Love – Page 15 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Give Yourself the Gift of Love

Give Yourself the Gift of Love is part 2 of a series to identify and eliminate external and internal factors that distract us and keep us from achieving spiritual growth and maturity.

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 account of wrongs—First Corinthians 13:4–5

How did love become so complicated? If you watch most toddlers interact with each other, they are happy and will share their toys…if they were taught this life-giving behavior. Intervene to prepare your child for the future: If your child is playing by themselves all the time, you may want to encourage them to interact and share with others (even if they are an only child) because this is a crucial skill.

As individuals differ, so will their definition of love. It is almost a certainty that our life experience impacts the way that we understand and express love. If you are raised in an environment where love was understood without physical affection, then you may have matured into an unaffectionate adult who has difficulty forming attachments. In contrast, growing up with healthy physical affection —such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands —promotes a strong sense of well-being and usually results in adults who are nurturing in their relationships.

Compare your view of love with that of 1 Corinthians 13. Perhaps your definition of love does not come close to the love that is expressed in the Bible. Move forward in your spiritual journey to possess agape love. Strive to have the defining characteristics of love that God created us from. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. First Corinthians 13:1 NLT

Is there any purpose to meaningless noise? Most of us desire to give and receive the warmth and overall great feeling from being loved. We must discard our prior life experiences and preconceived notions of what love is if the way we love fails to be an exact match to God’s definition. And once we are in total sync with God’s definition of love, it may become necessary to perform The Big Chop, part 1 of this series, for the unloving individuals who refuse to possess one of humanity’s basic psychological and physiological needs.

Give yourself the gift of love by reading and memorizing First Corinthians 13 until you possess every godly characteristic of unconditional love. When we understand and practice God’s agape love, we become like Christ. Even Jesus’disciples failed to understand His love and compassion for others. The multitude of 5,000 in Matthew chapter 14 would have never eaten if Jesus had let the disciples make the decision.

Christ was selfless while He lived on this earth. It is love, the core value that forgiveness, grace, and mercy flow from like a river, nourishing everything in its path.

Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself!

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 13

God, thank You for loving us and giving us Your definition of love. We ask forgiveness for the unloving and careless ways that we have treated others. Please teach us how to love unconditionally. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

My Words and Thoughts

This morning, a podcast speaker challenged us to seriously reflect on our spoken words and thoughts for the past year. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

Did my spoken words that others could hear and the whispers of my heart, which only God could listen to, reflect that I love and honor God? For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

King David was aware that eventually, our secret thoughts would reveal themselves through our spoken words. Whether good, bad, or ugly, our mask will fall off, and who we are is made evident to others. It takes the right situation to bring out our real character.

As we reflect on our words and thoughts, may we approach God humbly and ask forgiveness for the selfishness of our unfriendly characteristics. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24.

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Make the decision to embrace the new beginnings. We have been blessed with a new day to think lovely thoughts and speak empowering words. Thank you, God, for your grace and mercy.

Bible Study: Proverbs chapters 18 and 23

God, we ask forgiveness for the harsh and hurtful words that we have spoken of because of the sinful thoughts deep in our hearts. It is our desire to be transformed into people that possess unconditional love, mercy, and kindness. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The “We” Concept

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Walking humbly with God

To “walk humbly with God” is the basis for loving mercy and doing justice. Because of what God has done, we fully invest in healing the world around us through mercy and justice. Cultivating our walk with God provides the power and passion for us to fully engage—it grounds everything else we do. David Kool and Andrew Ryskamp.

Many individuals embrace the duty of alleviating the burdens and poverty of those in need. Simply put, they dedicate their time and money to helping others. We have nonprofit organizations, soup kitchens, sidewalk showers, street barbers, and the list goes on and on. If you have a good heart, unselfish and caring, you naturally desire to extend your helping hands.

But there is a qualifier that distinguishes the believer from the philanthropists or those who perform good deeds. We share our faith in God. We represent the love that God has for humanity. We bring hope to the discouraged and demonstrate that God is real because He cares and provides for us.

To walk humbly with our God takes a willing heart and daily perseverance. Love is the foundation for humility. Yes, we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and we can freely love others under the right conditions. But would we continue to try to help the homeless person who curses at us or says, “get away from me”?

It is the challenging circumstances that produce endurance. Who hasn’t used anger or isolation to protect oneself from the painful adversities of life? All of us require meeting the basic physiological needs of our bodies, of which food and water are mandatory.

Brown bag lunches are simple and effective in helping those who are homeless. A peanut butter sandwich, banana, a bottle of water, and a couple packets of hand wipes meet basic needs.

Start a mason jar bank and place the amount of money you would use to spend for personal desires that bring no real value to your life. Research for safety precautions when interacting with the homeless population. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…. Psalm 91:11. Find a partner with the same “we concept” values and your life will be fulfilled in ways that you never imagined. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35

It takes love outside of ourselves to produce the “we concept.” Yes, we like to think of ourselves as good people. But God tells us in Jeremiah 17:9, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Ouch! So, now that we are aware of the impact that sin has on every one of us, we can take steps to change our hearts.

We have a helper, the third person of the Trinity Godhead, the Holy Spirit, to help us walk humbly with God. How important is the Holy Spirit to our lives? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.… Galatians 5:22-23.

Walking humbly with God requires character development. It is our character that must go through a total makeover. Think about a house that is broken and battered. All it takes is a person with a dream, the desire, and money to refurbish the fixer-upper house that nobody wants into a beautiful and livable home. God planted the seed inside of us to stay connected to Him (the dream), we must possess the (desire), and Jesus paid the price (through His death) to reburbish sinful humanity.

God also functions on the “we concept.” God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the messenger angels are always ready and available to intervene for our spiritual makeover. When we give our permission by inviting Jesus Christ into our lives, we experience a complete transformation. The Bible teaches us what is acceptable and pleasing to God. Our awareness elevates, and we strive to rid ourselves of the thoughts, actions, and habits that do not reflect our love for God.

Bible Study: As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:15-16

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for thinking of ourselves first. Please teach us how to walk humbly with you. We desire a spiritual transformation in our lives, and invite you into our lives. We pray for the Holy Spirit to teach and lead us to live righteously. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Forever Love

There are very few individuals that can give or receive forever love. Relationships form much to quickly because we are desperate for the wrong person. God tells us that His love is everlasting; yet, we place Him in the position to be next in line.

Who can love us like God? Loneliness is more than a state of mind, it is the reality of many who confess their belief in God. Why is it that we can have a Heavenly Father along with an entire spiritual team, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the angels and still despair?

The answer: We desire someone who cannot provide the love and nurturing of our soul. Only God can fulfill our spiritual needs and He patiently waits to give us everlasting love.

Our emotions were given as a blessing of expression, not to replace our cognitive abilities. We rely too much on our feelings for guidance. “Follow your heart” only applies to a relationship with God. He will lead you in the right direction that ends in perfection. No, we are not perfect, but God is, which means we do not have to suffer negative consequences when we trust and obey.

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming. Psalm 27:8

The “Everlasting Love” of God never fails. Do not miss out on the greatest love experience from your Heavenly Father. Give God what He rightfully deserves: Jesus replied, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Did you forget about Jeremiah 29:11? God has plans for us! First, get in sync with God by loving Him as Jesus commanded and your life will change. How will it change? If we do our part (human effort) then God will always fulfill His plans for us (Divine intervention).

God, we admit that you have not been first and foremost in our hearts. We ask forgiveness for putting you last with our love and attention. Our souls are empty without you. We recommit our hearts to you and we can’t wait to receive your everlasting love. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen!

The Struggle to Love

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

God is love (1 John 4:16). His very nature is perfect love, but because of sin love does not always come freely and naturally to His children. You may have been raised in a home where love was not expressed. Perhaps you were hurt by someone you loved, and your heart became hardened as a defense against further pain. You may love others but not know how to express your love in words or actions. You may feel frustrated because you have been called by God to love, yet you do not understand how to love others.

God in His grace has made provision for our human weakness, and He is prepared to teach us how to love one another. There are no exceptions. God can teach us to love even that especially difficult person.

Are you struggling to love someone? God will help you. He will enable you to love your parents, your spouse, your children, your friends, or your enemy in a deeper way than you could ever love them on your own. If you do not know how to express your love in a meaningful way, God will teach you how to do this. God is the authority on love. As you relate to others, ask God through prayer to make His love overflow to them through your life. Today’s Devotional-Experiencing God-Day by Day

As I read this devotional, I asked God to help me to overcome all tendencies, either learned from my environment or genetically transmitted, which would prevent me from loving those who intentionally hurt others. God does not expect us to stay in hurtful or abusive situations (Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17). But Jesus confronted the false beliefs that it was alright to hate others: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44.

Yes, loving the unlovable remains one of our most significant challenges. Even so, we must never forget that Jesus loves the unlovable, the disobedient, and the faithless, or else He would not have sacrificed His life for you and me. Nor would we be able to communicate with God through Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor, and our Savior.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

God. we thank you for teaching us that hate is unacceptable, even for those who abuse and mistreat us. Please help us as we learn your definition of unconditional love. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

How Well Do You Know Him?

From 1966-1974, there was a game show called The Newlywed Game that featured four couples who had been married less than a year, competing against each other. The husbands guessed how the wives would answer, then the wives came back and answered the same questions, and couples got points for matches. Then the husbands got sent out and the process repeated. The couple with the most points won some sort of domestic “newlywed” prize, like a dishwasher. https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/newlywed-game

How well do you know God? As long as we are willing to stay connected to God, and do our part (Human Effort) spiritual growth never stops. Divine Intervention—Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

Currently, I am participating in an online “10-days of Prayer” spiritual revival. Today’s message is entitled “Praying God’s Promises,” and states that we have to know God’s promises for us to build our faith and relationship with him. After the completion of reading the message, I asked myself three questions:

1. What is your purpose for serving God?.
2. How well do you know God?.
3. Can I name five of God’s promises, and how am I applying these promises to my life?

Immediately, I realized that I would not be able to accomplish this spiritual undertaking on my own. I begin to pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal an action plan for my life. The first step was to identify the promises that I would incorporate into my life through prayer every day. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is an up-close and personal one, so the promises that each of us choose to hold on to and include in our lives will differ. Even so, there is one exception, all who desire to learn who God is, and live a faith-based life must pray for the Holy Spirit to be a part of their spiritual journey.

Since last Friday, I have been praying to be filled, guided, and comforted by the Holy Spirit throughout the day and night. Have there been any changes? Yes, my outlook has changed. I have the reassurance that God has heard my prayers of thanksgiving and the desire to grow closer to Him. Doubt and defeat have been replaced with an increase in faith. I am confident that God is working out every situation in my life.

I am sharing my list of promises:

Praying for the Holy Spirit

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever–He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:16-17

2. Recognizing that God has no limitations

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

3. Acknowledging that only God can provide emotional healing

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

4. Refusing to let circumstances steal my inner joy and peace

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

5. Faithfully and patiently depending on my Heavenly Father to provide help

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3

6. Trading selfish desires for God’s plans by seeking Him before making decisions

For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

7. Staying aware of the reward of Eternal life for the righteous

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

Because of the natural tendency to get distracted by this journey’s cares and burdens, I made a hard copy of God’s promises. Whenever I need a reminder that my faith is wavering, I read and include His promises in my prayers any time of the day or night. I want to have a relationship with God as never before and pray to have love, unwavering faith, trust, and obedience. God loves us so much. I extend the invitation to make the necessary changes in your routine and get to know God as never before.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the greatest gift that we will ever receive, and thank you for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen!

Maintain the Connection

As I studied John 15, I received a spiritual recharge compared to a cell phone connected to its charger. Only I did not have to wait for the timely process of being fully charged. Human Effort: For 2021, my mindset is different. The expectation is that I will receive the blessing of total restoration from God. And what a difference that has made in my outlook on life. God does not make us wait, the spiritual recharge happened immediately. Divine Intervention: During prayer, I received the reassurance that Jesus is Lord, and as long as I stay connected, I will experience the never-ending joy and peace that comes from serving God.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11 NLT

In this chapter of John, Jesus was instructing and encouraging His disciples because of his pending death. We are Jesus’ disciples, and He has given us the answer to possessing constant inner joy: Stay connected to Him through faith, trust, and obedience to God’s commandments. And the reward is: Yes, your joy will overflow!

Staying connected is the only way to be energized with the peace, joy, and reassurance that comes from faithful commitment to Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Lord. Jesus obeyed His Father even unto death. Remain in me, and I will remain you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4. Daily prayer, praise, and study of the Bible indicate our desire to worship and dedicate ourselves to God.

Serving God is a guaranteed mood stabilizer and frees us from the bondage of fear. Doubt, depression, sadness, anxiety, and worry are fruits of fear. We cannot have fear and faith. Staying connected requires faith. Staying connected requires that we expect to receive a spiritual recharge every time we worship God.

In praying, we ask God for many material blessings, begin to ask Him for an increase in faith, and to give you the desire to serve Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. You will receive joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presenting circumstances. We should not be living on empty when we serve the Most-High God. Jesus paid for us with His life. And because of His sacrifice, we can receive spiritual recharges any time of the day or night.

Jesus is the True Vine. It is impossible to succumb to the adversities in this life when we are connected to the vine. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I, in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4

God, we have not done our part in staying connected to you, and for this, we ask forgiveness. Thank you for the gifts of love, joy, and peace. We commit to serving you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Preparing for your Purpose

God is calling you to a life of devotion to serve and to fulfill your divine purpose, which can only be accomplished through Him. Love, faith, trust, and obedience to God, His Father are the character traits that Jesus exhibited throughout his life as an earthly being. How much more should we strive to dedicate our lives to God?

Do you think about eternal life, and what your life will be like living in a perfect New Heaven and New Earth? Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

God, we thank you for our lives. We make the commitment today to fulfill your purpose for us. Please reveal the things that we need to do for your honor and glory. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

King of King and Lord of Lords

The one born to be our Saviour was no ordinary man. Those who have tasted His marvelous salvation gladly and lovingly crown Him Lord of all. He will soon be on His way to our planet for the second time, not as a babe in a manger, but to reign forever as king. That glorious day is the grand focus of Christmas. “If angels sung because the Saviour was born in Bethlehem, shall not our hearts echo the glad strain, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men? Although we do not know the exact day of Christ’s birth, we would honor the sacred event…. Jesus came into the world to bring hope, comfort, peace, and happiness to all.”___ Review and Herald, December 17, 1889.

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Lord, In the fullness of time, You sent a Saviour–Christ the Lord. Help me to be ready when He returns as king. Amen

Happy Sabbath! We are Not Forsaken!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Today, I read in Matthew chapter 27, the words spoken by Jesus just before His death on the cross:

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:45-46 NLT

If you are in a time of darkness, please know that God has not forsaken you. God has promised: He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3. I know that God keeps His promises. In October, I experienced loss, which left me as a family of one. Through my tears, many times, all I could do is pray, “God help me.” And just as God promises, the gaping wound in my heart has healed. It is said that time heals all wounds, which is not true. There is only one, our Heavenly Father, Jehovah Shalom-the God of Peace who brings us peace, comfort, and above all, healing.

Yes, I am grieving my loss. Still, I did not stop reading the Bible at Matthew 27. I continued to read Matthew chapter 28, which tells us of Jesus’ resurrection. God did not forsake Jesus, nor will He ever abandon those who He created in His image. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.

Never give up the hope that we will have a better life. God gave us His best, His Son, Jesus Christ. No, human beings did not kill the Son of God. Jesus willingly gave His life to redeem humanity. Our greatest need was a Savior who would save us from our sins through forgiveness.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is coming soon:

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Do not let any situation leave you hopeless!

20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. Revelation 22:20-21

Hold on! Continue, even in the midst of your tears, grief, and suffering, praise and worship God.

O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:6

God, thank you for loving us and giving your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Please help us remember that you have glorious plans, promising us eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. We love you, and we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.