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Do This and Live

 “One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: ‘Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28 (NLT)
share-key-1524927-639x426As Christians we have the law of love written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and through God’s mercy we have been given this ministry. All around us people are searching for hope, freedom, and love. As partakers of God’s incredible life-changing grace, it should be the desire of our hearts to tell them of this free gift of salvation. Today, pray for an opportunity to share the love of God with someone who is lost. Ask that the Holy Spirit will speak directly to their hearts so they may clearly understand that they are loved and that freedom can be found though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayerfully,

Madison

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/jzlomek-38910

Love Our Neighbor

 “One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: ‘Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28 (NLT)

the-kiss-1312505-640x480Today our focus in this passage turns to the second greatest commandment “to love your neighbor as yourself.” God has called us to evangelize, equip, encourage, and empower others. We do this because of our love for people. “We love, because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19). John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave is only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is our calling to share this incredible news with others even if it means stepping outside our comfort zones. Together let’s pray that God will give us a heart for people, and that He will open opportunities for us to share His love with them.

Prayerfully,

Madison

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/suick8-49281

He Knows My Name!

“He who overcomes . . . I will confess his NAME before My Father and before His angels.”
Rev. 3:5 NASB (emphasis mine)

hello_my_name_is_sticker-svgEntering the large, crowded sanctuary, my husband and I find a seat about halfway down the center aisle. It’s only minutes before the start of the worship service. People greet and hug one another as they take their seats. A lady comes and sits close to me, but only temporarily to visit with the family sitting in front of us. They laugh and chat, oblivious to my presence. As people walk up and down the aisle, there is little eye contact between us. They don’t know me, nor I them. I feel invisible. Lonely. Uncomfortable. No one knows my name.

As a military spouse, I am no stranger to frequent moves. Starting over is never easy. Much time, effort, and resolve is needed to familiarize oneself with the area and to establish new friendships.

Yet, even in those awkward and unpleasant times, God reminds me that I’m not alone nor forsaken. He understands how I feel. He cares. He’s right by my side. He knows my name!

Looking for a new church home; trying to make ends meet because your husband left you; beginning a new job; dealing with a debilitating disease; caring for aging parents; fighting depression; the list goes on and on. When you find yourself in those uneasy, distressful, sometimes painful, and often obscure moments, take heart. You are not alone. The God of the universe, Who created you in His image, He knows YOU!

He thinks of you more times than you can ever count – Psalm 139:17-18

He loves you greatly – Psalm 103:11; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10

He sustains you – Psalm 3:5

He lifts your head – Psalm 3:3

He never leaves you – Hebrews 13:5b

He is with you wherever you go – Joshua 1:9

He chose you – John 15:16

He comforts you – 2 Corinthians 1:5

He is your joy – John 15:11

He is your salvation, strength, and song– Isaiah 12:2

He engraves you on the palms of His hands – Isaiah 49:16

He gives you eternal life – John 17:3

[Digging deeper – take time to read the above Scriptures. If you don’t know Jesus personally, please email me. I’d love to introduce Him to you!]

Forever grateful,

Beverly <><