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#Post#: 2338--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 19, 2018, 11:52 am
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No worries, I enjoy every comment and know that there is a lot
here.
Today we look at how a Savior Loves us
I Corinthian 13 tells us that love rejoices in the truth. The
first thing we see with Savior love is that we are told the
truth. As uncomfortable as truth is, our Savior tells it like
it is. Without sparing our feelings, our Savior speaks to us
truth, not for the purpose of harm, but for the purpose of
restoration.
Romans 3:23 (NIV) for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God,
Titus 1:2 (NIV) in the hope of eternal life, which God, who
does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,
I John 1:8:10 (NIV) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive
ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he
is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we
make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
John 8:44 (NIV) You belong to your father, the devil, and you
want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from
the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth
in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a
liar and the father of lies.
With an eternal love, the Savior loves. Seeing through time
and space, longing to be united with His beloved. There is no
beginning nor an end to His love.
Psalm 103:17 (NIV) But from everlasting to everlasting the
LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness
with their children’s children—
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The LORD appeared to us in the past,
saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn
you with unfailing kindness.
Psalm 89:2 (NIV) I will declare that your love stands firm
forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven
itself.
Psalm 105:8 (NIV) He remembers his covenant forever, the word
he commanded, for a thousand generations,
With a sacrificial love, God gave Himself, emptied Himself,
gave the most precious part of Himself to redeem us and restore
us unto Himself. With a passion and pain and willingness unlike
anything this world had ever known or ever will know again.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) Follow God’s example, therefore, as
dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God.
Hebrews 9:26 (NIV) Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer
many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared
once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin
by the sacrifice of himself.
1 John 4:10 (NIV) This is love: not that we loved God, but that
he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our
sins.
The value is not in the gift but rather the giver of the gift.
It is the love that made the gift of salvation possible.
Without love, there could be no salvation, no eternal life, no
divine sacrifice. Love is the greater, because love made the
sacrifice possible. Love is the absolute pinnacle.
Matthew 23:16-22 (NIV) “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If
anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who
swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You
blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that
makes the gold sacred? You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the
altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on
the altar is bound by that oath.’ You blind men! Which is
greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by
everything on it. And anyone who swears by the temple swears by
it and by the one who dwells in it. And anyone who swears by
heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.
John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but
have eternal life.
This love has the power to transform our lives, to create
within us a new being. Love is the power that turns us from
beings of the world, living in sin, to new creations living in
righteousness, for the glory of God.
Philippians 3:21 (NIV) who, by the power that enables him to
bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly
bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
1 Corinthians 15:43 (NIV) it is sown in dishonor, it is raised
in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will
is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no
longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the
body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me.
A Savior's love, sees what others cannot or do not see. With
clear vision a Savior sees the value hidden beneath the sin and
trapping of the world. A value of the royalty that is within.
With care and honor and love, the Savior restores to us a place
of honor, as we are invited to sit at the King's table as
children, heirs.
Romans 8:17 (NIV) Now if we are children, then we are
heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share
in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or
vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the
interests of the others.
Romans 12:10 (NIV) Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one
another above yourselves.
The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ was so consuming that
many go to that cross and stop there. It is there they assume
they find love and knowledge and understanding, and so it is at
the cross that they stop. But a Savior's love is so much
deeper, a Savior's love takes us to places unexpected and
victories beyond our imaginations. A Savior's love draws us
ever closer.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and
you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
John 5:30 (NIV) By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I
hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself
but him who sent me.
Acts 17:27 (NIV) God did this so that they would seek him and
perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far
from any one of us.
With a clear understanding, the Savior proclaims who He is and
the authority that is given Him. With confidence and trust, He
knows whose He is and what His role, His purpose is in this
world.
John 8:28 (NIV) So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son
of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my
own but speak just what the Father has taught me.
John 4:26 (NIV) Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am
he."
John 5:19 (NIV) Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the
truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he
sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son
also does
With an ability to see within us, to the depths of our being,
the Savior sees both who we are and who we can be. He sees the
things hidden so deeply within ourselves that we don't even know
they are there. With loving care, He cultivates the good
things, and pulls out the weeds and when He is finished, our
lives becomes displays of righteous beauty and reflections of
Christ.
Matthew 10:26-27 (NIV) “So do not be afraid of them, for there
is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that
will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in
the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the
roofs.
Mark 4:22 (NIV) For whatever is hidden is meant to be
disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out
into the open.
Luke 10:21 (NIV) At that time Jesus, full of joy through the
Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and
learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for
this is what you were pleased to do.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) Therefore judge nothing before the
appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to
light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of
the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
With a purpose, Christ our Savior loves. With a purpose He
came and sacrificed. With a purpose, our Savior knew what was
to come and what His desire, His goal was, and that goal, that
plan that purpose was to draw you unto Himself, fulfilling you
by loving with a love like this world cannot know.
2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) He has saved us and called us to a holy
life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own
purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus
before the beginning of time,
Philippians 2:13 (NIV) for it is God who works in you to will
and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Ephesians 3:11 (NIV) according to his eternal purpose that he
accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord
Hebrews 6:17 (NIV) Because God wanted to make the unchanging
nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was
promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
With a passion that knows no bounds, Savior love reaches out to
us both eternally and while we were enemies of our Savior.
Without thought of self, the Savior loves with a forgiveness,
with a passion, with a determination, with an eternal love. A
love without conditions, a love that knows no bounds.
Psalms 89:1-4 (NIV) I will sing of the LORD’s great love
forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations. I will declare that your love stands
firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in
heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen
one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your
line forever and make your throne firm through all
generations.’”
Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in
this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:39 (NIV) neither height nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With a transforming power, the Savior loves and with that love,
He brings into our lives a cleansing, a purity unlike any this
world can or has known. We become new, clean, healed, set apart
people whose lives are fulfilling God's purpose from the
beginning of time.
Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation
of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
II Corinthians 2:14-15 (NIV) But thanks be to God, who always
leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us
spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we
are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved
and those who are perishing.
Ephesians 5:2 (NIV) and live a life of love, just as Christ
loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and
sacrifice to God.
With humility, the Savior gives of Himself. With humility the
Savior serves. The Savior not only offers Himself, but serves
us, who are unworthy. He becomes the least so that we might
become more. With great humility, the King becomes the servant
and the Savior becomes our friend. It is a love of recipricals.
Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV) Therefore if you have any
encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from
his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness
and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in
humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own
interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as
Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with
God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being
made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on
a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the
name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
Matthew 20:28 (NIV) just as the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
many."
Without judgment, the Savior loves. Without judgment the
Savior offers us the opportunity to see with different eyes, to
heal with power and might, to live when once we were dead.
1 John 2:2 (NIV) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and
not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 5:10 (NIV) For if, when we were God's enemies, we were
reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more,
having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 3:25 (NIV) God presented him as a sacrifice of
atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to
demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left
the sins committed beforehand unpunished--
The wonders of the transforming power of Savior love in our
lives, begins with our repentance. In repentance, we
acknowledge we have sinned and turn from that sin. Without
shame, we turn from our evil ways, our sinful nature and begin a
journey that will take us into righteousness.
Matthew 4:17 (NIV) From that time on Jesus began to preach,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Mark 1:15 (NIV) “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of
God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Luke 13:3 (NIV) I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too
will all perish.
Luke 15:7 (NIV) I tell you that in the same way there will be
more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over
ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Savior love is a forgiving love. It holds no wrongs over the
object of it's love. Savior love does not hesitate to forgive,
or bear a grudge. Savior love simply forgives and forgets.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one
another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you.
Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) For I will forgive their wickedness and will
remember their sins no more.”
1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness.
The Savior forgives and forgets our sins, but He also reminds
us of where we have been. He asks us to remember what He has
done, where He has taken us. He reminds us of the victories and
asks us to cherish those things whether great for small, as
small treasures that will lead us into our next adventure in the
Lord.
Psalm 105:5 (NIV) Remember the wonders he has done, his
miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
Psalm 143:5 (NIV) I remember the days of long ago; I meditate
on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) We remember before our God and Father
your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and
your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
II Timothy 2:8-9 (NIV) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the
dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am
suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.
But God’s word is not chained.
Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) For I will forgive their wickedness and will
remember their sins no more.”
#Post#: 2352--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 20, 2018, 10:00 am
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I think we are ready for servant love...one that I personally
find fascinating.
A servant is thought to be one of if not the lowest of all
society. Whether by force or by choice, the servant gives up
himself completely so that another might live with lavishness
and glory. His constant thought and purpose is to lavish upon
another the glory and finery that the life can afford. He
disappears into the background, thought unseen, voice unheard,
thinking only of the one to whom he serves.
John 13:1-17 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Festival.
Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world
and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the
world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in
progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of
Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had
put all things under his power, and that he had come from God
and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off
his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After
that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his
disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped
around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are
you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but
later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my
hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash
their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though
not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him,
and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes
and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done
for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and
rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as
I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is
greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one
who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be
blessed if you do them.
John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and
destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full.
Revelation 21 (NIV) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and
there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud
voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now
among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his
people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of
things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything
new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are
trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without
cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are
victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and
they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving,
the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who
practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be
consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the
second death.”
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the
seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you
the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the
Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy
City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone
with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a
very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a
great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at
the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve
tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on
the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall
of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to
measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out
like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with
the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide
and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human
measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. The wall was made of
jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The
foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of
precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second
sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx,
the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the
ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the
twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each
gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of
gold, as pure as transparent glass.
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God
Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need
the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives
it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by
its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor
into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will
be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be
brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will
anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those
whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
With great humility the servant denies his own desires his own
wants that another might have all that he wants and more. A
love that reduces a man to the role of a willing servant is a
love whose humility is complete and deep and without
reservation.
Isaiah 53 (NIV) Who has believed our message and to whom has
the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a
tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his
appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and
rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and
we held him in low esteem.
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we
considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for
our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to
our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open
his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his
generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the
transgression of my people he was punished.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in
his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in
his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to
suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of
the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be
satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify
many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will
divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with
the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the
transgressors.
Without favoritism, without judgment, the servant serves,
lavishing us with favor. Speaking to us of our great worth.
With nothing in self to prove, and purpose of restoration, the
servant freely loves all with a purity and compassion. He does
not pick and choose whom He will serve, but rather serves
everyone with lavishness and joy.
Romans 2:11 (NIV) For God does not show favoritism.
Galatians 2:6 (NIV) As for those who were held in high
esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does
not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.
Ephesians 6:9 (NIV) And masters, treat your slaves in the same
way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both
their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism
with him.
The servant sees something within us that others do not see.
His vision is on our worth, our value. The flaws of our being
are overlooked, and in it's place is a righteousness, a
Godliness. The servant sees who we are deep inside and in that
vision, purposes to bring out the very best we are. His love
draws out our best qualities for the world to see, while
diminishing the poor qualities that are our shame.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV) So God created mankind in his own image, in
the image of God he created them; male and female he created
them.
Romans 8:29 (NIV) For those God foreknew he also predestined to
be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who with unveiled faces
contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his
image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who
is the Spirit.
Colossians 3:10 (NIV) and have put on the new self, which is
being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
The servant is not new to being hated. He is accustomed to
being mistreated and abused for the sake of the one he serves.
With patience and humility He allows Himself to endure great
discomfort and abuse, and sometimes, the abuse is at the very
hand of the one He serves. With expectation of being
mistreated, the servant continues on with his tasks, without
anger, without hatred, without malice of any kind.
John 15:18-20 (NIV) “If the world hates you, keep in mind that
it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love
you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I
have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates
you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than
his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you
also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
John 7:7 (NIV) The world cannot hate you, but it hates me
because I testify that its works are evil.
John 3:19 (NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the
world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their
deeds were evil.
II Corinthian 2:15 (NIV) For we are to God the aroma of Christ
among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
The servant's love is a willing Love. Without reservations,
the Servant loves. He serves with a willingness and eagerness.
With a willingness to endure the servant serves, confident in
His place, confident in His purpose.
Psalms 51:12 (NIV) Restore to me the joy of your salvation and
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalms 119:108 (NIV) Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my
mouth, and teach me your laws.
Matthew 23:1-12 (NIV) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his
disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in
Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell
you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what
they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on
other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to
lift a finger to move them.
“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their
phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they
love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats
in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the
marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher,
and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth
‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are
you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the
Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For
those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble
themselves will be exalted.
I John 3:16 (NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus
Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our
lives for our brothers and sisters.
In this humility and servanthood, real love, real treasure,
real grace can be seen. With all the focus off self, there is
nothing to cloud the vision, to hide the real treasure from the
world. It is in this servant love that the real nature of the
love can be found, exposing real value, real beauty, real love
to all with eyes to see.
II Corinthian 4:7 (NIV) But we have this treasure in jars of
clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not
from us.
I Corinthian 2:5 (NIV) so that your faith might not rest on
human wisdom, but on God’s power.
I Corinthian 1:27 (NIV) But God chose the foolish things of the
world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world
to shame the strong.
James 2:5 (NIV) Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not
God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be
rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who
love him?
By understanding that it is the least that reveal the greatest,
the servant is happy to serve. Content to offer himself daily
that others might live. In being reduced to the least, the
servant reveals in a new and amazing way, the greatness around
him. With an understanding of the power of both love and
humility, the servant loves without hesitation.
Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up
on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and
he began to teach them. He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and
falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for
in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before
you.
Matthew 19:30 (NIV) But many who are first will be last, and
many who are last will be first.
Matthew 20:16 (NIV) “So the last will be first, and the first
will be last.”
With anticipation, the servant is watchful. Like the parable
of the talents, the servant anticipated the wishes of the
master. It is about knowing and understanding. The servant
begins to see the world through different eyes as He carries out
the wishes of the Master.
Matthew 6:8 (NIV) Do not be like them, for your Father knows
what you need before you ask him.
Psalm 38:9 (NIV) All my longings lie open before you, O Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
Matthew 6:32 (NIV) For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Luke 12:30 (NIV) For the pagan world runs after all such
things, and your Father knows that you need them.
As the servant anticipates the needs of the one being served,
provision is made so that the job can be completed. Every need
is anticipated and met, not just the important one's. The
servant and master work together, providing raw materials so to
speak so that the servant can successfully finish the task and
the one being served can find contentment and joy.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) being confident of this, that he who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no
law.
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) Not only so, but we also glory in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been
given to us.
Romans 14:17 (NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of
eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the
Holy Spirit,
With a well defined purpose, the servant came to fulfill the
King's command. With purity of heart and determination, the
servant labors to accomplish the task before Him.
Hebrews 6:17 (NIV) Because God wanted to make the unchanging
nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was
promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
Ephesians 1:5 (NIV) he predestined us for adoption to sonship
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Ephesians 1:7-10 (NIV) In him we have redemption through his
blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of
God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and
understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will
according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to
be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to
bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Ephesians 3:10-12 (NIV) His intent was that now, through the
church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the
rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his
eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom
and confidence.
With a clear understanding of what and who is great among us,
the servant works feverishly to reveal the hidden greatness
within, for the world to see. A greatness that is within each
and every one of us. A greatness that is magnifies by the Holy
Spirit dwelling within. It's a love of discovery, revealing, a
greatness that is within you.
Psalm 145:3 (NIV) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
Psalm 150:2 (NIV) Praise him for his acts of power; praise him
for his surpassing greatness.
Isaiah 9:7 (NIV) Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over
his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and
righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the
LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
With a clear understanding the servant knows His place and
purpose. With wisdom beyond His station in life, He grasps the
importance of His job and how much His job done well, will
change situations and transforms lives.
I Corinthians 1:27 (NIV) But God chose the foolish things of
the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the
world to shame the strong.
Jeremiah 8:9 (NIV) The wise will be put to shame; they will be
dismayed and trapped.
Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of
wisdom do they have?
James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
be given to you.
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The servant knows that there is joy and reward in suffering.
The wealth of understanding and grace can be found in the midst
of humility and suffering. All reservations are discarded as
the servant joyfully faces and endures his suffering without
complaint, but rather with expectation of the rewards that await
those that persevere.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and
sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) Not only so, but we also glory in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been
given to us.
James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial
because, having stood the test, that person will receive the
crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 5:11 (NIV) As you know, we count as blessed those who
have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have
seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of
compassion and mercy.
With great joy the servant perseveres. There is no shame, or
regrets in the mind and heart of the servant, only joy. A deep,
lasting, abiding joy marks the service and commitment of the
servant. There is no thought of station in life, no worry over
things that entrap us. The servant heart is marked by the
willing joy of servitude.
Psalms 86:4 (NIV) Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my
trust in you.
John 15:11 (NIV) I have told you this so that my joy may be in
you and that your joy may be complete.
John 16:22 (NIV) So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I
will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take
away your joy.
Often the love of the servant seems foreign to us, as if we
can't fathom such love, such passion for another. As if in a
foreign world, we see the servant preforming His duties, and
wonder at such thing, wonder how a servant can be so happy, so
content with his station in life. But real understanding of
this amazing contradiction, comes when we begin to understand
that indeed, the servant with such love is not from this world.
II Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV) For we know that if the earthly
tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an
eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we
groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,
because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For
while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we
do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our
heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by
life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is
God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what
is to come.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we
are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live
by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would
prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So
we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the
body or away from it. For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is
due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or
bad.
Romans 8:23 (NIV) Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the
firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for
our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
Servant love is a love that holds within it's grasp, a new
vision. The focus is not simply on the here and now, but with
eyes that can see beyond, eyes that see into the future and even
into eternity, servant love, focuses on the big picture. He
sees what we cannot see, sees beyond the physical world, sees
into our future, and it is there that the servant finds strength
and purpose that offers Him great contentment and joy.
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) Where there is no revelation, people cast
off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s
instruction.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and
perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God.
Romans 16:25-26 (NIV) Now to him who is able to establish you
in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus
Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for
long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the
prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that
all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from
faith—
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of
wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Revelation 1:1-3 (NIV) The revelation from Jesus Christ, which
God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He
made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
#Post#: 2384--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 21, 2018, 2:35 pm
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Today is a Shepherd's Love
Psalms 23 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in
want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet
waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Good Shepherd is our protection, our refuge. It is in the
Shepherd's love that we find a safe haven in which to rest from
our worries.
Psalm 5:11 (NIV) But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 62:7 (NIV) My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he
is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Psalm 62:8 (NIV) Trust in him at all times, you people; pour
out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
In great wisdom and knowledge the shepherd watches over the
sheep, knowing the real dangers in this life, never startling,
never worrying over the things that are not really dangerous,
the shepherd watches the shadows and knows with great care what
can harm his flock and it is those dangers that he is ever
watchful of.
John 10:12 (NIV) The hired hand is not the shepherd and does
not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons
the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and
scatters it.
Matthew 7:15 (NIV) “Watch out for false prophets. They come to
you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Acts 20:29 (NIV) I know that after I leave, savage wolves will
come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Ezekiel 34:7-10 (NIV) “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word
of the LORD: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD,
because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and
has become food for all the wild animals, and because my
shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves
rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the
word of the LORD: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am
against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my
flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the
shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock
from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
The shepherd knows the sheep intimately. Every sickness, every
danger, every fear. He knows the personality of that sheep and
how best to protect him/her. With great care the shepherd
watches, calling each by name.
Luke 12:7 (NIV) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many
sparrows.
Matthew 6:26 (NIV) Look at the birds of the air; they do not
sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Psalms 139:13 (NIV) For you created my inmost being; you knit
me together in my mother’s womb.
With understanding the sheep learn to trust the shepherd. They
learn to put their faith in him and allow him to be their
comfort. They learn to not fear, only trust, because the
shepherd is always there, always on guard, always watchful. In
confidence the sheep follow.
I John 4:18 (NIV) There is no fear in love. But perfect love
drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one
who fears is not made perfect in love.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be
dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.
I John 4:4 (NIV) You, dear children, are from God and have
overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the
one who is in the world.
Romans 8:31 (NIV) What, then, shall we say in response to these
things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalms 118:6 (NIV) The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
The sheep do not understand what the shepherd does. With a
superior intelligence and understanding, the shepherd guards the
sheep. He understands things that the sheep do not. He knows
what they do not know, and this knowing, this different
perspective, allows the Shepherd to protect the sheep from
things they don't even know are a danger.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
Psalm 40:5 (NIV) Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have
done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to
declare.
Job 5:9 (NIV) He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
Psalm 92:5 (NIV) How great are your works, O LORD, how
profound your thoughts!
When the sheep are sick or wounded, the shepherd cares for
them. He binds our wounds, caring for the sick and wounded.
Their needs are met, because the shepherd loves the sheep.
Malachi 4:2 (NIV) But for you who revere my name, the sun of
righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will
go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Isaiah 30:26 (NIV) The moon will shine like the sun, and the
sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven
full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and
heals the wounds he inflicted.
Isaiah 35:6 (NIV) Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the
mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the
wilderness and streams in the desert.
Hosea 6:1 (NIV) "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn
us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will
bind up our wounds.
Though the issue being talked about is not one of God causing
wounds, it could become part of the discussion, it is helpful to
study all of Isaiah 30 on this topic.
When the shepherd calls to the sheep and they listen, the sheep
learn the sound of His voice. They take comfort in knowing the
shepherd is near. Everyday, many times a day, the sheep hear
the shepherds voice and as time continues on, the sound, the
tones, words, sound, becomes part of the everyday life of the
sheep. They discover one day that they know that voice very
well, it is ingrained in them, familiar to them. The sheep know
the shepherd's voice.
John 10:1-21 (NIV) “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who
does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some
other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the
gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the
gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his
own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out
all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him
because they know his voice. But they will never follow a
stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do
not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of
speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling
them.
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the
gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and
robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the
gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in
and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and
kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have
it to the full.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life
for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not
own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the
sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and
scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and
cares nothing for the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down
my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this
sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my
voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The
reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to
take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of
my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to
take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them
said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed
by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
II Timothy 2:19 (NIV) Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation
stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those
who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord
must turn away from wickedness.”
The Shepherd's voice confident above all else, with assurance,
the Shepherd speaks to the sheep. His voice is quiet and
calming. It is in the quietness of the moments in which the
sheep graze, that the voice of the Shepherd is made known. It
is when we are still, quiet, listening, that we hear the
Shepherd's voice and it is in those quiet moments that we learn
that voice and the peace that it holds.
I Kings 19:11-13 (NIV) The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the
mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to
pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and
shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the
wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was
not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but
the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle
whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his
face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Psalms 4:4 (NIV) Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your
beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Psalm 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I
might not sin against you.
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) So he said to me, "This is the word of the
LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my
Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
The sheep don't just listen to the voice of the Shepherd but
they quiet themselves in His presence. With confidence in the
Shepherd, they listen and test the voice to see if it is from
the one whom they can trust.
Psalms 46:10 (NIV) He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV) Test everything. Hold on to the
good.
1 John 4:1 (NIV) Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but
test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many
false prophets have gone out into the world.
Healthy, content sheep are appetizing to wolves. Wolves who
wish to devour the sheep by scattering them, making it easier to
capture them, one at a time.
Matthew 7:15 (NIV) "Watch out for false prophets. They come to
you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Acts 20:29 (NIV) I know that after I leave, savage wolves will
come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Matthew 24:24 (NIV) For false Christs and false prophets will
appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the
elect--if that were possible.
Matthew 26:31 (NIV) Then Jesus told them, “This very night you
will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will
strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be
scattered.’
The shepherd does not try to change his language to that of
baa's and bleats, rather the shepherd speaks his own language
and encourages the sheep to understand. With confidence and
trust that the sheep will know him and be comforted by his
words, even words they may not understand, the Shepherd guides
and guards and soothes the sheep with the sound of His voice.
I Corinthians 2:11-13 (NIV) For who knows a person’s thoughts
except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one
knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we
have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who
is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given
us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human
wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual
realities with Spirit-taught words.
1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from
him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But
as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that
anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you,
remain in him.
John 14:17 (NIV) the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept
him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know
him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV) We have not received the spirit of the
world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand
what God has freely given us
The shepherd guides the sheep by leading them down the right
paths. He goes before them, making sure everything is safe,
that the path is the right one. He shows the way and in doing
so, guides the sheep exactly where they need to go.
Psalm 25:5 (NIV) Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you
are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 48:14 (NIV) For this God is our God for ever and ever; he
will be our guide even to the end.
Isaiah 42:16 (NIV) I will lead the blind by ways they have not
known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the
darkness into light before them and make the rough places
smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
The Shepherd asks the sheep to listen, to follow, and to trust.
The sheep don't understand everything that is going on, they
don't comprehend what the shepherd is doing all the time, but
they can trust the shepherd because His purpose is pure and
without flaw. The sheep cannot rely on their own
understandings, but rather their complete trust is in the
Shepherd.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding;
Psalm 37:3 (NIV) Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the
land and enjoy safe pasture.
Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he
who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) He tends his flock like a shepherd: He
gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his
heart; he gently leads those that have young.
By only revealing to the sheep what they need for that moment,
the shepherd skillfully leads. The sheep are not turned to the
right or the left with worry about what is to come, for only the
Shepherd knows what is yet to be.
Proverbs 25:2 (NIV) It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV) 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.
Acts 1:7 (NIV) He said to them: "It is not for you to know the
times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
The Shepherd leads the sheep into a journey of maturity. With
guidance, comfort, aid, the shepherd leads, showing us along the
way where we have grown and matured and encouraging us to grow
even more, to mature beyond our own imaginations, into mature
sheep that have learned to trust fully in the Shepherd.
1 John 3:14 (NIV) We know that we have passed from death to
life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love
remains in death.
1 John 2:3 (NIV) We know that we have come to know him if we
obey his commands.
1 John 2:5 (NIV) But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is
truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
John 13:35 (NIV) By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another."
As the sheep learn to trust the Shepherd, they find a peace
that comes from complete trust and confidence in the Shepherd
and His love.
Philippians 4:7 (NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind
is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I
do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.
#Post#: 2387--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest33 Date: November 21, 2018, 7:03 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Dear Lori & Patrick,
The posts on this Thread are way too LOONG. All that I can do
is come back to them some other time to read them. That ends up
not happening because I'm on another Thread or Post instead.
Then, I end up running out of time to go back and read one of
them.
I know that I am the LAST person to be offering this concern,
because I've learned about it through my own posts being too
long. This is only friendly and helpful advice. I also want to
share a little something with you in the next paragraph.
How God Knows You:
*God is whispering, "You don't have all of the answers, but I
do. That is why I need you to place your trust in me. I am your
answer. I am your healer. I am your provider. I am your
comforter. I am your protector. I am your deliverer. I am
everything that you need."*
Hope you like those words. See, I'm thinking about you. You
are both God's children. Let no doubts swivel you by any other
belief. Carry this with you throughout your lives. It takes
care of some serious business! Don't be chided into any words
that Satan tries to come up with. Be wise.
Michael
#Post#: 2388--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: patrick jane Date: November 21, 2018, 7:08 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=MichaelC link=topic=230.msg2387#msg2387
date=1542848591]
Dear Lori & Patrick,
The posts on this Thread are way too LOONG. All that I can do
is come back to them some other time to read them. That ends up
not happening because I'm on another Thread or Post instead.
Then, I end up running out of time to go back and read one of
them.
I know that I am the LAST person to be offering this concern,
because I've learned about it through my own posts being too
long. This is only friendly and helpful advice. I also want to
share a little something with you in the next paragraph.
How God Knows You:
*God is whispering, "You don't have all of the answers, but I
do. That is why I need you to place your trust in me. I am your
answer. I am your healer. I am your provider. I am your
comforter. I am your protector. I am your deliverer. I am
everything that you need."*
Hope you like those words. See, I'm thinking about you. You
are both God's children. Let no doubts swivel you by any other
belief. Carry this with you throughout your lives. It takes
care of some serious business! Don't be chided into any words
that Satan tries to come up with. Be wise.
Michael
[/quote]Bless you Michael and thank you for those words. I
needed that right at this time today. Have a great and joyous
Thanksgiving Michael.
#Post#: 2389--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest33 Date: November 21, 2018, 7:39 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=patrick jane link=topic=230.msg2388#msg2388
date=1542848908]
[quote author=MichaelC link=topic=230.msg2387#msg2387
date=1542848591]
Dear Lori & Patrick,
The posts on this Thread are way too LOONG. All that I can do
is come back to them some other time to read them. That ends up
not happening because I'm on another Thread or Post instead.
Then, I end up running out of time to go back and read one of
them.
I know that I am the LAST person to be offering this concern,
because I've learned about it through my own posts being too
long. This is only friendly and helpful advice. I also want to
share a little something with you in the next paragraph.
How God Knows You:
*God is whispering, "You don't have all of the answers, but I
do. That is why I need you to place your trust in me. I am your
answer. I am your healer. I am your provider. I am your
comforter. I am your protector. I am your deliverer. I am
everything that you need."*
Hope you like those words. See, I'm thinking about you. You
are both God's children. Let no doubts swivel you by any other
belief. Carry this with you throughout your lives. It takes
care of some serious business! Don't be chided into any words
that Satan tries to come up with. Be wise.
Michael
[/quote]Bless you Michael and thank you for those words. I
needed that right at this time today. Have a great and joyous
Thanksgiving Michael.
[/quote]
Thanks for your words, too, Lori! I am just realizing now how
to properly work this Quote function and the Reply function. If
you click on Quote, it indicates what was said in the previous
poster's post. But reply on the bottom just means reply, right?
Hey, you have a joyful Turkey Day! Only comes Once a Year.
Make It Count, Lori!!
#Post#: 2470--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 23, 2018, 10:00 am
---------------------------------------------------------
today our Creator...Michael, this is the short version believe
it or not....hahaha....if might help to just read my words and
then if you need check out the supporting verses, or the other
way around.
God is a creator by nature, He loves to create. With a flare
for the dramatic, the care of precision, and the imagination of
a creator, God created. He is the creator of everything, the
seen and the unseen, God created.
Romans 1:25 (NIV) They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,
and worshiped and served created things rather than the
Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Colossians 3:10 (NIV) and have put on the new self, which is
being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
I Peter 4:19 (NIV) So then, those who suffer according to God’s
will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and
continue to do good.
Hebrews 11:3 (NIV) By faith we understand that the universe was
formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out
of what was visible.
His crowning accomplishment, His greatest creation was you.
With a wonderment beyond anything else in this world, with a
beauty beyond compare, God created man in His image, and that
creation includes you.
Psalms 139:13-16 (NIV) For you created my inmost being; you
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your
works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret
place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me
were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Job 10:10-11 (NIV) Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle
me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me
together with bones and sinews?
Psalms 119:73 (NIV) Your hands made me and formed me; give me
understanding to learn your commands.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV) As you do not know the path of the
wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you
cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
In fact, the creation of man was so special that the creator,
likened man to Himself. In His own image, in His own likeness
God created man, but that likeness is not perfected and so,
consistent with His creative nature, God continues to create,
creating within us a new man, a better clearer reflection of
Himself.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV) So God created mankind in his own image, in
the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 5:1 (NIV) This is the written account of Adam's line.
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) and to put on the new self, created to be
like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:10 (NIV) and have put on the new self, which is
being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
The Creators work has only begun. With a diligence and
determination, the Creator continues creating, finishing the
work that has begun, creating within man a new creation holy,
acceptable (Romans 12:1).
Colossians 1:24 (NIV) Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for
you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard
to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the
church.
II Corinthian 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the
new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Romans 6:4 (NIV) We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from
the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new
life.
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) and to put on the new self, created to be
like God in true righteousness and holiness.
With diligence, the creator continues to mature His creation
into the image He first envisioned, the crowing glory of all
creation. With determination and love, the Creator works to
transform us into the creation He first saw when He thought of
creating man. Your existence is only the beginning of the
created work of the Master Craftsman.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will
be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,
pleasing and perfect will.
II Corinthian 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who with unveiled faces
contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his
image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who
is the Spirit.
I Corinthian 13:12 (NIV) For now we see only a reflection as in
a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
I John 3:2 (NIV) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and
what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that
when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him
as he is.
With the touch of the Masters hand, the creation takes on a new
value, a great value. It is the very touch of the Masters hand
to reveals it great worth. Lack no other can create, the
Master's hand adds value, beyond compare.
I Timothy 4:8 (NIV) For physical training is of some value, but
godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the
present life and the life to come.
Luke 16:15 (NIV) He said to them, “You are the ones who justify
yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts.
What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.
Galatians 5:6 (NIV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision
nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is
faith expressing itself through love.
Hebrews 11:26 (NIV) He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ
as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was
looking ahead to his reward.
With an intimacy and specific and intricate details, the
Creator knows His creation. With great detail the creator knows
every part of His creation with pain staking attention and
fondness/ Nothing about His creation goes unnoticed.
Matthew 10:30 (NIV) And even the very hairs of your head are
all numbered.
Luke 21:18 (NIV) But not a hair of your head will perish.
Matthew 10:26 (NIV) “So do not be afraid of them, for there is
nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that
will not be made known.
I Corinthian 8:3 (NIV) But whoever loves God is known by God.
II Timothy 2:19 (NIV) Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation
stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those
who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord
must turn away from wickedness.”
The creator creates with a purpose in mind. He has a plan for
the creation, a reason for their existence. With purpose He
plans and creates.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for
us to do.
II Corinthian 9:8 (NIV) And God is able to bless you
abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that
you need, you will abound in every good work.
Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation
of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
Isaiah 43:7 (NIV) everyone who is called by my name, whom I
created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
The purpose for creation is not limited to the creation itself,
but with specific purpose, each part, each detail also has
purpose. It is with careful planing and exact detail that each
individual part has a unique place in creation. With care the
craftsman decides what he will make and what qualities are
needed to accomplish the task chosen. With precision, the
creator sculpts for the purpose intended.
II Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) In a large house there are articles
not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are
for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse
themselves from the latter will be instruments for special
purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any
good work.
Romans 9:20-21 (NIV) But who are you, a human being, to talk
back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the
right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for
special purposes and some for common use?
Isaiah 45:9 (NIV) “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker,
those who are nothing but potsherds
among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’
Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?
The Master Craftsman sees what is within, the potential and
beauty that is hidden from the eye, and with exact efforts and
skillful manipulations, He works the raw material into a
masterpiece of great value. Through fire and cuts of stone, the
work of art begins to emerge, revealing what the master knew
from the beginning was hidden deep within.
Malachi 3:2 (NIV) But who can endure the day of his coming? Who
can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire
or a launderer’s soap.
Daniel 11:35 (NIV) Some of the wise will stumble, so that they
may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the
end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
Zechariah 13:9 (NIV) This third I will put into the fire; I
will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will
call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my
people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
I Peter 1:7 (NIV) These have come so that the proven
genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which
perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The love of the Master Craftsman is sometimes one of discomfort
and pain. With suffering the real beauty emerges and reveals
things that others could not see, things that others could not
begin to imagine as the Master works, tirelessly to bring out
the beauty that He envisions, the wonders hidden within the
depth, behind all the rough edges.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and
sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you
know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
Luke 21:19 (NIV) Stand firm, and you will win life.
James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial
because, having stood the test, that person will receive the
crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 5:11 (NIV) As you know, we count as blessed those who
have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have
seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of
compassion and mercy.
The Masterpiece is a willing work. With understanding, the
“clay” willingly subjects himself to the masters hand, knowing
that it is the very touch of the masters hand that will result
in something beyond his imagination. With love the Master
accepts the challenge and works like a true craftsman. Always
by invitation, the master works, creating lives of great worth.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV) This day I call the heavens and the
earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life
and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you
and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your
God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is
your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore
to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Joshua 24:15 (NIV) But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to
you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or
the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as
for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Proverbs 3:31 (NIV) Do not envy the violent or choose any of
their ways.
Galatians 6:8 (NIV) Whoever sows to please their flesh, from
the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the
Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
1 Kings 18:21 (NIV) Elijah went before the people and said,
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is
God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people
said nothing.
Daniel 3:18 (NIV) But even if he does not, we want you to know,
O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of
gold you have set up."
The creation is a vital, living, breathing, moving, growing
creation. In wisdom the creator seeks that creation to mature
and grow.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, I do not
consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I
do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is
ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 6:1 (NIV) Therefore let us move beyond the elementary
teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not
laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to
death, and of faith in God,
Hebrews 5:14 (NIV) But solid food is for the mature, who by
constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from
evil.
Hebrews 9:14 (NIV) How much more, then, will the blood of
Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself
unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead
to death, so that we may serve the living God!
With perfection, the intent of the master is that the creation
would continue unto perfection, so that someday the work would
be finished and the created would be displayed as perfection, as
the masterpiece of all things created.
Ephesians 5:27 (NIV) and to present her to himself as a radiant
church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy
and blameless.
II Corinthian 11:2 (NIV) I am jealous for you with a godly
jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I
might present you as a pure virgin to him.
Colossians 1:22 (NIV) But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s
physical body through death to present you holy in his sight,
without blemish and free from accusation—
#Post#: 2485--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 24, 2018, 11:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
When Christ sent us the HS His Love was so complete that it left
us without excuse and yet we make excuses all the time, often
times in ignorance of all that the HS does in our lives if we
allow Him control.
The Holy Spirit also known as the Comforter, loves us from the
inside out. He dwells within us transforming us from the
inside, loving us from the inside, so that the changes and love
within our being can be viewed by the outside world.
Ephesians 2:22 (NIV) And in him you too are being built
together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your
inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in
love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you
may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Romans 8:9 (NIV) You, however, are not in the realm of the
flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit
of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of
Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
Comforter love is that love which teaches us the things of God.
Things that are written on our hearts in our minds. The
convictions of Spirit that compel us to open and to seek an ever
deeper relationship with our God.
I Corinthian 2:10-13 (NIV) However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within
them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except
the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of
the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may
understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak,
not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by
the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught
words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things
that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness,
and cannot understand them because they are discerned only
through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments
about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely
human judgments, for,
“Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
John 14:26 (NIV) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will
remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from him
remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as
his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing
is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in
him.
Psalms 32:8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way
you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
The teaching of the Spirit is always consistent with the
teachings of scripture because they are from the exact same
source...God. With only one Holy Spirit who is from God and in
agreement with God and is God, there can only be one truth,
therefore, the Holy Spirit's teaching within us, will always
match up perfectly with the teaching of scripture. This
matching up is one way to test the voice and see if it is from
God. This mark of being Spirit led is found in unity.
I John 5:6-8 (NIV) This is the one who came by water and
blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water
and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the
Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the
Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he
will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own;
he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is
yet to come.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of
the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one
Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were
called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of
all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in
a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come
and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know
that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one
for the faith of the gospel
The Comforter works best with a willing and pliable heart,
teaching and showing things of mystery to the world. It is the
soft heart that offers fertile ground for the word to grow and
blossom and produce fruit. With great care the Comforter
cultivates the seeds of truth and helps them grow into
productive plants able to reproduce seeds of truth of their own.
Out of love the Comforter teaches for our own good, our own
safety.
Psalms 25:4-5 (NIV) Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your
paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalms 27:11 (NIV) Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a
straight path because of my oppressors.
Psalms 86:11 (NIV) Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on
your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear
your name.
Psalms 143:10 (NIV) Teach me to do your will, for you are my
God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
To the listening ears, the Comforter whispers truths too
numerous to count, to awesome to understand. To the listening
ear, the Comforter teaches. In grace and truth the comforter
love with a pure heart, a gentle touch, a caring, compassionate
love.
Proverbs 1:32-33 (NIV) For the waywardness of the simple will
kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but
whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease,
without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 8:33-34 (NIV) Listen to my instruction and be wise; do
not disregard it.
Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
Proverbs 25:12 (NIV) Like an earring of gold or an ornament of
fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
With the love of an advocate, the love of one who comes up
beside us and does not leave us alone, the comforter is always
there with us. The Comforter is always advocating on our
behalf. Testifying to whose we are, the comforter never tires,
never leaves us alone.
John 14:26 (NIV) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will
remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 15:26-27 (NIV) “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send
to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the
Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for
you have been with me from the beginning.
I John 2:1 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that
you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate
with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Strengthening us for the task at hand, the comforter loves.
What He asks of us is a journey that is filled with peril and
dangers of all kinds, but the Comforter does not ask us to take
this journey, the quest alone, instead, He comes up beside us
and strengthens us, filling us with power beyond our wildest
dreams, teaching us and guiding us along the way, making
straight the narrow path He chooses for us and equipping us for
those trials we will find along the way.
Romans 8:26 (NIV) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our
weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
I Corinthian 4:10 (NIV) We are fools for Christ, but you are so
wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are
honored, we are dishonored!
II Corinthian 12:9-10 (NIV) But he said to me, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for
Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in
hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.
II Corinthian 13:4 (NIV) For to be sure, he was crucified in
weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in
him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing
with you.
With so many different voices in the world, so many different
people claiming truth, the Love of the Holy Spirit fills us with
a recognizable truth. A truth that cannot be denied or
counterfeited. This truth radiates throughout our being and
consumes every part of our lives,. It is truth that is
unmistakably from God and a truth that transforms us from
workers of evil to bearers of truth.
John 13:35 (NIV) By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another."
I John 3:10 (NIV) This is how we know who the children of God
are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not
do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does
not love his brother.
John 8:44 (NIV) You belong to your father, the devil, and you
want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from
the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth
in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a
liar and the father of lies.
I John 2:4-6 (NIV) The man who says, “I know him,” but does not
do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But
if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in
him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live
in him must walk as Jesus did.
As Father, God loves us with a pure, pampering love. It's a
love that lavishes us with good things, health giving things.
The Father bestows good gifts to his children, not only because
He loves them but also because He knows them intimately. With a
great care and determination to love the child with a pure
undefiled love, the Father chooses a gift that He knows will be
the perfect gift for the child. That gift that He chooses is
the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). But the Father not only chooses
the gift of the Holy Spirit for us His children but that gift is
custom made to fit the love the Creator used when He created us.
Each gift, each detail is specifically tailors to suit our
needs, our purpose, our inner most being. With great care and
detail, the Father gifts His children the Holy Spirit and with
that Spirit, God further loves His children with more gifts that
are so perfect in their selection that only a Father could
choose so wisely.
These gifts within a gift serve a purpose as well, they remind
us that God is sovereign, choosing whom He will for the specific
purpose He appoints. But these gifts also serve the community,
equipping the Church to function in the unity and love that only
a King can understand and carry out. Like a tie that binds, the
Comforter loves with a demonstration of both Father love and
King Love, fulfilling both within His purpose and within us,
loving us from the inside out.
John 14:25-27 (NIV) These things have I spoken unto you, being
yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
Luke 11:12-13 (NIV) Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a
scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give
good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in
heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Acts 2:33 (NIV) Exalted to the right hand of God, he has
received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured
out what you now see and hear.
Hebrews 2:4 (NIV) God also testified to it by signs, wonders
and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed
according to his will.
I Corinthian 12:4, 11 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts,
but the same Spirit.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives
them to each one, just as he determines.
I Corinthian 7:7 (NIV) I wish that all men were as I am. But
each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another
has that.
Being Spirit and not flesh, the Comforter teaches us not only
through the spirit but the things of the spirit. The Comforter
helps us to change our perspective from the temporal to the
eternal, from the flesh to the spirit.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Colossians 3:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things.
Philippians 3:19-20 (NIV) Their destiny is destruction, their
god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their
mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in
heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus
Christ,
Comforter love is a love with power. In power it moves
mountains, in power it transforms us, in power we begin to show
the world the supernatural, living God.
I Corinthian 13:2 (NIV) If I have the gift of prophecy and can
fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith
that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
Matthew 17:20 (NIV) He replied, “Because you have so little
faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’
and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 21:21 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you
have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done
to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go,
throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Mark 11:23 (NIV) “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this
mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt
in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it
will be done for them.
With amazing love, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the truths of
God. With unquestioning wisdom He shows us His grace, reveals
to us His love, grants to us the secrets of His sovereignty.
II Corinthian 4:10-11 (NIV) We always carry around in our body
the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be
revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being
given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also
be revealed in our mortal body.
I Corinthian 2:9-10 (NIV) However, as it is written: “What no
eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has
prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has
revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things,
even the deep things of God.
Romans 8:18-19 (NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are
not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of
God to be revealed.
Matthew 11:25 (NIV) At that time Jesus said, “I praise you,
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these
things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little
children.
#Post#: 2495--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest33 Date: November 24, 2018, 5:51 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[font=andale mono]Dear Lori,
This reply is for Post #16.
I tried what you said, and it does help to skip some of the
Scriptural references. I'm the type, though, that likes to read
the info that backs up the subject. I just read this one of
your posts and it is very good! You are an unusual person to
put all of this together as a post. You seem to be like one of
the best women I've ever found to be so knowledgeable about the
Bible.
How do you include so many bible verses in each post. Do you
have to type each of them in, or is there a way to do it without
having to do that? It's a lot of work.
Well, much love, dear lady! Thanks for the care and time you
put in each post. They are still so long that I never have
enough time to respond, considering all of the other email that
I get. Keep up the good work!
Michael
[/font]
;)
#Post#: 2521--------------------------------------------------
Re: How God expresses His Love towards us....
By: guest24 Date: November 26, 2018, 9:04 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=MichaelC link=topic=230.msg2495#msg2495
date=1543103502]
[font=andale mono]Dear Lori,
This reply is for Post #16.
I tried what you said, and it does help to skip some of the
Scriptural references. I'm the type, though, that likes to read
the info that backs up the subject. I just read this one of
your posts and it is very good! You are an unusual person to
put all of this together as a post. You seem to be like one of
the best women I've ever found to be so knowledgeable about the
Bible.
How do you include so many bible verses in each post. Do you
have to type each of them in, or is there a way to do it without
having to do that? It's a lot of work.
Well, much love, dear lady! Thanks for the care and time you
put in each post. They are still so long that I never have
enough time to respond, considering all of the other email that
I get. Keep up the good work!
Michael
[/font]
;)
[/quote]some of the posts are taken from studies I have
done...others are cut and paste scriptures as I go just depends
on what I am posting...thanks for the compliment btw, I love to
know that people are getting as much out of the studies as I
did.
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