Characteristics of love ....Love does not envy

photo joshfruts.com

1 Corinthians 13: 4

..... charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, KJV

.....love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant ESV 

In our previous study we focused on the what love is - love is patient and kind. Now we find what love it not  - love does not envy or boast, and is not arrogant!

 It is quite possible that in our busyness of life that we often do not think of the seriousness of living our daily lives in ways that are sinful and displeasing to the Lord. We read in James 3: 14-16 some very serious words that we should take heed to. It says: But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.  This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.  For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Where envy and self seeking exist, there is confusion and every evil thing there!  It is demonic! wow! Let us turn to the Lord in repentance and get rid of these things in our lives. 
Our 1 Corinthians verse states that love does not envy. When one has envy in his heart, there is not love. We can think of some Old Testament Bible stories like the story of Joseph where the brothers were envious of him, and sold him into slavery in Egypt. The brothers envy was hateful and led them to do evil things. We can think of the story of Sarah and Abraham, where Sarah was so desperate to have a child, she gave her maid Hagar to Abraham to have her bear a child. Sarah did not wait on the Lord, but took matters into her own hands. Then when Hagar became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham, Sarah was jealous and did not want Hagar nor her son Ishmael, around and therefore Abraham sent them away. Here too envy led to some very bad decisions. 
We also read in the New Testament where the chief priests wanted Jesus to be killed because their hearts were filled with envy, and Barabbas was  released and Jesus was crucified. You can read it in Mark 15.


We are to lay aside all envy as we walk with the Lord Jesus.
1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,  as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Love does not boast and is not arrogant. This has to do with pride. We must realize and admit that everything we have accomplished or earned or received in this life is a gift from the hand of God. He is the One who gives us strength and abilities, opportunities and all we need to work. We cannot and should not take the credit for ourselves. All glory and honor belongs to the Lord!! Also when we pass from here, we can take none of our earthly treasures with us. All the money you have in the bank will be left here on this earth. You cannot take your riches with you. It makes no sense to be arrogant and proud about these things as they are only on loan to us from the Lord.  As the famous CT Studd  said - "Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Psalm 49:6-20They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

1 Corinthians 13:4-10 

 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Chocolate Brownies

http://www.sugardishme.com/starbucks-double-fudge-brownie/

Ingredients

• 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder OR instant coffee granules
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350. Butter a 9 X 13 baking dish, line it with parchment paper, and butter the parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add in the chopped chocolate, remove the pan from the heat, and stir frequently, until melted. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until frothy. Add the vanilla and espresso powder.
6. Pour in the chocolate a little at a time. This will help to temper the eggs.
7. When the chocolate is completely incorporated, dump in the flour mixture. Mix completely.
8. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
9. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes; a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean.
10. Let the brownies cool before cutting.

Characteristics of Love - patient and kind

In the next few weeks, I want to study several verses from 1 Corinthians 13 and talk about love. The King James Bible uses the word charity, and in most other translations the word love is used. So to begin, let's focus our attention on the fact that love is patient and kind. What does this mean practically speaking and what examples can we think of where we have seen this played out? Feel free to leave your experiences and thoughts in the comment section.

1 Corinthians 13:4

 Charity suffereth long, and is kind KJB


Love is patient and kind  NLT


The love that I want to discuss here in these posts is not romantic love though it does not exclude romantic love. A good definition of love is "you before me, your needs before mine". And we will see this love displayed as we think on the topic of love. 
God loves us deeply and completely and as we all know, we can look to Him and see what love looks like. The ultimate demonstration of this love is that God gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay for our sin and redeem us back to Himself.

Love suffers long and is kind - love is patient and kind. 

God is patient with us as his children. He is not harsh with us. The Bible says that He is not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to Him and be saved. So because of this he waits and softly He keeps calling us to surrender our lives to Him.

 But what examples of this love being kind, patient and suffering long have you seen demonstrated by fellow Christians in your life?

Here are a few examples -
* a mother caring for a sick child, Day in and day out she stays by her child's side, she gives up her own wants and desires to care for the child who needs her. She waits patiently for healing for some sign of improvement to come. In kindness she provides all that she can to bring about as quick recovery as possible.

* a parent or teacher or youth pastor who never gives up on that wayward child, but continually pours time and energy into the child even with no real obvious results, patiently waiting for him or her to make that needed change in his or her life. 

* a marriage gone wrong - spouse whose needs are not being met, Your husband or wife is consumed by other things and seemingly does not care anymore. Quietly and patiently and prayerfully you wait for the Lord to do something to bring about change to your situation. You are not looking to get out of the marriage - you are waiting on the Lord. In this patient love you will continue to treat him or her in kindness, doing all you can to please the Lord.

* single people - you long for the marriage partner that you believe is in God's will for you. Time is going by and your prayers are seemingly going unanswered. You are committed to the Lord, and so because of your love for the Lord, you continue to wait and to seek His face. He has a perfect plan for your life, waiting on the Lord is hard but it is what is needed.

*dating guys - the Lord has brought that special girl into your life. Keep yourself and your girlfriend pure. God's design is best - sex within the bond of marriage is God's plan for you. Love is kind and patient and will wait for marriage. 

So we see many there are many examples of real life situations where walking in God's love is a patient waiting, doing good and kind deeds to those around us as we wait.

photo - imgkid.com

Prophecy Update - JD Farag June 7, 2015

Here is the link to this week's Prophecy Update from JD Farag - Prophecy Update JD Farag, June 7, 2015


Pastor J.D. address the prophetic significance of the President’s interview on an Israeli TV station, and the revelation of an Israeli and Saudi operation both of which point to the prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39.

The Blessed Hope

I did a series of Bible Studies through the book of Titus on my Live By Faith Bible Studies blog. ( link to blog here - Bible Study Blog  ) The teaching on the blessed hope is an important study. Here is the study - a repost from my other blog.



We are studying through the book of Titus. This passage from Titus 2 which we are about to study is a favorite of many many people. It is the passage regarding the blessed hope that we have. We will see Jesus face to face. Our troubles and trials will once and for all be behind us. We wait with great eagerness and longing to be with Jesus! 

So let's go through this passage verse by verse and unpack it slowly:

Verse 11 - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
It is the grace of God that provides salvation for us. We read in Ephesians 2:8-9 -For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast

Salvation has been provided full and free for everyone. No one is excluded. All who are willing can be saved. When Jesus Christ came to earth the first time, He came to save us from our sin. The next time He comes, it will be to reign as Lord of lords and King of kings. Every knee will bow to Him and confess that He is Lord!

 Verse 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Here in verse 12 we learn that we are to say "no" to the evil that presents itself before us. We are to turn from all that God calls sin, turn away from lust and sinful pleasures. We are to resist evil temptations. We are instructed to in complete surrender and devotion to God. We need to obey Him, do what He says in the Bible. Sometimes we may feel that we have already done what God requires when in fact we have only read about it. One example of this is repentance. We need to repent of our evil ways and turn from them once and for all. The reason why this is so is explained in verse 13.

Verse 13 -  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
 We are looking for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ! This is the blessed hope that is alive within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. This gives us hope to endure whatever we are enduring or facing today. This old world is not all there is. We are looking for Jesus to appear in the clouds and take us home! Then we will be with Him forever! No more sorrow, or pain, no more tears. All who are saved through faith in Jesus can rest in this blessed hope of eternal life with Jesus for eternity!

Verse 14 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Jesus died on the cross for each of us. He took your sin and mine, He became guilty of that which we have done wrong. Jesus was pure and sinless, but He died to pay for our sin.  He died to redeem us back to God. He died to cleanse us from our sin, to purify us for Himself. We belong to Jesus, we are set apart for Him. We are to bring glory and honor to Jesus by doing the good that He has called for us to do. He has something for each of us to do that will build His kingdom and bring the lost to Him for salvation!

Verse 15  - These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Here in verse 15, Paul says to Titus that he must teach these things and encourage the believers to obey these teachings of our Lord. The Bible is the true Word of God. If you want to hear from God, then open your Bible and He will speak to you. Read the Bible every day, pray and obey the word of the Lord.

Israel Tour - JD Farag - Pool of Siloam

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 

Pastor JD commentary on Jesus's healing of the blind man at the pool of Siloam opening his eyes to see pointing out that delivery from problems give glory to the Lord.

The Pool of Siloam
(facingthechallenge.org)

Here is the link to the teaching from the Pool Of Siloam - Pool Of Siloam _ JD Farag

Israel Tour JD Farag - Southern Steps, The Feast of Pentecost

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel.

Pastor JD discusses, at the southern steps which Jesus used to enter the temple court, the event which occurred on the feast of tabernacles when Jesus proclaimed that anyone who thirst come to Him.



Here is the link to the teaching from the Southern Steps - JD Farag -Israel Tour of Southern Steps

Southern Steps
(pinterest.com)

Rhubarb Squares

I want to try this recipe soon....


Crust: 

2 cups flour 
3/4 Cup icing sugar
3/4 margarine

Mix crust and press into 9x13" pan. Bake in 350 oven for 10 minutes 

Filling: 
4 eggs, beaten
 4 cups chopped rhubarb
 2 cups sugar 
1/4 cup flour 
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt

Combine eggs, sugar, flour,cornstarch and salt. Mix. Fold in rhubarb. Pour on top of baked crust. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes until done.

JD Farag Israel Tour - Beth Shean

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 

Pastor JD, at the site where the Philistines fastened the body of Saul to the wall of the temple of Ashtoreths, contrasts the hearts and minds of Saul and David.



Here is the link to the teaching from Beth Shean - 
JD Farag Israel Tour - Beth Shean

Beth Shean
eteacherhebrew.com

JD Farag Israel Tour - Gideon Springs...To God be the glory!

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 

Pastor JD presents, at the Springs of Harod, the selection of the 300 men from an army of 32000 which God uses, for His glory, to defeat the 135000 man Midian army.


Here is the link to the teaching from Gideon Springs - JD Farag Israel Tour - Gideon Springs

The Spring of Gideon
generationword.com

Tour of Israel - JD Farag - Capernaum

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 


From Luke 8:40-56 Pastor JD tells of the starting point of Jesus's ministry in Capernaum where He lived. This ministry included the people healed and the teachings given by Jesus.



Here is the link to the teaching from Capernaum - Israel Tour JD Farag - Capernaum

Capernaum
(biblewalks.com)

Israel Tour ...Sea of Galilee - JD Farag - Jesus is with you in the storm of your life...

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 

Pastor JD teaches, while on the Sea of Galilee, on Mark 6:45-52 and Matthew 14:25-32 where Jesus walked on water with an emphasis to trust in and have eyes on Jesus when storms arise.

Here is the link to today's teaching JD Farag - Sea of Galilee Teaching from Israel

Sea of Galilee
(olivetreetours.co.uk)

Israel Tour - JD Farag - Caesarea Philippi and Tel Dan

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 


Pastor JD talks discusses the events of Matthew 16:13-28 and what God wants to do in and through our lives at the site of those verses - Caesarea Philippi. He also speaks on the 1 Kings 12:25-30 about Jeroboam building an alter for sacrifices for convenience at the site of that alter at Tel Dan.





Here is the link to today's teaching Israel Tour, JD Farag - Caesarea Philippi and Tel Dan

Caesarea Philippi
(empbyui.edu)

Israel Tour - JD Farag

Pastor JD Farag is currently on a tour to Israel. He is doing some teachings from Israel. I want to post the links to them as they become available. Please take the time to watch these videos from Israel. 

Pastor JD Farag speaks on the nearness of the coming final battle of Armageddon as presented against the backdrop of the Jezreel Valley from the top of Har Megiddo. 


Here is the link to today's teaching - Jezreel Valley at Megiddo - JD Farag

Valley of Megiddo 
(wikipedia)

Jesus Loves You....a salvation message for kids

aneededword.wordpress.com

Today let's talk about a very very important thing that we need to always remember. It is equally important for children as it is for grown-ups. Do you think you know what that is?...It is that Jesus loves you! Jesus wants to live with each of us here on earth and then someday he will take us home to heaven to live with him there. 

pinterest.com

Each one of us has done some things we shouldn't have. Can you think of some bad things that we do? Maybe tell a lie, or say an unkind word, maybe we took something that didn't belong to us, or maybe we didn't obey our mom or dad when they told us to do something, or maybe we have not been nice to our brothers and sisters and even hurt them. When we do these kinds of bad things, it makes God very sad, and it puts a barrier of separation between us and God. But God loves us very much and He wants that we always love him too. That is why God sent Jesus to die on the cross. Jesus died to save us from our bad things and and to bring us back to God. Jesus died for each one of the sins that we have done. So now, when we believe that Jesus died for us, and we ask Jesus to forgive and save us, He saves us and we become children of God. We are friends of God! Then God walks with us and talks with us here in this life and someday we will live in heaven with him. Heaven will be the best ever!!

Here is a prayer that you can pray to ask Jesus to save you. I really hope and pray that you will ask Jesus to be your Saviour today.

prayer from wwwjesussaves.cc

Prophecy Update May 10,2015 JD Farag, ( discusses Texas Terror attack )

For some time now I have been listening to the Prophecy Update each week by Pastor J.D. Farag and it is something that I look forward to each week. So now on a weekly basis I want to share the link with you here on my blog so that together we can be watching for the Lord's return as that is what He instructed us to do. 

Mark 13:33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Here is the link to this week's update - Prophecy Update May 10, 2015 - JD Farag


In what will be the last prophecy update until Sunday, May 31st, because of the Calvary Chapel Kaneohe Israel tour, pastor J.D. talks about the stunning controversy surrounding the events at a cartoon exhibition in Garland Texas.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my dear Mom! Love you Mom!

picture from pinterest.com

Prophecy Update - JD Farag - May 3, 2015

For some time now I have been listening to the Prophecy Update each week by Pastor J.D. Farag and it is something that I look forward to each week. So now on a weekly basis I want to share the link with you here on my blog so that together we can be watching for the Lord's return as that is what He instructed us to do. 

Mark 13:33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.


Here is the link to this week's program: JD Farag Prophecy Update - May 3,2015


Pastor J.D. addresses two very serious matters concerning both the situation in Baltimore, and the same sex marriage case before the Supreme Court.

JD Farag
pinterest.com

Blind Bartimaeus

Recently I have started a blog -  Bible Stories for children. I would like to share one of the stories here with you. For more stories please link to the blog here Bible Stories for Children



Jesus and his disciples were in Jericho. When they left the town, many people followed Jesus. There by the side of the road was a blind man. His name was Bartimaeus. He was sitting there because he was begging for things from the people that passed by. Because he was blind, he would not have been able to work so that is why he needed to beg. 

Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was coming along the road and he began to shout to Jesus. This is what Bartimaeus said "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" He was crying out to Jesus for help! The people around him told Bartimeaus to be quiet and to hold his peace. But Bartimaeus did not want to miss his chance to be healed so he called out even louder. Bartimaeus shouted again "Thou son of David, have mercy on me!"

Then Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling and Jesus stopped. Jesus told the people "Tell him to come here." So the people told  Bartimaeus Jesus was calling him to come. Bartimaeus was so happy! He threw down his coat and came to Jesus. Then Jesus asked him "What do you want me to do for you?" And Bartimaeus said "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." 

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus
( picture kidsclub4jesus.com) 

What do you think happened next?

The Bible says that Jesus healed Bartimaeus. Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." Bartimaeus could see again! Can you imagine how happy he was? Now he would not ever need to sit and beg for food again! Jesus had made him to see again and he was not blind anymore!

The Bible says that Bartimaeus followed Jesus. I think that Jesus was very pleased to have Bartimaeus come along with him, don't you?

Discussion:

Pray
(pixshark.com)

There is a good lesson for us in this story. Just like Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling for him, Jesus hears us when we call out to him today. There was so much noise all around and people were trying to make Bartimaeus be quiet, but Jesus still heard him call and Jesus wanted to help him. In the very same way, Jesus hears you and me when we call to him and he wants to help us too. So let's remember to never let anyone or anything ever stop us from calling out to Jesus. Let's keep praying to Jesus and trusting him to help us. Jesus loves us and he is always there for us!

Jesus hears when children pray to Him.
(pinterest.com)