Love

Just a couple of squirrels in a tree, but it is obvious there is something between them. Love is a curious concept, with various means of expression. We love our parents, our children, our spouse and our neighbors. We might love a hobby or something in nature or perhaps even your work. All these things are different, yet show some aspect of love. But what about the love of God; how does HE show love. Consider Luke chapter six...

Luke 6:32-35 WEB (R)
(32) If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
(33) If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
(34) If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.
(35) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.


God does right, regardless! Hard for us to understand, but sending Jesus shows us that it is not just talk; it is action. Sometimes it is very hard to love those who don't seem worthy of anything but the harshest treatment, but we must try anyway. Even if the object of our love isn't cute and cuddly, like the squirrel. No, you don't have to cuddle up to your enemies, but do try to be nice; sometimes it works. A long time ago, a man I worked with named Tony tried to get me fired and it just happened that I was reading this verse that same day. So, I tested it out and for weeks I tried to be nice to him, even when he was mean to me. Not long after this, I was severely hurt on the job and the only person who visited me in the hospital (besides my family) was Tony. Hey, you never know! God can change a persons heart; I have seen it!!!

We've only just begun

Weddings are wonderful! They are usually planned WAY IN ADVANCE, so there is a lot of excitement! The more elaborate ones have an air of magnificence about them, but whatever the budget, you can sense the anticipation of the bride and groom!! There is just something about them that is electrifying. It must be something like being born for once you do it, you know life is never going to be the same again. "I do" is such a simple promise, but if you mean it, your whole life is committed to one person and one only. Makes me think of this passage from Ephesians.


Ephesians 5:25-32 WEB (R)
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;
(26) that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
(27) that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(28) Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.
(29) For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;
(30) because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.
(31) "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."
(32) This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.


After four decades with the same woman I can tell you that marriage is what you make it; either heaven or hell. If there is love, then no matter how bad things get, there is comfort and joy. Some of the happiest times in our marriage have occurred during the leanest financial periods. Just as this Ephesians passage is a mystery, (see verse 32)so is the bond that strengthens over time. A very special blessing is added to the union if those involved are followers of the risen Christ. This one I can't really explain, it just has to be experienced. Every day is like the line from the old Carpenter's song: "We've only just begun". Oh, yes, one thing that helps is an occasional kiss and "I love you" as often as possible, its like icing on the cake!

Who knows?

From body builder to bit parts, then on to the Terminator and beyond, Arnold has shown great versatility! Now he is governor of California; what next, President? If Ronald Regan (former actor) could, I guess anyone can! The point is that the future is full of surprises. Paul's life was no exception. Here is an interesting passage from Philippians.

Philippians 1:2-25 WEB (R)
(2) Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(3) I thank my God whenever I remember you,
(4) always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
(5) for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
(6) being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(7) It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
(8) For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
(9) This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
(10) so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
(11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(12) Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;
(13) so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
(14) and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
(15) Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
(16) The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
(17) but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
(18) What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
(19) For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
(20) according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
(21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
(22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.
(23) But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
(24) Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.(25) Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,


All his life Saul of Tarsus tried to follow God; it wasn't until his conversion that he was on the right road. Then, he became a man obsessed and preached like no one else! He lived, thought, dreamed, and suffered on behalf of the risen Christ and his discipleship was unparalleled. Even He didn't know the future when he dictated this letter, so I guess anything can happen to anybody! Paul and Arnold had a lot in common in terms of their devotion to something, but somehow I just can't picture Paul looking like Arnold. But who knows, perhaps in his old age Arnold will waste away and look like the aged wisp of a man that Paul was.

Black and white

This picture is interesting to me for two reason; first, because its in black and which and secondly, because of its location. Black and white pictures often add new meaning to a picture; its the mere fact of contrast that adds interest. As far as the location goes, I don't have a clue where it is, except that it is very, very high indeed. All this raises a question:What lengths would you go to do what you really want to do? For Epaphroditus, the answer seemed to be limitless.

Philippians 2:25-30 WEB (R)
(25) But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need;
(26) since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick.
(27) For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
(28) I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
(29) Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor,
(30) because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.


Epaphroditus was loved and with good reason. He cared for people and earned the praise of the apostle Paul (no small accomplishment). Its obvious that he (and the cameraman above) would do just about anything for that which he loved. For people like these, life is really black and white, yes or no; a life without equivocation. Not a bad way to be! If you reach for the stars it is a glorious quest, even if you fail, you will still achieve stardust!

A bad deal

Read all sales ads closely. This one is a pip! A bad deal is made to sound like a good one in advertising, so be careful; sometimes you won't get what you think you will. Judas was someone who wasn't careful, and a little on the greedy side. At best, he thought he could force Jesus into becoming another David, at worse, well, he couldn't have done worse. When you link these passages together, the deal unfolds.

Matthew 26:14-16 WEB (R)
(14) Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,
(15) and said, "What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?" They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.
(16) From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 26:21-25 WEB (R)
(21) As they were eating, he said, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."
(22) They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?"
(23) He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.
(24) The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."
(25) Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You said it."

Matthew 26:46-50 WEB (R)
(46) Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."
(47) While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the people.
(48) Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him."
(49) Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
(50) Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Matthew 27:3-5 WEB (R)
(3) Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
(4) saying, "I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? You see to it."
(5) He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself.


Judas betrayed Jesus. Even an attempt to try to give the blood money back couldn't stop the completion of this bad deal. It was too much for him; he committed suicide. Sin is like that; you never get what you thought you would, instead things go sour and events turn out badly. No matter how strong you think you are, Satan is stronger. Only God has the power to overcome his schemes. Instead of reading ads, read the "GOOD BOOK" instead, I know that you will find its deal of grace far better than works really "GOOD NEWS"!!!

Why?

About this time, you are asking the question:"OK, tell me something I don't know?". Everyone knows that alcohol kills, yet, millions upon millions get drunk each year. Why? Is it just for relaxation or release or addiction? Perhaps the buzz that comes along after awhile, or maybe when you can touch your nose and can't feel it? Is it the way people laugh at the silly things you do or the way you walk or the slur in your speech? OH, yes, and maybe its the way you wake up the next day and can't for the life of you remember what you did last night. There is a passage in the book of Leviticus that might provide a little insight into the question of "why shouldn't I take a drink?"....


Leviticus 10:1-11 WEB (R)
(1) Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them.
(2) And fire came forth from before Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh.
(3) Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what Yahweh spoke of, saying, 'I will show myself holy to those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.' " Aaron held his peace.
(4) Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp."
(5) So they drew near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said.
(6) Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, "Don't let the hair of your heads go loose, neither tear your clothes; that you don't die, and that he not be angry with all the congregation: but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Yahweh has kindled.
(7) You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." They did according to the word of Moses.
(8) Yahweh spoke to Aaron, saying,
(9) "Drink no wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, that you don't die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations:
(10) and that you are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean;(11) and that you are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Yahweh has spoken to them by Moses."


I grew up watching people get drunk. My best friend's bachelor party became a brawl because of liquor. I have counseled more people than I would like to remember over the excesses of imbibing. After 20 or 30 battered wives related their horrible lives, hearing another story became like hearing a broken record. Alcohol kills! What starts out as "just fun" often ends in tragedy. A drunk driver killed my brother-in-law Billy. Yet, the allure of alcohol destroys millions. Why? Because Satan has tricked humans into thinking their lives would be better with it, be more fun, have more excitement. Life has its up's and down's but alcohol is a depressant; it ultimately won't help... it kills! Have problems in your life; turn to God, HE will help. After all, that's why Jesus came to Earth wasn't it? One last thing... I find it interesting that there is a commandment for the priests not to drink wine or strong drink before going into the sanctuary. Why? Perhaps Nadab and Abihu were drunk when they offered strange fire? Doesn't really say, but it does make sense to me! The best way to be careful with alcohol is not to touch it in the first place. Why? Reread this post until the answer comes to you.

Sitting pretty

The other day my oldest granddaughter Amanda came over for a visit and she brought her little dog Hercules with her. Cute little dog! But Hercules has some health and behavioral problems caused by a previous owners abuse. Still, I can see that he is improving and someday may be completely well. After awhile he even felt comfortable enough to make himself at home and take up residence on my wife's recliner. How we treat those who are the weakest in our society says a lot about us. We have responsibilities to those less fortunate or weaker than us and of course this includes how we treat our pets. Jesus put it this way...



Matthew 25:34-40 WEB (R)
(34) Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
(35) for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in.
(36) I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.'
(37) "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink?
(38) When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you?
(39) When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?'
(40) "The King will answer them, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'


Caring for others is an expression of the righteousness within our hearts; it is the outward expression of the love within our hearts. If my granddaughter Amanda could look at this poor mistreated animal and do whatever she could to overcome the damage done to it, what about does that say about the greater importance of treating our fellow human beings with compassion, understanding and patience. During the course of our lives, we all may experience "hard times" at one time or another, so when things improve, remember to do the right thing for those around you. The person you help may not sit up pretty in a recliner or jump into your arms like this little dog does, but I assure you that they WILL REMEMBER whatever kindness you show them. So will God on judgment day.