The Family of Faith - a new post by Debra Courtney

“... for you had become so very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2: 8 AMP

During the 1990’s, a singles class at our church became a close-knit family for many people who had lost a spouse through divorce or death. I have experienced this for myself through the passing on to eternal life of my husband last year.

When someone needed to move, class members or members of the church packed boxes, carried furniture, and provided food. Birthdays and holidays were no longer solitary events as faith and friendship emerged into an ongoing relationship of encouragement. Many of those bonds forged during adversity a couple of decades ago continue to flourish and sustain individuals and families today.

Paul’s letter to the followers of Jesus in Thessalonica paints a picture of life-giving relationships in God’s family.  “But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children.”   1 Thess.2:7 AMP.

“For you recall our hard toil and struggle [and plied our trade] in 0rder not to be a burden to any of you…” 1 Thess. 2:9. “For you know as a father [dealing with] his children, we used to exhort each of you personally, stimulating and encouraging and charging you”. 1 Thess. 2:11

Like mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, Paul and his associates shared the gospel and their lives with these fellow believers who “had become dear” to them. Vs.8.

In God’s family of faith, He provides mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers for us. The Lord gives His joy as we share our lives together in His grace and love. Our Abba Father has called us to serve one another - to give us a heart willing to accept the care of others. May we ask for help when we are in need and respond with a heart of grace to others when they ask for help.

God loves you and me; let’s love one another.

Nothing to Fear - by @ShelleyHendrix

image used with permission from pixabay.com

There are so many alarming headlines. Too many to count. I don’t know about you, but I know that as I read my newsfeed or hear the latest atrocity committed, accident experienced, storm warning or yet another Christian leader’s moral failure, I am gripped with a sense of my own humanity and inadequacy.

Fear is a powerful force and nearly indomitable motivator. 

The only force stronger than fear is love. 

And the only Source of pure love is God. 

And, Oh, How He Loves Us!! 

As children of God, deeply and fully loved and well-cared for, we can shine His light into the darkness as we put our hope in God. We can share this love that overcomes fear with others as we follow the Apostle Paul’s instruction to “express our faith in love.” (See Galatians 5:6) 

How can you share the love of Christ with those in your life today? How can you shine His light into the darkness today? 

Here are some practical ways Paul the Apostle encouraged a young Timothy to live out his faith: 

• Do Good 
• Be Rich in Good Deeds 
• Be Generous 
• Be Willing to Share 

And, as always, God's principles are closely attached to His promises: “In this way (you) will lay up treasures for (yourself) as a firm foundation...." 
May we all lean into our Heavenly Father in faith and hope borne out of our trust in His good and gracious character. 

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

~ I Timothy 6:17-19 

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The Most Powerful Force in the World by Debra Courtney

LOVE BEYOND MEASURE

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide…a Savior who is Messiah and Master. At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” Luke 2: 12-14. MSG

3 Proofs of Uncommon Love

The above verses clearly demonstrate the UNCOMMON LOVE that was manifested to humankind.

Uncommon Love Does Not Fear!

Fear is distrust and lack of confidence.

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror!  For fear brings with it the thought of punishment and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]. 1John 4:18 AMP. Something is missing when fear is present.  It may be evidence of the wrong person or the wrong timing. Be cautious!

Uncommon Love Wants To Give!

Love wants to contribute to another’s need.

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 AMP.  True love results in the investment of time, effort and even finances in another.  Ministering to someone you love should become a joy!

Uncommon Love Anticipates The Needs of Others!

“...and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33) But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” AMP Matt. 6:32, 33. As you sow LOVE into others, expect God to bless you beyond your greatest expectations.

The most expressive LOVE that mankind has ever know is when Jesus came to this earth! The angles even heralded it as the most joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide! I am overwhelmed when I remind myself of the awesome LOVE that has been bestowed upon me and all that accept Christ. It is without a doubt the best GIFT any person could receive unto themselves.

It is LOVE beyond measure that God would take on humanity and humbly bring himself down to mankind and the world he created to make sure that you and I could have life and have it more abundantly, not just in the here and now but all through eternity.

I am so thankful and grateful for the LOVE of Christ that has been given to all of humanity and the manifestation that His LOVE has brought into my life.

Debra’s life goal is to inspire and motivate women globally to become all they have been created and designed to be by using the guiding principles of their Creator’s word in gaining wisdom, understanding their designed-given personality identities & create their purpose! 

The Most Powerful Force in the World Is Love by Debra Courtney

Photo By Ameila Grace Photography

“…And the best of the three is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG

   



To love someone is to place high value on them. "Falling in love with someone is a mental picture that illustrates dethronement of self and the elevation of another".

Love is a great motivator. Love tears down walls. Love is a time grabber. Our investment of time in people is proof of our love. Love is contagious. Love is a lot of different things to all the people on the face of this earth.

Actually, I think it is right up there with money as far as value is concerned with people.

I think there have been more songs written about LOVE than any other topic in the world.

A very important question every person should ask is, “What is it about this person that I am really draws my attention, my attraction? Could it be their looks? Is it their personality? What we have in common? Sometimes what we actually love is a special quality in a person rather than the person. How do we really discern true love?

Let’s admit it; some have accepted less than God’s very best in the “LOVE” category of our life. God has to give to each of us a very special desire and love for a person who excites our desire for commitment.

We know Love does not fear. Fear is lack of confidence and trust and causes overreaction with some people. “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear…” 1 John 4:18. MSG. Love is missing when fear is present.

We know Love wants to give. “This is how much God loved the world; he gave his Son, his one and only Son…” John 3:16. MSG. Love shows up in us as we desire to contribute to another’s need. Joy will show itself prevalent in our life when we love another.

We know Love anticipates the needs of others. Jesus is the example of this with the Samaritan woman at the well and others in the Gospels. As we sow our love into those around us, expect God to bless you above and beyond anything you can expect or imagine. Being blessed beyond measure is demonstration of God’s love to us when we love one another and the unlovable.

Yet remember, Love is worth is scrutiny. Discern how much others have the capability to receive your love, and then give your love accordingly. Don’t waste your love.  

 

Debra’s life goal is to inspire and motivate women globally to become all they have been created and designed to be by using the guiding principles of their Creator’s word in gaining wisdom, understanding their designed-given personality identities & create their independence!