1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
I’d like to share with you the newest devotional blog to my Maranatha family. Mini-Manna for Little Lambs are devotionals geared to 2-5 year olds. Won’t you take a moment to check them out? Feel free to pass it along to anyone you know who has these precious little lambs of their own.
Bible Verse
but be gentle unto all men,(2 Tim 2:24b)
Coloring/Teaching
Here’s a picture of Bobby and Mary (point to each of them and smile). Bobby has some eggs in a little box and he is showing Mary. Do you see the eggs? (Point to eggs and smile and nod your head yes) Let’s count how many eggs there are – 1-2-3, there are three eggs in Bobby’s box!
The Gentle Song
(Sing to The Farmer in the Dell tune)
Oh gentle I will be
Oh gentle I will be
No hitting and no pushing but
Oh gentle I will be
I won’t push you down
I won’t push you down
I’ll hold your hand and walk with you
I won’t push you down
God’s Word says I should
God’s Word says I should
I will obey the Word of God
God’s Word says I should
Bible Time
Let’s open the Bible and learn what God says about being gentle.
Scripture: but be gentle unto all men,(2 Tim 2:24b)
Story
Mary and Bobby were playing with their Legos. Each time Bobby finished building something, Mary knocked down his Legos. This made Bobby very sad and he wanted to cry. (Make a sad face like you’re crying.) Mommy told Mary that she was not being nice. Mommy said that Mary had to be gentle and sweet. (rub your child’s arm softly when you say the word gentle.) Mommy said, “Mary, tell Bobby you are sorry for knocking down his Legos.” Mary obeyed right away and said she was sorry.
Later, Mary and Bobby decided that they wanted to play on the swing set. Bobby pushed Mary really hard while she was swinging. (Make a frown on your face to show this was wrong and shake your index finger back and forth). Mary fell down and started crying. (make a crying face again.) Mommy told Bobby that he needed to be gentle when he was pushing (rub child’s arm softly). Mommy said, “Bobby, give Mary a nice gentle hug like this and tell her you are sorry.” (Hug child and show the difference between a gentle hug and a “hard” hug.) Bobby was sad that he made Mary cry. Bobby gave Mary a nice gentle hug just like Mommy showed him.
Teaching Throughout the Day
Throughout the day, show your children the difference between gentle touches and rough touches, gentle hugs and hard hugs, gentle playing and rough playing. Teach them to be sweet and gentle when they play with their brothers and sisters. Teach them to be especially gentle to babies. A good lesson is to take hard boiled eggs (do not take the shell off). Have each child gently cup an egg in both their hands so they can’t see the egg any more (or close to it, depending on the size of their hands). Have them walk around the back yard while they are holding their egg. Then have them skip while they are holding their egg. Have the older toddlers run while they are holding their egg. If they are gentle, the egg shell won’t break, but if they are “rough” they will crack it. Explain to them that when they are gentle with their brothers and sisters, they won’t hurt them. But if they are rough with their brothers and sisters, they will hurt them.
Dear God…
Help me to play nice and be gentle and sweet.
I do not want to hurt anyone.
Amen!
Phil. 4:7-8, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (7) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (8 ) Let’s face it, my friends, how many Christians do you know that are truly sold out for God and consistently moving forward in their spiritual lives? How many Christians can you say are striving toward living a Godly life in every aspect of their lives? We can perfect one area, like what music we listen to, but if we leave inappropriate reading aside, we are straddling the fence. You are sitting on the fence of indecision.
When you don’t move forward toward righteous living, you are making the decision to sit on the fence. Jesus said it best. Matt. 7:13-14, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (13) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (14) Yes, this speaks of the road to salvation. However, take notice that the believer has to enter at the straight gate and go down the narrow road. The person who sits on the fence is not in motion. The believer who enters in at the straight gate and then sits on the fence is not moving forward down the narrow road. He is sitting still and is not making any progress on his spiritual journey.
What is causing you to straddle the fence today? Is it impure thoughts? Is it covetousness? Is it what you watch on TV? Is it the music you listen to? Whatever you expose yourself to, you should ask yourself if it meets with the Phil. 4:8 criteria. Any Christian who does not desire to grow spiritually needs to ask himself why he is so indifferent about his progress. David took leave of his walk with God and allowed himself to straddle the fence. While he sat on the fence, his eyes caused him to covet another man’s wife. He straddled that fence a little longer and the devil wreaked havoc with David’s thoughts. Next, David began thinking of ways to remove the obstacle out of his way which prevented him from fulfilling the his lust. However, after David was convicted of his sin, he repented and moved forward from that point on. We don’t see any accounts of his falling deep into sin after that. Can you see what straddling the fence does? Any time you are idle in your thoughts, you will be tempted to wander. That is why Paul exhorted us to “think on these things”!
Where is your thought life today? These types of thoughts in Phil. 4:8 are fixed on heavenly things. What are you thinking about? The latest movie out of Hollywood? The latest romance novel? What the argument was all about with your neighbor? How many minutes/hours does your mind dwell on thoughts like these – even when you’re reading that book or watching that movie. Compare it to how many minutes/hours your mind dwells on Godly things.
Paul exhorts us to think of things that are true – only God is Truth – His Word is Truth. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (Joh 17:17)
Are you thinking of honest things in all areas of your life? Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Pet 2:12)
Are you thinking of things which are just? (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom 2:13)
Are you thinking of pure things? The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psa 12:6) If your thoughts are not focused on the Word, which is pure, they will be focused on the world. The believer should be in motion on this one – he should be moving forward working toward purifying himself. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (1Jo 3:6)
Do you think on lovely things? Not things the world has to offer – but things that God offers. Do you think about what Heaven will be like? Do you think about God’s creation? Do you think about the message you heard on Sunday? His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. (Son 5:16) Thinking on Christ is lovely! He is altogether lovely!
What about thinking of things of good report? Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim 3:7) A man considered for Pastor must have a good reputation so the lost don’t have reason to doubt him. Are you thinking about your reputation and keeping it honorable?
What about thinking on virtuous things? Do you think on morally good things? According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2Pe 1:3) God has called us grow in this area. The more we think on morally good things, the less we’ll have time for the ungodly works of the flesh.
Do you think about praises? [To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David.] I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. (Psa 9:1) Even when you cannot think of one thing to praise God about, look at His wonderful creation and you’ll find something to praise Him for.
My friend, take moral inventory of your life today. How much time do you spend in the Word? How much time do you spend in prayer? How much time do you spend in church? How much time do you talk to others about the Lord? How much time to you study your Bible? Now compare it with how much time you do everything else in your life – be honest with yourself. Write it down on paper if you have to so you can see it in black and white. I beg you to do this assignment. Are you sitting on the fence of indifference? This ought not be so. The path to heaven is narrow and few are called. Why do you think this is? We must be growing in grace – growing in the knowledge and wisdom of the Word. It is in this growing process that we come down from straddling that fence and move forward in the path of righteousness. Remember, not only does the devil own the wide gate but he owns the fence you’re sitting on, too. He loves it when the Christian is not in forward motion!
Dear God…
Forgive me Lord for straddling the fence
Of indifference to the things of God
Help me Lord to move continually forward
As I walk the narrow way, Heaven bound.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Pro 16:18 ) Injured pride is a tough lesson for the believer. The earlier this lesson is learned, the better it is.
What is the best way to deal with pride? Doing a study on how God views pride should be the first place we start. Noah Webster’s definition helps us to see more clearly:
Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
I think the picture of the cat viewing himself as a lion is a perfect example, don’t you? When we see ourselves as better than we truly are, we set ourselves up for a huge disappointment.
If you struggle with pride, remember that one day you will be brought down to the level you truly belong, and maybe even lower. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (1 Sam 2:3) Continuing to be arrogant and prideful will only set you up for defeat. God sees where you truly are, how you think of yourself and He will weigh your actions. When the time comes where you are brought down, your pride will force you to think that you are suffering as a Christian. But God’s Word says, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Pet 2:20) You’re suffering because of your sinful pride, not because you did something right for the Lord. You must recognize the difference and see God’s chastisement as His way of teaching you to be humble.
It is better to learn to be humble and meek before God has to deal with you and you are brought to shame. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (Pro 11:2) Get in the Word where the teaching is pure – there are so many verses dealing with pride and humbleness. Recognize that your pride is sin in the eyes of God. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (Pro 21:4) Confess this sin and ask the Holy Spirit of God to pierce your heart and teach you humbleness and meekness.
That pride isn’t bad enough, but it drives you to greater sin. The Lord says you will stir up trouble and that you are a fool. Prov. 28:25-26, He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. (25) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (26) Is this what you want for your life? The Christian who is striving to grow in Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit. Pride is not listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit; however meekness is (Gal. 5:22).
It’s always best to learn any lesson early on because the longer you remain in any sin, the harder you will fall. Is it not so with your own children? If they disobey you once, the punishment is minimal. But the more then continue to disobey, the harsher the punishment, right? Can you expect any less from your Heavenly Father? So you ask, “I thought today’s devo was going to be on injured pride? I thought I would learn how to deal with it.” If you look deep within yourself, you will see that your pride was injured because you thought more of yourself than you should have. Dealing with injured pride is learning to be humble.
Dear God…
Place pride far behind me
And I no longer fall
May I reflect Your humbleness
And heed the Spirit’s call
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1)
Coloring/Teaching
Mary and Suzie, let’s color the letter “O”. “O” is the letter at the beginning of the word obey. Our Bible verse today has the word obey in it. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Eph. 6:1. To obey means that you do what Mommy and Daddy ask you to do right away. Discuss ways Mary and Suzie can obey you as they color the letter “O”. Example: Mary obeys Mommy when she puts her toys away when Mommy asks her. Yeh Mary!! (Clap your hands and smile!)
Obedience Song
(from Patch the Pirate)
(Clap while you’re singing this with them)
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe:
Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
Doing it happily!
Action is the key, do it immediately.
Joy you will receive!
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!
And you spell it O B E D I E N C E (yes, Sir!)
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!
Bible Time
Let’s open the Bible and learn what God says about obeying Mommy and Daddy.
Scripture: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1)
Story
Mommy was busy changing Matthew’s diaper. Mommy said, “Mary, would you please get Mommy the baby powder over there?”
Mary heard what Mommy asked but she was busy playing with her doll and she really did not want to stop. Mommy had to ask Mary again. Mary finally got up and went to get the baby powder for Mommy. But Mommy had to ask Mary two times. (Hold up two fingers and make a sad face.) After Mommy was finished changing Matthew’s diaper, she took Mary by the hand and sat her down. Mommy said, “Mary, you did not obey Mommy right away. The Bible says that you should obey me because God says it is right. God says that Mommy has to punish you because you did not obey right away. So because you did not obey me right away, Mommy will have to (fill in the form of discipline you use in your home).”
Did Mary obey right away? No, Mary did not obey Mommy right away, did she? (shake head no and frown). The Bible says, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1) Have them repeat this verse two or three times. Does God say in the Bible to obey your Mommy and Daddy? (Shake head yes, and smile!) Yes. God is happy when children obey right away. (clap your hands and make your voice perky when you say it) Our verse today says that it is right for you to obey your Mommy and Daddy. If you disobey Mommy and Daddy, will you be punished? (Nod your head yes.) Yes, Mommy and Daddy have to obey God, too. If you do not obey, then Mommy and Daddy have to punish you because God said so. Mommy and Daddy obey God right away. (Nod your head yes and smile.) What will happen if you do not obey right away? (Have them tell you what will happen – the form of punishment you use at home – this helps them to understand the consequences of disobedience.)
Teaching Throughout the Day
As you ask your children to do chores and tasks today, remind them of their Bible verse. If they do not obey right away, sing the Obedience Song to remind them. If they still do not respond, take them by the hand and recite the verse as you walk them to the task you’ve asked them to do. Toddlers who have already learned to obey will need to be disciplined if they disobey. Those who are just learning should be shown. You know when your child is deliberately disobeying. If they throw a tantrum, make sure to recite the verse and explain to them that is why you are disciplining them. Have them repeat the verse back to you. Tell them that you want to be obedient to God, too.
Dear God…
Help me to obey Mommy and Daddy right away.
Amen.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. (Pro 12:18 )
Today’s topic won’t be long as I feel one verse can best describe the tongue. There are many verses we could read about the tongue and I’ve listed them below for you to look up on your own. I believe that today’s verse best describes the tongue because it is two-fold. It discusses the proper and improper uses of the tongue. The picture of this man speaks volumes. It depicts someone who has been on the receiving end of one who used his tongue like a sword.
Picture this sword for a moment. A sword is used to cut – plain and simple. It serves no other purpose, except if one uses it as a trophy for show. It stands to reason that when a sword is just for show, then it is not in use. It is proper that this verse would compare the tongue to a sword. How many times have you been cut by words spoken by an angry person? How many times have those words cut so deeply that you have found it difficult to forgive a person? We have all been there at some point. Does this justify the person’s use of their tongue like a sword? Not at all.
The verse goes on to say that the tongue of the wise is health. Good health is such a blessing, isn’t it? No pains, no sicknesses – we cherish each day that we can get up and not feel a twinge! A wise tongue is the same as good health according to the Word. The words of a wise person help another to good health – not in the physical sense but in the emotional and spiritual sense.
What words do you speak to others? Do you come bearing health to some and a sword to others? Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? (Jam 3:11) It should not be so for believers. We should have sweet water all the time. Our words should bring health to others all the time. If bitter water flows from our mouths and our words cut like a sword, can we honestly say we are walking with the Lord? No, we surely cannot say that. A person who reacts this way with his tongue is one who is not yielded to the Holy Spirit of God.
Have you been hurt by someone’s words? Have they cut you deeply? Remember where those words came from. This hurtful person could be unsaved. If so, they are doing a great job serving their father, the devil. He is the epitome of self-centeredness and they have learned from him well. It helps you to understand why they are the way they are. It does not take the pain away, but it sure does help you focus your thoughts on why they have a need to hurt you. Give God the glory and move on. If this person is a born-again Christian, they are not yielded to the Holy Spirit in their lives, nor their tongue. Forgive this brother and pray for an opportunity to help this brother in this area. Pray for a peaceful time where you can share how the comments hurt you. If this brother is repentant and won, this is a blessing and you have exhorted this brother to righteousness. If this brother is unrepentant and uses his tongue as a sword once again, we are commanded in Matt. 18:22 to forgive our brother (another believer) as many times as it takes. Then ask the Holy Spirit to give you exactly what you need to love this brother the way God loves him.
I have personally been in a situation of this type. Just today alone, I’ve heard from two ladies who are going through similar trials. A sword produces bleeding, wounds and scars. The one on the receiving end will never be the same because wounds leave scars. Can we who have been wounded recover? Absolutely! How? By yielding our tongue to the control of the Holy Spirit. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (Jam 3:13) (Emphasis mine) When we are in the Word seeking after knowledge and wisdom, we put to practice what we have learned and show forth good conversation. Is it easy? No. Is it do-able? Yes! I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13 This is yet another burden to lay at the Saviour’s feet, my friend. We are not alone in our struggles but we have each other – the brothers and sisters in Christ who can exhort us unto righteousness and pray for us. Praise the Lord for being a part of this wonderful Family. Christ died for each of us, while we were yet sinners! If anyone had reason to be offended by the tongues of man, it was He.
Extra Verses on the Tongue:
Prov. 10:20
Prov. 11:12
Prov. 13:3
Prov. 14:25
Prov. 15:1, 4, 23
Prov. 15:28
Prov. 16:24, 28
Prov. 18:8, 13, 21
Prov. 21:23
Prov. 25:11
Prov. 26:17
Prov. 26:20
Prov. 27:2
James 3:5, 8
Dear God…
May my tongue be controlled
Each day as I yield to You
Help the living waters flow
So others may see the Truth
And be ye kind one to another (Eph 4:32a)
Coloring/Teaching
Have children color the picture of the two little girls. Give the little girls names, if you have two daughters, use their names. As they are coloring, show them that they are sharing the flower together. See how kind Suzie is? She is letting Mary smell her flower. Suzie knows that the Bible says to “be ye kind one to another”! Good job, Suzie! (Clap your hands and shout hooray!!)
Kindness Song
(Sing to the tune of Three Blind Mice)
Be ye kind
Be ye kind
That’s what the Word
Says we must do
We must be kind to each other now
So God can be pleased with each one of us
Be ye kind
Be ye kind
Bible Time
Let’s open the Bible and learn what God says about being kind to each other.
Read Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
God wants us to be kind to each other (hug yourself). Being kind means that we do not hit each other or yell at each other when we’re angry (frown as you’re saying this and shake your finger No). When your sister or brother takes your toy away from you, do you yell at her? Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. The Bible says that God wants you to be kind to your sister or brother. Is God happy when you make your little sister or brother cry? No (shake your head No and make a sad face)! God is very sad when you are not kind. Are you being kind when you spank your little sister or brother? (Spank your hand and make a sad face.) Nooooo, God is very sad when you spank your little sister or brother (shake your head No and make a sad face again). Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. God is very happy when you give a hug to your sister or brother because that is being kind! (Hug yourself and smile big and nod your head Yes!) God is very happy when you share with your sister or brother! Sharing is being kind! Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. Was Jesus kind? Yes, Jesus was very kind (nod your head Yes and smile). Jesus made sick people feel better. Do you remember when you had your bad cold? Jesus made you feel better. Thank You, Jesus, for helping Suzie to feel better (smile big and clap your hands)!!
Teaching Throughout the Day
As you see acts of kindness throughout the day, compliment your child and tell her/him what they did right. Suzie, sharing your toy with Mary was so kind! Mommy is so proud of you. Reinforce their good behavior. When Suzie spanks Mary, pull Suzie aside and ask her if she was being kind to her sister. Let her answer you. If she is too young to do this, then answer for her. Say, “No, Suzie, spanking Mary was not being kind at all (shaking your head No). The Bible says to: Be ye kind one to another. Eph. 4:32. Now go give Mary a nice hug and show her how good you are at being kind!”
Dear God…
Thank you for teaching us how to be kind to each other.
Help us to say nice words and to play nice with each other.
In Jesus’ Name we pray!
Amen!
Coloring/Teaching
Have children color the picture of the five loaves of bread and two fishes. When they are finished, count them together – 1-2-3-4-5 loaves of bread, 1-2 fishes! Now sing this little song. Have the children stand up so they can wiggle out their energy. Use your hands and hold up five fingers (for bread) and two fingers (for fish) as you sing. Hug yourself when you are singing the last verse to show that Jesus cares. Clap your hands as you sing, too.
Sharing Song
(Sing to Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Jesus took five loaves of bread
Loaves of bread
Loaves of bread
Jesus took five loaves of bread
And made so many more
He also had two little fish
Little fish
Little fish
He also had two little fish
And made so many more
The people were in Jesus’ care
Jesus’ care
Jesus’ care
The people were in Jesus’ care
And they all learned to share
Bible Time
Let’s open the Bible and learn what Jesus has to say about sharing.
(Matt 14:17-19) And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. (17) He said, Bring them hither to me. (18) And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. (19)
Story on Sharing
Jesus was preaching to 5,000 men plus women and children on a beautiful summer day. That is a lot of people (spread your arms out to show a lot)! That’s even more than at our church!
The sun was shining and it was so hot (wipe your forehead). The people were getting very hot and very hungry (rub tummy). Jesus knew that if He told them to go home, they would get sick because they were so hungry (rub tummy again). He loved them so much and He did not want to see them get sick (hug yourself).
So Jesus asked His disciples if they had any food to share with all these people. The disciples had five loaves of bread and two fishes (count the bread and fish in the picture). They knew there was not enough food to feed all those people (open your arms wide).
The disciples wanted to share their food so they gave all that they had to Jesus. Jesus took this food and made a miracle! A miracle is when God does something that we cannot do. Jesus is God so a miracle was very easy for Him to do. He turned those five loaves of bread and two fishes (point to picture) into enough food to feed all those people (open arms wide)!
Isn’t Jesus wonderful (sound excited and clap your hands)? There were even some left over to fill twelve whole baskets (clap your hands again)!
The Bible says it is good to share your food with each other. Do you think that means it’s good for you to share your toys, too? Yes (nod your head and sound excited)! Sharing your toys with each other is exactly what Jesus wants you to do! Thank You Jesus for teaching us in the Bible how good it is to share!
Dear God…
Thank you for teaching us how to share.
Help us to share our toys and our food with each other.
In Jesus’ Name we pray!
Amen!
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (Luk 6:36) Today’s devotional is a long one, but I ask for your patience as it is not a subject that can be dealt with in just a few words. Most of us think that God refers to those “unlovable” people when we read this verse. We think that it is fulfilling the following: Matt. 25:34-40, Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (34) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (35) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (36) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (37) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (38 ) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (39) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (40)
But what about those “prickly” people who are closer to you than strangers? What about those hard to love church folks? What about those estranged family members? What about your own flesh and blood family who have wronged you? Do you think God excluded those from these verses? Are we placing restrictions on God’s Word by omitting them from the mercy we should be showing? Is God’s love conditional? For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:6) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8 ) If God’s love is conditional, we would all be in big trouble, for we have all sinned. Why should our love for those I’ve mentioned be any different? Does God not encourage us throughout the Word to have the same agape love that He has for us? If God took to heart all the bad things we did or said, He would be the first to shun us! Remember the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Easier said than done, right? Broken bones heal but words sure do cut to the core of a person’s heart. How does the world react to hurtful words? I remember my old days – get even, that’s the only way. The Lord sure has done a work in my heart since then.
However, why is it that we struggle with this more when it is someone right in our own family? These family members are the ones that need our testimony the most. Strangers don’t see us as we truly are. They don’t see us at home – behind closed doors. Our families see us for what we really are. All the more reason for us to show mercy and compassion to those who are lost or backslidden. Have you been hurt deeply by a family member, my friend? Have you been hurt by a church member? I know I have. Loving those prickly and hard-to-love people is not something we can do in the flesh. We just cannot “make” ourselves love them. But we can love them with God’s love. How? Love is a word of motion. Love takes action on our part. God showed us this action by leaving His throne and dying for our sins. That is the ultimate display of agape love. It was not a “sit back and see what happens” love but an action love – “I will go to them and see what I can do for them” kind of love.
If we want to get strong physically, we exercise and build up our muscles. If you want to be stronger in the agape love area, start working at it by doing something for those you find difficulty loving. Christ Jesus was our example, was He not? Then follow His example. Go out there and do something for those you struggle with. Forgive them in your heart and move on. The devil would love nothing better than for you to hold on to resentment and bitterness toward those who have hurt you. You no longer serve him so why obey him? Serve your Father in Heaven instead and put some action to your work.
Are you too afraid to speak to that person face-to-face? Why not send a card or an email? Start “doing” for them as you would a total stranger. Start from scratch and build your testimony once again. If you need to ask forgiveness, then do so. If they wronged you, forgive them and move forward. Let the healing power of the Holy Spirit heal you. This is not an option in a Christian’s life. We are commanded, my friend, to love as Christ has loved. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12) Did Christ set limits to His love? Did He only die for certain people? No, He died for all sinners. Therefore, your love for others cannot have conditions. I know this is not an easy thing to hear. But as long as we neglect this great teaching and disobey this commandment, are we not out of the Father’s will?
It is difficult to put into practice this same love of Christ, especially if we have been wronged. Let’s say that you came up with a great idea for the Easter Cantata at church. You present it to the Choir Director and he excitedly receives it, complimenting you on your idea! The next thing you know, the Pastor announces from the pulpit that the Choir Director has come up with a brilliant play for the Cantata and there is no mention of you! Here you are sitting in your pew and you’re beet red and steaming on the inside. How dare the Choir Director steal your idea? After church, folks go up to the Director congratulating him on his idea and he does nothing to indicate that the idea was not his. You feel so betrayed and hurt at this point. You try to figure out whether you should go to the Choir Director directly or tell the Pastor that this was your idea and not the Choir Director’s idea. After all, the Pastor ought to know this.
It’s when we are at this point that we should think of John 15:12 and put it to action. Yes, you’ve been wronged. That is no longer the point. The point now is to learn to deal with what has happened and apply Christ’s example to your own situation. Christ would not retaliate and hurt but would lovingly bring this person to reconciliation. So must you. Remember that Christ died for you while you were yet a sinner, right? He forgave you before you even sinned. Then forgive this person, no matter if they have offended you countless times. Matt. 18:21-22, Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (21) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (22) I know it’s difficult, but we’re commanded to forgive. What would you do if Christ did not forgive “some” of your own sins? Christ did not set limits, nor should we. This is agape love, my friend. Once you have forgiven this person in your heart, you are free from the chains of resentment that are binding you. It no longer matters how you feel. What matters is to bring reconciliation.
The next step would be to face your offender. You would be amazed to find the reasoning behind their motives. It does not mean the offense is overlooked – it just means that you learn how to approach that person and discuss the offense with forgiveness already in your heart. That’s the difference. Listen with Christ’s heart rather than your own. Using our example, go to the Choir Director and tell him how happy you were that your idea was selected for the cantata and give the glory to God. Then sit back and listen. He will be sure to “hum and haw” and stumble to find the words to explain. It’s not easy to listen to excuses and place ourselves in their shoes but it is the right thing to do. Maybe the Choir Director had his own reasons for claiming ownership. Maybe he had certain events going on in his life that caused him to do this. It does not justify that what he did was wrong but it will help you to understand his reasoning. Maybe he was getting back at you for something you did to him that you are unaware of. This is not right but, it will help you to understand. It does not excuse what he did but it helps you to see why he did it. This is where reconciliation begins. You’ve already forgiven him prior to the meeting. Now you are working to restoring the relationship. Look at it this way. Can you imagine how Christ felt? He died for you before you even asked forgiveness! Some never ask for forgiveness yet He died for them too.
It’s hard to understand this kind of love, but we are commanded to love as Christ loves. Now that you are exercising this love and taking that first step of reconciliation, you can move forward in healing the relationship. You can speak your mind without being harsh because you are no longer dealing with forgiveness – you’ve already done this. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Pro 15:1) The Word of God has all that we need to tackle each task in life. If you speak non-combative words, you are promised that there will be peace in your conversation. We are also taught how to speak and which words to say. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Eph 4:29) Whatever you say to the Choir Director, let it be to edify him and to minister grace (goodwill and kindness) to him. If you don’t, you are grieving the Holy Spirit in your own life according to God’s Word. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30) The conversation with the Choir Director will not be an easy one. There is no “easy” way to tell someone that they have hurt you because they stole your idea. But there is a nice way to tell them. You can point out a sin but yet say it in such a way that this person knows you love them in the Lord. Your goal is to reconcile this person to God and to restore the relationship between the two of you. (If the person you are struggling with is not a Christian, then your goal is the same – you want to point him to Christ so he can be saved.) Go into your conversations after having prayed for God’s wisdom. God promises to give us wisdom liberally according to James 1:5.
Can you imagine how the Choir Director will respond if you are enter the conversation already with forgiveness? He will not feel defensive because he will see that your motive is not to get even. Your actions will prick his heart and move him to repent. If he does not, you have already forgiven him and the rest is up to him. You no longer have bitterness and resentment but are free to love him as Christ loves you! If the person is not saved, can you imagine how they are going to view your reaction? They will be seeing Christ in action through you. The Gospel is being spoken through action! What a responsibility we have to show this agape love in our lives – this love is one of motion – always moving forward and upward!
As we grow in Christ, we should be viewing the unlovable and prickly people as opportunities to reconcile them to God. What would we have done if Christ had treated us the way we treat those who are unlovable? Are we any different than they? No, but we have the power through Christ to treat the unlovely as He would. What a testimony we can be! What a powerful message we can preach just in our actions alone! What about that brother or parent you’ve been witnessing to for years? Have you had fight after fight trying to point out their sin? Has it brought the two of you closer together or has it brought distance between you? Were you successful in showing them their lost condition? Probably not. Have they hurt you in return? There are some things that you just cannot control, and one of them is their reaction. But what you can control is your reaction. With forgiveness in your heart, you are free to love them the way Christ loves them. Put into practice this agape love and start loving them with action. Do things for them – send a card, make a phone call, bake a cake, make a meal when they are sick – but just do it! Put Christ’s love in motion and love them unconditionally.
Thank You, Lord, for blessing my heart today!
Dear God…
Agape love is what we need
To show the love of Christ
To those who hurt us deeply
Guide us, help us through Your might.
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psa 119:165)
I have loved this verse for many years now. The Lord first gave it to me when I was going through some very difficult trials in my life. When God would speak to me through the Pastor’s messages, I did not like what I was hearing. I did not want to follow the guidance the man of God was clearly preaching. What he was preaching was too hard for me and I felt that it was too much to bear. Sometimes we look at our trials as a whole and get discouraged. This is what I did. I would look at the big picture, hear the preaching and think to myself that God didn’t know what He was asking me to do! Was I ever wrong!!
When the Lord gave Psalm 119:165 to me, it was as though He had reached down and hugged this child. He spoke to me through His Word and said that if I love His Word, nothing in it will cause me to fall or stumble. He would not ask me to do anything that would be bad for me. So, I obeyed the Lord through the preaching and did what was asked. The end result was one of great peace. All the fears I had of what might happen, never happened. I feared the unknown and feared what God would have me to do – all for nothing. God’s Word assured me peace if I followed it and it was true!
I pray that you would glean from that testimony and apply it to your own life. I pray that you will see this verse as one that will bring life changing results to you. Let’s look at it and pick it apart this morning. The Greek word for “offend” is
H4383
מכשׁל מכשׁול
mikshôl mikshôl
mik-shole’, mik-shole’
Masculine from H3782; a stumblingblock, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple): – caused to fall, offence, X [no-] thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block.
Noah Webster also defines the word in the same manner:
6. To disturb, annoy, or cause to fall or stumble. Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. Psa 119.
What a blessing this is. God’s Word will never bring you harm, my friend. You may hear some hard preaching and refuse to apply it to your life because you feel it is too hard or it will create problems. But God’s Word says otherwise. God’s Word is not offensive. He would never give us something that would cause us to stumble – It only promises peace.
You may be thinking that you already know this. But let me ask you this. Have you heard a message recently where the Pastor says “A Christian should not do _______!” (fill in the blank)? Were you guilty of whatever it was he said you should not do? If you were guilty, did you stop doing it? Or did you shrug it off. If you shrugged it off, you are sinning. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jer 3:15) God’s man has been given to your church to feed you from the Word so you can grow in knowledge and understanding, my friend. The Holy Spirit cannot do a work in you if you are not going to respond to the message God has laid on his heart. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:17) When your Pastor brings your name up before God, is he able to do so with joy or with grief? If it is with grief, the Word says it is unprofitable to you.
You only get your feathers ruffled when it is a sin you don’t want to give up. Right? Applying the Word’s teachings is not always easy but it brings peace. It is much easier to give up the sin and do what is right than to hold on to it. There is no peace in that. If you struggle with smoking cigarettes and you hear a message against it, does it not stir you up spiritually? What do you do with that? If you ignore it, you cannot honestly say you are at peace with that decision. Chances are you hide the cigarettes when the Pastor comes to visit. Or you are looking over your shoulder to make sure no one from church has seen you with a carton of cigarettes in your shopping cart. You heard the Bible verses the Pastor used to encourage you to quit smoking but you ignore him. You’re actually ignoring the Lord. This sin is not too great for you to give up, my friend. God promises that there is peace awaiting you.
Everyone has an area in their lives where they struggle. Why do we think that ours is unique and is just too great to give up? It’s because we are not in the Word of God the way we should be. Don’t be angry with the Preacher for preaching God’s Word. If you are, Psalm 119:165 cannot be a verse you can claim. Instead, submit to the preaching and allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in you. There is nothing that you are experiencing right now that you cannot overcome, my friend. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor 10:13)
God promises peace and He gives peace. The only thing we have to do to obtain that peace is to be in His Word. How hard is that? D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” If things are going wrong and you are overwhelmed, look at your Bible life. If you are on the verge of a marital break up, look at your Bible life. If you are struggling with gambling, look at your Bible life. Every part of our lives stems directly from the time we spend in the Bible and our obedience to its teachings. This is what separates the men from the boys. I constantly meet people who live defeated Christian lives. There is always something wrong and they seem to have one problem after another. Being around them is exhausting because they are negative and constantly complain. When they ask me what to do, I immediately ask them if they are in the Word every day. Every single response reflected little or no time had been spent in the Word! Can you believe that? And they wonder why they are going through these trials and feel overwhelmed? There is no peace there and it is evident why. I also have met Christians who are going through tremendous trials but you would never know it. Why? Because these Christians are in the Word, applying it to their lives and gleaning God’s peace.
Why struggle when you can have that sweet peace that only God can give His children? He waits to give it to you. Why ignore Him? Spending time in the Word and yielding yourself to it produces that peace. These negative people seem to enjoy living this way – constantly defeated. Do you actually enjoy the unrest in your spirit? Do you actually want to continue to live with such a dark cloud over you? Maybe you are the kind of person who loves the attention you get because of it. Believe me, the only attention you are getting is from people who are in the same situation as you are. You are like a person who is drowning – you are looking to others who cannot swim to help you. Instead, you should be looking to others who can provide you with a life preserver!
You can turn yourself around, you know. Sure it will mean setting aside time to read the Bible and study it. Sure it will mean that you will have to apply what you learn and give up those sins that God places on your heart. Sure it will take an effort on your part, but wouldn’t it be worth it? If you’re miserable, Christian, it’s because you choose to be miserable. The sad thing is that you bring down those around you, too. You will have much to account for when you stand before the Lord. Wouldn’t it be easier to submit to God’s Word today? Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psa 119:165)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isa 26:3)
LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (Isa 26:12)
Dear God…
How can I know You if I don’t read
Your Manual on life
This can only bring me grief and pain
Causing me much strife
