November 2017 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for November 30, 2017 – Are you “armored” in God’s love?

2 John 1:5-7
And now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another. If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other.

Watch out for the false leaders—and there are many of them around—who don’t believe that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human being with a body like ours. Such people are against the truth and against Christ.

Yesterday, I trimmed our big Christmas tree. It seems like a daunting task each year, until I get going…and then I really enjoy unwrapping each ornament and finding just the right spot for it on the branches. Somehow, I never seem to remember some of the ornaments until the tissue paper is peeled back…and a flood of memories come to me. These are generally happy thoughts…but some are also bittersweet.

I always enjoy hanging the photo of my paternal grandparents posed with my dad when he was a child…lovingly “framed” in a “doily” crocheted by my Mam-ma Polly. I smile and get a warm feeling when I hang the “Tiny Tim” ornament that my student Stephen gave me when he was my first grade student. Now he is a dad with school-aged children…and we love them like our own. I love the ornament with a picture of one of our first cats…Grady…and the one of Jasmine and me when she was a toddler.

There are dozens more that evoke truly special memories…but when I unwrapped the glittery golden school bus, I was momentarily taken aback. I don’t know why this surprised me…I’ve hung this bus for five years now. It was a gift to my Mam-ma Polly from her pastor and family friend, J.R., the last Christmas she was with us. I promised to hang it on our tree and remember the “good ole days” fondly. And I’ve kept that promise. But for a moment, I longed for things to be different…to turn back the clock a few decades and just be that kid on the school bus again.

If I sound a bit melancholy and reflective this morning, perhaps I am. The world seems to be going mad all around us. It’s like we’ve lost our moral compass…and everything is skewed. Lies are now shared as facts – and justified their as “focusing on the wrong thing”. Many people seem to be more dialed in to their own vanity, self-satisfaction, and personal agenda – with no regard for how their words and actions will affect others. And far too many are seemingly able to defend their behaviors and try to make the rest of us think we are the ones with a problem.

This morning, I opened my copy of Jesus Calling* and read today’s entry, which said in part that we are not to let “fixing things” be our number one goal. We are not to take on tasks and obligations that are not ours. We are to focus on Jesus and make HIM the top priority. This stopped me in my tracks. I am a “fixer” by nature…and I have had a hard time learning that there are things that I cannot put right…and I’m not supposed to. This might be one of the biggest lessons of my growth as a Christian…learning to operate in the faith that God is the Fixer…and I am His servant.

This day’s devotional concludes with a reminder that our ultimate destination is heaven. When we focus on this, everything else pales in comparison. Many of those whose lives are represented by our Christmas ornaments have finished the race…and they are already basking in the glory and joy of Eternal life at the feet of Jesus. You and I still have work to do on this earth. Our job for now is to keep loving others – even the “stinkers” – and trusting God to do the heavy lifting. Some days are easier than others…but with God’s “full armor” (Ephesians 6:13)…we can handle anything.

Where do you need to “let go and let God” handle things today? Who will you love in the name of Jesus? Have you equipped yourself this day with God’s full armor and given Him the lead position on the “front lines”? Isn’t it time you did?

*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for November 29, 2017 – Putting the Baby in the manger…

1 Timothy 1:5-7
The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven’t the remotest idea of what they’re holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

Christmas decorating is in full swing at our house…and today, I am setting out my collection of nativities. I have well over 50 “nativity scenes” and Madonna figurines…and I fill the top of our piano and other spaces in our piano room with them each Christmas season. I generally give the children a “nativity set” for Christmas…and this year, it was a Fisher Price “Little People” set.

This set of plastic figures came with a manger (complete with lighted star that plays “Away in a Manger), 12 figures, animals, a cart with vegetables, and a bale of hay. The children love re-enacting the Christmas story with this set. I explained that the bale of hay could be placed in the manger until Christmas…that some people don’t put Baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas Day, as a symbol of His birth. Timmy told me, “We already put Jesus in the manger. It’s okay.” Indeed, it IS okay…and I assured him that I don’t wait, either.

Here’s the thing…it doesn’t matter when we put the plastic baby in the plastic manger. It doesn’t matter if we get Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and kings all in the “right places” to fit the image that man has created of how this Holy Birth “went down” over 2000 years ago. What does matter is that we celebrate the birth…that we love the Baby with all our hearts…that we understand the significance of these blessed events and all that Jesus represents for mankind.

Every time I pass through the piano room and look at these nativity scenes, I am reminded of the humble beginning of the Savior of the World! When I look at the Madonna figures, I think of Mary…and what a brave, courageous, faithful and obedient servant she was. I think of the amazing love she demonstrated by embracing her pregnancy…of how Joseph listened to God’s words in a dream and withstood gossip and ridicule to nurture his “intended” – and to be a father to a “foster child”.

I am reminded that many people today are following the lead of Mary, Joseph and Jesus…operating in faith and love, without any worry about what the world says or thinks. See a child who needs a home? Let’s make room for him/her. His skin color or ethnic background is different? So what? Know someone who is lonely, aged, sick or injured, hurting in some manner…even “broken”? Ask God to show you how you can help. What if others ridicule your efforts…or caution you that “this will never work” and warn that they will take advantage of you? What if Jesus had operated within these confines?

The point is that there will be some who want to live rigidly within narrow parameters of what they feel are God’s laws. They will want everything to be neat and tidy, black and white, and done just like it’s always been done. But this is not the world in which Jesus calls us to serve. He came to serve a messy, mixed-up, unconventional planet…and to show us how to say, “This is what I’m presented with today…and this is how I am supposed to address it in Jesus’ name.” On any given day, this may mean putting the camels with the shepherds…and Baby Jesus in the manger before December 1st. It may mean ignoring the analysis of the many critics that walk among us…and doing what you know God is calling you to do. It may mean loving others in an unconventional way that is totally endorsed by Jesus Christ, regardless of the comments from those in the “cul de sac of gossip”.

As you go about your day, consider your words, thoughts and actions. Are they loving and kind? Do they represent the unconditional love, grace, and mercy of Jesus? Have you in any way bought into the world’s system of rigidity and strict adherence to God’s Law…and lost His intention in the process? Because at the end of the day…love really does “cover a multitude of sins”. Unconditional love of others borne out of unlimited and unencumbered love for Jesus Christ is the whole ballgame. If you love in this manner, amazing things will happen all around you.

Are you ready to truly open your life to God and love as He designs? Isn’t this the perfect time to get started?

Daily Devotional for November 28, 2017 – Are you “Skipping Christmas”?

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

In November 2001, Doubleday books released Skipping Christmas*, a book written by well-known author John Grisham. The story centers on Luther and Nora Krank, a suburban couple whose neighborhood and community fully embrace everything “Christmas”. Luther and Nora are “empty nesters” who lament that it’s just not worth the “hassle” to get ready for a holiday for just the two of them. So Nora decides that they should “lay low” during the month of December and then take a cruise.

The neighbors and community at large are appalled when the Kranks don’t decorate. They are astounded when they encounter Luther or Nora in public…and neither will utter “Merry Christmas” or acknowledge the holidays. The couple hides from Christmas carolers and pretends not to be home. They don’t send Christmas cards – or purchase a tree, calendar and fruitcake from local sales groups. And the “kicker” comes when everyone in the neighborhood puts out their rooftop “Frosty the Snowman” in hopes of once again winning the community award for “best decorated block in the neighborhood”…and the Kranks refuse to follow suit.

Ultimately, the Kranks learn that their children ARE coming home for Christmas, and they scramble to locate decorations, food, and plenty of “holiday cheer”. They realize that all of these activities are not just about them…they bring the whole neighborhood – and community together. Moreover, they realize that the “trimmings” of Christmas only enhance the true spirit of everyone in their community. Their individual works, words and actions have a cumulative effect on the hearts and minds of the larger body.

When I read Paul’s words to the people of Thessolonica, I thought of this story, because many of us are in the throes of Christmas decorating and holiday festivities. There are surely moments when all of us question whether it’s worth the effort. But more importantly, this is a question we ask about a lot of things in our lives. Are we making a difference? Does it matter? Who will even notice? Are we too old, too tired, too busy…or just too “over it”? Why not “draw the curtains, ignore the phone and doorbell, and go on a cruise”?

Paul reminds us that God has not only blessed us…He has called us to do something special. Because of the Holy Spirit living in our hearts, we feel the “pull” to go and serve. But we also feel a “supernatural strength” that assures us we can do what God has called us to do. We can “git-‘r-done”! We don’t do this just for ourselves…or even for those in our immediate circle, necessarily. We do this to the glory of God, and because He has called – and equipped – us for it.

So roll up your sleeves and get busy “decorating” and “celebrating”. I don’t mean this literally, because today’s message really isn’t about holiday decorations and traditions. The lesson for us today is to figure out what God is calling us to do…and do it! Never give up…never question whether you are “up to the task”. Trust God to give you supernatural strength through His Holy Spirit…and follow His lead. Have faith that He will multiply your efforts for the greater good – and according to His purposes.

This is not the time to “check out” and ignore our calling. God has big plans for you and me…do you know what they are? Isn’t it time we asked Him?

*Skipping Christmas ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipping_Christmas

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2017 – How will you greet others?

1 Peter 5:14
Give each other a warm greeting. I pray that God will give peace to everyone who belongs to Christ.

Yesterday, I was standing in the doorway of the pre-K Sunday school class at church, when a five-year-old boy named Isaac came running to me with his arms outstretched. He wanted a hug and a kiss. Isaac’s family is part of our “extended family”, and he calls me “Aunt Debbie”…so it was not that big of a surprise to see him. But there were a lot of other children who passed in the hallway, and I tried to greet each of them with a smile and a personal acknowledgment…”Hey, Julia…how are you?”…”Hi, Gabe!”…”Oh, you girls look so pretty today!”…”Hey, Eli, did you have a good Thanksgiving?”

The Bible tells us to greet each other warmly. In the NIV, this verse says to…”Greet one another with a kiss of love.” Honestly, we probably shouldn’t take this literally. In many cases, the “kiss of love” might be misconstrued. But too many times, we Christians do not greet others warmly with a smile, or a wave…or even a handshake. Quite often, there is nothing about our demeanor to suggest to others that we are filled with the love and joy of Jesus Christ.

I have said this before, but we are in a season when it somehow seems easier to be friendly to others. We are generous with the “Happy Thanksgivings” and the “Merry Christmases”…as we should be. But we must continue greeting others warmly and with the joy of Jesus Christ, regardless of the time of year.

Today, I am packing away fall décor and putting out Christmas decorations. The love of Jesus is not a decoration we can set out for six to eight weeks in the fall – and then pack away the rest of the year. We must be living examples of the love and kindness of Jesus Christ…each and every day.

I’m not saying you have to start greeting random strangers in Walmart with a hug and a kiss. But what’s wrong with giving them a smile? When others gripe and grumble in the check-out line, be the person who smiles warmly and speaks positively to your clerk…and brightens his/her day. Say “Thank you” to those who help you…and be courteous as you traverse the shopping aisles and highways. Stop and think before you throw up your hands and “gesture” toward a careless driver. Patiently wait on the person ahead of you who is blocking your access to the cereal or bread.

Greet others warmly and offer them the peace of Christ…now, and in the months to come. Be a living demonstration of the love, kindness, grace, mercy, and JOY of living for Jesus. We are known by our words and actions…and people.are.watching! What – and WHO – are you showing them?

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2017 – Imperfect people serving perfectly…are you one of them?

1 Peter 4:8-11
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay for the night.God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. Are you called to preach? Then preach as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies so that God will be glorified through Jesus Christ—to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

This passage reminded me of a time more than 30 years ago when we were living in another community, and the father of our dear neighbor passed away. I offered to stay at this neighbor’s house during the funeral and keep an eye on things. The funeral was in the morning, and our neighbors said some family members would be returning home with them afterward for lunch. In my home community, people brought food almost continually when someone died. No one in the immediate family had to think about what they would eat for at least a week. I just assumed it was this way everywhere – at least in the South. Was I ever wrong!

I offered to set out lunch for our neighbors and asked, “Is your church bringing food?” “Oh, yes!” they replied…”It’s in the refrigerator.” I peered into the fridge and saw virtually nothing, save a SMALL ham…and maybe one other dish – some deviled eggs, perhaps? Anyway, I asked where the rest of the food was, and the neighbors said, “That’s everything!” There were also a couple of 2-liter soft drink bottles on the counter. I knew from the dozen or so family members already at the house that this was NOT going to be enough food to feed the whole group a decent lunch.

So I called other neighbors who I knew were at home…and they mobilized and threw a few things together in a hurry. Greg slipped away from work and brought me a few sacks of chips, bread and other items from the store that would round out the meal. By the time the family returned from the funeral, we had assembled a small feast. I think we fed somewhere around sixty people in total.

The neighbors were astounded. They could not believe this outpouring of love and care. To the other residents of the neighborhood and me, it was nothing…just “neighbor helping neighbor”. But it does speak to how God calls us to do what we re able – when and wherever we can. I know that God put me there on that day. I know that he orchestrated the timing so that I was available to help…as were many other people in our neighborhood. I know that anytime people gather to feed those who are grieving and mourning, God is right in the middle of it…and this is the tip of the iceberg of how He wants us to demonstrate love and care.

There are countless opportunities each and every day for us to minister to others and share the love of Christ. We just have to look for them…and then “execute”. No excuses…no “shrinking violets”…God equips the called…and He is calling each of us!

Truly none of us is perfect…but when God is in the mix, our efforts are always magnified – and glorify His name. Figure out where He is opening doors for you to serve…and never hesitate to step through them.

Daily Devotional for November 25, 2017 – Love Lessons from a Christmas movie…

1 Peter 3:8-10
And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be 1+kind to others, and God will bless us for it.If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.

Timmy is at our house for a sleepover…and at the moment, we are watching “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. This 1970 stop-motion animated TV movie stars Fred Astaire as the narrator, S.D. Kluger…and Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle/Santa Claus. The story centers around a baby that is dropped on the doorstep of the grumpy Burgermeister Meisterburger. There is a note attached asking him to rear the baby. Instead, the old grump orders the baby to be sent to the “Orphan Asylum”. But a strong wind blows the baby to the “Mountain of the Whispering Winds”, where the animals care for him and ultimately deliver him to an “elvish” family headed by the Elf Queen, Tanta Kringle.

You probably know this story as well as I do. When our little ones started watching it a few years ago, I was reminded how sinister it is in parts…with a “Winter Warlock” and enough ugly deeds by the Burgermeister to make any person with a conscience cringe. But there is also a good lesson in this story. Rather than repay evil with evil, Kris Kringle keeps demonstrating kindness to all – even giving the “Burgermeister” and an evil “Winter Warlock” a toy – something neither one has never experienced.

How many times have you offered someone more kindness than he/she deserved…and it made a difference? Has anyone ever told you that you were a friend to them when no one else would even have anything to do with them? Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone…and continued to show them love and respect? Have you ever bitten your tongue when someone said something ugly or hateful toward you? Have you ever done something generous and loving toward a person without considering whether he/she “deserved” it? When was the last time you treated others with the genuine kindness of “Kris Kringle”?

Do you understand that Jesus does this for you and me every single day? Surely we treat Him with unkindness and disrespect at times. Surely we insult Him by saying hateful things about His children. We gossip, criticize, and ridicule. We dish out as “good” as we get. And Jesus hangs His head in disappointment that His children treat each other this way. But He never stoops to this level. He never makes us feel “less than” or “put in our place”. Jesus is never a grump like the “Burgermeister”…or a villain like the “Winter Warlock”. And we mustn’t be either.

The mandate is clear. We are to love others with tender hearts and humble minds…guard our tongues…and resist the temptation to repay evil words and actions with more of the same. We are to pray for everyone…including those who have hurt us or insulted us in some way. We are to be truthful, loving…and the best representatives possible of the grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion that Jesus offers to all.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is just a fun made-up story of “how Santa Claus came to be”. It is not the true story of Christmas…but the main character does exhibit many of the traits that Jesus demonstrated…and those that He desires others to see in us.

Who will you represent this season and beyond. Are you like a grumpy, spiteful “Burgermeister”…or a kind and loving “Kris Kringle”? More importantly…are you an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for November 24, 2017 – A seat at the LORD’s table – are you believing?

1 Peter 1:8-9
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.

For some, Thanksgiving 2017 is “in the books”. Others will continue to feast for a few more days. Most all of us will eat leftovers until we can’t tolerate another bite of turkey and cranberries! Greg and I shared two “holiday” feasts this year…one with the little ones and Grandma E on Sunday…and another yesterday with Grandma E, my sister and her husband, and a cousin.

I thought of how many of our loved ones were absent from our table this year…and feasting at the LORD’s table in heaven. There’s a seat there for us someday! What a glorious thought this is! To think that everyone who sat at our table for these two meals – and other loved ones who were not able to be there – will join our family and friends at this unimaginably gigantic table in Heaven someday is an incredible image for me.

The feasting never ends…the food never runs out or fails to taste fresh and delicious…and the company is beyond belief. Laughter and joy abound. There are no tight waistbands or “bathroom scales”! The conversation is always pleasant, and there are never any dishes to be washed afterward! Oh, yes, it will be glorious!

I’m not saying that I’m in any hurry to feast at God’s Heavenly table. But I am so thankful to know that my seat is secured. And because of this, I can laugh and sing on THIS side of heaven. I KNOW Jesus…I TRUST Him! I am certain that He lives…that Heaven is real and this giant table I envision truly exists…even though I have not actually “seen” any of it, save in my imagination. But I am confident that it is all just as I picture it…or even better!

So I will continue to trust and believe…to hope in Jesus and call on Him to meet all of my earthly needs and guide my steps. I will do my best to love others as He loves us…and I will try not to complain too much along the way – even about dirty dishes! Someday, I will sit at HIS table, forever and ever. This promise is cause for celebration…and living with gratitude, joy and purpose.

Do your words and actions indicate that you have a seat waiting at the LORD’s table? Don’t you think they should?

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2017 – Loving others warmly

1 Peter 1:22
Now you can have real love for everyone because your souls have been cleansed from selfishness and hatred when you trusted Christ to save you; so see to it that you really do love each other warmly, with all your hearts.

This afternoon, I set out to “walk off my Thanksgiving pie” by trekking a couple of loops around our neighborhood. As I walked, I asked God, “How do we really love each other warmly? What does this mean in actual practice?”

God began to remind me of how Jesus loves us. He knows we have faults…He understands that sometimes, we can be real stinkers. But it doesn’t stop Him from loving us. I sensed that God is telling us in this verse that as we look at other people and interact with them, we must love them with the love of Christ.

Does this mean that we will like everything another person says or does? No! Does it mean that we condone their sins – or that they we are never to allow someone to “rub us the wrong way”? Absolutely not! I don’t believe that Jesus likes everything about you and me…but He loves us warmly, with all His heart. And in turn, this is how we are to love others.

I don’t know about you, but this makes me feel better. I don’t think I am such a bad person for feeling animosity toward someone who behaves badly…or for failing to “connect” with certain people. I believe “personality conflicts” are part of human nature. But I also believe that we can disagree with others – or not find them our “cup of tea” – and still love them.

I don’t know if this makes sense to you or not. But it seems to me that we can love our brothers and sisters in Christ warmly, with all of our hearts – and not make them our BFF’s! We can demonstrate patience, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, grace, and mercy…and still disagree with someone about specific issues – or disapprove when he/she acts like a stinker! After all, Jesus does it all the time for us…and yet we know that He loves us in spite of our shortcomings. For this, I am eternally grateful…and I know that I must do all I can to “pay it forward”. What about you?

Daily Devotional for November 22, 2017 – Home for the Holidays…and loving ALL of God’s children!

1 John 5:1-3
Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we’ll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God’s children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and many of us are busy preparing for a big meal tomorrow and the gathering of family and friends. I happen to love every person who is coming to our house…but for some, the groans and sense of dread have already begun. “UGH! Aunt Sue is coming…or Uncle George…or the wayward cousin who is such a downer. Some will take turns trying to distance themselves from the relative who wants to relive WWII for the umpteenth time…while others will spend the day dodging Grandma’s inquisition about “When are you going to get married?”…or “When are you going to give me grandchildren?”

The angst of family get-togethers is so profound that dozens of movies and television shows have been created around this theme. For many, a day that is supposed to center on love, blessings and thankfulness is filled with frustrations, anxiety – and sometimes downright loathing. And if you happen to be like me and harbor no animosity toward anyone gracing your table tomorrow, you’re not completely off the hook!

There are plenty of people in this world who “rub us the wrong way”…and far too often, this turns into a downright disgust – or even hatred – at the very thought of this person. I know that I have spent several days talking about loving others…and making this same point. But apparently, God thinks we need the repetition, because this same concept and command keeps coming up in verse after verse of 1 John. So let’s review once again…if we love God, we must also love His children – all of them! And we must do so without any reservation.

The last part of this scripture says that if we truly love God, loving His children is not at all troublesome. For me, this means that we must work to develop a shift in mindset. Many of us wring our hands and think, “I know that God wants me to love him/her, but I am really having trouble with this. But God wants us to say, “If God can love me unconditionally, then surely I can love him/her.”

We must then practice loving others until it becomes second nature. Have an unkind thought about someone else? Replace it with a reminder of how much Jesus loves “a wretch like me” as the old hymn says. Tempted to look the other way and “hide” from someone who irritates or bores you? Turn and speak to them with the understanding that you might be just who God sent to brighten their day. Want to pull the covers over your head and avoid the holidays altogether? Think about how God has blessed your life…and WHY we celebrate…then figure out how and where you are supposed to fit into this “season” and share His love with others.

I will not lie…there have been plenty of instances – and people – who have made me grumble and gripe. But lately, I have been reminded over and again that we are all broken vessels…and none is better than another. Yet God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins. Surely we can do better as His children. If we truly love God, we will love His children…all of them.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving Day dinner and every day that follows, be mindful of your commitment…and God’s command. Are you ready to make loving others an automatic response? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for November 21, 2017 – Loving God and others – you’ve got to love both.

1 John 4:17-26
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

I am reminded of the story of a woman who called Customer Support about ae new computer she had purchased. The screen was black – and nothing worked. She had tried everything. The support technician went through the “troubleshooting” list…walked the customer through each process…and told her how to get from Point A to Point B. Still, the computer wouldn’t work. The screen remained dark. Finally, in exasperation, the “tech” said, “Let’s start at the beginning. Unplug your machine and plug it back in.” At that point, it was determined that the machine had never been plugged in to start with…and the “tech” said, “Ma’am, I think my best advice for you is that you box up the machine and return it to the store.”

You and I are somewhat like this woman. We have accepted Jesus…we’ve invited Him to live in our hearts…but we tried to “turn on the machine” and get started without full power. What does this mean for many of us? It means that we continue to struggle with past sins and wallow in guilt and shame – and fear of judgment. We don’t understand that when we accept God’s love through Salvation in Jesus, God “wipes the slate clean” and absolves us completely, so that we are free to fully operate in the love He gives us.

There’s another critical component of this…and the point where we actually “fail to plug in the computer”, so to speak. When we accept Salvation through Jesus and profess a desire to operate in the love of God, we are then obligated to love others. This means we cannot judge, criticize, discriminate, or put ourselves above anyone else. We cannot operate in unkindness of any sort…we cannot condemn. We can only love.

When we operate fully in love, several things happen…1) we fully embrace God’s gift of Jesus…2) we demonstrate that God’s love is the most important component of our lives…3) we demonstrate obedience to His commands as we “pay it forward”…and 4) we share the unconditional love of God with others and say, “You can have this, too!”

The problem is not the “machine”…it’s us. We’ve failed to fully read the “manual” (God’s word) and understand His commands. At the very core, we have failed to “plug into the Power source” and fully operate in the love of God…poured out and overflowing in us – and extending outwardly to others. In her book, Praying God’s Word*, Christian author Beth Moore explains that for some of us, it’s as if God has opened the door to the prison of sin and said, “Walk out…you’re free”…yet we cannot seem to leave the cell. Somehow, there is a “safety” in holding onto at least a portion of our old life of sin rather than accepting the “freedom” of stepping away and operating completely in love.

This is the day for all of us to “step out of the cell” of sin, guilt and shame…and “plug into God’s power”. Let go of whatever is holding you back, and allow His love to propel you forward. Stop judging others…and just love them. The last two sentences of this scripture passage pretty well cover everything…”Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” How well are you loving these days?

* https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Gods-Word-Spiritual-Strongholds/dp/1441824871

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