Love

Flying in Formation

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Having spent most of my life outdoors I can attest to the amazing complexity of birds gathering for migration. No single event or calendar day can contain the thousands of interactions that take place as flocks begin to grow. There is a lot of push and pull, as they swirl back and forth in every direction for weeks. But if things go according to design the day finally comes when they decide to form up and head for their Winter home.

Our family has experienced so many of the same issues that God has taught the birds how to overcome. There have been many conflicts and sorrows, changes and difficulties. But all through the years there has also been an overriding force that has kept us together. That force in our family has been the love of Jesus Christ. He continues calling us together in spite of all our differences. He seems to specialize in knitting our hearts together in times of adversity. He has worked tirelessly, day and night, year after year to teach us to fly in loving formation. All of this Jesus does, not simply to force us into His path; but rather to prepare us. He has looked at the forecast and He knows we need to prepare. He sees that just ahead lies a Wintertime and we must form up and be ready for our journey home!

I Hope You Are Listening!

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So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

white framed rectangular mirror

Photo by Abel Tan Jun Yang on Pexels.com

Jesus could have likewise said, “So I am giving you a new commandment. Listen to one another just as I have listened to you…!” Listening is one part of love. Stop for a moment and ask yourself, “How has God listened to you?” Has He listened, not only when it was to his advantage? Has he given His attention only when we were being kind to a stranger or when we were singing in church? No! Fortunately for us God also listened when we got into trouble and when we fell into sin. God has listened at those times and He has been ready to bring us restoration and forgiveness. When we know deep in our hearts that God will always listen, we will be ready to hear what He has to say.

Now think about the people around you in the nursing home. Who is listening to them? Are you? Am I? One woman who was a nursing home resident wrote, “No one touches me who is not paid to do so.” In other words, “No is willing to help me unless it is to their advantage.” We, as Christians have a unique opportunity to show others the love of Christ by listening. When we slow down long enough to hear what others are saying, we are also offering them the hope that God is listening too!

Invisible Things

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In the storms of life when the shore is nowhere to be found we find ourselves stripped down to just three eternal things: faith,hope and love. God gives us these treasures: not as a prize to be received in heaven but as a light to guide us through.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13

If you are discouraged or even angry at circumstances that seem to be spinning out of control – trust in God’s promise. He loved us so much that He allowed Jesus to die on a very real cross for a world where men put nails through His hands and feet. When no one yet believed He died in Hope of resurrection. When no kindness was offered to Him He offered heaven to a thief and forgiveness to His enemies. When He drew His final breath He trusted His Spirit into His Father’s hands. How can we be afraid to follow Him? There is no stronger hope on earth than His word. There is no other path that leads to Heaven than faith. There will never be a reward more lasting than the mighty Love of Jesus Christ!