Love

By Pat

One of the most well-known and oft-quoted passages of scripture in the entire Bible, in my opinion, is probably 1 Corinthians 13, in which the apostle Paul gives us a very concise and direct description of the word "love." As I recently read and re-read this beautiful chapter, which I have always been very fond of, I was happy to learn that I have done a lot of growing through the years of walking with the Lord, but appalled to discover what a long way I have to go to achieve true, Godly love. This is very disheartening to me. I had always thought of myself as a loving person, and I am; but unfortunately more on my own terms and conditions than God's.

First, are my motives always driven by love alone? When I do something kind for someone, do I want anything in return, or maybe seek a little pat on the back, or a little applause or glory? I have to admit, reluctantly, that I do like a little praise sometimes. Although I have grown and matured in my walk, I still have a long way to go. Paul clearly states in verses 1-3 that unless the things I say and do are said and done solely with love, I gain nothing. It's a disappointment in the only eyes that matter: God's. I must give and love expecting nothing in return. Otherwise, I am not exhibiting Godly love.

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A New Year Without Fear

By Pat

As another year comes to an end, I feel a sense of joy in my heart, and as another year begins, I feel a great sense of anticipation. I look back at this past year and the many ups and downs in the road I traveled, and find that, although I didn't always get what I prayed for, I did receive what God knew I needed.

When I asked God for smooth sailing during tumultuous times, I see that God instead provided a sturdy boat in which to sail. When I walked in darkness, God reminded me of the constant light of Jesus, and found a way to open my eyes to it. When I prayed for God to help my friends and family through difficulties, I notice that He graciously used me at times as His means of helping them, in whatever small way I could, and for this I am grateful and humbled. When I cried, He sent me love and concern in the form of precious friends-and they helped to dry my tears. I felt God's love through their prayers and words of encouragement. When I may have been feeling just a bit too confident and sure of my walk, God allowed me to face situations that reminded me of my weakness and constant need for His presence, guidance and wisdom.

In every situation I faced, whether good, bad, or something in-between, God was there. And so I can look forward to a new year without fear, and with the comfort that no matter what lies ahead, God is with me and will hold my hand through it all. I will not travel alone. He will use my struggles to help me gain strength and to increase my faith so that I can better serve Him. I pray that He will use me to be a blessing to others, however and whenever I can. I am so grateful for God's promises, the one thing I can always count on. Have thine own way, Lord! And to all...Happy New Year!

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." (Psalm 71:14)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Christmas Reflections

By Pat

A friend of mine asked me to write a devotional about Christmas; memories, lessons learned, etc. Where could I start? What could I say? Like most of us, I have enough Christmas memories to fill an entire notebook. Baking cookies, wrapping gifts, decorating trees. Family, friends, food. Lovely, warm memories that bring a smile to my heart when called to mind.

There have been lean holidays, and more prosperous ones. Some hectic, and some, more peaceful. We have, through the years, said sad goodbyes to loved ones, and have also happily welcomed new little lives into our family.

Times have changed, things have changed, we have changed, and certain aspects of the fabric of our family have changed. But one thing that for me has never changed, except to grow stronger, is the feeling that overcomes me this time of year, no matter what else is going on around me, and that is the feeling of hope.

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True Riches

By Pat

The world in which we live has a very materialistic view of what makes a person wealthy and successful. The bigger the car, the higher the salary, the more spacious the house, the more successful we are perceived to be. And so, we tend to live our lives attempting to acquire more and more so that society can see how prosperous and accomplished we are.

But Jesus had a very different take on what makes a person wealthy. In fact, Jesus made it clear that the less you have materially, the more you have spiritually. In Luke 6:20, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of God." In Matthew 19:16-23, the story of the rich young man, Jesus is asked what the man must do to attain eternal life. The man willingly kept God's commandments, but when Jesus told him to sell everything he owns and give it to the poor, Matthew's account tells us that when the young man heard this, he went away sad because he had great wealth.

Jesus was pointing out the danger of falling into the trap of loving things, money and wealth and how difficult it can be to give it up. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves riches on earth, where moths and rust can destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves riches in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

To Jesus, real treasures are not tangible, and true riches cannot be bought or collected. True riches are love, kindness, compassion, mercy and forgiveness. They are a word of encouragement. An unselfish act. They are all the things we ask Him to give to us so that we can receive them and give them back out to the world generously, so that the world can see what Jesus looks like. And so as Christmas approaches, I will attempt to simplify, and focus on what true riches are, what true gifts are. I will not find them in a store. I will find them in my heart, lovingly placed there by Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

God Wins!

By Pat

Satan is alive and well, and is lurking among us. He's on the prowl, always moving, looking for ways to weaken us, to make us believe we aren't good enough, smart enough, rich enough, successful enough. He reminds us of our past; he obscures the view of our future. He is at war, and he is strong. But we need not be scared. God has provided us with all the ammunition we need, and that's Him! When Satan tells me I can't, God says, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13). When Satan tries to convince me my sins have made me dirty and unlovable, God tells me, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25). When Satan whispers I'm not good enough, God declares, "Look at the birds of the air. They do not reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Satan says, "Follow me!" But Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Satan beckons me with evil intent, but Jesus triumphs, saying, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33)

And it's true...we do have troubles. Also heartaches, struggles and pain. But Jesus did too, didn't He? So what would make us think we should be exempt? Don't let Satan lure you into his trap of deceit and sinfulness. When you're feeling discouraged, fix your sights on God. He will trump Satan every time, if you let Him! When in trials, praise God for what is to come, and rejoice in the hope that God will get you through it with greater strength and deeper faith. With God beside you, Satan will never persevere!

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.