Archive for the ‘ Love ’ Category
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”
John 13:34, CSB
The power of Christ moves in us by the Holy Spirit, helping us love His Church with the same selfless, sacrificial love He shows us.
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9, CSB
God acts on His time, not ours, but His patience flows from His love for us.
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28, CSB
Christ is our example of love, and He demonstrated this by sacrificially serving others, even and especially those who don’t deserve it.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28, CSB
Christ is our example of love, by His sacrifice bringing us peace from sin and the wrath of God, so that we now can go show love and peace to others for His glory.
There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2, CSB
Christ is our example of love, doing everything because He is good, not because of anything we do. Let us rest in His goodness and love, even when the world hates us.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12, CSB
Christ is our example of love, and He demonstrated love by not lashing out against humans but against sin and satanic powers. We now love others and turn to Christ and His Word to combat evil.
“for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.”
Jeremiah 31:25, CSB
Christ is our example of love, even caring for those who hate Him or simply ignore Him as well as those who love Him. Let us love each other and the spiritually, emotionally, and physically weak around us.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18, CSB
Christ is our example of love, enduring even hatred and persecution to bring others to the knowledge of His love and the hope of eternal life with Him.
Howdy!
The world is crazy. (I know. I should warned about spoilers.)
The first week of June 2025 has proven to be interesting. Here are some thoughts:
In January, Michael Tait suddenly announced he was stepping down as front man of the band Newsboys. On June 4, Julie Roys released her investigations of his abusing cocaine and alcohol with various 22-year-old men whom he also inappropriately touched between the years of 2004-2014, possibly more being involved. On June 10, Tait put out a confession owning to the truth of the allegations.
The whole thing is horrible. His confession looks legitimate and repentant, but we still need time to know for sure.
Firstly, we need to keep Tait and the Newsboys band members in our prayers, as well as his victims and all of their families and friends.
Secondly, let us remember that “but for the grace of God, there go I.” In other words, let’s not cast major judgment and say so many “holier-than-thou” statements like “I always thought/knew …” or “this just goes to show …” This is an example of someone falling into temptation. There are several prominent Christians (in entertainment or otherwise) who remain faithful and humble. There are many fakes out there.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Romans 14:8-10, CSB
Instead of the I-knew-it’s and This-goes-to-show’s, let’s focus on proclaiming truth and loving the lost and hurting. To do otherwise is to engage in gossip and judgmentalism. If someone gets rid of all of their Newsboys stuff, that’s up to them. If they only listen to or keep pre-Tait Newsboys stuff, that’s up to them. If they choose to continue listening to all Newsboys stuff, that’s … also up to them.
Live for Christ and proclaim truth. Deal with this issue in a godly manner with those who ask, and then leave it at that.
This last week we saw several cities dealing with anti-ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) protests. People have been upset with how the Trump administration has been handling illegal immigration, and the protests began in major cities, resulting in Trump sending in the National Guard and Marines to LA. To no one’s surprise, this has caused controversy.
I do believe President Trump and his administration have been mishandling immigration. (I think every administration of the past 40 years at least have been mishandling immigration.) I do believe there is good reason for protests against how immigration is handled.
At the same time, damaging property, throwing molotov cocktails and stones/bricks, and attacking people is wrong. The mayor and governor not even trying to stop them is wrong. Complaining about the president stepping in when the city has become a war zone due to inaction is wrong.
Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” For this is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Don’t let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you, and don’t listen to the dreams you elicit from them, for they are prophesying falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them.” This is the Lord’s declaration.
Jeremiah 29:7-9, CSB
Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.
Romans 13:1-4, CSB
To be fair to immigrants, the US system is severely messed up, and the current administration is not helping matters. However, violence is not the answer, especially when people who had nothing to do with the issue get hurt either physically or financially. That is terrorism, not protest.
When another country’s flag is flown, especially with violence, that is not protesting; that is invasion, insurrection, and a statement of war.
This is a very complex issue, and both sides are currently over-simplifying and villifying. As Christians, we should not do either.
If all immigrants are the problem, you are a bigot.
If the president does nothing good, you are hateful.
If you see violence as a “mostly peaceful protest,” or you think the current administration is doing nothing wrong, you are deceived.
We are called to obey laws AND fight against injustice. Both sides have injustice at this time.
Talk about these matters, but be civil, be Christlike, and be willing to actually listen to each other.
For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.
Psalm 100:5, CSB
God is faithful, and His faithfulness grows from His love. Get to know that God who loves us faithfully.
a simple man of God 