Jesus did away with the Ten Commandments and he introduced the new law, the law of love. When you walk in love you are not going to steal from your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not going to bear false witness against your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not coveting what your neighbor has.
We see in the gospels that Jesus himself was standing in front of the religious leaders of the day, and their hearts were hardened. They could not even see the glory standing in front of them. And that is still true today. Some still have not recognized that Jesus is the Messiah. They are still looking for the Messiah, but He has already come; and He is going to come back again. That is why we pray for them in this regard, that when their hearts shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. And it will be done by the Spirit of the Lord.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. There is an unveiling from the letter of the law. There is the removing of the veil only to see grace and freedom, through Jesus.
Now the Word says that we are free. But we are not to allow our freedom to be used as an "opportunity or excuse for selfishness, but through love you should serve one another" (Gal. 5:13 AMP). In that case, it is inappropriate to say, "Well I am free, so I can just say anything I want." You unnecessarily offend others that way. Contrarily, we must allow love to direct our actions and our words to the end that those who observe our lifestyle would be led to receive the Messiah.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)." ( 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP)
The action that causes us to put on God’s dignity and to become all that He is, is looking into the Word. The Word says that we are changed. "Change" means to be transformed. In other words, there is a constant changing. The more you look into the mirror of the Word, the more you will think different, talk different, and act different. The more you get into the Word, the more you look just like Jesus in the earth, and the more His love will flow through you.
We have a ministry of bringing the unveiling light to others through the love of God, so that they, too, can be transformed into God’s image.
By
Bishop Keith Butler
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Covenant of Love
I know with all my heart that it is God's desire to touch through us and to love through us. God has delivered us out of bondage and sin. Before we are able to walk in the covenant that He established with Abraham, we have to walk in His love. Love is the answer to all things because love conquers all.
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
By
Dr. Brenda Goudeaux
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
By
Dr. Brenda Goudeaux
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Building Men and Women Of God
Teach your children to respond the way to God’s direction and correction. Help them to understand that God’s correction is not rejection. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Pr 3:11-12 NIV). To help them understand this:
(1) Teach them to respond correctly to your discipline. The rules you don’t enforce now will be enforced by others later, at higher cost. But let your discipline be fair, not excessive. And be consistent. Don’t permit today what you punished yesterday. Saying things like, “How many times have I told you?” or, “If you do that again you’re grounded,” means you’re not serious and that they have several warnings before you act. Enforce it! Don’t threaten unless you intend to follow through. (2) Teach them to respond correctly to authority figures. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Ro 13:1 NIV). Don’t belittle police, teachers, principals, pastors, etc. If you do, it will come back to bite you and your children. (3) Share your own experiences of personal growth through correction. Let them know you’re not perfect; it will help them relate to your humanity as a parent and it’ll give them hope. “If Mom and Dad learned by being corrected when they blew it, I can too. “ Well-chosen times of personal sharing are much more effective than nagging and “sermonizing”
From
Newlifeoakwood.org
(1) Teach them to respond correctly to your discipline. The rules you don’t enforce now will be enforced by others later, at higher cost. But let your discipline be fair, not excessive. And be consistent. Don’t permit today what you punished yesterday. Saying things like, “How many times have I told you?” or, “If you do that again you’re grounded,” means you’re not serious and that they have several warnings before you act. Enforce it! Don’t threaten unless you intend to follow through. (2) Teach them to respond correctly to authority figures. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Ro 13:1 NIV). Don’t belittle police, teachers, principals, pastors, etc. If you do, it will come back to bite you and your children. (3) Share your own experiences of personal growth through correction. Let them know you’re not perfect; it will help them relate to your humanity as a parent and it’ll give them hope. “If Mom and Dad learned by being corrected when they blew it, I can too. “ Well-chosen times of personal sharing are much more effective than nagging and “sermonizing”
From
Newlifeoakwood.org
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Love Like Jesus Loves
You are a covenant person because you walk in love, not because you go to church. You are a covenant person not because you can quote the scripture. You are a covenant person because you have made a decision to walk like Jesus, and walk in love with the brethren. Your brothers are Jesus’ brothers; and that is who He cares about. And whatever He cares about, you care about. You therefore resolve that you will love like Jesus loved.
Jesus said to continue in His way of love, in His style of love. If you keep His commandment – that is, if you love one another, as he loved us - then you are His disciple. He didn’t say just love, He said love like He loves.
He said love like Him. It takes the power of God to do that. If most people had the ability to manifest divine power like Jesus did, they would heal people and minister to them. Then when they turn on them like they turned on Jesus, they’d be ready to zap them to ashes. But that is not what Jesus did. He didn’t render evil for evil. He rendered love for evil, and blessings for contrary words. He prayed for those who used Him despitefully. And because of it He had divine power and protection so that what they said and what they did had no affect on him.
That is what He wants you to do. When you walk in love, people may come against you, but they will not have any affect on you. When you walk in love you are kept in covenant and blessings are released on your behalf. So prepare yourself now to decide what you will do every time you come up against adversity. What is the love way to go? Well, that way is the protection way. That is the way that will turn out and cause you to win in the middle of the test and trial.
By
Bishop Keith Butler
Jesus said to continue in His way of love, in His style of love. If you keep His commandment – that is, if you love one another, as he loved us - then you are His disciple. He didn’t say just love, He said love like He loves.
He said love like Him. It takes the power of God to do that. If most people had the ability to manifest divine power like Jesus did, they would heal people and minister to them. Then when they turn on them like they turned on Jesus, they’d be ready to zap them to ashes. But that is not what Jesus did. He didn’t render evil for evil. He rendered love for evil, and blessings for contrary words. He prayed for those who used Him despitefully. And because of it He had divine power and protection so that what they said and what they did had no affect on him.
That is what He wants you to do. When you walk in love, people may come against you, but they will not have any affect on you. When you walk in love you are kept in covenant and blessings are released on your behalf. So prepare yourself now to decide what you will do every time you come up against adversity. What is the love way to go? Well, that way is the protection way. That is the way that will turn out and cause you to win in the middle of the test and trial.
By
Bishop Keith Butler
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Everyday
You might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that "special someone." Every February it's the same. We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine's Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don't get me wrong--there's nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. The question isn't, "How do you show your love on Valentine's Day?" The real question is, "How do you show your love the rest of the year?"
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
By
Skip Heitzig
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
By
Skip Heitzig
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Lost And Found In His Love
I got lost in Nazareth three months ago. Yes, that Nazareth; the childhood home of Jesus. Why? I failed to follow simple instructions. It reminded me of when Adam and Eve disobeyed one clear command and got us lost in sin.
Darkness settled over the city. Our tour guide instructed us to head to the bus. She was busy rounding up the stragglers, so I decided to dash inside a candy store close to our meeting point. Somehow I lost track of time. When I stepped out into the streets of modern-day Nazareth, there was not one familiar face in the busy crowd. It seems my tour bus was gone and I was left behind! Fear began to close in. I panicked.
I imagine fear closed in just the same way in the Garden of Eden after the fall. It can smother and choke the life right out of you. But II Timothy 1:7 reminded me that God has “not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
Even when we deliberately ignore God’s command, He still offers us love and power to protect us from the unexpected changes of life. Our misbehavior doesn’t shock God. What hurts Him is when we run from His help. While Adam and Eve were naked and running away in shame, God was making provision to die and to kill the curse of sin. It was the only way for this loving God to redeem man.
Consider this: A judge found “Richard” guilty of a capital crime in federal court. He sentenced him to death. Richard had to be executed to propitiate or satisfy the verdict. Everyone knew he was guilty. The evidence was overwhelming. Richard even confessed to the crime. Ironically, the judge on the bench was Richard’s own father.
By law, Richard Sr. had to sentence his son to die. The law demanded justice and offered no leniency for the crime. A ransom or debt had to be paid. So, there sat the loving father with a heavy and broken heart. He’s bound by laws he created. But the same law requires the death of his own child.
So what does he do? He steps down from the bench and his place of power. He takes off starch-stiff black robe. A hush grips the courtroom. The esteemed judge walks over to his son, gently moves him out of the way, and stands in his place. He announces that he will die so his guilty son can live. He waves off the frantic objections from the prosecution, and is led away by the executioner. He casts a loving glance at his son who is paralyzed by shock and disbelief. Soon the floodgates break. Richard Jr. crumbles to the ground overcome by gratitude and a stream of uncontrollable tears.
What Richard Sr. did for his son is what God did for us through Jesus Christ.
Simply put, man sinned when he disobeyed God’s law. The offense of sin demanded a penalty. The penalty was death. That meant blood had to be shed to pay the “wages” of sin. Problem is, only innocent blood could satisfy the requirement and acquit the guilty party.
Since “all had sinned and fallen short,” no human sacrifice could ransom or save the human race. Only God could do it. So, a loving and holy God took off his robe and came down in the “form” of sinful flesh. God the son moved us out of the way of death, and was executed to satisfy the demands of His own law. What manner of love is that?!
From the moment man sinned in the Garden, God set his loving plan in motion to rescue and redeem him. So, why would He leave or abandon you now?
Our Father is like a smitten lover who refuses to give up on a wayward woman who has completely captured his heart. He’s like a doting daddy who is oh so patient with his rebellious, head-strong children. He longs to lavish his love and protect them from harm. He’s like a true friend who sticks “closer than a brother.” No matter what scrapes you get yourself into, you know there is a shoulder to cry on. He’s that close companion who will never violate your confidence or think of you any less because of your failures.
Remember when he said: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Back in Nazareth, I walked around scared and bewildered for about 10 minutes. And just as it seemed all hope was gone, I spotted one of our tour guides peeling through the crowd towards me. They had been desperately scouring the city streets for their wayward tourist.
You sometimes will get lost in the maze of life. If we admit it, much of the pain, hurt and setbacks are of our own making. Our loving God is not looking for ways to hold it against us. Instead, He’s looking for ways to draw us back into his arms of safety and protection.
Now that’s love!
By
Sharon Frame
Darkness settled over the city. Our tour guide instructed us to head to the bus. She was busy rounding up the stragglers, so I decided to dash inside a candy store close to our meeting point. Somehow I lost track of time. When I stepped out into the streets of modern-day Nazareth, there was not one familiar face in the busy crowd. It seems my tour bus was gone and I was left behind! Fear began to close in. I panicked.
I imagine fear closed in just the same way in the Garden of Eden after the fall. It can smother and choke the life right out of you. But II Timothy 1:7 reminded me that God has “not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
Even when we deliberately ignore God’s command, He still offers us love and power to protect us from the unexpected changes of life. Our misbehavior doesn’t shock God. What hurts Him is when we run from His help. While Adam and Eve were naked and running away in shame, God was making provision to die and to kill the curse of sin. It was the only way for this loving God to redeem man.
Consider this: A judge found “Richard” guilty of a capital crime in federal court. He sentenced him to death. Richard had to be executed to propitiate or satisfy the verdict. Everyone knew he was guilty. The evidence was overwhelming. Richard even confessed to the crime. Ironically, the judge on the bench was Richard’s own father.
By law, Richard Sr. had to sentence his son to die. The law demanded justice and offered no leniency for the crime. A ransom or debt had to be paid. So, there sat the loving father with a heavy and broken heart. He’s bound by laws he created. But the same law requires the death of his own child.
So what does he do? He steps down from the bench and his place of power. He takes off starch-stiff black robe. A hush grips the courtroom. The esteemed judge walks over to his son, gently moves him out of the way, and stands in his place. He announces that he will die so his guilty son can live. He waves off the frantic objections from the prosecution, and is led away by the executioner. He casts a loving glance at his son who is paralyzed by shock and disbelief. Soon the floodgates break. Richard Jr. crumbles to the ground overcome by gratitude and a stream of uncontrollable tears.
What Richard Sr. did for his son is what God did for us through Jesus Christ.
Simply put, man sinned when he disobeyed God’s law. The offense of sin demanded a penalty. The penalty was death. That meant blood had to be shed to pay the “wages” of sin. Problem is, only innocent blood could satisfy the requirement and acquit the guilty party.
Since “all had sinned and fallen short,” no human sacrifice could ransom or save the human race. Only God could do it. So, a loving and holy God took off his robe and came down in the “form” of sinful flesh. God the son moved us out of the way of death, and was executed to satisfy the demands of His own law. What manner of love is that?!
From the moment man sinned in the Garden, God set his loving plan in motion to rescue and redeem him. So, why would He leave or abandon you now?
Our Father is like a smitten lover who refuses to give up on a wayward woman who has completely captured his heart. He’s like a doting daddy who is oh so patient with his rebellious, head-strong children. He longs to lavish his love and protect them from harm. He’s like a true friend who sticks “closer than a brother.” No matter what scrapes you get yourself into, you know there is a shoulder to cry on. He’s that close companion who will never violate your confidence or think of you any less because of your failures.
Remember when he said: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)
Back in Nazareth, I walked around scared and bewildered for about 10 minutes. And just as it seemed all hope was gone, I spotted one of our tour guides peeling through the crowd towards me. They had been desperately scouring the city streets for their wayward tourist.
You sometimes will get lost in the maze of life. If we admit it, much of the pain, hurt and setbacks are of our own making. Our loving God is not looking for ways to hold it against us. Instead, He’s looking for ways to draw us back into his arms of safety and protection.
Now that’s love!
By
Sharon Frame
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)