Lonely Epidemic

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:25

As I sat in a local coffee shop writing one day I noticed an elderly gentleman asleep in one of the chairs. I had seen him here before always alone. Maybe he had no one to hang out with or no where to go. He does not look like a bum, just a lonely old man. No one has said anything to him as he snoozes away in a chair. 

I have witnessed things like this in big cities such as Washington, DC where homeless sleep covered by garbage bags on benches or even just lonely looking people sitting on park benches. They are not begging but simply look sad. Some in fact could be mentally ill but we are not sent to judge but to love. My heart always aches but yet how many times have I approached them. Maybe as a lady alone I am cautious. But look around you today and you are bound to see someone who fits into the category or extreme loneliness. 

Do yourself a favor if you want to feel joyful. Find someone you can bring joy to today. Look around you. Maybe pay for the person behind you in line at a drive through. You never know what they are going through. Smile and say hi to a lonely looking person. Visit a nursing home and sign up to be a buddy to someone. Whatever it is shine the love of God to those the world may have forgotten. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord God I am at fault for sometimes seeing a need but not meeting it. Awaken me to the needs of those I come across and make a way for me to share your love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

I Love That Person, And That Person, And That Person Too!

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1

It is easy to look at someone and not know their 'story' and to form an opinion or judgment about them. I have done it and I am trying to stop it with God's help. One solution to it is to go through your day and when you tend to want to be judgmental instead silently say "I love that person" and so on. Try to look at all people through the eyes of Jesus and with compassion. If we are naming the name of Jesus and are to be His hands and feet here on Earth then we certainly do not want to go about our day being silently critical and judging our fellow man. 

Maybe you were brought up in a home where there was a critical spirit. If so recognize that and confess it and then it is time to move beyond that. Do not use the past as an excuse for everything. I know it is hard to be with people who constantly find fault with others and you certainly do not want to be one of those. Maybe you do it and are not even aware of it.

Try to start each day out and make up your mind that nothing bad will come from your mouth, and  that you will control your thought life as well. Satan wants you to be critical and condemn as then you do not make a very good example for Christ. Go into the world today and love others and speak kindly of them. 

PRAYER: I want to be more like you Jesus in what I think, say, and do. Forgive me if I have ever formed judgments against my fellow man. It is not my place to judge but to love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER

 

God's love, not the 1970's era singers "Captain and Tennille's" love is what keeps us together. They sang a catchy song "Love Will Keep Us Together". The true meaning of love, is not something conjured up by Hollywood or the music industry. Love is more than romance, although in a marriage that is extremely important to keep the marriage strong.

Love is selfless. Love is kind. Love thinks of others first. Love is giving. Love is sharing. Love is sacrifice. We can have love for a husband or wife or love for a friend or family member. Love forgives and forgets.

God's love for us is unconditional. In others words, no matter what you do or how you act He is there. As humans we too are to emulate this but sadly many marriages end up in a "rock pile" because God's love by both partners was not followed. Even many friendships falter when one friend is not willing to forgive and forget. Family relationships are fractured or the same reason.

Romans 5:8(NIV) says 'But God demonstrates His own love of us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.'

Imagine that! Dying for others. That indeed is true love demonstrated to the utmost. Now go and make a point to show His love today.

PRAYER: It is my desire to love unconditionally and with a pure heart. The hardest time to love is when someone does not love back. Help me Lord to keep on showing love regardless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE MARRIAGE

 

One year ago today, my answers to 28 years of praying came to fruition when our younger son was joined in Holy matrimony to his best friend and soul mate. It was a wonderful Christian wedding and an exciting day for not only them but for family and friends who were in attendance to celebrate with them. Weddings are indeed a time of joy and celebration especially when families like each other and vows are taken seriously. It is an anticipated event joining a man and a woman as one in the eyes of God, even though society may try to redefine it. It is a commitment and a vow not to be entered into flippantly.

With weddings we think of love as well. What better way to celebrate love than when you go to a Christian wedding. At times this is a great time for those already married to think about what marriage really means. It is till death do you part with no escape clauses. I have readers who have been in failed marriages and it is not my intent to guilt you in any way. God can and does forgive and at times the divorce may not have been your fault.

Love indeed is a good thing. 1 Corinthians chapter 13, which I am copying from the NIV in it's entirety, is the definition of love. Read it out loud today whether you are married or single.

'If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in partand we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes,what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Love like this verses says even to your friends. Love like God. God is love. Is there someone you need to show this type of love to today?
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gift of love. I know I am to love others with your love. I am not to hate or be ugly but to be an imitation of your love wherever I go. I will seek always to love like you love no matter if others love me back. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Click on link for a song of love.

http://youtu.be/3rPvrXoIVl0

LOVER OR HATER

If someone were to characterize you would they say you are a person full of love and joy or that your had a spirit of anger and hatred? As a follower of Christ we are to show love even to the unlovely in the world around us. Hating someone was never God's plan. Trying to win others to Jesus takes a heart of love, forgiveness, and compassion.

Think for a moment if it were your funeral today and what they would say in the eulogy about you?  What do you want to be remembered as? I am not trying to get you to constantly worry in this world about what others are thinking or saying but what I am trying to get at is search your heart for a moment. If you say you love Jesus then you should love people. When you talk about someone behind their back that is not showing much love do you think? If you have a problem in this area God can help you.

There are those in this world who hate Christians simply because we are Christians. It is confusing and sad to me but never the less we are still to reach out in love to the hurting world around us and even those you may not see eye to eye with.

It says in Matthew 5:44(NIV) to 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'. Are you able to do this? Do you hold bitterness in your heart towards someone or so you have a grudge hidden away?

1 John 4:20(NIV) says 'If you say you love God but hates a brother or
sister is a liar for whoever does not love their brother or sister,
whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.'

Where do you stand? A lover or a hater ?

PRAYER: Soften my heart Lord to those arounde who may have hurt me,
ridiculed me, insulted me, made fun of me or just outright shunned me.
Help me forgive as I know I can not show love without true
forgiveness. Give me the power to forgive even when the other person
wants nothing to do with me. Give me your love Lord for my enemies. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

CHRISTIANS...A HATE GROUP...SAY WHAT??

Who would have ever imagined our own government trying to classify those who love Jesus and love their country a threat or a hate group? It is absurd, but this is exactly what is occurring subtly here in these United States of America, and many people who are ill informed think I am crazy for even saying such a thing. We may not be in the very "last days " but we indeed are approaching at a much swifter pace. I have been asked to not write about "politics" but guess what? Politics are mentioned in the Bible not in the Democrat or Republican sense but in things like rulers, kings, laws, taxes, morals. It is all in there! The church-state thing is totally been taken out of context and reported over and over again til people believe a lie and distort the facts. The people are supposed to be free to worship without government intrusion not the other way around.
This is how the enemy works when trying to take out one of the most God fearing nations on Earth. He spreads his lies, deceit, and trickery. He can get people to "buy into" his schemes. That is his speciality. God's speciality is truth,love, and overcoming lies. Satan is referred to as the "father of lies" and indeed he truly is. (Read John 10:10).

In our modern day he can even get church goer's to jump on his bandwagon so to speak. We are definitely in a battle of good and evil and right versus wrong. Spiritual warfare is in full swing.
Even something as simple as getting angry is not something from God. Think about that awhile.

Disagreeing with someone on an "issue" does not equate to the very strong word "hate" but today that is what is happening when we as believers speak our religious convictions and are told we are hateful. On the contrary, we are convicted and believe the word of God and feel love for those souls being led astray by the tricks of the enemy. Satan's mission is total destruction and he does work overtime to accomplish what he sets out to do.

God is more powerful than Satan but sometimes it is easier or more "with it" to believe a lie. Many laugh or mock at the notion of Satan, but let me tell you that he is very real and he is out to take you and I down with whatever method he can. That is why it is so very crucial to know the word of God and do not just expect one hour on Sunday to make you okay because it can not. If you go to school and only listen to lectures but do not do the rest of the work at home you more than likely will fail. You see what I mean?

In Ephesians 6:10-20 it speaks of this battle of good and evil. It says 'Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.'

Be a light in this dark world around you. Matthew 5:11-12(NIV) says 'blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and say all manner of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'

We know the times are tough and we know the enemy is out to tear us to shreds but we also know that God wins in the end.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for loving me and helping me know how to answer people if they should make fun of me on account of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click on link for one awesome song!

http://youtu.be/dRAQ7XCJefQ

LOVE MONTH NEARING AN END BUT .......

 .....Not the love. Valentines' Day 2013 may have come and gone but
love and kindness should be ongoing throughout the year. Being nice
and showing love is not just for February but should be the other 364
days of the year. Why should we need a holiday to show love, respect,
friendship, and kindness to our significant other or those around us?

1 John 4:7(NIV) says 'dear friends let us love one another, for love
comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows
God.' Do you have that kind of love for those you come in contact
with? It is easy to hate and hold grudges but love should be your aim.

Love can lift you from a pit of despair. Let's review 1 Corinthians
13:4-8(NIV) which makes it pretty simple. It says 'Love is patient,
love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily
angered and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in
evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts,always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where
there are prophecies they will cease. Where there are tongues they
will be stilled. Where there is knowledge it will pass away.'

There you have it. Why not try to sear those verses in your heart and

follow them for a wonderful loving life? Now go and love with the love of Jesus!

PRAYER:Lord you love us with an everlasting unconditional love. Your
mercy is forever. Lord I want to show unconditional love to others
also. Help me as I walk the path of love I should be staying on. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a powerful praise song.
http://youtu.be/IoezWBPGRAc

MESSED UP? YOU'RE FIRED! (NOT)

Who hasn't made mistakes in their life? We all have. Sometimes the thing you do might possibly be a sin against God. Guess what? God doesn't say 'you're fired' but instead He allows you grace and mercy. He forgives you. It says in Psalm 103:12(NIV) 'As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our sins from us.' Isn't that terrific news? 'But wait, I really messed up and think there is no hope' you may say. God is the God of hope and second chances. He loves you with an everlasting love. When bad stuff in life happens He does indeed care for you. He is your best friend if only you would let Him be. Often times, when awful stuff happens and you fear for your future, you might be tempted to run to friends and just get mad at your situation instead of seeking God and praying.

In 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) we are reminded 'And that is what some of you were but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.' Again more wonderful news! Psalm 56:4(NASB) reminds us also that 'In God whose word I praise, In God who I have put my trust, I will not be afraid what mere men can do to me.' I love that, mere men! God is greater and more powerful than any mere man. He is sovereign over all. Remember that.

Even if you have something terrible happen it does not mean it is the end of the world. Now mind you, those reading this who have lost a child or loved one may say there is no way to go on, but God does indeed want us to go on. He has plans and purposes for all things and if you run to Him he will see you through whatever storm or trial in life you are in the midst of.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being with me in good times and in not so good times. Sometimes I do not understand why awful stuff has to happen but help me Lord to lean on you and not listen to the lies the enemy puts in my head trying to get me angry at you. You are a God of mercy and truth and I thank you for the many ways you have blessed my life in good times and in bad. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and praise God in song:

http://youtu.be/9xPzTSpbYmk

LOVE DOESN'T JUDGE

If you love someone you want to be kind to them and give them the benefit of the doubt. You do not want to be behind someones back talking ugly about them to someone else or keep thinking wrong thoughts about them. If you have a tendency to condemn, back bite and judge others stop for a moment and ask yourself "who made me the judge" then quickly ask God to forgive you. God is the only judge.

 We can easily get caught up talking and criticizing others. Let  me tell you that a person with a judgmental, gossipy, condemning  spirit is not fun to be around.. Try to let pleasant thoughts fill your head and be careful to not say anything that you would not want God to hear. Guess what, He hears it all!

In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 it says "So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body, or away from it. We all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done in the body,whether good or bad." Romans 13:8 also tells us "owe no man anything but to love one another for he that loves has fulfilled the law."

 PRAYER: Lord I love you and I want to be kind and loving to those in my path daily. It is easy to find fault or rush to judgment sometimes on things around me. Help me step back and just pray when I feel a critical spirit coming on. In Jesus  name. Amen.

HUGS!!

 Recently I was in a coffee shop and observed two close female friends hugging as a greeting. This got me to thinking about when we go to heaven and get a  'God hug'. Handshakes are more formal and you see men mostly doing that or business associates but a hug is something special and shows intimacy between friends or family. God will be the greatest hugger ever. No formal handshaking for Him.

 In church and Bible study people often exchange hugs with dear friends but even at some churches I have attended you feel comfortable giving a 'God hug' to those around you during greeting time instead of the traditional handshake. There was allot of hugging going on a few days ago at our son and new daughter in law's wedding as people were happy to see each other and greeted by hugging.
 Think how neat a hug makes you feel from a loved one or a friend, then imagine those people out there that have no friends at all. There are people out there like that,extremely lonely folks who would give anything to be hugged. The saying goes "if you want to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly" so do not wait for someone to always make the first move. Talk to people and get to know them. I have made my friends in many neat 'God thing' ways. Think of ways you could be a friend to someone who needs one or if you are the one needing that friend why not make the first move.

Now back to that 'God hug' from God himself someday. God loves us with an everlasting love. He is ready to wrap His arms around you. In Matthew 11:28 it says "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest."  Mark 6:34 says "When Jesus arrived and saw a huge crowd he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.So he began teaching them many things.
Are you in need of a touch from God today? God loves you. All you need do is call on Him.

 PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the love and comfort only you can give. When I start feeling sorry for myself help me to learn to reach out to someone who seems lonely or to call a friend. Help me show God's love to those you put in my path daily. In Jesus name. Amen.

Further reading: Psalm 23

LOVE, FORGIVE, REPEAT!

Are there people in your life who rub you the wrong way and you just would rather not be around them? The Bible is pretty clear when it says in John 13:34-35  "A new command I give you that you love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another."   There may be some pretty mean, cantankerous, and vicious people in your life. Maybe they are bosses, co workers, even so called friends. But not everyone is controlled by the Holy Spirit and sometimes there are those who claim to be Christians but you sure can not tell it by their actions or words. They key with all types of people is to love people with the 'love of Jesus'. When you are hurt by someone you also have to purpose in your heart to let it go and move on. Even if a person who hurt you does not know it, or does, but does not apologize, you have to still choose to forgive and not try to get the last word.


When it comes to forgiveness the Bible says in Matthew 18:21-22 "then Peter came to Jesus and asked "Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered and said "Not seven times but seventy times seven."  In other words if you say you are a Christian, give up your 'right' to get back. Now this does not mean sometimes that you  may possibly need to be confront the individual. Some prayer may be in order. In the meantime regardless of everything else learn to  love and forgive and move on.

 Being hateful and unforgiving is sinful and separates you from the Lord.
1 John 4:20 reminds us "Anyone who says he loves God but hates his brother he is a liar. Anyone who cannot love his brother who he has seen can not love God who he has not seen."

Are you able to love and forgive and keep doing it over and over and over again? That is what God wants and that is what keeps you close to Him. Remember according to Matthew 5:44 it says "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Try it, you might like it and notice a heart change in your life as a result of a changed attitude.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your word which gives me strength to get through each day. Thank you for your love for me no matter what. Help me to learn to love like you love. Give me strength to love those who are hurting me or hard to love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link and worship the Lord in song:
http://youtu.be/38EVco7eba0

MISSIONARY TO AMERICA

When you think of missionaries what comes to mind? Africa perhaps or Honduras or India? Have you ever considered that where you live is a mission field?  We are all called to share Jesus love with those around us. You do not need to spend thousands of dollars and go to Africa although that is a worthy cause and helps to fulfill the Great commission and is a good heart changer I hear. You may be reading this not from America but from perhaps Europe or Asia somewhere then where you live and work  is your mission field if you are a believer.

Where are you right now?  A doctor waiting room perhaps?At home? Maybe the service waiting area of your local car dealer waiting for oil change or waiting for a child to get finished with lessons at some sort waiting area with other moms.  Maybe you are at work. Perhaps you are getting ready to go out with friends. The point is wherever you are or wherever you go as a follower of Christ we are to be his witnesses or 'missionaries' to a hurting world around us. Smile at people. You rarely see many people smiling so that alone is a good witness. Be courteous and kind to others. Help with a need if you are able to. Get beyond yourself and make an impact in someone else's life. Do not walk around angry and revengeful but walk in peace and love.


Matthew 5:13-16 says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Now go out in Jesus love and be a light in your world!

PRAYER: Father thank you for equipping me to go out and share your love with others through my words and actions. Help me recognize opportunities to share your love with those you put in my path daily. In Jesus name. Amen.

LOVE..WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Valentines Day! What better time to talk about love,what it is and what it isn't. Many do not choose to celebrate this day as it is a forced day of intimacy created by card companies,but it gives an opportunity for preachers to preach on love and people like me to write something on it. Singles dread this day as in many cases they feel left out more aware of their singleness. Love is about loving friends and family too. So look at it that way as well.

Love is not what you see in Hollywood movies. Love is a commitment. Love is being there no matter what. If you listen to the wedding vows of a traditional wedding it will say "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer , forsaking all others, til death do us part." There are some marriage ceremonies who leave out that part. But marriage between a man and a woman is a sacred and holy event not to be taken lightly and a commitment to be kept.
Love also is not just a feeling. Feelings come and go. Love is about honor, protecting, putting the other person before yourself, and forgetting about yourself. Love is giving not taking. You may not always feel in love but sometimes love is a choice.  Love learns to turn the other cheek and not pick fights. Love is kind and thinks of other people first. Love is not rude or demanding.

A perfect way to describe love and to see if you have love is to read 1 Corinthians 13 which is known as 'The Love Chapter' in the Bible and it in its' entirety says "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

I like the part in verse 5 where it says "love does not keep a record of wrongs" as one of the quickest ways to kill love is to always be bringing up the past and mistakes instead of forgetting about them. God forgives and forgets and we too are to be like Him and do likewise. Even loving a friend you learn to not dwell on their faults and mistakes.

Love is the greatest virtue to strive for. Colossians 3:14 says "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Love is not just mushy  stuff but it is truly wanting to show another person that they are first. Every day should be Valentines Day!
PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to display Christlike love to all those people in my life. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Click on link to enjoy wonderful song from the movie 'Fireproof' which by the way you should rent if you have not seen it.
http://youtu.be/zxRDc-z6EcQ

GRACE

God is great. He forgives and moves on. People have a hard time forgiving and forgetting. Some people even who claim to love Jesus can not seem to show love and grace to those who messed up but say they forgive but then shut them out of their life. Doesn't sound like the grace God gives. If you say you are a Christian then you need to learn to live and love like Jesus. Holding grudges will not cut it. We are talking love and total forgiveness. What if God said, "well I would  forgive you but you did it so many times so I am sorry but I can't"! Well good news. God is not like people,thank goodness! Even those people who have messed up in the ultimate way of ending up in jail deserve to have God's grace. Even someone who has murdered can be forgiven. God is like that, yes He is!

Why can't we humans follow his lead? We make up our own little rules for who we accept and who we shun. God does not say," I can not take the way you act or your personality! Leave me alone!" Now that may seem funny to think of God talking that way because He never would. I am trying to make a point. God forgives so we too should be like Him and forgive and show grace to those people.

Romans 3:23 reminds us "We all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory". Yes each and every one of us. "Come on down"! If you think well I am not that bad or my sin is not that bad well think again. No categories of sin to God. Sure some have worse consequences but it is still sin. Who are we to play God and decide who deserves His love. He loves all of us even the most vile person who turns their back on Him which many do today. We might just start to think we are pretty good. Look out for that type of haughty attitude as your downfall may be waiting around the corner.

In 1 John 4:20 it says "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." When you are hateful and condemning and putting people down you are certainly not showing the love of Christ. In John 8:7 it says "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Are you able to show God's live to everyone and be kind and a salt shaker for Christ? If not ask the Lord to come in and change your heart.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be more like you and be willing to not stand in judgment over those who have fallen short because we all have. I know you extend grace so help me learn to do the same. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful praise song.
http://youtu.be/GI5Yiyv5O0s