Let love be your highest goal! I Corinthians 14:1 a.NLT

My reading through the Bible this year has brought me once again to Paul and his inspiring letters. I have noticed that in everyone, his emphasis is on how we handle relationships. In Ephesians 4:31, he instructs us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words. and slander as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven you. He makes it pretty clear, doesn’t he? If we are to follow Jesus, it seems we must pay attention to these types of verses.

I Thessalonians 2:12, We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in His Kingdom and glory. Oh, my friends, I wonder what would happen if we actually took these verses to heart? I am not sharing this to bring condemnation or guilt. I want to remind us how important the Lord cares how we treat one another. The day we celebrate is birth is quickly approaching. From Genesis to the Gospels, God planned to bring us salvation, already knowing the price it would cost Him. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to live unto themselves. Instead, he urged them to live lives that God would consider worthy. This way of living is obviously not how our flesh would want to live. My friends, there is so much joy in caring for one another. Recently, I’ve added a visit to my friends in assisted living each week. They have been members of our church for years. Contributing their time, talent and prayers for years. We were not necessarily close friends, but always enjoyed sharing about the goodness of God. Doctors diagnosed her husband with dementia, and he is now in hospice. Having been there with my own husband, I know how difficult it can be. So, fulfilling 2 Corinthians 1: 4, He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us, I go and visit them. It isn’t easy watching his progression, but I know it is much harder for his wife. There is something God’s love does for us when we reach out to others with His love. I told her, “I can’t go through this for you, but I can do my best to make sure you aren’t doing it alone”. Please understand. I am not bragging about what I am doing. I am amazed at the grace God has given me to do it! He will do it for you to, if you ask. I admit that sometimes I am too selfish. I don’t want to love those around me the way they need it. But then, His love convicts me, and I repent and start again.

Proverbs 17:17 says a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Matthew 5:44-45: But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

Luke 10:27: And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

John 13:34-35. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved, you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

I believe the verses above shares God’s heart on the matter. Asking Him to teach us how to love Him and His people is a high goal. It is not easy, and we can’t do it without His love being shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). Paul’s instructions in his letters make it really clear on what love is and how we are to show it. 1 Corinthians 14:1 comes right after 1 Corinthians 13; what we consider to be the “love chapter”. The New Living Bible says: Make love your highest goal, the NIV says: Follow the way of love. The Message: Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it. Wow, that’s pretty clear. Love is not an emotion; it is choices and actions. We can do this! Let’s encourage each other to grow in love this coming year, OK?

Father, please help us learn to love you and those around us more perfectly. We aren’t very good at it. Your word makes it very clear that it glorifies You when we live a life of love. You know what it costs us to lay down our lives for others, because You paid even more for us. Thank You for loving us, even when we make a mess of loving Your people. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15. NKJV.

I must admit, there are some days I feel a part of the “afflicted.” Difficulties coming from right and left to knock me off my faith walk. Then I focus on the ‘merry heart’ section and I know I have experienced that as well. The two words in this verse that can cause us trouble is the “all the days” and “continual” perspectives.

Many commentaries make it clear. The afflicted do not necessarily have more outward battles than those with a merry heart, but it is how they react to them. It is a matter of perspective. It is often our choice, isn’t it? Jesus tells us so kindly in John 14:1, Do not let your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. Life happens to everyone. Trials and tribulations hit every family. Jesus very clearly told us: In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33. NKJV. So the question to each of us is: how are we going to handle them?

Take time to take a deep breath. I usually begin by praying: Lord, help me. Simple prayer, but it reminds me He is there. This past week we received some news about one of my granddaughters. There was a possible diagnosis for a life-long and life changing illness. My heart sank when I read the text. Fortunately, I was just beginning our small group and asked for prayer. I forced my mind to stay focused on the fact it was only a possibility. The next night during our monthly prayer and worship meeting, our pastor asked if there was anyone dealing with undiagnosed medical issues. This is the first time I have heard him (or anyone!) do an altar call for undiagnosed medical issues! There were several of us who came. As I stood in for my granddaughter, I prayed “Father, please touch her body and let all things come back to normal.” Waiting another week challenged me to keep trusting, knowing that He has her future in His hands. The good news came back yesterday…all tests were normal!

I am so grateful for this good news. Our family has had its share of not the news we wanted to hear as well. But through each of these troubles, I have learned to trust Him and His perspectives. They aren’t mine. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. When in doubt, trust Him. I read a quote by Joyce Meyer the other day. It is food for thought: Is your problem really your problem, or is it your attitude towards the problem that is your problem. Learning to ask Him to help you change your perspective is a huge tool. Like most new tools, it can take some effort to learn to use it, but it is doable, and oh so useful!

The Message Bible reads: a miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song. The New Living Translation reads: For the despondent, everyday brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. They give us a slightly different perspectives. Jesus came to give us life, and that more abundantly so if your heart is afraid, miserable or feeling despondent don’t run from Him, run to Him. Take the time to ask for His help with the different areas of your life where you maybe feeling afflicted. He wants to help.

Father, I thank you for helping us in these difficult areas. You know our days on earth can be difficult, but you encourage us to be of good cheer because you overcame those difficulties for us. Please help us believe Your Word and who You are, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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. Isaiah 41:10. NLT.

Discouragement is real. It is something we all have to learn to overcome, or we will be defeated by it. The definition of discouragement is a loss of confidence and enthusiasm. The loss of confidence can be triggered by a look, a word or the lack there of. It is amazing how small an action can lead to great discouragement. I think it is one of Satan’s weapon he loves to use.

My friends, if you are facing an area of discouragement today, please take time to ponder Isaiah 41: 10. First thought: Don’t be afraid. Often the reason discouragement hinders us is because it brings its buddy, fear, along with it. Fear we aren’t enough. Fear people will find out that we are not enough. But the Lord is telling us we don’t have to be afraid because He is with us.

Second thought: Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. My heart was so encouraged by remembering that He is my God. I can come to Him anytime and anyplace. When I am up or when I am down. He never stops being my God. When I fail or when I succeed, He is still my God. His power and love are always accessible to me. His forgiveness, mercy and acceptance are mine to enjoy. That is not just words, because He is always there in His whole “Godness”..if that makes sense!

Third thought: I will strengthen you. If He declares He will strengthen us, it means He knows there are times we will be weak. That weakness can come as discouragement, doubt (in ourselves or Him), or disobedience. It doesn’t matter if we go to Him as our God; He will be there to strengthen any weak place. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:16. NLT. My friends’ discouragement seeks to weaken our confidence. God intends to help our confidence move from self-dependence to God-dependence. Instead of being discouraged by your weakness, lean into Him and His strength.

Fourth thought: and help you. Often when discouragement seems to be winning, it is because we really haven’t turned to Him. We simply allow our feelings to make us feel bad. We don’t allow His truth to set us free, so we remain in bondage to discouragement. Ask for His help, receive His help and obey His help. You will move from discouragement to encouragement quickly! His help often comes in the promises we find in His Word. I encourage you not only to read it, but to apply it!

Fifth thought: I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. In reality, we can’t accomplish anything without Him. It is His righteousness that we walk in, not our own. He will never let go of us, no matter what. Sin, shame, disobedience will of course have to be repented of, but they needn’t keep us in the bondage of discouragement. Confessing sin and repenting quickly leads us back to encouragement. It reminds us of the loving Savior we not only need, but have. Our confidence and enthusiasm to walk in His ways is restored. Do not let discouragement hold you down or back. Joy is your portion, my friend.

Father, I thank you for helping us defeat discouragement. It’s hold is broken on my life today. I thank you for restoring confidence and enthusiasm for anyone who has fallen victim to this sneaky thief, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God, the skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. Psalm 19:1-2. NLT.

Oh my friends, have you been caught up in the cares of your world? Have the weights and heaviness of your problems or the problems of others distracting you? I urge you to stop. Take a breath. Look up and look out. Find something God created. Stop. Take another breath. Really look at it. Focus! How do you feel? A bit better?

Thirty-six years ago, my husband packed three small maple tree saplings in his suitcase from Connecticut. He kept them in a bucket for a year at our home in Oregon, and thirty five years ago he planted them here in our yard in Oak Harbor, Washington. We had to remove one of them, but the other two have grown into amazing beautiful trees. This past week they exploded in glorious fall color. The stunning colors are so intense that it almost takes your breath away. The beauty of it arrests me–causes me to pause several times a day. I pray for our East Coast friends as I enjoy and remember the beauty of the autumn season.

I forgot how the beauty of God’s creation refreshes our souls. I am such a put my head down and get’er done type of gal. On our road trips, I would read, crochet or work on a project. My husband would say, why don’t you put that away and enjoy the scenery! When I have taken the time to look at His handiwork, I am awestruck! I still remember my first view of the Grand Canyon, the amazing wonder of floating icebergs in Alaska, and the overwhelming tranquility that comes from sitting at the ocean. Driving through the desert and discovering God’s diverse creativity was such a gift. I had the privilege of studying astronomy with my grandchildren a few years ago. It brought the truth of Psalm 19:1-2 into my soul. The heavens proclaim the glory of God, the skies display his craftsmanship. NLT.

It was almost like the Lord knew I needed this tree to be this amazing this year. It is so colorful it almost glows! Even the reflection in my window brings joy to my soul. Life has been busy–mostly good busy, but I have not stopped to enjoy it! I think God is trying to teach this old daughter to add enjoyment to her life…how about you? Or are you wired another way? My daughter makes the time to go to the beach. She deliberately chooses to take advantage of God’s creation to refresh her soul. I, on the other hand, need it thrust in my face! She teaches me often.

This summer we enjoyed the shade the leaves provided. But as fall drew near, all I could think about is how are we going to deal with these leaves this year? The joy of the tree got lost in the caring for the tree. I think that happens in much of our lives, if we let it. The joy of parenting gets lost in dealing with teaching and training of little lives. The joyful relationship with our spouses gets drowned out in navigating the cares of bills and differing opinions. Even our relationship with the Lord can become wearisome if we reduce it to routinely prayer, reading the word with a nod to “what do you want me to do today?” The gift of this tree felt like a burden. For the past several years, my grandchildren have dealt with these leaves. It’s been such a gift and blessing. But their lives have been getting busier and busier. One is at an internship in another state, another started college and one is heavy into ballet. So, I wasn’t sure how this year would go. But the 12 year old is willing to take on the task…with maybe some additional help from others. (I do pay them!) We also have a giant willow tree that also loses its leaves!

The obvious glory of the Lord displayed in these trees is fleeting. But the miraculous system God created in the seasonal cycle of every tree is just that: miraculous. Fall happens; the leaves change color, they drop, the tree looks barren and hopeless, but then spring begins to cause the leaves to develop and we begin again. God’s glory is still being displayed in the winter tree. Romans 1:20:b states: through everything God made, they [people] can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. NLT. God’s creation is for everyone not only to enjoy, but to cause us to really see and comprehend Him.

John Piper said: the glory of God is the manifest beauty of his holiness. It is the going public of his holiness. I love this…the fact that God’s creation is God going public with his character, his power and his majesty is amazing. He wants all of his creation to share in his creativity–especially his creation called man.

This tree always goes through its seasonal cycle, but not always in so much glory. This year my soul needed to stop and be reminded of God’s glory. I took a picture, but it does not capture in anyway how stunning it is. My friends take time to look at God’s creation around you…it will bring refreshment to your soul.

Father, you amaze me. You could have made life in black, white, and grays. Instead, you chose to give us an amazing world of technicolor. The color often catches our eyes to see the subtle intricacies of the world around us. Help us focus on what you have displayed, but we have not seen or comprehended.

I have told you all these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy], I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished. My victory abiding.] John 16:33 Amplified

Aren’t you glad Jesus included these challenging, yet comforting words. I want to remind each of us that He already knew exactly the tribulations, the distress and any suffering that you will face as a believer. They have not caught Him unaware, but He not only was aware of it, but I believe He tries to prepare us for them. He is that good of a Father. We are often too much like little children and don’t pay attention to these lessons!

Last week, in Faith and Reality Check I share the ongoing story of my Messenger friend, Mary in India. Her husband and father in law were arrested for preaching conversion. It is now against the law to preach “conversion” or the gospel in at least 11 of the 28 states in India. Mary and her family live in one of these states. Recently in their state, the political climate grew more hostile to Christians, as radical Hindus were elected. It became one of their agenda’s to persecute evangelicals who try to share the gospel. They went to court this Tuesday, and were released on bail with the strict understanding that they are prohibited from meeting in their home for worship services.

My mornings devotion just happened to lead me to Matthew 10:16. Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other believers about me. Matthew 10:33:16-18. NLT. I have read these verses every time I read through the Bible. I think about the early believers who were martyred for our faith. Those that stood in the arenas and were used for entertainment. I think about those who have been arrested for their faith in communist countries. My heart gets heavy. I pray for them…but then my life moves on. The verb tense Jesus uses in these scriptures are very clear. You will stand trial. It not only will happen, but it is happening. If you were arrested, would you see this as an opportunity to share the gospel with those who might not otherwise hear? It is a high price. One of my friends was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During her hospitalization, many nurses and staff came into her room drawn by the peace and joy they found there. People they would never have come into contact with, except for this tribulation. God used it to encourage many.

My thoughts this morning naturally turned to my friend and her situation in India. Their lawyer is warning them that this will be a long ordeal. They could face a long jail term or even life sentences. Jesus’ words continue in Matthew 10. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say, God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who are speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. It is their time to be before the courts, it is their time to choose to lean into this promise. I am praying they will lean into Jesus’ words and be bold and courageous.

But I am also thinking about myself. How would I fare during such a trial? Reading Paul’s statements in 2 Timothy3:10-13 gives us more direction and the reality of persecution. But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra–but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 2 Timothy 3:10-14. NLT. My friends, we must not be afraid to read and study these parts of the scripture. We must not gloss over them, thinking they are for someone else. If we don’t need them today, then pray for those that do.

Another reason I am writing on this topic is the hope we will equipping the next generation. The spiritual climate in our own nation is changing. I don’t know what it will look like when my own grandchildren are my age, but I know we need to equip them. Paul freely shared with Timothy not only the truth of his persecution and suffering, but he did it with the desire to encourage him to persevere. It is imperative that we teach the next generation how to boldly walk in faith and courage. It is a legacy we must model not just talk about.

My friends, please keep praying for all those being persecuted for their faith…either in big ways or smaller ways. Job discrimination, family estrangement, intimidation and other forms of oppression are occurring in many believers lives. God wants to be a very present help in these kinds of troubles as well. I encourage you to take the time to read the rest of Matthew 10. You will find wonderful words not only that challenge, but strengthen. God’s Word is one way He helps prepare us for any test ahead. Let’s become even better students.

Father, I pray again for all our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their stand and belief in you. I ask you to strengthen their resolve to be a light in the midst of their darkness. I pray good fruit will be born through their tribulation and suffering. Equip us to stand, in Jesus’ name, amen.

If you would like to send any support to Mary Kishor and her family situation. Here is her PayPal account. marymessiah@yahoo.com. If you want to become her FB friend: Connect with Mary Kishor. Thank you.