Can A Christian Love?

This is the fourth in my series of Can A Christian ...? It's obvious that if we call ourselves Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ, that we think we automatically have these qualities...we know we should forgive others, we know we should trust God with everything, and we know we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us, but sometimes we struggle with those things.

 

This topic here is on love. Can a Christian love? When we think of God, we think of love:

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,

but have eternal life.

 

John 3:16

 

As Christ followers, we know that we are to love God first and foremost, and love others as ourselves. Jesus tells us that. My question to you is: How well are you loving others?

 

Honestly, this is a struggle of mine, and I realize that. I have asked the Lord to help me to love others the way I should. Compassionately. Patiently. Nonjudgementally. I know He loves me that way, and I so appreciate His mercy and grace, for I have fallen more times than I want to admit. No matter what I do, He loves me anyway.

 

How can we love others who are unloveable, at least in our minds? There will always be people who hurt us, offend us, gossip about us, cheat us, let us down. The reasons are endless. (But so is His love!) For me, as I meditate on this, I have come to the realization that I need to look at people differently than I have. I need to try to see them as Jesus does. Sinners in need of grace.

 

Sometimes people have no idea that they have offended others. And sometimes, because they have had terrible pasts of abuse and rejection, they are unable to show love to others. They may be hurting inside, and are just smearing that hurt on anyone who is within their space. Maybe you fall into that category. (I hope not!)

 

Because of that, when I think that others may have unknown reasons why they get on my "unloveable list", I get more tolerant. I am able to give them some slack. Another chance. After all, there have been times when I acted unloveable to another, and later on regretted it, hoping that person would give me some slack...another chance. God looks at the inside of people, where we can only look on the outside. He knows we are works in progress. Becoming a Christian doesn't immediately turn us into a saint, even though we are one. We are a work in progress indeed, and for some of us, it takes longer than for others. Sometimes it isn't easy to love everyone, but with God's help, we can get better at it. It takes deliberation, but I believe it brings alot of peace. Instead of fretting, we are forgiving. Instead of complaining, we are praying. Instead of hating, we are loving.

 

Is this possible for you? As you think about your relationships, are you able to truly love everyone? Yes, you can, with God's help. As He has loved us, so must we love others. Because Jesus is our model, we can love others the way He calls us to do.

 

Dear Lord, as we think about our ability to love others,

we realize that our efforts are limited.

We ask You to help us to love as we should.

To look at others through Your eyes,

and to treat them with compassion.

Thank You for Your love and mercy towards us.

Thank you for giving us another chance.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.



Does A Christian Have Power?

In a recent blog, I talked about Christians trusting God, and shared Ephesians 3:20-21~

 

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably

more than all we ask or imagine,

according to the power that is at work in us,

to Him be the glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations

forever and ever.

Amen.

 

Then I took my long walk, and chewed on that verse. As I thought about it, and talked aloud to God to explain it to me, I realized that there is something profound in the middle of this verse. Did you catch it?

 

'according to the power that is at work in us'

 

What is this power that is at work in us? Acts 1:8 tells us that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us. And Jesus tells us in John 14:12-13 ~

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me
 will do what I have been doing.
He will do even greater things than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in My Name,
so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
You may ask anything in My Name, and I will do it."

Jesus shed His blood on the cross for the remission of our sins, and when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we receive power through the Holy Spirit. We can plead the Name of Jesus, and all authorities will submit to Him. Philippians 2:10 tells us 'that at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' Since we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God, then we too have authority over the principalities through the power in the Name of Jesus.

It occurred to me that we can limit God's power in our prayers! If there is any ounce of doubt in us, then the power that He gives to us through the Holy Spirit is significantly reduced. If we don't believe He will heal, He won't. If we don't believe He will answer our prayers, He won't. The measure of our faith has a direct relationship to the miracles that God does in our lives. Jesus wasn't able to do any miracles in His hometown due to the lack of faith of the people there. After all, to them, He was Joseph's son, just a carpenter. This was an example of incorrect labeling, which can lead to another blog topic in the future!

 

If we want miracles in our lives, we need to fully believe that God CAN 'do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine'. Without doubting. We need to surrender our wills to Him, fully trusting in His provision. Nothing is impossible with God. God is not limited by our failures. But He looks at our faith and knows whether we truly believe that He can. He has placed supernatural power in us through the Holy Spirit, and we can tap into that, if we believe. All we need is the faith of a mustard seed, which you know, is very, very tiny. In other words, the question may be "Is your faith larger than a mustard seed?" 

 

From time to time, we all need a miracle in our lives. Are you going to tap into that power?

 



Can A Christian Trust?

Trust. What does it mean to you? When you ask someone to trust you, you want that person not to doubt that you will fulfill your promise. It's easy to trust someone who has never let you down. He is a man of his word. But if, for some reason, you break your promise and don't follow through, it can lead to someone doubting you and your word. And the next time you ask that person to trust you, it will be difficult.

 

The Bible talks about trusting God. Over 165 verses! God wants His children to trust Him with everything, and not to worry or doubt. He always keeps His promises... after all, He is God. He is in control of the universe, and nothing is impossible with Him.

 

If you are a Christian, do you trust God? Really trust Him? If you are dealing with something and take it to Him in prayer, asking Him to deliver you, are you trusting Him to take care of it? Or are you continually dwelling on it, telling God what you want Him to do about it, and secretly wanting to be in the Control Room in Heaven? We KNOW we should trust God, but sometimes we have a hard time doing it, don't we?

 

God knows us inside and out, and I believe sometimes He allows trials to come into our lives to develop our faith in His sufficiency. Sometimes we Christians can become too independent and proud in our lives, and our spiritual eyes wander from Him to ourselves, and to other things in this world. At other times, I believe He puts us through difficult circumstances to take us to a higher level in our relationship with Him. He wants to mature us. When things are going so well, how often are you on your knees before Him? And when things do go aury, and we seek Him for the answers, do we truly believe that He will give them to us?

 

I am reminded of a story where a man was walking a tightrope, back and forth. The people watching from below were hooping and hollering, cheering him on. They told him he was the best. He then took a wheelbarrow and pushed it across while walking that tightrope. They were so impressed and cheered even louder. He yelled down, "Who among you wants to take a ride in  this wheelbarrow?" No one answered. They didn't really trust him.

In the book of Matthew, two blind men came to Jesus, and said "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When He had gone indoors, the blind men came to Him, and He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored. Imagine that! We don't read this in our daily papers, but I believe it still happens to people today! Jesus still heals those who have "the faith of a mustard seed".  But if He chooses not to heal, then He has a purpose that we cannot understand. We need to trust Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

 and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.



Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 Christians, do you truly trust God to take care of you? Do you have peace in your hearts, knowing that He loves you beyond measure... that He knows what you are going through, and is working on it? While you are waiting for the answers, are you resting on His promises? That He knows what is best for you, more than you do? Are you willing to accept whatever the outcome, knowing that He is God and His purpose is to draw you closer to Him? And to bring Him glory?

 

Now to Him who is able to do

immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to the power that is at work within us,

to Him be the glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations,

forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

 

Yes, God is able to do abundantly more than we can ever imagine! Just trust Him!

 

 

 

 



Can A Christian Forgive?

This is a sensitive topic which is meant for people who claim they are Christians. They have accepted Christ as their Savior, go to church, sing the songs, and even read their Bibles and pray. They may even go on mission trips and serve in their church. On the outside, they are models of Christ-followers. But on the inside.... they can't forgive someone who has wronged them. Why?

 

They hold on to their hurts, and feel they didn't deserve the deed done to them by another person. They want that person to pay dearly. Resurrective thoughts consume their minds. They dwell on their mistreatment, and are angry. In their minds, they wish their offender would vanish from the earth!

 

Christian - is this you? Is there someone who has wronged you and you are unable to forgive? Please take the time to read on. This may change the whole matter.

 

The Bible talks alot about forgiveness. In fact, there are over 95 verses on this topic. We know that our sin came from Adam and Eve's disobedience, and ever since then, mankind has fallen to sin. God is holy, but He hates sin. God created us in His image, and He loves us, even though we sin. He made a new covenant when He provided His beloved Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. We didn't deserve this sacrifice, and we still don't. But His love for us is so deep, that when we come to Him, asking Him to forgive us for our wrongdoings, He does...each and every time.

 

But is there a condition? Jesus taught us the Lord's Prayer. It says, "forgive us, as we have forgiven others." If we don't forgive others, will God not forgive us?



 

For if you forgive men when they sin against you,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins,

your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:14-15

 



Our Heavenly Father wants His children to love each other, and that means to forgive each other when we are wronged. Especially if that person has asked for forgiveness and is repentent. Genesis 50:15 tells us that even though Joseph's brothers had left him to die, and God rescued him, bringing him into Egypt in high authority and rulership, he was to forgive his brothers. And he did. 

 

There are passages which especially apply to Christians offending other Christians.  Matthew 18:15-35 talks about a brother sinning against another brother.

 

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault,

just between the two of you.

 If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

But if he doesn't listen, take one or two others along,

so that every matter may be established

by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

If he refuses to listen to them,

tell it to the church.... (v. 15-17)

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth

agree about anything you ask for,

it will be done for you by my

Father in heaven.

For where two or three come together

in my name, there I am with them. (v. 19-20)

 

Then Peter came to Jesus, and asked,

"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when

he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you,

not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (v. 21-22)

 

[A king wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

One of his servants owed him a huge debt,

fell on his knees, and asked for time to pay him all he owed.

The king cancelled all of his debts and let him go.

But that servant found a fellow servant

who owed him, and demanded for him to pay him back.

That servant asked for patience, but he refused,

sending him into prison.

The king found out, called that servant in, 

scolded him, and sent him into prison.] (v. 23-34]

 

 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you

unless you forgive your brother from your heart. (v.35)

 

 

Satan wants us to hold grudges. He seeks to destroy the Church. He hates us, and stirs up conflict and tension amongst the children of God. Just think... if we rebuked him, and forgave our offenders, and the world found out... what glory that would bring to God!! The world wouldn't understand, but those who belong to Christ would. Love cancels out sin. His love for us, as shown on the cross, cancelled out our sin. We are to carry our cross and do the same. 

 

Dear Christian - is there anyone you need to forgive? Is there any debt that you need to cancel? Take it to Jesus, in prayer, and ask Him to help you to forgive. Ask Him to help you to love that person as He does. He will, as this is His will for you! He will enable your heart to soften, and peace will replace the agony that controls your heart. Go to that person, and tell him/her that you forgive him/her. It takes courage, but it is the most rewarding thing you can do. Then, you can return to prayer, knowing that your heavenly Father is pleased with you. You have done the right thing!

 



 

 





He Met Me In The Woods

This morning I drove out to our city's park to take a walk. I really enjoy this park as it has many different areas; woods, fields, bridges over a creek, a playground, tennis courts and a park house with bathrooms!

 

My intention was to not only get some exercise, but to spend time with God. When I am outdoors surrounded by nature, I really feel close to Him. The winding paths lead me along really beautiful trees and flowers, away from people and civilization. People are at a distance, though occasionally I will pass by someone also enjoying the park. I just love the smells of the woods, and the creek was so clear as the water passed underneath me on the metal bridge.

 

Because no one was nearby, I felt free to talk aloud to God. I started with thanking Him for His blessings on my life, praising Him for who He is, and asking Him to watch over my loved ones and to bless us. As I went on, my prayer became more intense and I could feel His love all over me! I knew He was listening, and I could feel His response. I even sung parts of Matt Redman's "Bless The Lord, 10,000 Reasons" to Him. The walk could have gone on and on, as time just stood still.

 

You know, we all need quiet times like this, and sometimes it's necessary to get away from the busyness of life to connect with God. He deserves our complete attention, and getting away by ourselves removes the distractions.  And that means no cell phones along! Just you and God.

 

Yes, I went to the woods to meet Someone, and He was there.

 



Do You Know Where You're Going?

Summer is a great time to travel. What my husband and I love to do is to get in our little Miata, put the top down, and just go. Sometimes we don't know specifically where we're headed, but we just follow the road. We have made some great memories along the way, and I'm getting in the habit of taking my camera along to capture those beautiful scenes. If something catches our attention, and we have the time, we'll pull off and check it out. At other times, we take a map or use the G.P.S, especially if it's a long distance away. Once winter comes in our neck of the woods, and the snow starts taking over, we tend to stay home and cocoon! How about you?

 

This reminds me of life. We all have a road ahead of us, a journey to take, and it is our choice as to where we want our destiny to be. Some of us are free spirits and just go with the flow, not caring where we end up. If something lures us, we'll pull off and check it out. Others go by the book, and try not to veer off. We have a goal in mind and aim for reaching it.

 

  

 

This billboard, which is on a highway in Pennsylvania, pretty much sums up what I want to share. All of us are on a life journey. What influences you as you make decisions on how you live your life? Where do you want to end up? What are your goals? Do you even have goals?

 

God has given us a guidebook, called the Bible, to help us in our life journey. It is filled with words of wisdom, through His inspired Word, to help us make the right decisions. God wants the best for us because He loves us immensely.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future.

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me,

and I will listen to You.

You will seek Me and find Me

when you seek Me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

God wants to be right by your side as you embark on your life journey. Some days will be nice and easy, and others will be difficult. Some of the road will be filled with potholes, and some will be smooth. Have you thought where you will end up? Do you want to go to heaven, or don't you care?

 

Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the heavenly Father except through Him. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, will ensure eternal life. Not your works. Truly believing that Jesus came to pay the price for your sins on the cross, accepting His forgiveness, and desiring to live for Him will ensure you that your life journey will lead to eternal life.

 

But it is not easy to follow the road that leads to heaven, as the world, motivated by Satan, will attempt to lure you away from your heavenly destination. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)  

 

What does your road look like? Are you keeping your focus on Christ, and what He wants for you? Are you letting Him guide you every step of the way? Even if you momentarily find yourself off the road He has designed for you, you can ask Him to help you get back on and He will. He wants the best for you, and by following His road map for your life, the best is yet to be!

 

As we continue on our life journeys, enjoy the scenery along the way! In the end, I hope to see you on the other side.... heaven!

 





Are You Getting Burned?

We recently had a huge fire burning in our pit. There were alot of branches and sticks that had piled up from the winter, and we were finally able to get to it. It didn't take much to get it going, and the flames soon took over, reaching high up into the sky! It was by a lake, and we could see some boats floating out alittle bit. Since it was late evening, I'm sure they were enjoying the scene! And most likely, our fire was drawing attention from across the lake as well.

Fire has a way of drawing our attention! Whether it is a flame from a candle, or a fireplace, or a bonfire, our eyes are drawn to it. Why is that? We can look away, but soon we're driven right back to it. Its dancing flames has a way of calming us. And if one gets too close, we can feel the heat. When the boys who had tended to it came into the house, their faces were red from the scorching heat! Fire can have an effect if one gets too close.

The Bible tells us that we do not only live in a physical world, with flesh and blood, that we can see and feel, but there is also a spiritual world going on around us that some of us aren't aware of. The physical world is temporary, but the spiritual world is permanent. From the beginning, Satan has represented spiritual darkness and he seeks to destroy mankind, luring people into spiritual ignorance, which is plagued by sin and a hatred of the ways of God. Do you see that in today's society and its values?
But, in God's infinite wisdom, He knew that and didn't want any of us to perish into eternal darkness and hell. He sent His Son, Jesus, to shine His Light so that people can be saved, following the illumination of His pure love. By yielding to God, reading the Bible, praying and keeping your spiritual eyes on Jesus, you can receive the enlightment of His Light, leading to everlasting life. His Light gives you a purpose. The darkness leads to no where. His Light gives you wisdom and discernment. The darkness gives you foolishness. His Light gives you a future and a hope. The darkness leads to destruction. Which are you following?

As the boys' faces were red from being close to the scorching fire, our faces can be radiant when we get close to the Light of the world. When we seek intimacy with our Lord and spend time with Him, people will be able to tell because our faces and personalities will reveal the warmth of His love. We will become like Him, and have a gentleness about us. In the midst of strife, we will have a calmness and peace. We will live purposely, knowing He has a wonderful plan for our lives.

I encourage you to get closer to the eternal Light, Jesus Christ. Get burned with passion! Get Son-burned!!