exposing the darkness and shining His Light into the hearts of many who were asleep in Jesus. "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Ephesians 5:11

And, Psalm 27:1, "A Psalm of David. . ." reminds us that ". . . The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Hallelujah!

And, finally:

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29

Our Prayer for You Today:

Heavenly Father, the living God,

You have created me with the capacity for deep affections — to love, to loathe, to desire, to delight, to excite, to grieve, to laugh, to enjoy, to fear, to be depressed, to be thankful. And you made me this way that I may glorify you.

But I confess that my affections for you are often lukewarm while my selfish interests are on fire, and I know that my sinful flesh is most offensive to you. O gracious Father, thank you that your Son’s great sacrifice is so great and so sufficient that it pays even for these gross sins.

I repent of being lazy in my zeal to you, to your son, and to your precious word! No more, Father! Make me boil in spirit as I serve you Romans 12:11! To be moved by your glorious gospel and precious promises. 2 Peter 1:4

Today, I take to heart your Son’s warning: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16.

Merciful Father, make me hot! Whatever it takes, whatever it costs me, give me the Spirit-salve for my eyes Revelation 3:18, so that I may see what is real, believe what is true, treasure what is valuable and forsake what is worthless.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Savior and King. Amen!

Published on: June 20, 2020

...THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

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This morning, my husband and I were talking, and he said something like, "You're not a social butterfly." I said, "No, but I can be. I stopped trusting people." Later, I was looking for scripture to respond to a Facebook post, and God directed me to 1 Corinthians 13. I read it, and thought, That doesn't really fit what I need. Plus, I know I've posted that recently.

So, I tried my "Bible ritual," where I pray for guidance and then pick up the Bible and open it to the Word God wants me to see for the day. Today, I prayed and opened the Bible to . . . drum roll please . . . 1 Corinthians 13.

As I was sitting at my desk, reading it again, the light bulb went off. It wasn't meant for everyone else. It was meant for ME. And God kept showing me, because I wasn't listening. I was not paying attention to Him.

I had just told my husband this very morning, that I stopped trusting people. And God told me, no, no, no. You will not. You will love and trust, because HE loves and trusts me.

"Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits." 1 Corinthians 13:7

So, moral of the story, Don't give up on people, don't stop trusting, don't lose hope, never quit, and always love!

Also, listen and pay attention when God talks to you!

1 Corinthians 13

Let Love Be Your Guide

1 "I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal.

2 I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing.

3 I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.

5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it.

6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth.

7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

8 Love will never end. But all those gifts will come to an end—even the gift of prophecy, the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages, and the gift of knowledge.

9 These will all end because this knowledge and these prophecies we have are not complete.

10 But when perfection comes, the things that are not complete will end.

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways.

12 It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me.

13 So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love."

God Bless You and Jesus Loves You! Amen!

Published on: June 19, 2020

LIVE IN PEACE WITH EVERYONE

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Romans 12:1-21

Give Your Lives to God

1 "So I beg you, brothers and sisters, because of the great mercy God has shown us, offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him—an offering that is only for God and pleasing to him. Considering what he has done, it is only right that you should worship him in this way.

2 Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

3 God has given me a special gift, and that is why I have something to say to each one of you. Don’t think that you are better than you really are. You must see yourself just as you are. Decide what you are by the faith God has given each of us.

4 Each one of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing.

5 In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others.

6 We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. Whoever has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have.

7 Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach.

8 Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly.

9 Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good.

10 Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself.

11 As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him!

12 Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.

13 Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them.

15 When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too.

16 Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

17 If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right.

18 Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 My friends, don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong to you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. In the Scriptures the Lord says,

'I am the one who punishes;
    I will pay people back.'

20 But you should do this:

'If you have enemies who are hungry,
    give them something to eat.
If you have enemies who are thirsty,
    give them something to drink.
In doing this you will make them feel ashamed.'

21 Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good."

Hallelujah! Praise God! Amen!

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