If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

___Girlfriends In God

This Christmas give the gift of love. Love and Blessings…

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)

If you are reading this, you are blessed. First blessing of the day, God breathed air into your lungs! Christmas not even here yet, and look at God, another priceless gift, life! And for those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God has given us eternal life! You just can’t beat God’s giving!

Man operates on the principle of shortage but God has no limits. God does not have to bless others at your expense, nor does He bless you at anyone elses expense. There is a portion that God gives to you which no man can touch because it has your name on it. He has contacts and blessings you do not even know of which are reserved just for you. God made the skyways big enough for every bird to spread their wings. He also made it so that there is enough blessings for each of us to soar. So the next time someone else is blessed, don’t be discouraged or jealous, be happy for them. Then shout out with expectation, I’m next in line for my blessings!

And remember we are blessed to be a blessing! God blessed you and woke you this morning, bless someone else with some love, laughter, and a smile. Love and Blessings…

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,  you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:8-10)

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10)

“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)

We know that communication is important in any relationship. So how can we claim to have a relationship with Jesus and not communicate with Him? When we pray, we open ourselves up to the Spirit, recognizing Him for who He is. If we pray continuously, it strengthens our relationship with our Father in Heaven. The Bible says we should pray without ceasing. Whether we are in need or not, regardless of our circumstances, we should pray. If everything is good, we tell Him how thankful and grateful we are. We know that we can depend and call on God when we are in need, but we can also commune with Him when we are not. How would you like it if someone you are in a relationship with only talked to you when they needed something? Besides getting to know Him better, consistent prayer and spending time with God releases favor and blessings in our life’s. In Matthew 6:5-8, when Jesus is teaching on prayer. He did not say “if” you pray, He said “when”  you pray. The scriptures shows us that even with all He was doing, Jesus  spent much time in prayer with His Father. As should we.

There is nothing the devil dreads more than when we pray. He will try distracting us to keep us from praying. He loves to see us running around “busy”,  doing the “Lords work” as some like to say. So busy there is no time to set aside for God. A quick blessing before meals, and maybe a prayer before bedtime will have to do. Too busy to have a relationship with God. Satan laughs at our busyness. He loves it when we are more concerned with religion than a relationship with Jesus. He does not fear when we are eager and earnest Bible students and know the Bible from front to back. So does he. He is not bothered when we show up at Church on Sundays. He shows up there sometimes too. But how he trembles when we pray! Why? Because he knows prayer is powerful! He knows when we pray, we get closer to Jesus, and he can’t touch us with his tricks and temptations. We are covered under God’s promises in Psalms 91. Sisters and Brothers you want to scare the devil, pray without ceasing! Love and Blessings…

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

Are you familiar with the song “How I Got over” by Mahalia Jackson? It says sometimes I look back and wonder how I made it over. There are days when we all wonder how we made it over and sometimes wonder if we can keep moving forward. We get through one challenge and here comes another. Before we can even grasp the concept of losing a loved one, we have to grieve the loss of another. And let’s not get into the troubles of this world today. We jump over one hurdle and just as we feel our feet adjusting to walking the path again, a new hurdle emerges. All the while we are trying to live a life that pleases Christ, our Savior. I finally found the secret on how to make it over, in spite of circumstance. Well it’s not really a secret. The Bible tells us from chapter to chapter and scripture to scripture how to make it over life’s challenges.  

God’s Word gives us the answers on how to make it over. The first thing we must remember and believe is 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” in Christ. And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” God’s promises us that He is our strength, He will never leave us, He have plans to prosper us, He will fight for us, He will give us peace, and He will love us. You don’t have to believe me, grab your Bible and read it for yourself. The only thing we have to do is accept God’s gift of salvation and have faith in His promises.

Sounds so simple, right? So why is people still struggling with life trying to make it over day after day? Why are they stressed and overwhelmed? It helps when we stay focused on God. I try to glance at the world and what’s going on but keep my gaze on God. The Bible puts it this way in Colossians 3:1-2, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Jesus said in this world we would have trials and tribulations. (John 16:33). It was not easy for Him here on earth as a man, nor has it been easy for anyone that has followed Him, then or now. There are people right now who are being persecuted for their beliefs and worship. Just as we know there was a purpose for Christ’s pain and suffering, we know because of Christ there is purpose in our pain and suffering as well. We don’t rejoice because of the suffering, but because of God’s goodness. We suffer for the sake of divine glory.  

But the good news is God is all-powerful, His power is not restrained, limited, or inhibited by anyone or anything on earth. So If God is for us, (and He is) who can be against us?(Romans 8:31). There is nothing we face that takes God by surprise. No enemy is too strong for Him to conquer. No prayer is too difficult for Him to answer. And when we get tired or overwhelmed think of the Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-21). Right after God used Elijah to show how amazing He is, the queen of Israel, Jezebel, threatened Elijah’s life. You would think he would have no fear after what he just witnessed God do on Mount Carmel. Yet Elijah was human. He was a regular man like us who just got tired. He sat under a tree and said, “I have had enough Lord.”  That’s exactly how this world can make us feel sometimes. We sometimes want to say I have had enough Lord. We want to go sit somewhere and have a pity party. But look how God responded to Elijah’s moping, He said, “get some rest, eat some food, go back the way you came, and find the others who serve me to support you.” And that’s exactly what He will do for us. He will refresh, renew, and send us help when we need it!

The promises of Romans 8:28 that God works for our good “in all things” is encouraging when we are facing challenges. If our hearts and motives are pure and we truly seek to do God’s will, then there is nothing too difficult for us as we depend on His strength. Keep your focus on God and believe in His promises. Standing on God’s promises is how we make it over! Love and Blessings…

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)AMP

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” (Romans 5:3-5)  

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love [him] and [who] are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

• 

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
(Psalm 100:4)

The event on which our modern American Thanksgiving celebration is based began as a three-day harvest celebration in 1621—sometime between September 21 and November 11, the exact days being unknown. Two years later, in 1623, an actual Thanksgiving Day celebration was held. While the original three-day event was more of a “festival” than a “day” of celebration, it suggests a worthy template: not relegating thanksgiving to a single day of the year.

Indeed, a psalmist in the Old Testament admonished his readers to “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:2, emphasis added). While it is certainly good to set aside a day or days to celebrate God’s goodness, and to give thanks to Him, His blessings are not limited to one day of the year. Gratitude and thanksgiving as a lifestyle are appropriate “from day to day” since that is the pattern of His blessings. As long as God’s blessings continue to flow, so should our thanks flow accordingly.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, give thanks to God that His blessings and compassions “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).

Paslm 96:1-13

“The habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.”
J. I. Packer

This is Thanksgiving week! I am thankful for all God has done, all He is doing, and the blessings to come. We should be thankful and grateful every day. I think most of you would agree with me that the world today is chaotic and unpredictable. Sometimes life can get in the way, and we take for granted even the air we breathe. It’s always something going on and we rush around trying to make it make sense. And when it doesn’t, we have the tendency to grumble and complain. Without even realizing it, we began to grow an ungrateful heart. Every day regardless of what is going on, we must make time to be grateful and thankful to the One who makes our day possible.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

First we should thank God for Jesus! Who else would have given up his son for us? Thank God that we are saved from the sting of death. Thank Him that no man, no situation, no devil in hell can separate us from our Lord! Thank God that through Christ we have power over the enemy. Remember to speak the words He’d have you speak, and pray you would be mindful of the enemy’s attacks.

“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.” (John 3:16)

I know it may be difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude when life is hard, and things seem to be falling apart. Trust and believe God has not forgotten about you. He’s always working on our behalf even if we can’t see it. Thank God for His divine plan. Thank Him for His perfect timing. Pray that He would help you trust Him more. Ask Him to help you wait patiently as He works it all out for good.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

Have you experienced a time when there seems to be no way out, but God came through and made a way? Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for His love for you. Thank Him for all things being possible with Him. Pray that He would continue to faithfully see you through and encourage you to stay strong, trusting in the faithful Father.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5)

Remember to thank God for His wisdom, guidance and direction in our lives. We are so blessed to be able to consult Him, and to allow Him to direct our paths. Pray you would be sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit in your decisions, great and small. He will help you get to the end of your journey here on Earth with as few regrets as possible.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.” (Proverbs 4:7)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)

What a privilege we have to carry everything in prayer to our God—our hopes, dreams, worries, fears, burdens, petitions, and heartaches. Prayer is so needed and so important that Romans tells us the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf in accordance to His will when we’re unsure of what to pray. Tell God how thankful you are that He turns His ear toward you.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16:18)

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-28)

We can do nothing in our own strength alone, but with God all things are possible. Thank Him for knowing your every need. Thank Him in advance for delivering you, comforting you, and providing for you in a way no other can. Thank Him for meeting your needs of shelter, food, clothing, warmth, clean water. Pray that He would show you how you can fill a need for someone else. Ask Him to do a work in your life so tremendous that those around you can only say, “This is surely because of God.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

This world likes to label us and tell us who we are or who we should be. Thank God we don’t have to believe what someone else calls us or labels us. We know our real identity, who we are in Christ! Thank God that you are not what the world says you are but what He says you are.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37)

“We are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17)

God is life. He gives life. He wakes us each morning by breathing air into our lungs. He makes the blood course through our veins. Thank Him for knitting you together in your mother’s womb. Thank Him that you are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to live a life that honors Him, the Creator. Ask Him to help you be the proof of His love, to go out into this dark and seemingly lifeless world and shine the light of His love.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Some days it may seem hopeless and look like the enemy is winning. But we know the Truth. We have read the ending in the Book of Truth. We know that we have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Tell God how grateful you are that there will come a day when He will wipe away our tears. Pray for a fresh touch of encouragement, reminding you of the hope you have in Him.

“He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; [4] he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelations 21:3-4)

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelations 22:5)

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Even on our worst days, there is always something to be thankful and grateful for. Focusing on those things can give us the strength to overcome and keep going on. Love and Blessings…

One of my favorite poems is “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. It’s about a woman’s beauty that is within her. Her confidence, her belief in herself. It’s about acceptance and appreciation of who she is. This type of woman is more concerned with becoming the woman God made her to be, and not who the world tells her she should be. She is at peace with who she is. It took me some time to become this woman.  

Comparing yourself to others and not loving yourself can prevent you from being all that you can be, and it prevents you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. You can’t fulfill your purpose if you’re trying to live out someone else’s. Jealousy has no place in a woman’s heart who knows who she is. God made enough skyways so that we all can fly.  

How can we love God and not love ourselves who He created? God does not make mistakes! Neither does He lie. Scripture says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It’s not vanity when we love ourselves, it’s insanity when we don’t. When you don’t know your worth, you open yourself up for all kinds of abuse, depression and pain. It is important that we not only know who we are but also whose we are. I understand that sometimes because of circumstances, situations, or other reasons, some women may not know their worth. The enemy has tried on purpose to keep them from knowing who they are. The devil is a liar. Seek God so your mind can be renewed, and you can become the woman He made you to be.  

If you feel like every other woman is living the life and have all the things you have been praying for, be happy for them. If God blessed them, He will bless you in your appointed time. And while you are waiting love yourself, be comfortable in who you are and seek God. The Holy Spirit will empower and enable you to become the woman God calls you to be. Love and Blessings…

{There isn’t a woman in the Bible
used by God who had it easy.

Ruth didn’t have it easy.
Esther didn’t have it easy.
Sarah didn’t have it easy.
Hannah didn’t have it easy.
Mary didn’t have it easy.
The woman with the issue of blood
didn’t have it easy.
God’s daughters don’t have it easy.
They have it anointed.
They have it appointed.
They have it highly favored.
They have victory!
Walk in your anointing even when it doesn’t come easy!}
Author Unknown

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
(Jeremy 1:5)

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works: my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” {Romans 8:16)

“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 hope and a future.” (Jeremy 29:11)

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)

---

This is my birthday week and doing this time I always do a lot of soul searching, such as how far I have come and where I am going. I reflect on the good times and how blessed I am. I also think about all the challenges and the storms that God has brought me through, and I can’t help but thank Him and give him praise! Whenever I felt I was alone, He reminded me that He was there. There have been times I was ready to give up, but He wouldn’t let me. Honestly, when I look back and think about all what could have happened, what should have happened, my soul cries out with so much gratitude. We all fight battles of some sort in this life. But God has already won every battle we will ever face. The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loves us. I have learned that through every trial; we must keep our focus on God and always believe what His Word says more than we believe our doubts and fears. Did I say our fears? Yes I did. Believe me, I love to proclaim faith over fear, I wear the t-shirt. However sometimes fear is right there, neck to neck with faith. And it is ok as long as we don’t let the fear win. How we do that is to stay focused on God. Whatever the challenge or problem, God has the answer, and He will calm our fears. So if we panic, it’s ok. We just need to do as King Jehoshaphat and seek God in our panic.

King Jehoshaphat and the small tribe of Judah were besieged on all fronts by three powerful armies rapidly advancing toward Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 20). The situation looked hopeless. When Jehoshaphat was informed, his first reaction was fear! I’m so glad that the Word of God gives us an authentic description of who Jehoshaphat was. This lets us know that King Jehoshaphat, who was faithful and a courageous warrior, was also capable of fear, he panicked. He was just like you and I, human. But what set Jehoshaphat apart was that even when he was fearful, the very first thing he did was to “set himself to seek the Lord” We must learn to do the same whenever we are fearful, instead of spiraling deeper into panic mode and accepting defeat. Fear leaves us open for the enemies suggestions. This is why we must set ourselves to seek the Lord and hear only His voice when we are frightened or feeling overwhelmed. We learn by Jehoshaphat’s situation that it’s all right to experience fear from time to time. God doesn’t condemn us when we are afraid. Look how He showed up and showed out for King Jehoshaphat!

If you have been told that the believers life is easy and life is going to be a bed of roses, as my mama would say, “ you green,” which means you don’t know anything and have been lied to. No matter how faithful we are, life can throw some rocks, and sometimes huge ones! You look around and see others who seem to not care about Jesus, and they doing great, or so we think. I understand it’s easy to get discouraged. But we must remember that there is a war going on. In war, we should expect opposition. Our enemy hates us. However, take heart because the enemy is already defeated. He knows this but of course he will keep trying. If you have sincerely given yourself to Jesus, there is no permanent harm the devil can do to you! We may have to walk through some difficulties, but we can stand strong in faith, because we know how the story ends! We have the victory! Love and Blessings…

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (2 Chronicles 20:3)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

I was asked the other day if I thought God brings people together or if marriages happen more as a result of our choices? I’m no expert on marriage but I believe if we allow Him, God leads and guides us in all areas of our lives, including marriage. The Bible assures us in many scriptures that God is personally involved in, and concerned with our lives. So yes, I believe that God does connect people. However, because He gives us the gift of choice, God is not going to force us to accept the man or woman He has chosen for us. Just as He does not force us to accept the gift of Salvation, we have to choose to receive it. I think the key to mold God’s sovereignty and our free choice is to make our choices only in obedience to Him.

The Bible says that when you marry,  you become one flesh. Marriage will alter the course of the rest of your life. Which is why we should seek God’s guidance and pray for discernment and wisdom before marriage. And we should pay attention when He speaks. If you are used to hearing God when He speaks to your heart, He may just tell you if it’s the right person when you meet him or her, but after the voice there will be confirmations through His word concerning what He told you. Don’t ignore the signs or your gut feelings. Sometimes we ignore what God is telling us because it’s not what we want to hear. We may choose a spouse based on our worldly external desires, such as appearance, status, attraction, or education. I am not saying there is anything wrong with those things, but as my Pastor likes to say, that should be the icing on the cake. The actual cake is God’s purpose for marriage. Marriage is to bring glory to God and point outsiders, who are looking in, to a loving and redeeming God. Marriage is to be used to expand the Kingdom of God through the gospel. God chooses for us the man or woman that is relevant to our glorious destiny in life!  

It may not be as simple as asking God and immediately He sends you your kingdom mate, although it has been known to happen. God wants to make sure we are ready for what we are asking for. He may need to do some work within us or He may be working on the person He is going to place in our life. This process requires patience and trusting that God knows what and who is best for us. We get impatient waiting on God when it seems everybody else is in a relationship or getting married. But we must trust God and not make impulsive decisions. Don’t get nervous thinking time is running out. There are many examples in the Bible that proves God does not do time or age. What He has for us is good for us and it’s always on time. Wait on God!  

Some people are not meant to be carried into the next phase of our journey. God repositions, rearranges & brings us to maturity regarding our relationships, so that we are prepared for the next level. Not everyone is purposed to occupy a permanent position like a spouse in our lives nor to be a shareholder in our future blessings from God. God uses some people to prepare us for the greatness that is to come. We have to know when to let go and move forward. Because again what we think we want may not be what’s best for us. God is concerned about our families, children, jobs, health, and every aspect of our lives. He loves us and wants what is best for us, that includes spouses!

For marriage or anything else to work in our life, our primary focus should be on Jesus. If you are searching for a spouse without first developing a personal relationship with Jesus, you are putting the cart before the horse. If God promised you a husband or wife, be patient and rest not in what you see, but in what He has already promised you! Love and Blessings…  

“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 hope and a future.” (Jeremy 29:11)

“Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.”
(1 Corinthians 10:23)

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another, humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday love. You may or may not, depending on your age, remember this 1985 duet by Alexander O’Neil and Cherrelle? This morning doing my devotion these lyrics popped in my head while I was reading Matthew 18:21:22. Peter asked Jesus how often we should forgive, seven times? Then Jesus said, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” And I thought what if Peter had asked how often we should love one another. That’s when the lyrics came to mind. I believe Jesus would have answered every day, all day. In fact, He tells us that loving one another is the second greatest command after loving God. (Matthew 22:37-39).

God is love. And He will show up in us if we allow Him. Do you remember a time when love showed up? Just at the right time, right when you needed it the most. I have experienced this so many times! And surprisingly, sometimes love shows up in the last person you would have suspected. That’s how God works. He uses who he wants, but for Him to use us in love, we must have love within (Holy Spirit). Especially if  we are to love the unlovable, as Jesus says we should. I believe sometimes people get confused. Jesus didn’t say we have to like their ways or their actions. He did not say we have to tolerate wrong doing. He didn’t say we have to have them in our inner circle. Sometimes as my  mama used to say, we have to “handle some people with a long handle spoon.” In other words love them from a distance. But close up or from a distance, Jesus said we must love, forgive, help, and have compassion even towards those who we feel don’t deserve it. Doesn’t that sound like the love Jesus has for us? Has God ever tried to use you to show love and compassion and your first reaction was why me Lord? I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been guilty of this. The person never treated you nice. Did you think to yourself, this is such an inconvenience or what have they done for me lately? It’s easy to love those who love us, the challenge is loving those who don’t. Thanks to Jesus, who left us with the Holy Spirit, we can do it. We just have to open up our hearts to the love within (Holy Spirit) and He will help us.  

God uses people in our lives to teach us valuable lessons about relationships. Patience, kindness, flexibility, humility, and compassion are relationship skills of a disciple for Christ. Sometimes it is hard and stressful but if we follow the characteristics of  Jesus, it is easier. Relationships is a classroom for learning to love the unlovable and forgiving the unforgivable.

I believe when we fall in love with Jesus we can love anybody, even those who make it difficult. Why? Because Jesus loves us in spite of our sinful nature, He loves us unconditionally. His love should make us want to replicate it to one another.  
Love and Blessings…..

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

“We  love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him; whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:19-21)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything that I have told you.” (John 14:26)