Love Never Melts

 Out shopping today I saw a small farm-styled block snowman with the caption on the bottom, “Love Never Melts.”

I thought it was cute and smiled as I walked on, but it immediately brought 1 Corinthians 13 to my mind. 

(https://biblehub.com/cev/1_corinthians/13.htm)

1 What if I could speak

all languages of humans

and even of angels?

If I did not love others,

I would be nothing more

than a noisy gong

or a clanging cymbal.

2 What if I could prophesy

and understand all mysteries

and all knowledge?

And what if I had faith

that moved mountains?

I would be nothing,

unless I loved others.

3 What if I gave away all

that I owned

and let myself

be burned alive?+

I would gain nothing,

unless I loved others.

4 Love is patient and kind,

never jealous, boastful,

proud, or 5 rude.

Love isn't selfish

or quick tempered.

It doesn't keep a record

of wrongs that others do.

6 Love rejoices in the truth,

but not in evil.

7 Love is always supportive,

loyal, hopeful,

and trusting.

8 Love never fails!

Everyone who prophesies

will stop,

and unknown languages

will no longer

be spoken.

All that we know

will be forgotten.

9 We don't know everything,

and our prophecies

are not complete.

10 But what is perfect

will someday appear,

and what isn't perfect

will then disappear.

11 When we were children,

we thought and reasoned

as children do.

But when we grew up,

we quit our childish ways.

12 Now all we can see of God

is like a cloudy picture

in a mirror.

Later we will see him

face to face.

We don't know everything,

but then we will,

just as God completely

understands us.

13 For now there are faith,

hope, and love.

But of these three,

the greatest is love.

Obviously “love never melts” is not written in this or any other version or translation of the Bible. But the idea is thought-provoking. Let’s chase this rabbit together, shall we?

When a relationship heats up in anger or hurt, and one says something to another that raises temperatures to the boiling point, Love never melts.

When a loved one has a secret issue or a hidden problem that has been exposed to the blaring light of Truth, Love never melts. 

When a storm blows in and the rain of doubt threatens to dissolve the foundation of a marriage, Love never melts.

There are so many analogies that come to mind and I could go on and on, but I think I’ve explained my point. 

But one thing bears a little explanation: the love of which I speak is not a human love. Human love, based on experience and feelings and emotions is fickle, finicky, and downright unreliable. 

The Love of God is True and Noble and Perfect. It is based outside of one’s own emotions, standards, or biases. It is this love, known as Agape, that never fails, forgets, holds a grudge, and yes, never melts. 

And it is THIS Love that the world so desperately needs right now. God’s Love is more than understanding or condoning. It is not just accepting the differences between people and moving on. It is not proclaiming that this is right and that is wrong. 

It is simply (seriously) moving and speaking and touching and doing everything with the understanding that God is God. It is shouting with every ounce of being that nothing is more or less than any other. 

Simply put, it is declaring, “I will move with and in and through the Love of God.”

And that Love, my Friends, will never melt! 

Into The Light

I needed to get something from downstairs, but all the lights in the house were off. Actually, I had just come from downstairs and had locked up for the night. So I turned on the light at the landing at the top of the stairs, knowing I could get to the room I needed easily enough before turning on another light.

But at the bottom of the steps, the darkness was deep; so deep it kind of hurt. Do you know what I mean? Like the darkness overtakes your eyes, and you try to look away but looking makes it feel even darker. The light was to my back and above, so the landing was well illuminated, but that was about it. I knew right where the door was, and slowing so as not to walk on any cats, I opened the door, turned on the light, and got what I needed. Then it was back upstairs, but now the light was in front of and above me. Much better for seeing. 

It occurred to me that walking from light into darkness made it very hard to see what was in front of me. But walking from the darkness toward the light, I could see all around me clearly. I think its similar to the way things are when we come to Christ. 

We once lived in darkness, surrounded by the unknown. In the darkness even the most benign and mundane things are a mystery and so we may become skeptical and maybe even a little scared. But turning, putting the Light in front of us, even making it our goal to enter that Light, suddenly everything looks different- we can see around us. No snares or slips; nothing to fall over unexpectedly. Only safety within the parameters of the Light.

Jesus, thank You for shedding the Light of Your Truth all around me. I am grateful for what You have done in my life. Give me the ability and opportunity to share Your Light with someone today. Be magnified in my life today, and glorified forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

All Things?

Reading today in “Radical” by David Platt, this struck me hard enough to stop me in my tracks.

“When I was becoming the pastor of the faith community I now lead, I thought and even said to other people, “This church has so many resources- so many gifts, so many talents, so many leaders, so much money. If this church could get behind a global purpose, it could shake nations for the glory of God.
“I have since discovered that his is a woefully wrongheaded way to think. The reality is that it doesn’t matter how many resources the church has. The church I lead could have all the man-made resources that one could imagine, but apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, such a church will do nothing of significance for the glory of God.”

At once, this verse popped into my head:

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

How many times have I heard that verse used in and out of church? And yet, in light of the previous reading, it gives me pause as to how I have used it for my own purposes without even realizing. 

Looking at this verse in context, I see Paul here speaking in a specific way. He has just finished telling the church at Philippi to rejoice, be reasonable toward one another and the world, and not to be anxious. Then in verses 10-13 he writes, 

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have leaned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Here’s the equation as I see it:

My circumstance < Christ’s strength in me

or

Christ’s strength + Me > Any circumstance I face

or

The secret = Christ’s strength in me

I realize that my way of thinking about Jesus and God and what has been done on my behalf through the Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, and impending Return of Christ has been more selfish than even I realized. Jesus Christ does not give me the strength to accomplish that to which I put my talents and abilities.  Truly, what power do I possess that could benefit God one bit? But whatever God asks me to endure, I will endure. Whatever God asks me to do, I will do. Whatever God asks me to give, I will give. And all that I accomplish through the strength Jesus gives will bring immensely greater glory to God than anything I will ever do otherwise. 

A closing thought, in John 15:5 Jesus said, “…apart from me you can do nothing.”

Father, forgive me for all the times I thought I was doing You a favor. I am sorry for doing things in my own “power.” Show me today, Lord, Your power in my life, and allow me only to do that to which You call me. Keep me safe from myself, and I will be only and ever for Your glory. Amen

All scripture from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Pushr Sep 03, 2012 12:21

Overheard at lunch- "I wish buildings were made of cheeseburgers!" Amen. Amen. At Five Guys Burgers & Fries in Key West, Florida

Pushr Aug 26, 2012 09:52

The storm may loom, and while no man can forecast what happens next, we know that "the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 32:18-19 NIV)

Pushr Aug 23, 2012 09:07

"[God] is not holy because he keeps the rules. He wrote the rules! God is not holy because he keeps the law. The law is holy because it reveals God. God is absolute. Everything else is derivative." (from Desiring God, http://bit.ly/OylHRF)

Pushr Aug 20, 2012 12:01

Testing a new app for social stuff. I guess we'll see...

Make Me Happy

In the video game store, my son was angry. There were shelves full of games he could not but for one reason or another. Either we didn't have that particular gaming system, the game cost too much, or the game itself was unacceptable. However, after much digging, we found a game well within his price range. And then we found an accessory for the very same game. The total of the two items was less than he had to spend.
But there was a moment where he saw only everything he could not have. Understand, there was one game and accessory that were completely in his grasp, but there was an entire store full of games and accessories that were out of reach.
It occurred to me in that moment how often I have done the very same thing with what God puts before me. There is a world around me full of things that, as a child of God, I should not take part in. There is a very narrow path that God lays out before me that is full of more than I could ever possibly run through. How many times do I- do you look past the immeasurable blessing of God toward the world and long for something?
Suddenly, Jesus' words take on a new meaning, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:33 NLT)
In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow- The Truth

"Jesus said to him, 'I am... the truth...' " John 14:6 NIV



"You can't handle the truth!" That iconic line from "A Few Good Men" resounds through the house. You can't watch that movie with the volume turned down. And when that line is coming, you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat- maybe you even say the line with Jack. I do- and then I chuckle.

The preceding story to that line is a twisted tale of deceit and governmental style cover-up. But looking at the words of Jesus, well now, that's a different story.

See, unlike Colonel Jessup, Jesus not only had nothing to hide, but He spoke blatantly about the Truth, over and over again. He didn't candy-coat the circumstances or try to hide what was coming. To put it another way, Jesus was not a "spoonful of sugar" kind of guy.

But the Truth Jeaus spoke of was more than information; more than a few sayings and how-to's to be memorized.

"I Am the Truth"

Let there be no mistake- the words of Jesus; the actions of Jesus; the promises of Jesus are Truth because they are part of Him. There is no truth apart from Him. Jesus isn't just one answer in a multiple-choice test- Jesus is the answer.

Following Jesus is the way of Truth. And when we walk in Truth, we just can't go wrong.

In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow- The Way

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way...' " John 14:6 NIV


When we follow signs we get where we are going. Its a simple concept. Personally, I am not a fan of the GPS on the dashboard. I would rather have the directions and watch for the signs about which I was told- a street sign, a business, an oak tree, that cow in the pasture with the large brown spot, etc. (If you've ever lived in the country, you know what I mean.)


Jesus very simply said, "I am the way." Right before this, Jesus is letting His disciples know that He is going to return to heaven to get ready for them (and us) to be there with Him. He says, "You know the way to the place where I am going."


Thomas answers, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"


This is what prompted Jesus' reply, "I am the way..." In effect, Jesus is saying, "I am the road- walk this way." or "I am the direction you should take- follow me." or "I am the manner in which you should walk- do what I do." Any of these is a good way to think of what Jesus said. 


The truth is, if I follow Jesus, I can't go the wrong way. If I walk the path He lays out, I won't get off at the wrong exit. If I do what He does, I'll never make a wrong turn. And the best way to see where and how Jesus moves is to get to know Him more. Grab your Bible and read about Jesus. A really cool tool is a Harmony of the Gospels. I found a couple of good ones for my personal study by searching Google. Click here to download a PDF you can put on your computer, iPod, or whatever. 


God, I thank You for Your Son and the way He shows how to get to you. Open my eyes to see more of Jesus. Give me the desire to read your Word and see who Jesus really is. Bless those who read this with the same desire, for Your Name's sake.


In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " John 14:6 NIV

So many times we come to decisions and we don't know which way to turn. How can we know? What if we go the wrong way? How can I know that I'm right if everyone around me says I'm wrong?

Jesus was pretty specific about Who He was (is). And over the next few days we will look at John 14:6 and how we can apply to every decision in our lives.

For now, let's pray that God will open our eyes as we seek His Son.

In the Potter's Hand,
JW

On the Road Again

Waking early is not the forte of my family. Truthfully, I don't get up as early as I used to. And yet, going to Centrifuge demands an extra early rising since we are traveling from the bottom end of Florida (no jokes, please) to North Carolina. A long trip that we make enjoyable by spending an extra night together at the beginning and end of the trip. It's always fun when 17 teenagers and 10 adults take over a hotel.

But we DO have a lot of fun. And camp is incredible, especially watching what God does in the lives of the youth. It really is something when the Holy Spirit moves in the life of someone for the first time, or when another gets a fresh dose and lights up like lightning.

So pray for us, if I can be so bold. Pray that we get out of the way long enough to let God do His thing. Pray for the kids and the counsellors. And we'll pray for you in return. Deal?

Deal.


In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow The Call... No Matter What

"[Jesus is] not calling you to the same life everyone else will live. He's not even calling you to the same path that every follower of Christ will walk. Your life is unique before God, and your path is yours alone... Some barbarians survive the night in the lion's den; others experience their darkest night and wake in eternity." -Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way

I Miss My Friend

Today I stood in the hospital room of a friend recovering from triple bypass surgery. He had a heart attack last week. He was on a ventilator and under anesthesia for almost a week following, and continuous dialysis for a day or two, since his kidneys had shut down due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

We spoke about his plans to be released in a day or two, continue dialysis at a local hospital and do his video editing work from home.

We laughed as he poked fun at the "food" (his words) and the super strict diet they had him on, since he is also diabetic. he spoke the words "Mrs. Dash" with contempt, and spoke of a local spice blend he preferred, but could not have.

We prayed together- Russ, Donna, Pastor Charles, and myself- thanking God for His obvious care and provision. I hugged him, told him I loved him, and off we went, so he could get ready for dialysis.

Less than two hours later I was told he had thrown a blood clot in dialysis and had passed away.

...

I miss my friend.

I will miss the look on his face as he praised his God.

I will miss the joy he showed as he sang with his wife and daughter.

I will miss that look he gave when he thought I was full of crap, and then laugh.

I miss Russ.

...

But Russ knows that, doesn't he? Even now he's with his Jesus, singing and praising in a way he NEVER experienced on earth. I can actually visualize him, a pure, white robe, standing in the choir, singing for his King. (He wore robes for Christmas and Easter program. He was a very convincing Jesus, Joseph, or Peter.)

I want to stand by Russ one day.

Thank you, God for the time I had with your son, Russ. Thank you for his heart for worship, and his head for sound. Enjoy my friend- I know I'll see him again.

I knew it! LOL (via @danielmosley)

Death Is Not The Point

Check this out: "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him."

What a great verse! What a wonderful explanation of why Jesus came! What a concise statement of the Gospel!

Except that it's from the Old Testament; and these words were spoken to David by a "wise woman" in 2 Samuel 14:14.

This shows us something about the character of God, namely that He DOES NOT CHANGE. Peter reiterates this idea in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Is ours an Amazing God or what?

JW

Why Do We Read This Bible, Anyway

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
(Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV84)

This is the whole reason in a nutshell: while God takes care of those things hidden from our knowledge, there are things He has revealed to us. Our duty is to know those things- to seek out that knowledge that God has made available to us.

This is the purpose of this space- to see what God has revealed to us and share them together. Feel free to comment, even post what God has revealed. We've committed together to read through God's Word. Let's share it here.

JW

What Are You Willing To Do?

"Love each other in the same way I have loved you." As you strive to be like Christ, be ready to lovingly sacrifice something for others. It may be. The most important thing He calls you to do. -Tony Dungy, http://tinyurl.com/7dc35dn

Why Are We Here?

"[God] creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." http://ebible.com/m?redirect_path=/msg/ephesians/2/10&scripture=1

When good dictation apps go bad

Rocklands a cold roast smoke kindly stop by today's test test. Tristan Grasings branches to the thing is praise to his glasses too much rain to sun the moon is the green