Characteristics of love - never fails

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1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth......


The Amplified Bible says -- Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]


God will always love us as His children. Love includes discipline. God's love toward us is not a cupcake kind of love. He does not give us our selfish desires and requests. He wants us to grow closer to Him, love Him more deeply every day and follow Him more and more closely, all for our eternal good and His glory. So we too, in our relationships with others, we love but not with a cupcake kind of love. We love the way God loves, a sacrificial love, that encourages others to live holy, God honoring lives for the Lord, live to glorify the Lord in all you do and say.

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Characteristics of love - perseverance

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1 Corinthians 13:7

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

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT

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Characteristics of love....does not rejoice in iniquity

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1 Corinthians 13:6

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

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ESV


We are studying the verses from 1 Corinthians that describe what love is. The word charity is used in the KJV and translated as love in other translations. The real love that God gives is not a sensual love, it is a kind and patient love and it affects how we treat others every day.


Love does not rejoice in iniquity - I want to comment on this as it pertains to the homosexual issue. When the US supreme court ruled on sodomite marriage recently, some people including President Obama used the phrase "love wins". Sadly homosexuality is not at all about love, it cannot be, because love is of God and homosexuality is not of God. It is of the devil. Homosexuality is a deception of the devil, it is not love - it is lust and greed and perversion in full. The Bible clearly states in the Old Testament and the New Testament that homosexuality is an abomination in the eye of the Lord. 

Now we read in 1 Corinthians 13: 6 that love does not rejoice in iniquity. When we have the love of God in our hearts we are grieved and do not rejoice when evil is promoted all around us. As Christians we are offended and grieved by the very same things that offend and grieve the heart of the Lord and this includes homosexuality.

When we walk in the love of God we rejoice in the truth. The Bible is the true Word of God and we delight in it. The Bible gives us hope. I have found that the Lord will speak to me and into my situation as I read my Bible. He will take the portion of Scripture I am reading and speak encouragement, hope and truth into my heart. The joy of the Lord is our strength!! The Lord and His Word wins!!

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Loving like God loves....

On Sunday, May 4th, we had a guest speaker in our church. His name is Tim Sawatsky. The following are my notes that I took during the service as I listened to him speak.

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1 John 4 :7-11

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

What does it mean to be loved by God?

What you believe in your life is how you will behave - you will live accordingly.

Why does God care about you and me? 

According to 1 John 4:10, it is because He loves you and me.

When you truly love someone - you will care about them and for them.

Love is more than words.

God showed His great love for us by going to the cross - Jesus died on the cross in our place for the forgiveness of our sin.

Every day is a choice to love.

To love is a commandment from God - not a suggestion.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Love as Jesus has loved us.

The world is watching - are you loving your neighbor as yourself?

The world doesn't care how much you know - but rather how much you care.

What would it look like if we loved one another? A good definition of love is "you before me" - that is I must put my needs and desires aside and look for the good of others, help those in need, be a good listener, pray for others, help the hurting, give up your time for others etc.

The God of the universe cares for me!!

Everyday is an amazing gift from God! Every breath you take is an amazing gift from God.

Love requires action!!

The cross brings unity -  rich and poor, male and female, color of skin, tall or short, old or young - all are equal in God's eyes.

Jesus paid the same price for all - We are level, equal.

We are one in Christ.

Ephesians 3:14-20

 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

The Gift of Belonging - in marriage and family life

Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ephesians 5: 24-26 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

We all have the need to feel that we belong. We have a need to feel accepted in our families, circles of friends, churches and communities. This is true for everyone regardless of age, gender, race or financial status. Young children need to feel loved and accepted by their parents, as teens also do. Even adult children will continue to look for acceptance from their parents. It is important that parents spend much time pouring into the life of their children. No amount of money or extravagant gifts can take the place of quality time spent with your child. Not only are many good memories formed this way but the gift of belonging will be experienced by your children. Read the Bible to your children and pray with them. Take an interest in what is going on in their life and with their friends. Talk with your kids and treat them with respect.

 A wife needs to feel loved, accepted and appreciated by her husband. A husband needs love and acceptance from his wife. I remember when my husband and I were in premarital counselling many years ago, our Pastor pointed out this need of belonging that we have. Perhaps women are even more needy in this area than men. Our Pastor suggested that a husband should show love and appreciation to his wife in public regularly. This includes verbal affirmation of course but also simple things like holding hands with your wife or putting your arm around her in church or in other public settings. By doing this publically and in honesty you are declaring to your wife and everyone around "She is mine and I am proud to be able to call her mine!" This is the gift of belonging. Get to know your wife. God is first, but next is your spouse. Your spouse is a gift from the Lord a your greatest treasure. A wife needs to show love and respect to her husband. This includes listening to him when he talks to you, encouraging him in his line of work, straight up telling him that you admire him and that he is good at different things. This also includes being a willing and loving partner to your husband in bed. This also includes dressing modestly and absolutely no flirting with other men, as well as no bad mouthing your husband in conversation with other women.

 Our need to "belong" is also Spiritual. Knowing that we belong to the Lord Jesus takes a lot of the anxiety and stress out of life. If we have committed our life to the Lord Jesus and have repented of our sin and invited Him as Savior, we can be sure that the eye of the Lord is upon us, loving and caring for us in all of our life circumstances. Nothing can separate us from our Lord. And we have the assurance of eternal life in Heaven when our days are done here on this earth. 

The assurance of belonging to the Lord is of even greater importance than any human friendship or relationship. Belonging to Jesus puts a new joy in our heart that none other can give. The Lord wants to be in relationship with us. He longs for us to be in constant communication with Him. 



1 Peter 3:1-10  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Funeral

This past Sunday I was at my uncle's funeral. He was just about ninety years old. It was a nice funeral, the preacher preached a good message of hope and love. Seeing the body lying there in the coffin brings out the reality of the finality of death. We know that the soul has departed to live eternally with the Lord but the life lived here has ended. No more chances to give your loved one a kiss and tell them "I love you". No more chances to seek or to give forgiveness. What has been left undone remains undone. We can not deny the reality of the finality of death. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 11:3  and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.


Here is a poem that is about the game of baseball but it also fits when thinking about the finality of death.  The poem is  Game Called and is written by Grantland Rice.




Game Called ( by Grantland Rice) 

Game Called. Across the field of play
the dusk has come, the hour is late.
The fight is done and lost or won,
the player files out through the gate.
The tumult dies, the cheer is hushed,
the stands are bare, the park is still.
But through the night there shines the light,
home beyond the silent hill.

Game Called. Where in the golden light
the bugle rolled the reveille.
The shadows creep where night falls deep,
and taps has called the end of play.
The game is done, the score is in,
the final cheer and jeer have passed.
But in the night, beyond the fight,
the player finds his rest at last.

Game Called. Upon the field of life
the darkness gathers far and wide,
the dream is done, the score is spun
that stands forever in the guide.
Nor victory, nor yet defeat
is chalked against the players name.
But down the roll, the final scroll,
shows only how he played the game.

Wild Flowers

Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

A wild rose

I find that wild flowers are just as pretty as garden flowers. God created both with love and care. We can see His love in all creation and wild flowers are no exception.
I took these pictures close where we live. There is such beauty in God's creation!!

wild flowers of some kind

Betrayed and Brokenhearted - the path marked Brokenness....

Psalm 57 1-2 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

photo from reallyobins.wordpress.com

Here is a poem I wrote - maybe you can relate as well.....

Morning dawns.

 sunny skies, bliss, togetherness,

happy, walking, caring, sharing, togetherness,

life and living, working, family, time, foreverness,

friendship, love, trust, close, yearning foreverness,

Life.

Questions forming, why, praying, seeking answers,

alert, mission, reasons, unable to love, loveless,

Ready or not, 

Surprise.

Been Betrayed

caught, lies, secret, robbed, deceit, mocked...betrayed

torn, stolen, despair, hopeless, tears, crying,

sleepless, lonely, afraid, broken, ruined, pain,

Destroyed. 

Midnight Sorrow

darkness, smoke, breathless, 

dragging the broken, rejected,

unable to rise, abused

Strengthless 

Anger.

grief, sadness, forgotten, bruised, wounded

questions, trust...how... looking for answers....

Loss.

God.

real, heart, moment of intervention,

 insight, Bible, courage, time, prayer

He cares, He loves, He's here, He redeems,

Alone with God.

Forgiveness.

consequences, determination, 

love, grace, mercy, gift, family,

Hope. Eternity. Redeemed.

In God's Hand. Peace.

Only with God is life and living possible again.

In Lent the Lord is my Shepherd....

Christ Jesus our Lord is the Good Shepherd. He laid down His life for us.
( picture .monroecountyflowers.com )

During this Lent season you have probably been asked this question "what are you giving up for Lent?" Many people give up chocolate, coffee or some other favorite food. Some give up computer time etc. In the church I attend we have been discussing grief, suffering, depression and sickness during our Sunday morning sessions. I think the 23rd Psalm is a good fit for Lent. Let me explain why.

 Jesus says in John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 
And this is exactly why we are preparing to celebrate Easter. Jesus our good Shepherd gave his life for us - He died on the cross to pay for our sin. We are his sheep. Jesus had no sin but He took our sin upon Himself and went to the cross in our place.

So in Psalm 23 we read these words: 
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

In this season of Lent we are reminded of God's provisions for us.

First of course being Jesus sacrifice on the cross to redeem us back to God and someday we "will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."  But we can also be fully confident of His love and care for us in the here and now. The path in which the Lord is leading us along has good times as well as rough times. In the midst of our life's circumstances, He is with us! He  leadeth me beside the still waters, restoreth my soul,  leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, and even through the valley of the shadow of death He promises to go with us.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

So as this Lent season is drawing to a close, let us be filled with renewed hope and assurance of the presence of the Lord. He is here with us, He will never abandon us. He continue to lead us though the path is dark and dangerous, He is there holding us with His powerful right Hand. We can depend on our Lord. We can count on Him. He will never disappoint us.

Psalm 20:6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Psalm 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Psalm 73: 23-24 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

International Down Syndrome Day

Psalm 139:15-16  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret,And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Today is March 21 - International Down Syndrome Day. As a mom of a child who has Down Syndrome, I feel it is important to share my story today.
It was the year 1998 when my husband and I learned that our lives were about to change forever.

After what seemed to be a normal pregnancy, we had no idea what was about to take place.  Our baby was born in the local hospital here and it wasn't until she was unable to feed that we were made aware that something was horribly wrong. After several hours the doctor came in to the room and informed us that our baby in fact has down syndrome and was seriously sick and would need to be rushed to Winnipeg by ambulance. I don't remember a whole lot from that day but I remember asking my husband - So what do we do now? to which he wisely responded " What would Jesus do?" I knew the answer to that. Jesus loves and cares for us. So I too will love and care her come what may!  There were many questions in those early days. My doctor here at our local hospital encouraged me - helping me to see that God saw me fit to care for his precious little girl and has gifted her to me for this short time we all have here on earth. My experience in the hospital in Winnipeg had both positive and negative interaction. One particular nurse shared with me her feelings about children with Down Syndrome. She suggested that every family would benefit from having a special needs child in their home. There are so many valuable lessons that we learn - We really learn to love. But I also remember one particular doctor in Winnipeg speaking to me about my daughter's condition and the way he spoke puzzled me. He kept implying that we should and would be giving her up to adoption. There was no way that I was going to give her up for adoption. So I had to tell him very plainly "We are keeping her". That changed the conversation. I could not imagine a doctor suggesting to me that I should give up my child. There had never been a question in our minds whether we would keep her. My husband and I knew that God had planned this special baby for us, that he wanted us to love her and raise her and that really she is God's little girl. She is a gift to us for this short time on earth.

I am happy to say that our daughter has brought  much joy and blessing into our lives as well as into the lives of friends, family and of those at school and church. God is at work in all of our lives and He has a plan for each of our lives and He can use every one of us regardless of our handicaps to bring blessing and hope to those around us. God has taught me many lessons by giving me the gift of our daughter. 
Here are a few of the lessons that I have learned:

1)  Love your child for who he or she is without comparing them to others.

2) It's not all about the life that we live here. This short little time that we have here on earth is so small compared to eternity to come that it is so important to keep our eyes on Jesus and our eternal home with Him there.

3) Be thankful for what we have rather than focus on the "not going to happen sort of things".

4) Expectations and goals set up for my child by others is not necessarily what is best for her or what she needs. I need to stand my ground and stick up for her making sure the others keep her best in mind also.

5) In Heaven she will not have a disability - she will be free to express her love to Jesus without the limitations of now. 

6)  God made her exactly who He wanted her to be.  She is equal to every one else in His eyes - fearfully and wonderfully made.

7) Stand up and speak up for those who cannot stand or speak for themselves.

8) All human life is equal and valuable and no baby should be aborted. God is the giver of life and it is in His hands to determine how many days or years He gives us here on earth.


I love you my precious little girl!

Down Syndrome is Beautiful...

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month.
I thought I would share some pictures of my daughter to celebrate her precious life. She is truly beautiful.

Psalm 139: 13-14  For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.   I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

 Our baby was born in the local hospital here but was rushed to Winnipeg by ambulance when it was determined that she was seriously ill. So I spent sometime in the hospital in Winnipeg as well. I remember one particular doctor in Winnipeg speaking to me about my daughter's condition and the way he spoke puzzled me. He kept implying that we would be giving her up to adoption. There was no way that I was going to give her up for adoption. So I had to tell him very plainly "We are keeping her". That changed the conversation. I could not imagine a doctor suggesting to me that I should give up my child. There had never been a question in our minds whether we would keep her. My husband and I knew that God had planned this special baby for us, that he wanted us to love her and raise her and that really she is God's little girl. She is a gift to us for this short time on earth.

Psalm 139:15-16  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible Tells me so!

 

Information about Down Syndrome

(Information from the National Down Syndrome Society)

*People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

*All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

* Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome

*Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels

*People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

* A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

 

Getting to know my Father....

Psalm 101:6  Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
I have titled this post "Getting to know my Father" which of course refers to my Heavenly Father. I have written some posts here on my blog about my earthly father and I would encourage you to read them in the archives.
Our Heavenly Father is the perfect Father. Some of us have had earthly fathers who reflect some of the character traits of our Heavenly Father while others who read this may never have known a father who loves. Our Heavenly Father loves and cares for you and all that is true of His love for me in my life is available to you also.
The love of our Heavenly Father is a love that allows circumstances into our lives that are going to build our character and give us the opportunity to become more like Jesus. This kind of love is not always pleasant and includes the love of discipline.
God is my Father. He is my Father because I have become His child through salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. As my Father, He is my Protector. His watchful eye is upon me to guard me against the evil intentions of those who would hurt me. His watching eyes see what is happening to me.
Proverbs 5: 21  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.
My Father loves me and will not give me unheathly or useless things when I beg for them - simply because Father knows best. He has a goal in mind for me and since I do want that which He has planned for me, I choose to line up my desires and wishes with that which He decides is best for me.
I trust my Father. He wants only what is best for me. When He says "Don't do that" - it is for my own good and to keep me from getting hurt.
He disciplines me. I want that discipline because even though I may not like it, I do want to be in right relationship with my Father so I want to learn to live to please Him. He disciplines those who mistreat me - just because I am His child. When and if I am mistreated by other people, my Father sees it, He knows what is happening at all times because He has His eye on me.
He comforts me. My cares are His cares. When something bothers or troubles me, I can tell my Father. He is always available to me, listening to me when I talk with Him and responds to my questions.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  
He provides for me. He is my Father. I can depend on Him to supply every need in my life. He sees my needs and provides for me.
My Father is always with me. He has promised to never ever leave me so I am never alone and not afraid.
Hebrews 13 - for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
It's not about me - It's about bringing glory to His Name.  I am available to my Father - I want to be useful to Him - work in His kingdom and bring glory to Him. I hope and pray that through my life, my Father will further His plans for others in this world.
In His Will, For His Glory, To be used by Him is my prayer. Nothing happens by chance. The Lord God Almightly is my Heavenly Father.

You ask - How can I have this Heavenly Father in my own life? There is only just one way and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus died on the cross to save us and to bring us into relationship with God the Father. While we are living in sin, we cannot be in relationship with the Heavenly Father simply because He is Holy and cannot tolerate sin in His presence. But He provided the way for us  when He sent His only begotten Son - the Lord Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus came as a baby born in Bethlehem, showed us how to live and then died on the cross for our redemption. He  died on the cross. was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into Heaven to the right Hand of the Father but the Holy Spirit is available to us to live within us.  Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved today.
John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A Rose as a reminder of God's Love!!

The red rose has always been a used as a sign or description of love. I think it is fitting to remember how much our heavenly Father loves us when we see a beautiful red rose.  John 3:16 says  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The rose bush in my garden is blooming now so I took these pictures to remind me of God's love for me.   

      

May I suggest that you also be reminded of God's great love for you when you see a beautiful rose, where ever that happens to be - maybe while you are out shopping or perhaps visiting a park etc.

In Psalm 91:14-15, the Lord tells us how he returns good to us when we set our love upon Him.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.