Love Is

1 Corinthians 13 The Amplified Version

1IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [c] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([d]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

9For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

12For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as [e]in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand [f]fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been [g]fully and clearly known and understood [[h]by God].

13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Boards of Salvation

                                  Stay with the ship even when it is torn all to pieces. 

Last week's post came on the heels of a trio of tornadoes. Thank God we have been storm-free since then. Cleanup efforts are well underway. People from nearby states have joined the locals in demolition and repairs. It is a beautiful thing to see a community working together to find housing for those who have been displaced.

Acts 27:14,15 references a similar storm. The King James version refers to it as a tempestuous wind. The NIV refers to it as a wind of hurricane force. Euroclydon was not just a passing storm, it was one that could last for days. In this account, its destructive forces battered Paul's ship for fourteen days.

It was so powerful that the ship's crew had to relinquish control of the helm. Then they brought the lifeboat aboard. Additional precautions were taken to keep the ship together. The sails were lowered in efforts to keep them from being driven into the sandbars. And everything that could be thrown overboard was tossed. They lost all hope of being saved.

Everyone that is, except the Apostle Paul. He had received a message from an angel of God. He explained it to the centurion. Their salvation was dependant upon staying with the ship. The storm worsened. Even when daylight came, they could not discern a shoreline. In a last ditch effort to save themselves they hastened the destruction of the ship.

As the ship broke apart, those that could swim headed for the shore. Others clung to the remnants of the boat and floated to safety. Because they stayed with the ship, even the broken pieces, they survived. Not one life was lost.

The storms of our life may range from little sprinkles to devastating typhoons. It is certain that we will try everything in our power to stay intact as we ride through them. At times we may lose our grip. And there may be times that we will feel hopeless. It is in those times that we must seek the Lord, listen to His voice, obey His commands, and trust that He will keep us safe in His care.

When Will I See You?

One evening last week, CWGIII called me. He said, "when am I going to see you?" My heart just melted. I was disappointed that I was at work and couldn't go at that very moment. I assured him that his uncle and I would be up for a visit as soon as possible.

Sunday after church we made the 60 mile trek to Paris. We even did the drive through thing for lunch. I knew my golden boy would waiting. Notice I didn't say patiently waiting. He always greets me with a list of stuff to do while I am there. I cherish the time we have together.

The first thing we did; he rode the skateboard and I watched. He likes sports but he needs to work on his balance skills. Instead of skating standing up, he rode the board sitting down. I tried to help him ride it the right way, but that was too restrictive for him. Soon we were both sweaty and winded so we went inside to cool off.

Then he showed me an effortless and painless way to skate. He had a new game for his Xbox. We designed our own skating park. We gave the skater and his board a new look. Then his hands began a frenzy of motion. His hands seem to be more coordinated than his legs. I patted his back and played with his hair all the while he worked the controls. That's how we played.

You see, it wasn't what we did that was important. It was that we did it together. I know he would love to wrestle the way we used to when he was smaller. He would be overjoyed if I lived close by and could play everyday. I would be too. But things change as we age. Quality becomes more important than quality. He may not know that now, but he will in time.

Sometimes I hear God saying, "when am I going to see you?" He knows all and sees all, but His desire is to fellowship with me. He has things He wants to tell me. He wants to hear my prayers. My time with Him is sometimes limited by circumstances. Yet I know that I find time for those who are important to me. If I only have a few minutes, they need to be quality minutes. He does not require a certain quantity of time, just my whole life. I must give Him quality time.

When will I see Him? When He comes for His bride. I want to be ready. How about you?

Originally posted at Beneath The Ivy Wreath.

No Ban on Christmas, Here

Every Christmas at our hospital, we have a door decorating contest. The theme this year: The Faces of Christmas. This theme was developed in a variety of ways. Some had Christ centered decorations. Others were more commercial. One was dedicated to members of the Armed Forces. A couple were covered with snowflakes, Santa Claus, and snowmen. It was interesting to see how different folks interpreted the theme.

First prize went to the dietary department. Simply decorated with a nativity scene and the words, "Jesus is the reason for the season. Keep Christ in Christmas." Second place went to the HIM bunch. The only words on their door were; "Merry Christmas" with a bold underline on Christ. The rest of the door was decorated with tiny mirrors attached with ribbons. This was to suggest that the faces of Christmas were the faces in the mirrors.

Another door was decorated like a package. The center of the bow was a large picture of the nativity scene. On the ribbon, both horizontal and vertical, they attached pictures of themselves and their families. It was a simple decoration but profound in meaning. Actually, I didn't get their intended meaning at first. Then they told everyone what it was all about.

The ribbon represented the cross. The pictures attached to the cross represented the faces of Christmas, because they were faces of those who had attached themselves to Christ. They received an honorable mention award.

I am thankful that I work in a place that still believes in keeping Christ in Christmas. I trust that you all had a Merry Christmas day and will continue to keep the spirit of Christmas all year through.

P.S. Not a one had pictures of the Grinch or Ebeneezer Scrooge. Both of which are Christmas success stories and could have easily took their place in the faces of Christmas contest.

Information Overload

"Information is everything." I have said that so many times in the past 3 weeks that most everything has lost significance and become just information. It is a true statement, particularly related to ads. But too much information can overload the brain. At least that is true as far as my brain is concerned. Really, there are times when I think I need to just "control, alt, delete" and reboot my brain.

Enough about me. I want to share a few links for on-line Bible study resources. (This is not a paid advertisement.) I have worked with it for a day or two and I really like it. It is similar to E-Sword, yet different. Both resources can be downloaded for free or you can order the CDs.

E-Sword has many add on features. Some are free and others can be bought. I am partial to it because it offers Strong's Numbers and definitions right with the text. This link will take you to Bible Pro.com. This site boasts of 45 Bible translations, a dozen or so commentaries, daily Bible reading helps, and maps of all kinds. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Bible News is a basic sort of search link, good for any link list. It offers search by word, reference, or topic. If you have been to my sidebar, you already know about Christ Notes . I think their widget is one of the best for blogs and such. And a final link that offers a world of Christian links; CrossSearch.com.

Flawed but Faithful

A man with many names. Remembered by the masses as the one who walked on water and sank. Remembered by others as the disciple who denied Christ 3 times in the same night. And still others recognize him as the center stage preacher of Pentecost.

Cephas/Kepha was Peter's Aramaic name meaning rock. Jesus gave him this name in John 1:42 translated into Greek as Petros.

James refered to Peter as Simeon (the Hebrew name for Simon) Acts 15:14

He was called Simon Peter in Mt. 16:16, Acts 10:18 refers to him as Simon known as Peter.

Some facts about Peter the disciple of Christ.

• was one of the first disciples called Mark 1:16-18


• was a fisherman from Bethsaida John 1:44


• had a home in Capernaum Mark 1:21,29


• was married Mt. 8:14, Luke 4:38


• took his wife along I Corinthians 9:5


• was a Galilean with an accent Mark 14:70


• was a brother to Andrew (disciple of John the Baptist) John 1:35-42


• was named first in the disciples' lists in the synoptics


• was in Christ's inner circle with James and John


• saw the risen Christ I Cor 15:5


• received a special commission in John 21:15-19


• his preaching led to the conversion of thousands on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:14-40

Historians tell us that he was crucified for the cause of Christ. Regardless of his faults and failures, he remained faithful to the end.

Psalm of the Shepherd

Who has not heard the 23rd Psalm? The only ones who haven't heard it are the ones who have never been exposed to the Gospel at all. It is probably the most familiar text of the Bible along with John 3:16. Even the un-churched have heard the Psalm of the Shepherd. It is a staple of funerals everywhere. Often Sunday School children memorize it before they enter elementary school. It is a simple chapter, yet so profound.

It is so familiar that I often take it for granted. When attending funerals, I often join the minister and softly quote it as he reads. It is ingrained in me. Seems like I memorized it when I was only 5 or 6. Learning it by heart came through years of repeated interaction with the verses. Sometimes it seems to be an "old hat" kind of thing and other times it is the best medicine. Nothing really comforts me more than knowing The Good Shepherd will take care of me all through this treacherous journey called life. And He will be there when it is time to step over the threshold and into everlasting life with Him.

Rather than continue with my observations of the chapter, I want to link you to some sermon notes that really spoke to me. Please take time to check them out and leave a comment or two. I'm sure the pastor would be encouraged by your visit.