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.

Once Upon a Christmas by Selah

THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT (by Helen Steiner Rice)

CHRISTmas  to me is a Gift from above--
   a Gift of Salvation born of God's Love,
For far beyond what my mind comprehends
   my eternal future completely depends
On that first CHRISTmas night centuries ago
   when God sent His Son to the earth below...
For if the CHRIST Child had not been born
    there would be no rejoicing on Easter morn,
For only because CHRIST was born and died
   and hung on a cross to be crucified
Can worldly sinners like you and me
   be fit to live in eternity...
So CHRISTmas is more than "getting and giving"--
   it's the why and the wherefore of infinite living,
It's the positive proof for doubting God never
   for in His Kingdom life is forever...
And that is the reason that on CHRISTmas Day
   I can only kneel down and prayerfully say,
"Thank You, God, for sending Your Son
   so when my work on earth is done
I can look at last on Your Holy Face
   knowing You saved me alone by Your Grace!"

May you and your family have a blessed and joyous CHRISTmas! Celebrate the Gift!

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Reverse!

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Christ became poor that we might become rich (James 2:5).
Christ became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:6-7)
Christ had no home that we might have a home in heaven  (Matthew 8:20)
Christ died that we might live (John 5:24-25)

I was a sinner. Because of Christ, now I'm God's child (John 1:12).
I was heading to Hell. Because of Christ, now I belong to Heaven (John 14:2).
I was mesmerized by the world. Because of Christ, the world no longer charms me (1 John 2:15-17).
I was only happy when I got what I wanted. Because of Christ, I am content and filled with joy to be in His will (Philippians 4:11-13, John 15: 10-11).
I was lost. Because of Christ, my life has meaning and purpose (Acts 20:24).
I lived for myself. Because of Christ, I live for Him (Galatians 2:20).

Repent and reverse your direction; receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He will repair your broken heart and reverse your thinking to get you on the right track (the narrow road). Reverse now before it's too late...Death is the point of no return. The chance of dying is one in one. Please don't leave earth without Jesus!

~Big thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. To see the list of Spiritual Sundays posts, click here.

P.S. I'd like to invite y'all to check out my Pick-Your-Book Giveaway. The winner (randomly chosen) will get to pick a book of his/her choice. There are 10 great books to choose from such as Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado, Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer, The 7 Minute Life Daily Planner, etc. Ends tomorrow (3/13) at midnight Pacific time.

DVD Review and Giveaway: Most--The Deluxe Edition

MOST: The Deluxe Edition DVD

33-minute Academy Award nominated short film directed by Bobby Garabedian

MOST, the Czech word for "The Bridge," is a modern-day parable about a loving father, his young son, and a life-changing decision. What would you do if you were forced to choose between saving one life who is dear to you and saving hundreds of lives you hardly know? The train. The drawbridge. His one and only son. Death. New life. A single act in a split second makes all the difference. This short film is profoundly touching and heart wrenching. It's a beautifully crafted allegory of God's amazing love and sacrifice. It certainly moved me and made me so thankful for what Christ did on the cross for me. Jesus is also "the Bridge" between God the Father and us sinners.

The cast members did an outstanding job. Their facial expressions communicate so effectively even when words are absent. They speak Czech in the film with subtitles (in 18 languages). I was totally absorbed in the whole movie even though I had seen part of it before on YouTube. This deluxe edition includes the behind-the-scenes making of MOST, bonus scenes, an extended ending, introduction and commentary by Luis Palau, and Bible study guides. This movie was filmed in Czech Republic and Poland over a three-year period. I really enjoyed learning about the making of the movie and how it got started. I highly recommend this DVD to everyone. It will be available at Christian stores and online retailers on March 1st.

WEBSITE: http://www.providentfilms.org/most/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/mostthemovie
You can also purchase it on Amazon.

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GIVEAWAY: I'm so excited that Mr. Bowen at Propeller offers an extra copy of this awesome DVD as a giveaway to one of my readers.

To Enter: Please leave a comment here sharing a Bible verse or a quote about God's love, sacrifice, hope, or forgiveness. Please also make sure to leave your email address or your blog address so that I will be able to contact you if you're chosen as a winner (randomly). This giveaway is open only to US residents.
Deadline: Feb. 28, 2011 at midnight (Pacific time)

For Extra Entries: 1. View my daughter's video here (only 3 min. 15 sec. long) and come back to leave a comment letting me know.
                               2. Rate my book reviews here (click on each title to read and rate each review). Come back to leave a comment letting me know the title(s) of the book(s) you've rated. Each book review rating counts as one extra entry.
                               3. Rate my daughter's review of Radical here and leave a comment letting me know.
                               4. "Like" Most the Movie Facebook page.
                               5. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect or NetworkedBlogs.

"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

"This is how we know what LOVE is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" 1 John 3:16
"But God demonstrates His own LOVE for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Happy VALENTINE's Day, everyone! May we all take time to ponder John 3:16 this Valentine's Day! Yes, God LOVES you that MUCH!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God Is Good

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God is indeed good all the time!  He never changes.  We can always trust Him.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews`3:5b-6, 8

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22

"There is a big difference between nice people and good people.  Nice people are loved by everyone whereas good people get nailed to crosses!  Jesus was not always 'nice' to people but He was always good to them; there is a big difference. God's actions in your lives may not always be pleasant or nice; however, they are always loving and good." (~Sean Nolan, p. 26, To Those Who Suffer)

What Has Been On My Mind?

This week, I'm doing something different :).  I copied and pasted what I've been sharing on my Facebook and Twitter.  In the box asking, "What's on your mind?" (on FB) and "What's happening?" (on Twitter), I usually share Bible verses, inspirational quotes, and my thoughts.  Here are some random things that have been on my mind:

"My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed...I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all know, and work 'til He stops me." ~Anne Graham Lotz

"The most important part of our task will be to tell everyone who will listen that Jesus is the only answer to the problems that are disturbing the hearts of men and nations." ~Betsie ten Boom

Life is short; the need to share the Gospel with the lost is urgent. Death is not the worst thing; being separated from God for eternity is.

"There may be days of darkness and distress, when sin has power to tempt, and care to press. Yet in the darkest day I will not fear, for 'midst the shadows, You will still be near. Thank You, Lord Jesus." ~Corrie ten Boom

"How we respond to difficulties will determine whether we are a winner or a whiner. One of Satan’s first temptations when our life appears to be on hold is to tempt us to live by feelings instead of faith." ~Michael Youssef

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Let us rest in God's grace and mercy each day...come what may!

"Jesus answered, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) "Too often we want a roadmap to the future rather than a relationship with the Way." (~Henry Blackaby) Apart from Christ, this life journey is meaningless and hopeless! Make sure you know the Way!

“It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. It is not LOVE and it is not friendship if we fail to declare the whole counsel of God...It’s better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with a multitude.” (~Adrian Rogers)  Let's speak the truth in LOVE ♥ !

"If Christianity seems to you to be having rather less than a remarkable impact on the earth, it is because too many Christians have this idea that we are in a waiting game, that we are basically killing time until Jesus comes back and we all get to go to heaven. We are sitting around like people waiting to catch a flight.... That is not what Jesus told us to do; He didn't say, 'Now hold tight in those pews and twiddle your holy thumbs, I'll be back soon as I can.'" (from Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge, page 111) Jesus gave us a mission: the Great Commission! Let's be active in serving the King of kings and furthering His kingdom!

"God is not glorified when we kept for ourselves (no matter how thankfully) what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of unevangelized, uneducated, unmedicated, and unfed millions." ~John Piper

"Sympathy is no substitute for action."(David Livingstone, missionary to Africa) "No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he had only had good intentions."(Margaret Thatcher) Faith without action is dead. Love without action is hypocrisy.What are we doing to reach the lost, to help the needy, to give hope to the hopeless, to save the unborn, to feed the hungry, etc.? Sympathy and good intentions just don't cut it!

"Farewell, vain world; my soul bids you adieu. My Savior taught me to abandon you. Your charms may gratify a sensual mind, but cannot please a soul for God designed." ~David Brainerd

You know that you truly love someone when you still love that person even when he/she is unloveable. How thankful I am that God loves me so!

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) "Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame, Love found a way, O praise His holy name!" Unknown

Disappointment & discontent occur when we assume we know how life should be and what God should do, instead of trusting God who knows what's best.

Strive to be like Christ, but never glorify our Christlikeness, in place of Christ.


~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

How Many Kings

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How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in His mother's shawl -
Just a Child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for His honor, and frankincense for His pleasure
And myrrh for the cross He will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only One did that for me!
All for me...
All for you...


"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.  Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.  Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?  For You alone are holy.  All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:3b-4

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers." Revelation 17:14

I am so grateful to be a daughter and servant of the King!  In the Thai language, there is a special vocabulary used only for royalty to show our honor and respect.  I think it's appropriate that the Thai Bible applies this same special vocabulary to God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  After all, He is the King above all kings!  He alone deserves our utmost reverence.


Previous Songs:
- 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
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

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

When It's All Been Said And Done

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When It's All Been Said And Done (Words and Music by Jim Cowan, Sung by Don Moen)

When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth?
Did I live my life for You?

When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I've done
For love's reward
Will stand the test of time

Lord, Your mercy is so great
That You look beyond our weakness
And find purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing Your praise
Here on earth and ever after
For You've shown me heaven's my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone

Lord, I live my life for You! I can never thank You enough for Your grace & mercy and Your love for me. I will always sing praises to You and You alone. My life is a gift from You and it's Yours; please use it for Your glory and according to Your will.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20-21

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8

You have one life to live. How are you living your life? Will you have any regrets on your death bed? When it's all been said and done, can you say that you did your best to live for God? "Have you ever seen the little plaque that reads, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last?" Well, that's not (all) what the poet wrote. The poet wrote this: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I'll be, if the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee." Do you think all Christians die happy? Not on your life! Some of them die as miserable as sinners. Why? Because they've misused their time and wasted their lives. Many of you have laid dying on a hospital bed and prayed, "Lord, if You would only spare me, I'll do this, that, or the other." Well, have you done it?" ~Leonard Ravenhill

We need to ask ourselves: Are we wasting away our lives? If you have never read Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper yet, I highly recommend it.

Previous Songs:

- Knowing You, Jesus

- In Christ Alone

- Be Thou My Vision