I ripped the cellophane wrapping off the small package with delight. The cards my mother had bought that morning were perfect. They were bright red with hearts all over them and short funny sayings appropriate for Valentine's Day. I spent all that evening addressing the envelopes and signing my name to all the cards. All, that is, but one.
There was one card in the package that was larger than the rest. It said, ?Be Mine,? and the verse inside was not funny. In fact, to me, it was so serious that my heart beat faster. This card was going to someone I thought was deserving of something so special. His name was Darryl. I was ten years old and I was ?in love.?
I did not sign my name to the card addressed to Darryl because I was afraid. I did not want to admit my feelings for fear of being rejected. What if he just laughed? What if he threw the card in the trash and someone else saw that it was from me? What if he left it behind on an empty desk for anyone to see? No. I would not put my name on that card, but I would pray that Darryl would know who it was from.
Giving your love and affection to someone is a risk. You become vulnerable to being hurt, to rejection, perhaps even . . .
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This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers 1John 3:16
How well do you know your "3:16's"?
Most people know John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he sent his only son that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.
And there is 2Timothy 3:16, All scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in holiness.
And now we have 1John 3:16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the words to their song All You Need is Love
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
And they are quite correct.
Deuteronomy says it, "You shall love the . . .
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers 1John 3:16
How well do you know your "3:16's"?
Most people know John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he sent his only son that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.
And there is 2Timothy 3:16, All scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in holiness.
And now we have 1John 3:16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the words to their song All You Need is Love
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
And they are quite correct.
Deuteronomy says it, "You shall love the . . .
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Happy Valentine's Day! I am dedicating this devotional to all of us who "stick it out" through the "thick and thin" of LIFE--married or single--we are blessed...!
And that's where the PEANUT BUTTER ?N JELLY SANDWICH comes in, believe it or not! For you see, love, life AND "pbj" do have a lot in common...
Love in the Sweet Times - We can know God's love--it's the jelly in the middle, the sweetness of being together in His Will and for His good pleasure. He gives us the ability to make choices--we can choose to love and honor our mate--and others--even when it's hard. He is with us--right there in the middle of it all--to share with us HIS abiding love.
Love in the Sticky Times - We can know God's joy--it holds people together in the tough times, when happiness is not enough. It's NEVER enough, even in a good marriage or friendship--only God can bring to us the joy that is eternal, that lasts through trials, tests and storms. He's there, when we call on His Name--He is with us, to share with us HIS never-ending joy.
Love in the Crunch! - We can know God's peace--it's there for the "nutty" times--when things go topsy-turvy, when we don't know which way to turn, when unexpected problems arise. He brings peace to . . .
And that's where the PEANUT BUTTER ?N JELLY SANDWICH comes in, believe it or not! For you see, love, life AND "pbj" do have a lot in common...
Love in the Sweet Times - We can know God's love--it's the jelly in the middle, the sweetness of being together in His Will and for His good pleasure. He gives us the ability to make choices--we can choose to love and honor our mate--and others--even when it's hard. He is with us--right there in the middle of it all--to share with us HIS abiding love.
Love in the Sticky Times - We can know God's joy--it holds people together in the tough times, when happiness is not enough. It's NEVER enough, even in a good marriage or friendship--only God can bring to us the joy that is eternal, that lasts through trials, tests and storms. He's there, when we call on His Name--He is with us, to share with us HIS never-ending joy.
Love in the Crunch! - We can know God's peace--it's there for the "nutty" times--when things go topsy-turvy, when we don't know which way to turn, when unexpected problems arise. He brings peace to . . .
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It must have looked like this was an important prisoner. He was guarded by two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen. They had heard there were men who wanted him dead, so they had taken measures to assure his safety. He was, after all, a Roman citizen. When they arrived without incident at their destination, the man was handed over to the Roman governor of the province. His trial lasted only long enough for two witnesses to make their statements and for the prisoner himself to plead his innocence. There really was not enough evidence to imprison the man, but the governor, the 'most excellent Felix? (Acts 24:3), put the prisoner, the apostle Paul, under house arrest.
From time to time Felix would have Paul brought before him and the apostle would tell him about ?righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come? (Acts 24:25). Many times he talked with Felix about faith in Jesus Christ. Felix heard Paul's story, listened to his discourse. At times he was afraid and sent him away. But he kept calling him back. He kept calling him back over a period of two years!
As I read this story in the book of Acts, I wondered about the battle that must have been going on in that Roman governor's mind and soul. He heard the words of truth, but, sadly, there was . . .
From time to time Felix would have Paul brought before him and the apostle would tell him about ?righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come? (Acts 24:25). Many times he talked with Felix about faith in Jesus Christ. Felix heard Paul's story, listened to his discourse. At times he was afraid and sent him away. But he kept calling him back. He kept calling him back over a period of two years!
As I read this story in the book of Acts, I wondered about the battle that must have been going on in that Roman governor's mind and soul. He heard the words of truth, but, sadly, there was . . .
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National Radio (24th March 2005) ran a debate between David Penny an evolutionist, and Adrian Bates a creationist, in which both men were allowed a little time to present their case. Adrian went first, and spoke meekly but accurately, defending the Bible point of view and keeping within the limits of the debate theme.
David however had no interest in being objective. His opening words were prefaced with a laugh of mockery, and from there on he attacked Mr. Bates with personal slights, ridiculed the Bible and the God of the Bible, cast aspersions at Christians in general, and turned the debate into a grandstand for his atheistic opinions. He repeatedly cut in and drowned Adrian out, dominating at least two thirds of the allotted interview time with his opinions, which stretched far and wide. Intelligent listeners would have been struck by the radically different styles of the two men.
David raised two main points, on which he rested his belief in an ancient Earth: ice core samples and tree rings. Ironically, these two supposed evidences for an ancient Earth are actually very good evidences for the very opposite.
It was claimed by David that the "annual rings" in the ice core samples, taken in the north polar regions, prove that the ice is . . .
David however had no interest in being objective. His opening words were prefaced with a laugh of mockery, and from there on he attacked Mr. Bates with personal slights, ridiculed the Bible and the God of the Bible, cast aspersions at Christians in general, and turned the debate into a grandstand for his atheistic opinions. He repeatedly cut in and drowned Adrian out, dominating at least two thirds of the allotted interview time with his opinions, which stretched far and wide. Intelligent listeners would have been struck by the radically different styles of the two men.
David raised two main points, on which he rested his belief in an ancient Earth: ice core samples and tree rings. Ironically, these two supposed evidences for an ancient Earth are actually very good evidences for the very opposite.
It was claimed by David that the "annual rings" in the ice core samples, taken in the north polar regions, prove that the ice is . . .
Subcategories
The Spur Article Count: 92
Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada. Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others. To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Wonders of Creation Article Count: 37
Written By Richard Gunther.
Harris Dvores Article Count: 1
Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.
Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count: 49
Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count: 2
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.
Diane Davis Article Count: 1
Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police. Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren. She is also Pastor Tim's mom.
Melva's Devotions Article Count: 48
Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.
Barb's Mantle Article Count: 59
Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site. Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sandra Boyte Article Count: 10
Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion. No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls. Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.
Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count: 98
Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Peggie's Den Article Count: 77
"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"
Misc Article Count: 77
Miscellaneous archived items.