Sep 2009
Love One Another
Sep 28, 2009
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
-John 13:34
Is it possible for a man and woman who fall in love and say, “I do” to remain in love forever? Is there such a thing as "happily ever after"? As we look at the marriages around us, it would be easy to conclude that remaining married and thriving in marriage might be possible but not probable. Some say anyone with a pulse can fall in love, but remaining in love takes work. Jesus taught us in this passage that real love isn't a feeling but an action. How will you choose to follow Christ's example to love those around you this week? If you are married, how will you choose this week to actively love your spouse?
We can move from a generation that is self absorbed to one that views life through God’s word; from living life based on our feelings to living life based on eternal truths; from what feels right to what is right. We do not automatically know how to love, but we learn from the example of our Heavenly Father.
I challenge you this week to write on a 3X5 card the words to John 13:34, and take that card and put it in a place so that it can be viewed by you several times throughout the day. Listening is one thing, but it is an entirely different ball game when we step up to the plate and choose to obey God's Word and not just hear it.
-Sidney
-John 13:34
Is it possible for a man and woman who fall in love and say, “I do” to remain in love forever? Is there such a thing as "happily ever after"? As we look at the marriages around us, it would be easy to conclude that remaining married and thriving in marriage might be possible but not probable. Some say anyone with a pulse can fall in love, but remaining in love takes work. Jesus taught us in this passage that real love isn't a feeling but an action. How will you choose to follow Christ's example to love those around you this week? If you are married, how will you choose this week to actively love your spouse?
We can move from a generation that is self absorbed to one that views life through God’s word; from living life based on our feelings to living life based on eternal truths; from what feels right to what is right. We do not automatically know how to love, but we learn from the example of our Heavenly Father.
I challenge you this week to write on a 3X5 card the words to John 13:34, and take that card and put it in a place so that it can be viewed by you several times throughout the day. Listening is one thing, but it is an entirely different ball game when we step up to the plate and choose to obey God's Word and not just hear it.
-Sidney
Count Your Blessings
Sep 14, 2009
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his loving kindness is everlasting.
-Psalms 107:1
Kids say the craziest of things....
On the way to church yesterday, the skies opened up and it began to pour. I could only think about how soaked we were going to get while unloading at church when one of the kids piped up from the back of the van, "Look Mom, God is giving us a free car wash."
So much of our lives is about perspective isn't it? Take an opportunity today to stop and count your blessings, and give thanks to the Lord. The old familiar hymn says, "Count them one by one” Take this advice, and make your list!
-Sidney
-Psalms 107:1
Kids say the craziest of things....
On the way to church yesterday, the skies opened up and it began to pour. I could only think about how soaked we were going to get while unloading at church when one of the kids piped up from the back of the van, "Look Mom, God is giving us a free car wash."
So much of our lives is about perspective isn't it? Take an opportunity today to stop and count your blessings, and give thanks to the Lord. The old familiar hymn says, "Count them one by one” Take this advice, and make your list!
-Sidney
So Close, But Far Away
Sep 08, 2009
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
-Matthew 7:21
What a great Florida State/ Miami football game last night! I would have loved for the outcome to have been different, but then there are those that are rejoicing over Miami's win. I watched pretty intently until about mid third quarter then I dozed off only to awake with about three minutes to go. What timing! I watched as Florida State drove down to the two yard line. It seemed that Bobby's team was going to pull it out only to be stopped several times and then have time run out. SO CLOSE, BUT THEN SO FAR AWAY.
Miami 38 Florida State 34. This morning, the players and coaches will relive last night’s loss, looking back and analyzing what could have been done differently. Can you imagine the thoughts, "if I would have....?” "If we would have...?” "If there had been time for one more play....?" CLOSE, BUT SO FAR AWAY....
In reference to trusting Christ, how many people are "close, but far away"? Our good works are good enough to get us to the front gate of Heaven, but not inside.
Jesus declared that there was only one way to heaven and that was through choosing to trust Him, then expressing our Faith in Christ by our actions. Does Jesus matter? You bet He does. Not only in how we live today but where we will spend eternity tomorrow.
-Sidney
-Matthew 7:21
What a great Florida State/ Miami football game last night! I would have loved for the outcome to have been different, but then there are those that are rejoicing over Miami's win. I watched pretty intently until about mid third quarter then I dozed off only to awake with about three minutes to go. What timing! I watched as Florida State drove down to the two yard line. It seemed that Bobby's team was going to pull it out only to be stopped several times and then have time run out. SO CLOSE, BUT THEN SO FAR AWAY.
Miami 38 Florida State 34. This morning, the players and coaches will relive last night’s loss, looking back and analyzing what could have been done differently. Can you imagine the thoughts, "if I would have....?” "If we would have...?” "If there had been time for one more play....?" CLOSE, BUT SO FAR AWAY....
In reference to trusting Christ, how many people are "close, but far away"? Our good works are good enough to get us to the front gate of Heaven, but not inside.
Jesus declared that there was only one way to heaven and that was through choosing to trust Him, then expressing our Faith in Christ by our actions. Does Jesus matter? You bet He does. Not only in how we live today but where we will spend eternity tomorrow.
-Sidney
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