Love Brings Hope

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (NLT)

I’ve hoped for many things during my life. I haven’t keep a running total, so I’m not sure whether I’ve gotten more or less than I hoped for. Right now I’m hoping for an IPad, but so far it hasn’t appeared. I see preachers using them instead of notes, so I think I could justify having one. It would save paper, ink cartridges and printers. And this would be good for the environment. So I hope. Most of my hopes were and are fanciful dreams, but biblical hope is different. Hope for believers is confident assurance that what God has promised will happen. Not maybe so’s but for sure’s. Prayer works, the Bible is true, heaven is real (so is hell), obedience is best and forgiveness is possible through Christ. God sends his love in the form of realities not remote possibilities. The hymn writer was wise when he penned: “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.”

Love Protects

1 Corinthians 15:33 Bad company corrupts good character. (NLT)

Bad Company was an English rock group founded in 1973. They enjoyed great success throughout the 1970’s. Bad company can also be something else: friends, family, employers, teachers, peers, politicians, lawyers, and yes even some people we attend church with. Character is who we are-the real us, not the us we often let others see. Integrity is doing the right thing when others are looking and especially when they aren’t. Integrity and character go hand in hand. Bad company can corrupt our good character. This is why parents constantly warn their children to pick friends wisely. Others influence us, but we also influence them. Just as bad company corrupts good character so good company can change bad character. Because God loves you, he wants to lead you away from those who would lead you astray.

Love Plans The Best

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Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
Plans are an inevitable part of life. The adage is accurate: “The one who fails to plan plans to fail.” Students plan to graduate high school, what college they will attend and what their major will be. College gives time for planning where we want to work. We plan for marriage and children. And for the children’s college and our retirement. Many even plan their funeral arrangements as well as the service. From an early age until death, we plan. So does God. He didn’t create us to wander around aimlessly with no purpose. He desires that we enjoy his best so our futures can be filled with hope and a sense of accomplishment. Only God knows your future, but he is always glad to point us in the right direction. Ask God where he wants you to use the talents and gifts he has entrusted to you.

Fearless Love

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     Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (NLT)
     “Will it kill me?” Uttered if I had only touched a poisonous item but hadn’t eaten it. It may have been a flower or the ointment placed on a cut. But according to Mom, it was a favorite question during one stage of my life. Then it could be attributed to the ignorance and innocence of childhood. Now it would be called paranoia. There have been numerous things I’ve been afraid of: bullies, bankruptcy, unemployment, failing, darkness. But according to God, I shouldn’t because he is nearby. I’m his child, and he is my God. His love demands he protect me as a parent does their child. He will strengthen me for every task at hand and he will help me when I’m at my wit’s end. No matter how many times I fall, he will continue to pick me up and give me another chance. And God does the same for every one of his children. So don’t be discouraged. When fears begin to paralyze you, lean on the strong arm of God.

Love Casting

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     Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (NLT)
     There was a period in my life when I loved and had time to fish. Cane poles were my regular mates but occasionally I used a rod and reel. Depending on where you are, casting can be challenging. In the open water? No problem. Under trees beside the river bank? Another story. There’s overhand and sideways casting. And of course there are the occasions when the lure gets tangled in the trees, bushes or caught on debris in the water. Casting our cares on the Lord is less demanding. His goal is our best, so no circumstance he sends is designed to destroy. Rather they are engineered to develop and grow our faith. When life seems more than you can bear, take the load to Christ in prayer. If he chooses not to remove it, he will come alongside and help you carry it.

Loved With Little

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     Psalm 37:16 The little that the righteous man has is better than the abundance of many wicked people. (HCSB)

     If wealth is measured by the size of a bank account or owning a home, I've always been poor. Paycheck to paycheck has been my norm, and I've never owned a home. But according to this verse my little may be more and better than other's most if my little is coupled with love for God. God promises to meet every need his children have. If he grants our wants that's the much. While the needs may be little by comparison they are actually the much. And with God little is much and always enough. Choose to accept with gratitude whatever God gives knowing it will be sufficient to meet your needs and enable you to do what he asks.

Trustworthy Love

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     Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
     Do you ever feel as if there’s no one you can trust? Growing up, I’m sure my parents wished I would have trusted them more. It would have saved me some unwise decisions. And there were times my children didn’t talk to me about things they were facing. Then there are the fair weather friends who stab you in the back. And the co-workers. God, on the other hand, is always trustworthy. Life’s paths lead in many directions, but God will show us which is best. All he requires is that we ask for assistance. Since he knows the path intimately-and since our knowledge is limited, seeking his direction makes sense. Because of his love, God can forever be trusted even when others can’t. Learn to seek his will in every decision you make.

Love Directions

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     Psalm 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (NLT)

     Have you ever been given the wrong directions-intentionally or unintentionally? I remember our pastor friend who sat with us during my father’s heart surgery in Atlanta. Before leaving he asked me for return directions. So I obliged. Inadvertently, I sent him the wrong way on the interstate. It wasn’t until he called several times questioning my directions that it dawned on me what I had done. God never makes this mistake. He lives in the eternal now and can see past, present and future at the same time. More importantly, all things occurring are under his control, including every detail of your life. God wants to be involved in every decision and action that affects you. Will you give him that privilege? His love will never send you the wrong way.

God’s Compassion

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     Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit. (HCSB)

     Our daily life news often includes more bad than good news. Job loss. Financial ruin. Home foreclosure. Death of a loved one or friend. Tragic accident. Disease. Victim of abuse or crime. Depression. Failed marriage. The reasons for our broken heartedness are numerous and varied. But God’s compassion never fails and his mercy is new every morning. In fact, it is in the difficult and confusing times that he seems closer and we grow nearer to him. He will deliver us-though not always in the manner we ask or hope for. The bad can’t always be explained, but God’s presence can give us strength and new perspective.

Love Handles Tomorrow

     Matthew 6:34 Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (HCSB)
 

     Scarlet O’Hara in Gone With The Wind was famous for her remark, “I’ll think about that tomorrow” (whatever that happened to be). I’ve been guilty of saying it a few times myself, but my thinking often leads to worrying instead of trusting. Jesus’ statement is thought provoking and true. Everyday has enough trouble to keep us busy without worrying about tomorrow’s troubles. But he doesn’t imply we should worry about today’s troubles any more than we should about tomorrows or yesterdays. God controls the challenges of today, tomorrow, next month, next year, etc. He can heal past hurts, and whatever comes our way, he’s big enough to handle it and has promised to because he loves us.

Love Tests

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     James 1:2-3 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (HCSB)
 
     I was never fond of tests in school, especially pop quizzes. Inevitably, the teacher would ask one question I had not considered. With only five questions, I automatically scored a “B.” Nor did I appreciate discussion questions. The answers were too subjective which left room to lose points. And the tests haven’t stopped since graduation. They’re still coming even though I’ve now lived more than half my life. Tests at school were designed to examine my knowledge but God sends tests to help me analyze my faith. Will I trust that he knows what he’s doing? Do I depend on him to have my best interests at heart? Will I let him grow my faith even if it hurts? Choose to be happy when God sends the love tests.

Strong Love

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    Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
 
    Women were once taught to look for strong men who could protect them. Some still do. The women’s lib movement encouraged women to be independent and depend on themselves. Men were taught to protect their women. It was common to see boys involved in strength contests. But our greatest strength doesn’t come from exercise or the food we eat-although both are important. Our primary strength is produced by a relationship with Christ. We can do everything he asks of us because he is all powerful. He never asks us to follow where he hasn’t been nor does he require what he won’t enable us to do.

Contentedly Loved

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     Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (NIV)

     I admit. I’ve endured some circumstances I had difficulty being content with. I surely wasn’t happy. In fact, I was a little anxious and maybe a lot worried. Then it happened. I aged a little and what once caused me to fret no longer did. My perspective changed and so did my priorities. Paul’s list of adversities could make a grown man cry, but his secret of contentment can be enjoyed by everyone who follows Christ. Contentment is not identical with happiness or enjoyment. Contentment is accepting what God sends or allows because we believe he's in control and because his love will only deliver what's best for us in the long run. Since God’s in control and loves me, I can be content.

Love’s New Creation

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       II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)
     
     Our bodies don’t always perform as we desire. In spite of our best efforts to keep them in shape and young looking, wrinkles emerge, aging takes place and sicknesses appear. While there is no cure for outward aging, inner aging is treatable. In Christ, we can start over as babes. By accepting his forgiveness for our sins, we are born again. He takes away our old desires-the wrinkles of a sinful life, and replaces them with a new desire to obey his commands. And that is youthful living!

Love That Controls

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     Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJV)
     Perhaps no more favorite verse exists for Christians when they are troubled and tested by adverse circumstances. I’ve heard many quote it when they are hurting and facing confusing situations, and I myself have clung tenaciously to it when life seemed to fall apart. Life doesn’t always make sense. Read the book of Job, talk to a friend, listen to the news and you’ll agree. What do we do when we don’t know what to do? Remember God is in control in the clear and the confusing. He loves you as his child, so nothing happening is designed to harm you. He will protect and love you through all difficulties. And when you look back, he may even allow you to see the good that flowed from the undesirable.

God’s Love Sleep

    
     Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (NLT)
    
     Ever have trouble sleeping? I do. Sometimes it’s because I’m excited or anxious about the following day’s affairs. Or maybe a pain wakes me up, and I begin worrying that I’m about to have a medical emergency. I’ve never tried counting sheep, but I’ve been known to recite bible verses, and this is one of my favorites. In the middle of a field-with no fences, dogs, electric lights or other humans to help him ward off the enemies of his sheep, the psalmist slept in peace. How? He was confident God would keep him and his sheep safe. When the boogie men of night frighten you, remember you can sleep in peace because God is watching over you.

Love Not Fear

     
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     II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
    
    Fear can paralyze. A charging bear can cause a person to run or stand frozen in place. Decisions that are normally easy to make can transform themselves into periods of indecision when accompanied by fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. Anytime we are overcome by fear we have lost sight of who God is and his power over circumstances. Fear doesn’t originate with God. He only gives sound minds which result by remembering everything that touches us is Father filtered and love strained.

Love Sacrifices

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     Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2 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. (NIV)

     Have you ever felt like responding, “It’s my body. I’ll do with it what I want.” After someone warned you against a tattoo. Or explained why abortion was wrong. Or looked disgustingly at your body piercings. Maybe it was the clothes you wore or the color you chose for your hair. Nevertheless, who were they to pronounce judgment? Other’s opinions may or may not be valid, but God’s is important. Our bodies belong to him. So what’s right or wrong? Actions that control and enslave should be left alone. Love God with your body.

Love God’s Body

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     1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (NIV)
     I confess. I’ve not always loved my body. Once it was too skinny and now it’s too fluffy. As a teenager I tried to put weight on but at mid life I’m interested in taking some off. I’ve learned, however, my outward appearance is not nearly as important as the inner. My body houses God’s Spirit meaning God lives in me. I take him everywhere. Because God loves me, he will never leave me alone nor force me to face circumstances by myself unless I choose to. God loves us enough to live within us. Let’s love him enough to honor him with our actions, attitudes and words.

Power In Love

     1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV)
     Temptation has its sources: me, Satan, others. But never God. God cannot be tempted nor does he tempt. Me, on the other hand, I’m weak and what Satan doesn’t trick me with I usually trick me with. Sometimes, I’m my own worst enemy. God’s love entails power. He knows how much I can endure and will never allow temptation to cross that line. Satan is under his thumb, and there is always an avenue of escape. We are never justified in saying, “The devil made me do it.” God’s love can always get us over the hurdle.

Love For All Needs

      Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
      I often imagine I would be happy if God gave me everything I wanted, but I wouldn’t. Deep down, I know that and God knows that too. Stuff doesn’t bring happiness, and God’s job is not to be Santa Claus. But he has obligated himself to give us everything we need-food, clothes, shelter as well as the strength and abilities, to do whatever he calls us to do. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us because he will supply our every need.
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