This Is Love

 

It's not our love for God but it's God's love for us that sent Jesus to die the death we deserve to give us what we don't deserve (forgiveness, salvation, eternal life with Him in Heaven). Sin separated us from God. God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. Because God is holy, righteous, and just, sin has to be dealt with. Out of love, God gave His one and only Son to be the atoning sacrifice (propitiation/the mercy seat) for our sin (to pay the penalty for our sin once and for all/to satisfy God's justice and wrath towards our sin), in order to restore our relationship with Him.

God is the Source of true love (agape). Agape love is unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless. It seeks the highest good for another no matter what the cost may be, as shown by Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf. God offered His Son to rescue us regardless of our decision to accept or reject Jesus, His gracious Gift. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Christ died for our sins even when we're still enemies of God. God loves us first before we turn to Him...before we seek Him...before we love Him. He did not wait for us to love Him first before showing His love to us. God's love for us does not depend on who we are or what we do. God loves the guilty, the rebellious, the wicked, the unworthy, the ungrateful, and the unloving. God's amazing love for us never changes. God loved us to death (literally) before we did anything deserving of love. Christ's death on the cross was the ultimate expression of God's love for mankind. The most glorious display of His lovingkindness! We must follow God's example. Take the initiative in loving others, loving everyone, including the unlovable. Love like Jesus!

"When you love the unloving, you get a glimpse of what God does for you." (Max Lucado)

"We cannot choose whom we will love if we claim to be Christians." (Unknown)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me before I even knew You! Thank You for Christ's sacrifice for my sins! My heart is overwhelmed with Your unfailing & unconditional love for me. Please love through me...help me love others with Your agape love. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

It's About the Cross

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Thank You, Jesus! It's all about You!
"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:13-15

The "R" Factors

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Blessed Redeemer (Lyrics by Avis B. Christiansen, 1895-1985, Music by Harry Dixon Loes, 1892-1965)

A Hill with Three Crosses--
One cross where a thief died IN SIN
One cross where a thief died TO SIN
A center cross where a Redeemer died FOR SIN

~Unknown

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
"In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1:7

Christ, our Redeemer, has paid the price of our redemption in full and has reconciled us to God. How should we then respond?
Repent. Turn away from your sins and turn to God.
Receive Christ into your heart/life as your Lord and Savior. Receive His grace..mercy...His gift of salvation.
Remain in Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Reflect Him. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18
Represent Him. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20
Remember what Christ has done for you and remember to tell others about Him. "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel." 2 Timothy 2:8
Rejoice. "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2b  "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

Sadly, many choose to reject Him, refuse His offer of salvation, and rebel their way to hell. God gives us free will; the choice is yours!

Have a blessed Resurrection Day...celebrating our Risen Redeemer!
~To visit other Spiritual Sundays participants, please go here.

Book Review: Day by Day with the Best of Spurgeon

Day by Day with the Best of Spurgeon
On the love and loveliness of Jesus
Compiled by: Dolores E. Coupland
ISBN: 978-1-935265-13-9
Publisher: Deep River Books
Publishing Date: 2010
Retail price: $15.99

Dolores E. Coupland's heart was greatly impacted by Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)'s devotional book, Morning and Evening. That led her to research his sermons, collect his choice writings, and put them all together into this lovely, inspirational devotional.  Thanks, Dolores!

Are you passionately in love with Jesus? If not, you need to read this book. If so, you will appreciate this book. This book's central theme is Jesus, His love, His loveliness, and His sacrifice for us at the cross. May you take the time to ponder Who Jesus Christ is to you and what His work on the cross means to you. Charles Spurgeon (aka "the Prince of Preachers") beautifully leads us with his words to places where Jesus lived, suffered, and died. All for us sinners...imagine that! Often, his description is so vivid and poetic.  Spurgeon's teachings are Biblically sound, thought-provoking, and at times soul-piercing. It is obvious when you read Spurgeon's writings that his passion is to extol Christ above all else and to preach the doctrine of Christ crucified.

I highly recommend this devotional. I collect devotional books. Day by Day with the Best of Spurgeon is a wonderful addition to my collection (30th devotional). Yes, I also own Morning and Evening by Spurgeon :). By the way, I think it's so cool that God mightily used Spurgeon for His glory even though Spurgeon never had theological schooling and he struggled with depression most of his life. If you ever wonder how God could possibly use you, please remember to never underestimate His power, grace, mercy, and love! Trust in Him day by day.

~I was provided a copy of this book by Bring It On! Communications in exchange for my honest review. To read more reviews like this one, go to: Tell Us The Truth Reviews.

FIRST Wild Card Tour: The Gardener and the Vine

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Andrew McDonough

and the book:

The Gardener and the Vine

Zondervan (January 15, 2010)

***Special thanks to Pam Mettler of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrew is the creator, writer, and illustrator of the Lost Sheep series. Way back in 1989 as a young Bible college student, Andrew was asked to give the dreaded “children’s talk” at a large church. Andrew possessed one talent: he could draw sheep. He bought some overheard projector sheets and drew up the story of Cecil and the Lost Sheep. The congregation loved it, so Andrew continued to draw stories to use with kids and adults. Other student, pastors, and teachers started borrowing the stories.



Product Details:

List Price: $4.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (January 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310719461
ISBN-13: 978-0310719465

PRESS THE BROWSE BUTTON TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER:

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Browse Inside

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MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
This book is based on John 15 and Romans 11. It shows how the Gardener (God the Father) grafts us (wild branches) into His Vine (Jesus) so that we may have new life and be able to bear much fruit. It's about trust and about the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. I enjoyed reading this book to my boys. The words are easy to understand and the pictures are vibrantly colorful and fun to look at. Delightful little book!

The Week in Words #4

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." (~Helen Keller) It's an encouraging reminder for us when we go through trial and suffering.  James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." (John 17:23)  This verse made me think of the song, "They'll Know We Are Christians."  We are one in the Spirit.  We are one in the Lord.  We are one in the Spirit.  We are one in the Lord.  And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.  And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.  Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love...

"Educating our children includes more than arithmetic and spelling; it includes building character. No educational pursuit can replace the deep need for a generation of children to be brought up first in the 'nurture and admonition' of the Lord." (~Rick Williamson)  That's one of the reasons why we homeschool our kids :).

"Keep me from saying words that later need recalling; guard me, lest idle speech may from my lips befalling...When dangers gather round, oh, keep me calm and fearless; help me to bear the cross when life seems dark and cheerless. Help me, as You have taught to love both great and small, and by Your Spirit's might, to live at peace with all." (~Johann Heermann, 1585-1647, from his hymn, "O God, My Faithful God" in the book, Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, page 92)  That's my prayer!

"In a sense we become gardeners tending the spiritual development of our kids. God places the spark of life in the seed. We can't control that or how the plant eventually matures. But we can make sure the soil is rich, the ground is generously watered, the weeds are kept at bay, and the opportunity for sunlight is freely available...In the long run, the goal of parenting isn't for our kids to be known for how well-behaved they are, but for how well they know and respond to God." (~Mark Matlock, from his book, Real World Parents, page 13)  That's my goal, too.

The Week in Words #3

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Galatians 6:14a)  "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:13-14)  "The cross of Christ reveals man's sin at its worst, but God's love at its best." ~Anonymous (Uncle Ben's Quotebook, page 74)

"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1a) "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." ~Jim Elliot

"We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion." (Mother Teresa) "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." (Proverbs 31:8) Every year, my daughter participates in Steps for Life, an annual fund-raising event for Pregnancy Resource Centers. Please consider helping save the unborn by clicking here. Any amount helps! Thanks for defending the defenseless and God bless!

Lead Me

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Lead Me to Calvary (written by Jennie Evelyn Hussey, 1874-1958)

Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong United

Savior I come
Quiet my soul
Remember
Redemption's hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss

Chorus:
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and tried
Human
The Word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now You're risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss


Chorus

Bridge:
To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14

Lord, I can never thank You enough for Your suffering and death at Calvary.  Please lead us to Your heart and fill our hearts with the unquenchable desire to share Your love with others...please use us to lead them to the cross...to eternal redemption.

Previous Songs:
- Nothing But the Blood
- Redeemer
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Faithful One
- Your Love Broke Through
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Take My Life
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!

- What the Lord Has Done in Me

- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

Look to the Lord

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2-3)  Where is our focus in life?  Inevitably, life is filled with struggles and trials.  My advice: "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." (Psalm 105:4)  Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble but He encouraged us to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33b).  Let's look to Him and His strength, instead of our temporary troubles.

Previous WFW:
- Love Never Fails
- Everlasting Love

- The Path Of Life
- As White As Snow

- Our Days

- His Name Is Jesus

- The Light of the World

- It Is Good

- Worship

- Whatever You Do

- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

True Valentine~True Love

"For God so loVed the world,
        That He gAve
              His onLy
              begottEn
                   SoN
                        That whosoever believeth
                        In Him
            should Not perish,
         but have Everlasting life."
                                               John 3:16 KJV

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends if you do what I command." John 15:12-14

"Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame,
Love found a way, O praise His holy name!" Unknown

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!  Everyday is Valentine's Day for those who are in Christ Jesus :).  I love you all with the love of the Lord.  Isn't it so awesome that we all are loved by GOD who is LOVE?  Perfect love!

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.

In Christ Alone

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Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

This is one of my all-time favorite songs.  In Christ alone, I am who I am today...born again and blessed!
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Do you seek hope, security, fulfillment, comfort in people, wealth, things, career, achievement, fame, or religions? If so, you are seeking in the wrong place. Jesus Christ is the answer you need. You will never be truly content until you realize that you are complete in Christ alone.

In Christ we have...
a love that can never be fathomed,
a life that can never die,
a peace that can never be understood,
a rest that can never be disturbed,
a joy that can never be diminished,
a hope that can never be disappointed,
a glory that can never be clouded,
a light that can never be darkened,
and a spiritual resource that can never be exhausted.

                                                    ~Anonymous

Previous Songs:
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

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This is one of my favorite hymns.  It was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).  In the top video, it was sung by Kathryn Scott.  The video below shows The Wonderful Cross, a different version of this hymn with added refrain lyrics by Chris Tomlin and J.D. Walt and arrangement by Jesse Reeves and Chris Tomlin.  I like both versions :).


"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
...Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.  I totally agree with Isaac Watts!

Previous Songs:
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

I Will Offer Up My Life

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I Will Offer Up My Life (written by Matt Redman, sung by Delirious)



What can I give? What can I bring? What can I sing as an offering, Lord?
"Lord, I give You my heart, my life, my all! Please empty me of myself, fill me with Your love, and have Your way in me." ~This thankful heart, me.



Previous Songs:
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision