Love’s Offering

II Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (NLT)

Offering. Something presented to someone else. The person it is presented to doesn’t have to receive the item to satisfy the definition. The act of offering the offering does that. I’ve had many things offered to me in my lifetime, and I’ve offered quite a few myself, but nothing I’ve offered or been offered compares to what God offers. His gift was perfect; no blemishes. Sin had not tainted it. But to enjoy the offering we have to accept it. Jesus’ payment for humanity’s sins on Calvary doesn’t automatically result in our forgiveness. Asking is required. Out of love, God offers. Out of appreciation and need, we must accept.
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Love Gives

Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (NLT)

As soon as I finish eating breakfast and dressing, I head for my office and a good cup of coffee-actually a few. I take delight in my morning coffee. I don’t need it to get going; I just love the taste. It makes the news more interesting and my writing easier. Occasionally my morning routine is disrupted along with my coffee, and I don’t take delight in that but I adjust. Just as I enjoy my coffee, I also enjoy other things that make me happy. While God’s sole desire is not our happiness but our spiritual growth, he will give us things that result in both. God’s purpose is not to make our lives miserable but to give us what will enable us to fulfill his purpose and plan for our life. But loving him with all our heart, soul and mind must be a priority. God gives because God loves.
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Unbelievable Love

1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.” (NLT)

“Too good to be true.” Have you ever received news that fell into that category? More often than not it might be, “So bad I don’t want to hear it.” Such as when the doctor comes in and says, “I’ve got some bad news,” or “I need to send you to a specialist.” Or when the certified letter arrives saying more surgery is required. We prefer the “Your cancer is in remission” news. Sin is the greatest sickness with the most devastating results. It corrupts us presently and eternally. But only if we reject God’s forgiveness in Christ. When we receive that the news is too good to be true. He wipes the slate clean and casts our sins as far as the East is from the West. We can’t even imagine the abundant life God has in store for us now and in eternity.
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Love Chooses

Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV)

A children’s home with twenty eager children waiting for someone to adopt them and give them a loving home. A young couple who can’t have children talks with the person in charge of adoption and hears about each child’s situation. After much prayer, they make a selection. The other nineteen are disappointed they were not selected, but the one child is overjoyed that love chose her. God chooses people for his family, and the choice has purpose. He chooses us in Christ. Only those who respond to God’s call and elect to follow him in obedience are chosen. Once we enter the relationship, God begins conforming us to the likeness of his Son. Through difficulties, the teaching of his Spirit, others, and spiritual disciplines, he teaches us to act as Jesus did and would. God so loved the world that he…
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Love Sets Priorities

I Corinthians 2:2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. (NLT)

Church, utilities, car, cell phone, groceries. Not necessarily in that order, but all bills I make sure are paid each month. Why? Because God has been good to me, I like air conditioning, I enjoy eating and who can live without a cell phone these days? Priorities. Things put before other things. Important things and for various reasons. Paul’s was sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who had never received his forgiveness. Paul was a great debater-and sometimes he allowed himself to get sidetracked into discussions about trivial matters, but his passion was telling what Christ had done for him and wanted to do for his listeners. His time was limited and the work immense. A sense of fulfillment and happiness comes when we prioritize the right things. God’s was sending his Son to die for our sins and is now to teach us how to live like his Son. Ask God to help you establish your list.
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Love Thinks Clearly

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Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)

Why is it so important to think clearly? One thing that cold and congestion medicine does for me-regardless of whether it says non drowsy, is fuzzes my mind. Even if I can stay awake, my thinking is unclear. What we think about is essential, for our thinking arouses emotions and we act on these. This is why Satan makes our minds his playground. He knows if he can persuade us to think wrongly, we will act accordingly. And for the same reason, God’s Spirit plays in the identical playground. Truth, honor, moral purity, things that match God’s character-all traits we should ponder for they will lead to actions that build character worthy of imitation and pleasing to God. God desires we act in the same way he would, and by thinking on the list above we will.

Love Demands Purity

1 Corinthians 6:18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. (NLT)

Sexual activity between boys and girls is beginning at astonishingly young ages. Sex before marriage is so common we think little of it anymore. Marital affairs are rampant. The traditional family where Mom, Dad and children all live together is decreasing in number. Homosexual marriages are being recognized in an increasing number of states in the United States of America and around the world. Society may change their views of what’s right and wrong where sexual activity is concerned, but God requires purity. Men and women were created to marry and populate the earth through heterosexual unions. And sex was designed for enjoyment within the marriage union and with one’s spouse, not before. We may not like God’s take on the matter but the arrangement is because he loves us and knows the damaging effects of misguided notions about sexual activity. They change the definition of love, its expression, as well as spread disease that harm the wonderful bodies God has created.

Love Incomprehensible

Isaiah 55:9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (NLT)

As we rose above the first layer of clouds another expanse of space greeted us. Clouds that threatened of rain surrounded the airport but now the sun spread its rays over the airplane. Somehow I knew that if we could go higher yet another site would unfold. I’m the first to admit; I do not understand how a piece of heavy machinery like an airplane can actually leave the ground and soar through the air with nothing supporting it. Nor do I understand the physics of how a multi ton ship can float on water but will quickly sink if a hole appears. I often don’t understand God either. Perhaps I’m not supposed to-at least not completely. His manner of doing things and his thoughts far surpass my puny mind. But he chooses to relate many things about himself to me; the most profound being that he loves me in spite of myself. I don’t understand that either but I’m glad he does. And even more astounding is that he calls me his child and friend.

Love’s Power

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Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT)

Dull knives are of little use. Occasionally when on sale, my wife and I will buy a whole pork loin, and I’ll slice it into chops. It’s a fairly simple job made easier by partially freezing the loin before slicing. But this painless job can quickly become painstakingly difficult if the knife I’m using is dull. God’s Word is the believer’s knife or sword. A double edged sword is more effective since it can slice with both edges. When read and meditated upon, God’s Word has a slicing affect. Its teachings penetrate our soul-the seat of our mind, will and emotions. The soul or spirit is who we truly are. God’s teachings will transform our inside that no one sees but will then result in a changed outside which everyone observes. God’s Word confronts our innermost thoughts and desires and makes us consider whether they align with God’s standards. God’s love shown through his Word is powerful.

Love Speaks Softly

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (NLT)

“I hate you!” “That’s the worse job I’ve ever seen. Can’t you do anything right?” “That was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.” How do you respond when a parent, employer or friend says something similar? Gentle answers don’t normally come to mind or out of our mouths when we’ve been insulted, criticized or abused. We normally feel anger, disappointment or confusion, followed by plans for retaliation. Then we usually speak out of those emotions which leads to things being said that would have been better left unsaid. Speaking after thoughtful consideration is much healthier than speaking first and thinking later. And a gentle response will diffuse the situation rather than intensify it. God’s love is always spoken and demonstrated in soft tones and ours should be also.

Love Sooths

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. (NLT)

Good is not necessarily the adjective I’d choose to describe medicine. But if you need it, it is. Swallowing a pill that can’t be tasted is one thing, but I’ve yet to find a liquid medicine that tastes good. Those who grew up in the days when castor oil was popular surely didn’t think so either. But taste and benefit don’t have to coincide. Medicine can be good even when it tastes bad. Happiness is like good medicine. We feel good when we’re happy. We are full of energy and face each day with anticipation and excitement. Unhappiness does the opposite. The bed seems a better choice and we dread another day with its struggles. But our happiness should not be tied to circumstances or people’s responses. Rather, our happiness should be based on who we are in Christ. He has forgiven our sins and placed us in right standing with the Father. He controls our circumstances and cares about every detail in our life. His love soothes our brokenness and leads to an unexplainable peace.

Eyes Of Love

1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. (NLT)

I was a young lad when I noticed my eyes weren’t functioning properly, but I was afraid to tell my parents for fear of having to get glasses and being called “four eyes.” One of my teachers took care of the first part, and sure enough, the second and third followed. In spite of the negatives it was nice to finally see clearly. My eyes have gotten worse over the years and I’ve now had to add bifocals. Thankfully, glasses are more stylish and the stigma of “four eyes” has almost disappeared. My eyesight may be deficient but God’s is perfect. He sees where we are presently as well as what’s in our future, and he can be trusted to give wisdom for every decision. God’s eyes of love make his ears open to everyone who calls upon him.

Love’s Peace

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)

The famous answer of beauty contest participants when asked what they wanted was “World Peace.” World peace won’t occur this side of heaven, but it is a goal we should work toward because the alternative is war and strife. We are to pray for God’s kingdom to come-and at some point it will and it will be characterized by complete and lasting peace.. While we may never see world peace, we can experience personal peace. It comes by trusting in God. Trusting him to meet every need we have. Trusting he’s in control and our life is not random or controlled by fate. Trusting him to guide us in every decision. Trusting him for the suitable mate and the right job, and trusting him to help us rear our children in a scary world. Fixing your thoughts on God throughout every day will give you perfect peace.

Love Leaves

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Proverbs 1:10 My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! (NLT)

I was enticed but I didn’t turn my back. I knew it was wrong, but he was my best friend. Surely he wouldn’t lead me down a destructive path. So I took a swallow and began a six year struggle. Ever been there or somewhere similar? Satan may be the master enticer, but he has a multitude of companions to help him-some of them are our friends and family. Since we trust them, we are even more tempted to give in. A sinner is anyone who entices us to disobey God. A person whose path is always leading them away from God. But they don’t want to go alone. So they entice others to follow. We normally associate turning our back on someone as rude behavior, but in this case it’s not. When enticed with ungodly behavior or thoughts, turn your back and walk away.

Love Conquers Guilt

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Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience. (NIV)
 
Do you ever feel guilty but don’t know why? No inappropriate words, thoughts or actions come to mind, yet there is a nagging feeling that you are no good or that you have failed somebody or at something. The one who draws near to God has no reason for a guilty conscience. Another verse says those in Christ are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). God only initiates guilty consciences when we have disobeyed him. He knows we can only serve him effectively with clear consciences. But what about when I haven’t disobeyed but still feel guilty? Satan is the primary source. He loves to propose that past failures disqualify us from God’s service. Guilt can also result from wrong messages heard growing up. “You’ll never amount to anything,” or “Can’t you do anything right?” They may even come from friends or spouses who don’t share our love for God. But God’s love conquers guilt. Freedom is realized when you recognize all your sins are forgiven and when you understand that no failure is so great that God will kick you off his team.

Love’s Warning

James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (NLT)

“The devil made me do it” is a common excuse when we fail to live up to God’s standards. Just as no person or situation can make us angry, Satan cannot make us sin. He can tempt, and he can create favorable circumstances that make it inviting to give in, but he cannot force us take that final step of disobedience. The choice is ours. He embellishes desires, but the desires belong to us. Satan’s favorite playground is our mind. Actions are preceded by thoughts and emotions. This is why our loving God encourages us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and that are of good report-things that have virtue and are worthy of praise. Satan is not all knowing, all wise or everywhere present. Only God is, and he can empower you to be victorious over every temptation Satan sends your way. In Christ, you are more than a conqueror. Satan may be your worse enemy, but God is your greatest friend.

Love Steps Lightly

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Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (NKJV)

I’ve always enjoyed walking, and doctors agree it’s probably one of the most beneficial exercises we can do. It doesn’t jar the joints like running, and it can be quite relaxing. I can listen to birds, watch wildlife, notice wildflowers beside the road, smile at the spider web constructed during the night, and speak to a neighbor, all while exercising. During the summer months when the heat and humidity are high, walking outside becomes a chore and unenjoyable. When walking in the Spirit, we learn to listen to God as we live out the details of our life. But there’s also something that will interfere with the success of that-walking by the flesh. The flesh is old patterns of behavior that get in the way of our successful Christian living. I take pleasure in walking when the conditions are right, and my walk with God will be more enjoyable too when I rid my life of practices that don’t fit who I am.

Love Thinks Correctly

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Romans 8:6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)

“I think, therefore I am.” Rene’ Descartes is perhaps best known for this philosophical statement. Thinking was the sole proof he existed. But the statement also acknowledges the importance of our mind-or mindset. Thinking leads to emotional states and we act on our emotions. If we think correctly we will act correctly while unhealthy thinking will lead to undesirable actions. God’s longing for us to behave like obedient children motivated him to instruct us what to think about. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT). Thinking on things that possess the above traits will affect our personal lifestyle and the impact we have on our community and world.

Love Forgives

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Do you ever feel guilty but cannot determine any reason for it? Do you ever feel like you are a failure? Feelings don’t always mirror reality, and guilt can be good or bad, false or genuine. If by examining your words, attitudes, actions or thoughts you discover some are unhealthy, then the guilt feeling has been placed there by God. He loves us so much that he won’t leave us in unhealthy patterns. This is good guilt. False guilt comes from Satan or is experienced because of negative messages we heard growing up-“You’ll never amount to anything,” or “Can’t you do anything right?” But there’s good news. Once we’ve asked God to forgive our sins, we are no longer under condemnation. He removes past, present and future sins. We may be products of our past but we don’t have to be prisoners. Christ enables us to do all things through the power he gives. Every day brings the opportunity to serve him with a clean conscience.

Love’s Perseverance

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Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)

My daughter was an avid runner until exercise induced asthma slowed her down. Track, cross country, 5 K runs, she loved them all. I tried it myself for about a year, but I had two things against me: weight and bad knees. There is a “high” that comes with running. It’s almost like an addiction. You never get enough, and you always want to repeat the action. The Christian life is compared to a race, and there are similar characteristics. We have highs and lows. Times when we surge forward and times when we want to quit. But our love for God should drive us on. Success comes when we lay aside anything hindering our progress-unhealthy thoughts, actions, attitudes or words. And the good news is we don’t run alone. God is empowering us, and there is a great cloud of witnesses-fellow runners, encouraging us along the way.

Love Cleanses

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1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (HCSB)

When it came to taking a bath, my two children had different approaches. My daughter took one regularly of her own accord while my son had to be persuaded. And he surely wasn’t interested in a daily bath. “What’s the purpose of washing when I’m gonna get dirty again,” was probably his unmentioned philosophy. Sort of like the “What’s the use of making the bed when I’m gonna get back in it tonight” mentality. Personal hygiene is important-for us and if we want friends. Spiritual hygiene is more so. The bible calls it sanctification-the lifelong process in which God baths us daily until we smell like him and our fragrance becomes evident to others. He doesn’t accomplish it with body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and perfume but with his Word, prayer, time spent with other believers and through teaching us to trust him in every situation. Even the difficulty of trials and temptations are part of the cleansing, and God’s power in us to endure is proof of his love.

Love’s Priorities

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Matthew 6:19 "Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. (HCSB)
 
But we do. Collect that is. CD’s, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, college funds, savings accounts. More vehicles than we need. More clothes than are required. And technological gadgets galore. Perhaps the most obvious clue is the storage building. Not the ones where we store our yard implements and equipment but the ones we rent for the overflow. And then there are the pack rats like myself. Jesus is not waging an indictment against those who plan for their future or their children’s. Failing to plan is actually unwise. But his words are a reminder that the most secure storehouse is in heaven, not on earth. Things are temporary and so are our lives. Only what we send ahead is permanent. We can’t mail our things to heaven, but when we faithfully serve God and love others we store treasures in heaven. God wants us to love him with all our heart, not just the things he has created.