OUTDO IN LOVE

Hi !

I’ve been reading a Christian novel by Gary Smalley, The Dance, and in it a character said to another, “outdo” yourself in love.  That word got me curious and here is the verse I found:   Romans 12:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

A good direction for us to take, don’t you think?  Paul is talking about belonging to the family of God and how to behave.  I think this kind of godly love will also work for the unbelievers with whom we live and witness. 

Seems to me it’s a two-part directive for living – a directive that depends on God’s supernatural love and power living in us.  Our natural nature is too selfish to live in such a way. 

Directive One – Love one another with brotherly affection.  How do I do that? John MacArthur offers this possibility: Be lovingly loving with one another with loving love!  Redundant or is that the supernatural, godly way to treat others? I saw an ad on TV recently for a restaurant that caught my attention: “When you’re here, you’re family.”

This is a good motto for us…when you’re in my home, my car, my church, my Bible study class…my presence – YOU ARE FAMILY.  As believers we are given many instructions about how to treat family, Hebrews 13:1 (NLT)  Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters, is a good example.

John 13:34-35 (ESV)  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. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 John 3:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

We are talking about loving others the way Jesus loved us and others…supernatural love.  This kind of love is more than having warm feelings – it is having a loving attitude that is shown by our actions.

Loving the way Jesus loves is not always convenient; it requires giving when it hurts; devoting energy to others’ well being; it also means absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back.  THIS KIND OF LOVE IS HARD TO DO…that’s why people notice it when we love that way.

Family love – action love -  also allows for weaknesses and imperfections; it communicates; deals with problems; affirms and encourages; and has a strong commitment to others in the family.  Sure am glad I am not expected to love this way without His help!

Directive Two – Outdo one another in showing honor. 

To “outdo” means to go beyond in action or performance. We are directed to go BEYOND the ordinary when we are putting others before ourselves.  We are to value others and respect them. We are to do this because they are God’s creation; because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ; and because God, Our Father, values them.

The word “honor” literally means a “heavy weight.” It implies that we assign the greatest possible weight to a person in terms of respect by holding them in “high regard.” To honor someone is to measure his or her value on a scale and conclude that it is “heavy.” On the other hand, to “dishonor” means to treat someone as if they were “light or insignificant.” We’re called to prefer (favor, give preference to, choose) others above ourselves. The idea is that we will take the lead in showing the honor that is due to each other in the family of God.

Well, girls, we know what to do – the directions are clear. Let’s us be woman today, this week-end, for our lifetime…that Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Joyfully,

Yvonne

A SHINING LIGHT

In my guest bedroom I have an antique, hand-painted lamp that I dearly treasure; it belonged to a good friend of my mother’s.  It doesn’t give out a whole lot of light, but its light is soft and welcoming.  That lamp sets a warm tone for our guest room.  Thinking about lamps, let me share this quote from June Masters Sacher,

   The world can be a dark, chilly place or it can be warmed by lamps of love.

Don’t you agree? Our world needs the warmth of love.

Luke 8:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In these verses, the “lamp” is those of us who have been illuminated by our faith in Jesus; in other words, we reflect the light of Christ that lives in us.  Let me share a few “lamp” thoughts.

Our lamp is to be seen.  In a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity, we are to shine. We cannot let our light be so dim that our faith in Jesus is invisible to those around us.  One of our daily goals must be to seek ways to let our lights shine for unbelievers to see.

Our lamp is to honor the Father.  The light we shine (our actions – our good works – our kindness – our helpfulness) has one purpose and only one purpose: so that others will see God.  We are not shining so we look good, but so that others will see the Father and be drawn towards Him.  Our lives are what people see; through our actions we choose what we are going to spotlight - we choose who is going to be seen and honored.

Our lamp is to show our character. Christ said, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12; John 9:5). He also says that His followers are to be like Him—"the light of the world."  As we become like Christ more and more we are to shine brightly with the light of Jesus pouring through us to light the way for others. WOW – that is a challenging responsibility Jesus has given us; sure am glad we don’t have to do it in our own power!

For us to be bright, shining lamps in the world, we must live as Jesus lived – do what Jesus did – think as Jesus thought. Our lights shine when we surrender the power to the Everlasting Light Source.

Sing with me….

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out.
I’m gonna let it shine.
Won’t let Satan blow it out.
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, no!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, no!
I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…

Choose to be a brilliant, beaming spotlight today not a dim, flickering stub of a candle!  SHINE GIRLS, SHINE!

Joyfully,

Yvonne

AUTUMN

I read somewhere that Autumn is a celebration of nature!  Whether we live in a cool climate with changing leaves and such colorful beauty or not, we can always find God's creative hand, visible and inspiring at this time of year.  LOOK FOR IT - DON'T MISS IT!

Plumb Line

I love this question that Rick Warren asked in his daily devotion: Do your goals help you know God, grow in God, serve God, share God, love God, and tell others about God?  It makes me realize how important it is for us to honestly evaluate where we are headed in our Christian journey.  The above questions are a wonderful plumb line for us….whenever the answer is NO - the decision is made, DO NOT THINK IT, DO NOT DO IT, DO NOT SHARE IT!

The Holman Bible Dictionary defines a plumb line: A cord with a weight (usually metal or stone) attached to one end. The plumb line would be dangled beside a wall during its construction to assure vertical accuracy. The plumb line was sometimes used symbolically to mean that God was checking to see if his people were living righteously.

 I love God’s plumb lines because:

One – They were physically used during a building project. Spiritually speaking, they remind me that I am a construction project. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his  work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Two – The spiritual plumb lines I find in God’s Word, give me standards to live by and to evaluate my life’s actions.

Three – Plumb lines remind me that God is watching me and knows exactly who I am, what I’m thinking, and how I am living.

Four – Plumb lines leave nothing to chance. They take away all of my excuses. They give me a clear sense of direction.  I know exactly how God wants me to live.

Here are a few of my “Plumb-line” verses….verses that hold me to God’s standard for living:

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
² Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Micah 6:8 (NLT)
⁸ No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

The above are just a few verses to use for evaluation – God’s Word is chocked full of such tools.  I want to thank you Lord for giving me standards and guidelines for my life. I need boundaries and I need goals – Your Word gives me both.

Joyfully,

Yvonne

FALL IS HERE!

Hi !

My pumpkins sit all in a row on my mantle; the fall fruit and gourds are displayed on my table; and I’m getting ready to plant crotons in my patio pots. What does all of this mean? FALL IS HERE!  I love fall! I love candy corn, apple cider, and spaghetti (who eats it during the summer?)  Here in southeast Texas we don’t have many trees changing color, but I enjoy looking at the exquisite pictures of fall leaves and feeling the cooler temperatures.   During this time of the year, I find myself singing,

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

This change of season leads me to appreciate God’s creativity and the truth of Who he is.  I am again reminded that He is in control of this beautiful world in which I live.

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

These verses from Colossians remind us of Jesus’ wonderful connection to Creation.  Paul reminds us of these truths:

He Created All Things -

Jesus is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create .  John 1:3 (ESV) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

This really puts our world in perspective, doesn’t it? Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute authority and supremacy over all creation…all things in heaven and earth; visible and invisible. All things are under His command!  Since only God can be the Creator, this verse also makes it absolutely clear that Jesus is divine. Not only is he the perfect image of God, He is God!

All Things Exist for Him- Everything exists in Him, for Him, and through Him. Jesus Christ is the Sphere in which they exist, the Agent through which they came into being, and the One for whom they were made.(Warren Wiersbe). 

Creation exists for Him and here we see a glimpse into His heart. Oh, how He loves you and me!  Creation was formed so that Christ might : Love it – Bless it – Redeem it – Receive it – Save it – Exalt it !  As a part of His creation we owe Him praise and honor, worship and service.  We exist for Him, our Creator!

He Holds All Things Together – Jesus is eternally self-existent – this is an attribute only of God – no one created God. Because this is true, Jesus is before all things. Jesus sustains our universe.  Because of Him, all things hold together!  What hope and confidence we receive from this truth – we are not living in an out-of-control, chaotic world. Our world is in His hand – His hand keeps it going and continues it.

So, we have a wonderful opportunity during this time of year…every time we see the colors of Autumn…each time we sip hot apple cider…whenever we slip on a sweater or a cozy scarf… we can take a moment to praise our Jesus who made us who we are, who sustains us each day, and who chooses to spend eternity with us!  Lord of all, to thee we raise – These our grateful words of praise …and adoration. Set aside Fall as a special time of worship!

Joyfully,

Yvonne

Our Navigator

I did some reading this week about the North Star.  Polaris is the northern pole star,  known as the North Star.  While other stars' positions in the sky change throughout the night, as they rotate around the poles, the pole star’s position remains fixed. This makes the North Star especially useful in navigation: it is a dependable indicator of the direction toward the North Pole.  Although modern technology doesn’t make this star as vital as it was in ancient times, we all know that sometimes technology encounters a glitch ….and if you really need to know in what direction you are moving the North Star always points North towards the North Pole.
So what you say?  It dawned on me that we often find ourselves looking to many resources for direction in our lives.  Yet, we are blessed with a fixed, accurate guide to always point us in the right direction.  GOD IS TRULY OUR PERSONAL NAVIGATOR.  We never have to wonder about which way to go… about what direction will lead us toward happiness, purpose, peace, and confidence of moving in the right direction.  This thought took me to PROVERBS 3.
The key verses in this chapter are verses 5-6,

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

God has given His Word to guide in every detail of life so that the life we live is led by His truth. If we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He who is faithful has promised to direct our paths.  God has given us such a wonderful assurance of guidance into a way of righteous living! 
Here are some reminders about how we are to receive the Lord’s direction: (vv. 1-12)
1) Learn God’s truth through His Word. Seek Him and His direction through Bible study and prayer.  It’s good for us to remind ourselves that we are not smarter than God!

Psalm 25:4 (NLT)  Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.

2) Receive His direction by consistent obedience to His Word and His Will.

Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT)  Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

 3) Share God’s blessings with others…Proverbs 3:9 (MSG) Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best.  Giving is heart preparation for God’s directions in our lives.

4) Accept and learn from God’s discipline. Submitting to His discipline is submitting to His work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.  God’s involvement in our lives will never point us away from Jesus.
5) Trust God….don’t try to fit His Word – His Way – His Will into “what makes sense” in this world. 
Our Navigator – Our Personal North Star is readily available always!

Proverbs 3:5-7 (MSG)
⁵ Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. ⁶ Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. ⁷ Don't assume that you know it all. Run to GOD!...

Joyfully,
Yvonne

What Is God's Concern?

It is not that we should not bring our small concerns to God – there is nothing too small or too large to bring to God in prayer, but sooner or later we must ask God what is his concern in the world.