Tag Archive | love

More Than Enough

I anticipate your needs, and make provision far in advance–long before you recognize the need.

I will always provide for My plan, that you may walk in My will for your life, but I AM more than necessity, I AM abundance!

“For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance;–” Matthew 25:29a

I delight to bring a sparkle to your eyes with surprises along the way.

Your need is My necessity.
Your BLESSING is My abundant Love.

I want you to think beyond making do; I want you to think of what matters to you. Do you understand that you are not children of the slave, but of the free?

A slave or servant would receive a meal to nourish; basic needs are met–clothing, food, shelter. You are the children of the King, and not just a king, but The King.

“And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29

“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise.” Galatians 4:22-23

See yourself with more than you need.

Always give more, with more in mind; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. It’s all a matter of the heart, but first you must believe.

“–give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38

Some find it hard to believe that their needs are met–are not able to reach for more, for their thinking is poor. Why would I want you to be struggling? It is for your sake, that I became poor, that you might be made rich.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” II Corinthians 8:9

Wealth is not the enemy. Money is neither good nor evil, it is a substance useful to meet a need. Therefore, it is the heart that offers, that determines the source.

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22

You need not be afraid of BLESSING.
You need not be afraid to bless.

There is so much more!

“I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe.

But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.” Galatians 4:1-7

“Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? “Cast out the slave and her son; for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” Galatians 4:28-31

“How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. They feast on the abundance of thy house, and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light. O continue thy steadfast love to those who know thee, and thy salvation to the upright of heart!” Psalms 36:7-10

Active Duty

Jun11

To open your heart to My messages, means more than just reading or knowing; it means you agree and do what you see and hear. If you are unclear, then ask for more direction. Be specific about what you don’t know and I, in turn, will be specific in answering you.

We are a team, you and I.

But a team works together for a common goal—one that they have agreed upon or there is no team and the goal will never be reached.

Trust Me to forge a plan just for you.

I will be specific and I will guide you through. But before we begin, you must learn the basics. Just as a soldier is put through basic training before the battle, so I must train you.

You are equipped.
You are disciplined.
You are honored.

You go.

When you go, you will be showing what you know and your now-trained ear will also hear; what may not be clear to others, will be to you.

You will know when you need more training.
You will know when you need to rest.
You will know when you are favored.

And you will know, as will all the rest, when you are BLESSED!

“For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” II Corinthians 10:3-6

“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way unto him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

“The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them.

And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for awhile; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:14-20

“Give ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continually open and harrow his ground? When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter dill, sow cumin, and put in wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and spelt as the border? For he is instructed aright; his God teaches him.” Isaiah 28:23-26

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

This I command you, to love one another.” John 15:12-17

I Wait for You

Jun10

Times of rest and patience are required of those who wait upon Me.

For I do not drive My sheep; I lead and I know when you need rest and when you simply need sleep. Therefore do not fear if it seems that I AM absent at times or the quiet is too loud, for I AM right here and you have done nothing wrong.

I lead you to green pastures.
I make you lie down.
I restoreth your soul.

Trust that I will never leave you, and I may at times correct, but I don’t punish—I direct.

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?—”My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Hebrews 12:5-7 *please see comment below*

Lavish Love—that’s what I AM♥

I wait for you too.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” Psalms 123:1-3a

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” II Thessalonians 3:5

*Note: I was troubled at first, when in this message He said, “I do not punish”, it seemed contradictory to the scriptures as you see in Hebrews 12:5-7. It is important that all messages are verified in scripture. King James uses the word ‘chastisement’, and Strongs Concordance defines this as education, training, discipline (by punishment), teach, learn and nurture.

I don’t want to confuse anyone, but my heart concludes that, just as in training your children, at times you must discipline to guide, the Lord must discipline us. He is not about the ‘punishment’ of His children, but to ‘direct’ them. In His great Love for us, He turns our ways to love, as He Loves. He already took our punishment and therefore does not punish us, but trains—directs.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Those of this world, who choose not receive His great Love and sacrifice, will indeed be punished and it will be everlasting. May that never be you.

L.J.O’Neil

Then Comes Grace

Jun7

Stop and think of what Grace is. It’s unmerited favor. I want you to favor those who don’t deserve it—just because I favor you. You see sometimes it’s not just about loving them; some make it really hard for you to love, by not receiving you at all—

Then comes Grace.

It is the step beyond what you don’t know; what you can’t love—you can through Grace. So when you feel like you’re trying to love and it’s reaching a wall—ask for Grace, that you might have Grace to give.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.—And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:14,16

You must first receive, in order to give. An empty vessel cannot pour.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him,

and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

When a flight attendant teaches safety measures before a flight, you are taught to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.

Receive My Grace that you may love in Grace.

Love more.

More Love.

Either way you look at it, it works—by Grace.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

The Grace you leave is the Grace you receive.

Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another, saith the Lord.

“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50

“Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” I Corinthians 4:1-2

“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.—”

“For who sees anything different from you? What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” I Corinthians 4:5,7

“Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:8-11

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love undying.” Ephesians 6:23-24

Waiting For Vindication

May12

It is good and right for the upright to see My vindication on their enemies, for it satisfies justice.

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee.” Psalms 26:1-3

Some of you have waited many years for this satisfaction. But do you wait for bad things to happen to them; much as if I would rub their nose in the dirt to punish?

No, I say that is not My desire, and it is for you that I wait.

I wait for your heart to turn.

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12

I wait for you to love in forgiveness, and understand that it is not My desire to harm, but to build.

My desire is to build you before your enemy, but can I do this when you have bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart?

It is for you I wait.

Learn to love those who don’t love you, for that is who I AM.

Do this and I will lift you to a position that you no longer care what your enemy has done.

Because, for you–

Life has begun!

“The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger for ever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgression from us.

As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalms 103:6-14

“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will help you.” Proverbs 20:22

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:5

The Substance of Love

May1

A cleansing must come to the Body of Christ, for it has not yet been purified, to be presented–

My perfect Bride.

“But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? ‘For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord.” Malachi 3:2-3

The spirit is made perfect by My Blood, but the soul must be perfected by love.♥

Love is what changes the heart and the soul.
Love is what makes a broken man whole.
My love gave the perfect sacrifice.
It is My Love that makes an evil man nice.

Do you understand that My Word is Love?

For it is the substance of Me–substance that you can see and hold in your hand; that you may understand that I gave My Life to set the captives free.

When you feed on that Word, you are inviting Love in.

Every day that you stay in the Word, you stay in Love. If you make it your habit to maintain My Word–you will love habitually.

“He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” I John 2:4-6

For some it is easy, for others it takes a lifetime of yielding to My Love–to be loved; for their soul has been so tightly bound.

Stay with it, stay in My Word.

For I came to set the captive free, and I will come for a Bride without spot or blemish–purified in My Word; sanctified by My Blood; made holy and wholly in Love–it is My substance—

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV

“Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:26-27

I AM Love.

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” I John 4:7-12

“And you, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:21-23

“I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

“The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” II Peter 3:9-14

Clear Purpose

Apr14

It is apparent that those who follow closely to My side, have trained their heart to abide. It wasn’t merely a ‘head’ decision; yes, they thought about it, but then took it deeper.

Meditation of a matter takes it deep into the heart of a man.

“May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” Psalms 104:24

This form of ownership is what causes a man to follow closely, without needing to think every move through; it is just natural, for they naturally abide. That is when you know that you are no longer in ‘works’ but fellowship.

“–but the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.” I John 2:26-27

You know My heartbeat for you linger and languish at My side. It is a luxury that many do not afford themselves in these fast-paced days–to linger, to rest at My side.

Abide–listening to My desires, as I listen to yours…

Fellowship
Communion
Companionship
Love

Life is short, and the battle is hard, but for those who learn of Me, the way is clear; for I steer those who are near. They are not carried by the tide, but have clear purpose when I AM near–

when you abide.

“And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” I John 2:3-6

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.” I John 2:15-17

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father.” I John 2:24

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his own Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. In this is love perfected in us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world.” I John 4:13-17

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all thy works.” Psalms 73:28

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalms 119:2-3

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalms 128:1-2

Abide and Conquer

Apr8

Loneliness seems to plague man in a world that becomes ever more secluded, in contrast to My plan for family and community.

I created man to love–an expression of Myself–to give love and receive love. And yet, so many seek or fall into isolation, declining for lack of love. Why?

Why in a world so teeming with life, would you avoid life?

Why, in your hunger for love, would you reject love?

You have armored yourself against love for fear of rejection, fear of hurt and the unknown. But what you haven’t known is Me, for perfect love casts out fear.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.” I John 4:18

I AM perfect Love.

If in Me you abide, you are never alone. And though man may reject, I will never neglect the one who seeks to know Me.

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” I John 4:15-16

Know Me on the inside–not from afar.

From afar I AM only Deity, one you don’t understand. Invite Me inside and we will abide and you may call Me, Friend.

“and the scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’; and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:23

“Jesus answered him, ‘If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23

Never alone.

Then you will understand that it is the work of the enemy to divide and conquer. But you can abide and conquer him. Conquer fear with love, for perfect love casts out fear.

Have no fear–Perfect Love is here…

I AM Perfect Love.

“‘I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.'” John 14:18-21

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.'” John 15:10-14

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.” I John 4:7-8

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16

One Final Question

Apr5

Apostasy, apathy, indifference, anger, hunger, pain, loss–need I go on? Emotions are stretched; hearts are hurting. The soul has lost control, for it was never meant to be in control.

Would you have your emotions run your life? Many do, and then wonder why their life is out of control. I created you spirit, soul and body. You are a human being, created in My image.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ So God created man in his own image; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27

If I were to rule from emotion, of which would you prefer I rule?

Anger or Compassion?
Judgment or Forgiveness?

I AM all of these and more–I AM Love.

I ruled with Love when I gave My Son to take your place–

that is My Grace–that is My Love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

You think through emotion and focus on sin. You find someone that you think has greater sin than you and point fingers–lay blame. Defensive strategy to take the focus off you, and the question. You see, it is the question I look to for each individual–their answer determines their fate.

Answer before it’s too late.

I don’t look to sin–the type doesn’t matter–for all have sinned as you know. What I look to is your decision–the answer to My question–this is your judgment call.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Have you received My Son as your Lord and Savior–received His Blood for your sin?

He lived and died that you may abide, for ever as if you’d not sinned.

“If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” I Corinthians 15:19-22

Now if you have, then one emotion should be overwhelming–that of joy—for you are welcomed into My Kingdom, where Love rules!

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3

Judgment must fall upon all, but all are welcome to receive the Blessing of My Son, Jesus Christ, to all who believe–I call you son–for all eternity.

“Truly no man can ransom himself, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of his life is costly and can never suffice, that he should continue to live on for ever, and never see the Pit.

Yea, he shall see that even the wise die, the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes for ever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the fate of those who have foolish confidence, the end of those who are pleased with their portion. Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend; and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home.

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” Psalms 49:7-15

“For no human being will be justified in his sight by works of the law, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:20-26

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him.” I Thessalonians 5:9-10

“Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:10-11

“May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:23-24

Sittin on a Log

Apr4

If I could just see to get that log out of my eye, I am confident that I will find that my brother doesn’t have the speck that I thought he had–it is merely the shadow of my own log.

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5

Why can’t I seem to get that log out?

I think my fingers are too big, or pointed in the wrong direction. I will look to the Word. I am sure that therein is the tool to remove the log from my eye.

And when I’ve got that log out, I will see clearly to love my neighbor as myself; for I am certain to be more loveable then!

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40