Posts Tagged ‘Love’

Following Suit on Brokenness

April 30th, 2010 by Shane Reichart

We’re working through brokenness; God deserves it from us. In a big step of faith and leadership, one of our worship leaders confessed to our congregation that God needs to break his calloused heart so he can truly love people.  He then went on to ask people to approach him more often and force interaction — to hold him accountable! This challenged me to ask myself what God must break to mold me into Christ-likeness.

God needs to radically break me of my pride. I understand how much God loves me, but in some ways that awareness has become a problem. Isn’t that how Satan works? He takes something good God created and twists it. Satan twisted me into thinking that somehow I’m earning God’s love.

I take pride in leading others to Christ instead of in the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives.
I take pride in teaching truth instead of in God’s provision of The Truth.
I take pride in serving instead of in The Servant, Jesus.
I take pride in my talents instead of in the Master who entrusts them.
I take pride in what I give instead of in The Giver of All Things.
I take pride in how “Christian” I am instead of in Christ.

God loves me because He is Love, not because I’m valuable here in His earthly kingdom. I’ll never earn His love. God loves me while I am still a sinner. (Romans 5:8) Why do I (more…)

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Love: I will Give.

January 15th, 2010 by Donald Drake

Love. Love is a word that seems to be a central theme to our Christian faith. We say the word frequently; we see it in scripture; it is indeed a very important part and should be the central theme to our Christian living. But what does it REALLY mean?

The Hebrew word for “love” is taken from “e hav” which means “I will give.” A good example of its use comes from John 3:16 - ”For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” Paul also talks about love when he says, ” Brethren, love one another even as Christ loved the church and gave himself to her.” So love is a giving of ourselves. It is the giving of our time, resources, even our very lives. “No greater love that a man has that he lay down his life…”

I see “giving” as the central theme to pastor Scott’s message this last weekend. Everyone received $20 to bless someone who does not know Christ in a meaningful way. However, I believe that the most central theme in this sermon is not the giving of money (more…)

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Adoption – God’s Point of View

December 26th, 2009 by Shanan

God has called us to adopt a little one in need of a forever family.  We started down the path He set into motion for us.  We have fallen in love with this unborn child and have been praying for baby and mom daily.  We have looked forward to giving this little one a home that is filled with love and the joy and stability of a Christian family that understands this little life is precious and so full of potential.
 
Then two days before Christmas we learn the birth mom has changed her mind and chosen to keep the baby.  We were heartbroken and devastated to learn our precious child will not be coming home to live with us after all.  Today the thought hit me (more…)

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Spiritual Leadership Vs. Maturity

June 16th, 2009 by Shane Reichart

Hey Pastors!
I’m considering a dating relationship with an incredible woman of God. In many ways, I feel I don’t measure up to her in my walk with Christ. In a dating/marriage relationship, is the man always the spiritual leader in God’s eyes?

Sincerely,
Les Christian

Dear Les,
While the male realistically isn’t always the spiritual leader, it is God’s will that he step up and be (more…)

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The 1st Great Gift

June 9th, 2009 by Shane Reichart

If you’re like me, you’ve begged God to take away your free will.

Eternal life through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gift there will ever be.  But free will is a great gift which set the stage for God’s redemptive strategy.

Worship and adoration from trillions of souls would be meaningless unless those souls chose to love him.  While God did not create evil, by allowing free will he introduced a potential for evil. This potential was a necessary byproduct in the creation of true, voluntary love.

To some degree, angels have a choice whether to love God.  But unlike angels, (more…)

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