Love is...

“Love is the most characteristic and comprehensive act of the human being.  We are most ourselves when we love; we are most the People of God when we love.  But love is not an abstract word defined out of a dictionary.   In order to love maturely we have to live and absorb and enter into this world of salvation and freedom… Learn the life of worship, and realize our unique identity as the People of God who love.”  (The Message, Pg. 17)

Love is living out the Word of God in your life and sharing His amazing Word with others.

Reading the Word of God

There are so many believers of Christ but have never taken time to read the Bible because at first glance it comes across so complicated, so intense; sometimes dark and dreary, sometimes love and light filled.  Some are afraid that they will have to live a way in which they don't want, and some are afraid that the Bible will prove to them just how awful they are.  These thoughts cannot be further from the truth!  I love the Introduction to The Message; +Eugene Patterson gives this (which is one of many) synopsis of what the Bible does for those that read it:

"... these stories and songs, these prayers and conversations, these sermons and visions, invite us into this large, large world in which the invisible God is behind and involved in everything visible and illuminates what it means to live here - really live, not just get across the street.  As we read, and the longer we read, we begin to "get it" - we are in conversation with God.  We find ourselves listening and answering matters that most concern us; who we are, where we came from, where we are going, what makes us tick, the texture of the world and the communities we live in, and - most of all - the incredible love of God among us, doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves."

The Bible is for all of us! It is a must read for those that call themselves believers in Christ.  Not only will it open your heart even further for the love of God, but it will open your heart wide to the reality of how much you are loved and the price that was paid for you to be here today.  So, if you haven't, open the Bible and read it - front to back.  Not only will it give you amazing insight to yourself and this life of yours, it will give you amazing insight of the eternal future to which you have an open door.

Thank you +Eugene Patterson - author of  +The Message

The Holy Spirit says, Come!

"The [Holy] Spirit and the bride say, Come!  And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost." Revelation 22:17

Come to Jesus and truly know what living is all about, in this life and in life eternal with Christ Jesus.

Image graciously borrowed from +https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://jesussurvives.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/come-to-jesus.jpg&imgrefurl=http://jesussurvives.com/come-to-jesus/&h=200&w=600&tbnid=2u35JecGM1n2lM:&docid=ZlnU3DdGgfUFNM&ei=XpTRVrWSEc60jwO2n7GYBg&tbm=isch&ved=0ahUKEwi1ua7x9pfLAhVO2mMKHbZPDGMQMwgjKAYwBg

When Jesus comes back

When Jesus comes back, His home will be with me.  He will live among us; we shall be His people, and He shall personally be with us.  He will wipe away every tear from our eyes; death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish nor grief nor pain, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.  God makes all things new.  God is and always will be the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  Adapted from Revelation 21

Thank you for this image +prayingsweetheart@blogspot.com

My goodness!  The second coming of Christ is something to excited about.

The Book of Life

“And if anyone’s [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

The Book of Life is for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; who walk and live  in accordance to His promises and plans; who sincerely repent for their sins; who live their lives in honesty, integrity, and rightness; and who give God all the glory!  The Book of Life never fills up and no age limit is required!!  

Thank you for the image +https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiAxK6g5JHLAhVQz2MKHYbDDegQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fangeltaleadventures.com%2Fclub.php&psig=AFQjCNGb2DoAZENgn1ZbV-V_jkhWLlDLMQ&ust=1456450717124228

THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS

Worship God! 

The One Who is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness)... 

THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Adapted from Revelation 19:10,11,16

To worship anything or anyone else will only lead to a life of defeat, deception, and eternal death.

Doing good

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Make doing good part of who you are, part of your DNA - go out of your way to do good for people.   I guarantee the light of Christ will shine within, and around you, and you will have an aura, which is Jesus, surrounding your life, filling you with peace and joy, giving you abundance and blessing, and making people flock to be with you; wanting to be close to that Aura that they have yet to experience for themselves.  

 

Thank you https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjanr_44ozLAhVL0WMKHWOWA2YQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimknaggs.com%2Fgood%2F&psig=AFQjCNEdmm7WfIugcrzdQ62D9684pNk71Q&ust=1456278569334156

Righteous and just is He

".. Righteous (just) are You in these Your decisions and judgments, You Who are and were, O Holy One!" Revelation 16:5 AMPC

The decisions that God places in your heart are decisions you can count on.  Follow them - righteous and just they are, and, if followed, righteous and just will you be also.

 

Thank you +J.D. Hicks. +https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjS0vq474jLAhUB1GMKHa3MBMUQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fourshelteringtree.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F03%2Fgrace-in-pile-of-rags.html&psig=AFQjCNGZq3Cdo6mD-sNZzpx1CjwMTrFy4Q&ust=1456144548587429
 

Satan defeated.

 

"And they have overcome (conquered) him by the blood of the Lamb..." Revelation 12:14 AMPC

Satan is real, but when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you need not worry any longer - His blood has defeated the devil for you.  

Therefore, live in freedom, live in joy, live in peace, and live like you mean it ~ Live out loud!!

Thank you for the image +http://image.slidesharecdn.com/04jesustheworld-140511191911-phpapp01/95/the-elemental-spirits-of-the-world-5-638.jpg?cb=1399970010

God's children will rise

“… by God’s gift the breath of life again entered into them, and they rose up on their feet, and great dread and terror fell on those who watched them.” Revelation 11:11

 

God’s children may get knocked down, but by God’s great mercy, they will soon stand tall once again.  So, as a child of God’s, don’t worry about the set-backs that are sure to come, but embrace them, keep the faith, and know that you know that God has a mighty plan for your life, and the set-backs to come are actually set-ups for God’s amazing glory to shine through your life.

 Thank you for the image +https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjD5t-qn4XLAhVO3mMKHQ4LA0MQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibleencyclopedia.com%2Fslides%2Frevelation%2F11-11.htm&psig=AFQjCNFYVmlx-pKQXk-9lv0GMJL7anS69w&ust=1456019580452786

 

They shall hunger no more

“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;  neither shall the sun smite them, nor any scorching heat. [Isa. 49:10; Ps. 121:6]” Revelation 7:16

Once you surrender complete (emphasis on complete) control of your life over to God, He takes control, and hunger, thirst, and pain will be things you need not worry over ever again.

God in our midst

“For the Lamb Who is in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to the springs of waters of life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17

God is in your midst, let Him guide you; let Him wipe the tears from your eyes and lead you to the living waters of life.  He will, He wants to, and He is ready at any time - all you have to do is let Him.

The Lion - The Root

“See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root (Source) of David, has won (has overcome and conquered)!...” Revelation 5:5

Jesus is the Lion and the Root (Source).  He has overcome and conquered all the forces of darkness and death, and He did this by dying on the cross – He did this for me and you.  So, praise God in all His might, in all His glory, and let darkness and death mean nothing to you.  Yes, because Jesus paid the price for us all, you need not to waste your precious time, energy, and emotion on death and darkness – they need not be of any worry to you anymore.

Worthy is He

“Worthy are you our Lord and God to receive the glory and the honor and dominion, for you created all things; by your will they were [brought into being] and were created. [Ps. 19:1.]” Revelation 4:11

Praise God for our lives; praise God for being our Light!

Praise God because He is, was, and always will be the reason we have this beautiful blessing called life.

He who is able to hear

"He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).  To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with new name engraved on the stone which no one knows or understands except he who receives it. [Ps. 78:24: Isa. 62.2.]" Revelation 2:17 AMPC

To him who conquers what, you may ask?  It is to him that conquers falling into the likes of Satan; to him that stands up to sin, stands up to wrong-doing, stands up to evil... to him who stands up for God.  If you stay out of the world (out of sin), and lean on God for all understanding, faith, and perseverance, then you will come out victorious in all your life's endeavors. God will make you leader over many, He will have a special stone with a new name, meaning He will change you into His likeness, give you abounding victory, and give you a life of blessing, peace, joy, favor and the like.  In essence, you will have the Spirits power, enabling you to change the world in which you live.

Thank you for the image +https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiKxdLq4_TKAhUE1mMKHZjLBOEQjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristrescuemission.org%2F134the_tree_of_life_weekly_bible_study&psig=AFQjCNEAofbVuxAGsVZMk2COp3XfBDjw5Q&ust=1455454273812708

We are free

"...To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood..." Revelation 1:5

Praise Jesus!!  We are free!!

Keep yourself in the love of God

But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith… Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), [which will bring you] unto life eternal…” Jude 20-21

If you stay out of the world and stay focused on God,  you will avoid many a hurt, many an argument, and many unnecessary struggles; you will avoid dead-end roads, wasted time, conversations, and actions that are an utter waste of time and energy.  

 

In essence, you will avoid distractions that keep you from the favor of God over your life!

Share your God

“Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good.  He who does good is of God…”  III John 11

Doing good gives non-believers light in the darkness. Doing good brings joy to a sad soul. Doing good comes from God.

So, share your goodness… share your God.

Total victory

“And what this love consists in is this: that we love and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments (His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching)…” II John 6

A life living in love and following the commands of Christ is a life living in God – a life living in total victory.

Whatever is born of God

“For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even out faith.” 1 John 5:4 AMPC

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you become instantly born of Him, which means you are instantly given the Power (The Spirit) to conquer all the forces of the world’s darkness’s and demons; you are instantly given the ability to be victorious over your life.

My friend, you are God’s amazing child, you are powerful, you have victory, and your life is waiting for you to live as such.

There is no fear in love

"There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror!..." 1 John 4:18 AMPC

+http://geniusquotes.org/tag/love-no-fear/

There is no fear in love because there is no fear in God; God is love.  So, next time you feel fear, dread, terror, etc., double check to make sure you haven't stepped away of from God and into the world.  If you have stepped out of God's will and into your own, then step right back into God. However, if you spend quality time with Him daily and are in consistent, heart-felt, prayer with Him, yet you still feel fear, then, repeat this verse, and every verse you can find on fear, over and over until they sink back into your soul; it could be that you are going through the motions, but your heart and mind has drifted, which can happen to the best of us.  

Friends, God's Word is powerful, and no matter what situation you are in, there is something in there for you to grasp onto at anytime and in any predicament at hand - keep digging and keep praying.  In turn, you will hear a word that will calm you down, cheer you up, and give you hope for something great.  When that happens, that is God, He is with you, and He is letting you know that it is all going to turn out perfectly.

Thank you for the image +https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiFuLiM1eXKAhUC5mMKHcVyCkcQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgeniusquotes.org%2Ftag%2Flove-no-fear%2F&psig=AFQjCNH8qc_vE_NpZI6PQc478XG8w6VyAw&ust=1454934872936422

Love is from God ~ God is love

http://www.daughtersofcarmel.org/uploads/7/1/5/5/7155870/6428268_orig.jpg

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love (springs) from God... He who does not love has not become acquainted with God.. for God is love."1 John 4:7-8 AMPC

"Beloved, if God loves us so [very much], we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11 AMPC

Love makes this dark world brighter.  Love makes our lives more joyful.  Love can bring healing to the soul.  Love lifts one from the depths of darkness and death.  Love overcomes all evil.  Love shows off our amazing God.  Loves comes from within us.  

Love lives ~  Love is of God ~ God is love!! 

Thank you for the image +www.daughtersofcarmel.org

Whatever we ask

“And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.” 1 John 3:22 AMPC

There could be two reasons that we don’t receive what we desire, what we are hoping for: Either we aren’t asking, or we are asking, but we aren’t doing what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do in other areas of our lives.  We can’t be asking God for blessings, yet doing nothing for God in return; we should be asking and doing both.  So, think about your prayers, then think about your actions – do they coincide with the leading of the Lord in your life?  If not, change your actions and ask with a pure heart.  Now, if they do line up, and what you are asking for still isn’t coming into fruition, then what you are asking for isn’t good enough for you, and God has something much better in store.  So, keep the faith, live with patience, and let the good Lord bring your prayers into reality in His way and in His timing.

 

Abiding in love

“… He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death.” 1 John 3:14 AMPC

God is love, and abiding in His love is living, good and God-given living.  Therefore, share your love, express your loves, walk in love, be love, and embrace love.  If you do,  you will experience life and life to the utmost.

On the other hand, if you decide to succumb to hate, the opposite happens: death overtakes your soul, darkness becomes your quality of life, and joy is nowhere to be found.

So, grasp on to Love – grasp on to God - and let the joy of living an abundant life be yours for the taking.

The anointing

“But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you…” 1 John 2:27 AMPC

When it comes to living a righteous life and making good and godly choices, you don’t need to keep asking the world, you only need to ask God.  The answer resides within– the Holy Spirit – and His answers will never lead in the wrong direction, or cause wrong choices to be made.

So, stay away from the world when it comes to making big decisions or seeking big answers.  Instead, seek God, He will never let you down.

If anyone loves the world...

“Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world.  If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 AMPC

Therefore, love God first and foremost.  Then, all the good things of the world will be added blessings for you because He cares and loves you so much!!

God is Light

“… God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no not in any way].” 1 John 1:5

When you feel lost and afraid, call on God – He will always lead you in the right direction.  He will turn your darkness into His light, He will shine forth the way in which you should go, and He will shine forth the way to freedom and victory.  So, watch for His light, it is always there – never, ever, to fail you.