Hope For A Hurting World

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Each of us is subject to good days and bad days. It is just part of life. When going through things try to imagine someone who may have a worse off situation. Jesus on the cross for instance. Now that is the ultimate. It is hard to understand why this day is called 'Good Friday' when it was the day our Lord was bludgeoned to death and nailed to a cross.

Jesus gave His life willingly so we might be saved and have life. Beaten, bruised, whipped, spat upon, kicked, scorned, you name it he endured it. Wow, for you and me! He died for the worst of the worse yet how many people give him hardly a passing thought? Sure some grew up in the church but you don't inherit heaven just because gramps and granny and your parents took you to church. You have to ask Him into your heart. Being a certain denomination doesn't guarantee you a place in the heavenly kingdom either.

So this weekend do more than make an appearance in church, eat ham,and hunt for eggs. Search your heart and make sure you are right with the Lord. Have you truly asked Him to be your Lord and savior? If not do it today. Don't make Easter just a religious ritual.

PRAYER: I can't even imagine what you endured for us Lord. I am ashamed that at times I don't even give you any time during my day or maybe five minutes. Every thing else becomes more important. Forgive me Lord and help me prioritize each day so you have a key place in it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love, What Exactly Is It?

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

The month of love is upon us. Of course I am referring to Valentines' Day. But what is the definition of love? It is strong attraction to another based on kinship or personal ties, such as a mother's love for her children. It could mean deep desire as in sexual love. It is also affections and tenderness felt by lovers. God's love is unconditional. God IS love. The world's idea of love is often perverted by Hollywood and the media. 

The world today tries to imply that a person who disagrees with someone's lifestyle or opinions hates them. This is far from accurate. Hate is a pretty strong word. The definition is not "to disagree". We can disagree with someone and still be kind and love them. Love means you love another person or perhaps a thing. As a believer,we are to love as God loves. Show kindness, tenderness, and willing to put the other person first and foremost. To forgive because you know it is the right thing to do. You can love without always agreeing.

Why not let February be the start of a new you loving others who may be difficult to love.  Do it because God loves you. 

PRAYER: Love truly does lift us up above our problems. I thank you Lord for your example of unconditional love for me.Help me to show this love by praying even for my enemies and those hard to love. In Jesus' name. Amen.