Even if you don't believe it,
don't care,
doubtful,
God loves
you.
Nicholl McGuire
Read this poem: When God Speaks
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Wednesday
Friday
Worthwhile Article about Expressing Love
I thought this article was worth including on this blog since it demonstrates true love! Check it out...
Jesus taught that the first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Then the Lord Jesus went on to tell us what the second great commandment in the Law is, “ ....and the second is like it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV) By the instruction of the Lord Himself we know that upon these two directives hang the Law and the Prophets. Obedience to these will lead men into the obedience of all the Lord's commandments. This article is devoted to the second great law, which is that we must love one another as ourselves. Why is it referred to as the second great commandment? I would say it is because it is the second hardest thing for men to do, the first hardest is to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. Why are these so difficult for men to do? Because man is profoundly self-centered. For other then by surrender to the grace of God no man can get past “self” to live in a manner that is firstly God-ward, and beyond that to live a life directed toward others. Only one man has ever completely filled this bill and that was the Lord Jesus. Every other man who has lived has failed these commandments, however, that does not take away our responsibility to, by the grace of God that is at work with in us, give our selves to the fulfillment of the Biblical commandment to love our neighbor as our self.
So we find that we are commanded to love one another as we would our own self. In order to emphasize and maintain this love the Lord Jesus gave to the Church two admonitions: The practice of foot washing, and the practice of the holy kiss. Although both practices are commanded by the Scripture, neither would have any significance if it were not that they are to reinforce brotherly love among the members of the family of God. This gives them extreme significance.
THE HOLY KISS-or-THE KISS OF LOVE
Through ignorance I was totally negligent in the practice of this commandment for many years, although I had an open godly testimony. It was not rebellion on my part, but rather simply the working of ignorance and confusion. I, although a “son of the Church”, was never instructed by her to do this commandment. A blindness being on the eyes of the Church and myself in regards to this practice. It is impossible to understand the need to practice the holy kiss until one can open his heart to understand the need for brotherly love in the house of the Lord. There is absolutely no need for the holy kiss, or the kiss of love if we have no intention on loving our brother as our self. If we are not interested in warmth of heart among God's people. If we are not interested in dealing with each other in respect, in dignity, in tenderness, in humility, in forgiveness, in the building up of each other, in the comfort of each other, then there is no purpose in the practice of the holy kiss. The holy kiss, which in my determination is exercised the man to the man, and the woman to the woman, is to emphasize the great importance that we see for the other person. It is the act of saying, I LOVE YOU, YOU ARE AS IMPORTANT AS I AM. It is to humble one's self before his brother. It is to say, I respect you. It is to say, I honor you, and give you value. It is to show affection and warmth.
When I make mention of this Scriptural commandment others often say to me, “it's a cultural thing that is being spoken of, therefore I do not need to do that.” To that statement I answer, “yes, every culture ought to obey God's word and fulfill this commandment.” For the commandments of the Scripture ought not to be influenced by society, but it is man's cultures that ought to be influenced by the Holy Scripture.
Some may say, “do I have to kiss another on the lips?” No, not as far as I am concerned, but to kiss your brother on the lips is not necessarily evil. However, to kiss your brother on the cheek certainly fulfills what we are commanded to do.
Is the western practice of a hand shake equal to the holy kiss? First of all if the Lord would have desired a hand shake I am persuaded that He would have commanded that. Secondly, I do not believe that the depth of brotherly affection and honor that can be transferred in the practice of the holy kiss can be transferred in the practice of the handshake.
Again, I say that this practice finds its total need of existence in the fact that we must love one another. Knowing that the fulfillment of love, the one to the other, is to stop evil in the world, ought we not to pursue love? For is it not true that if true love could exist in every heart then there would be no evil among men? So love is paramount. Love is supreme. Love is to be sought above all things. Therefore, that which is basic to the bringing forth of love is of extreme value. The holy kiss is found commanded in these verses: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:20, 1 Thessalonian 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14
FOOT WASHING
The practice of foot washing as is spoken of by the Lord Jesus in John 13:12-17 is not directly a commandment, but a point of wisdom we are encouraged to follow. The which in my mind is an equal to a commandment. For when a superior desires something of us, is that not to be taken as a commandment? If a father says to a son, “I sure wish you would do this certain thing”, or, perhaps he puts it this way, “I'd like it if you would get this done for me.” is not his stated desire an equal to an order? I think so. Therefore, I view the Lord's encouragement of us to wash one another's feet as an equal to His commanding it. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garment, and was set down again, He said unto them, know ye what I have done for you? Ye call me master and lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your lord and master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them. ( John 13:12-17KJV)
Jesus, having washed the disciple's feet uses the example of his own actions to instruct them to humble themselves toward each other. He did this by instituting the practice of brother washing brother's feet. No, it is not to clean your brother's feet as if they were dirty, but to humble one's self before his brother in order to serve him in this basic manner. Why do this? What is the need for this practice? The need is found in that we of nature are not humble the one to the other, but self seeking. We need this action to help break down the wall of “self” that separates us from an open, honest, pure relationship of genuine love and service to our brother. The practice of washing our brother's feet is a tool to empower us to be able to be genuine, honest, pure, devoted, sincere, openly affectionate, loyal, devoted, and if there is any other word that sums up brotherly love, then it ought to be done and not left undone.
As I see it, the bottom line of this issue is expressed in this question. Do I have faith, and the commitment of love toward God and my brother to follow Jesus in greeting my brother with the kiss of love, and to wash his feet?”
Written by someone who calls himself, "A Watchman"
Jesus taught that the first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Then the Lord Jesus went on to tell us what the second great commandment in the Law is, “ ....and the second is like it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV) By the instruction of the Lord Himself we know that upon these two directives hang the Law and the Prophets. Obedience to these will lead men into the obedience of all the Lord's commandments. This article is devoted to the second great law, which is that we must love one another as ourselves. Why is it referred to as the second great commandment? I would say it is because it is the second hardest thing for men to do, the first hardest is to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. Why are these so difficult for men to do? Because man is profoundly self-centered. For other then by surrender to the grace of God no man can get past “self” to live in a manner that is firstly God-ward, and beyond that to live a life directed toward others. Only one man has ever completely filled this bill and that was the Lord Jesus. Every other man who has lived has failed these commandments, however, that does not take away our responsibility to, by the grace of God that is at work with in us, give our selves to the fulfillment of the Biblical commandment to love our neighbor as our self.
So we find that we are commanded to love one another as we would our own self. In order to emphasize and maintain this love the Lord Jesus gave to the Church two admonitions: The practice of foot washing, and the practice of the holy kiss. Although both practices are commanded by the Scripture, neither would have any significance if it were not that they are to reinforce brotherly love among the members of the family of God. This gives them extreme significance.
THE HOLY KISS-or-THE KISS OF LOVE
Through ignorance I was totally negligent in the practice of this commandment for many years, although I had an open godly testimony. It was not rebellion on my part, but rather simply the working of ignorance and confusion. I, although a “son of the Church”, was never instructed by her to do this commandment. A blindness being on the eyes of the Church and myself in regards to this practice. It is impossible to understand the need to practice the holy kiss until one can open his heart to understand the need for brotherly love in the house of the Lord. There is absolutely no need for the holy kiss, or the kiss of love if we have no intention on loving our brother as our self. If we are not interested in warmth of heart among God's people. If we are not interested in dealing with each other in respect, in dignity, in tenderness, in humility, in forgiveness, in the building up of each other, in the comfort of each other, then there is no purpose in the practice of the holy kiss. The holy kiss, which in my determination is exercised the man to the man, and the woman to the woman, is to emphasize the great importance that we see for the other person. It is the act of saying, I LOVE YOU, YOU ARE AS IMPORTANT AS I AM. It is to humble one's self before his brother. It is to say, I respect you. It is to say, I honor you, and give you value. It is to show affection and warmth.
When I make mention of this Scriptural commandment others often say to me, “it's a cultural thing that is being spoken of, therefore I do not need to do that.” To that statement I answer, “yes, every culture ought to obey God's word and fulfill this commandment.” For the commandments of the Scripture ought not to be influenced by society, but it is man's cultures that ought to be influenced by the Holy Scripture.
Some may say, “do I have to kiss another on the lips?” No, not as far as I am concerned, but to kiss your brother on the lips is not necessarily evil. However, to kiss your brother on the cheek certainly fulfills what we are commanded to do.
Is the western practice of a hand shake equal to the holy kiss? First of all if the Lord would have desired a hand shake I am persuaded that He would have commanded that. Secondly, I do not believe that the depth of brotherly affection and honor that can be transferred in the practice of the holy kiss can be transferred in the practice of the handshake.
Again, I say that this practice finds its total need of existence in the fact that we must love one another. Knowing that the fulfillment of love, the one to the other, is to stop evil in the world, ought we not to pursue love? For is it not true that if true love could exist in every heart then there would be no evil among men? So love is paramount. Love is supreme. Love is to be sought above all things. Therefore, that which is basic to the bringing forth of love is of extreme value. The holy kiss is found commanded in these verses: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:20, 1 Thessalonian 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14
FOOT WASHING
The practice of foot washing as is spoken of by the Lord Jesus in John 13:12-17 is not directly a commandment, but a point of wisdom we are encouraged to follow. The which in my mind is an equal to a commandment. For when a superior desires something of us, is that not to be taken as a commandment? If a father says to a son, “I sure wish you would do this certain thing”, or, perhaps he puts it this way, “I'd like it if you would get this done for me.” is not his stated desire an equal to an order? I think so. Therefore, I view the Lord's encouragement of us to wash one another's feet as an equal to His commanding it. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garment, and was set down again, He said unto them, know ye what I have done for you? Ye call me master and lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your lord and master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them. ( John 13:12-17KJV)
Jesus, having washed the disciple's feet uses the example of his own actions to instruct them to humble themselves toward each other. He did this by instituting the practice of brother washing brother's feet. No, it is not to clean your brother's feet as if they were dirty, but to humble one's self before his brother in order to serve him in this basic manner. Why do this? What is the need for this practice? The need is found in that we of nature are not humble the one to the other, but self seeking. We need this action to help break down the wall of “self” that separates us from an open, honest, pure relationship of genuine love and service to our brother. The practice of washing our brother's feet is a tool to empower us to be able to be genuine, honest, pure, devoted, sincere, openly affectionate, loyal, devoted, and if there is any other word that sums up brotherly love, then it ought to be done and not left undone.
As I see it, the bottom line of this issue is expressed in this question. Do I have faith, and the commitment of love toward God and my brother to follow Jesus in greeting my brother with the kiss of love, and to wash his feet?”
Written by someone who calls himself, "A Watchman"
Thursday
God is Love
There is nothing in this world better
than seeing a man who has fallen in love with God.
His sins have been long carried by Jesus
his voice sings of the Holy Spirit.
He glows, smiles, laughs, cries.
My husband, Your Son, Our Father.
Thank you.
Touched he is by God's powerful hand
held is he by the Lord's wonderful embrace
problems become foundations of strength
to think twice about what you say and
how you say it is evidence of new found respect
for God is written on his face.
Jesus is his guide and the Holy Spirit is his angel.
Life will never be the same.
Salvation is the only way.
Prayers of strength to keep fellowship with God.
Life will never be the same for he will continue to grow,
humbled, relieved, understood, wise.
He is my husband, your Son, Our Father, Thank you!
Monday
Let Love Shine Upon a Face
Let love shine
upon a face
once filled with disgrace
when pain seemed too much to bear
when words were devoid of care
Let love shine upon a face!
No more running and feeling mad
crying alone looking sad
confused and acting bitter
displaying someone else's litter
Let love shine upon a face!
Days are so few
memories like morning grass dew
gone so very fast
good moments don't last.
So let love shine upon a face
be one of the first to finish the race
with arms held high
and a tear in your eye
wave goodbye to sadness
so long pain
God will stop all the rain!
Let love shine upon your face!
upon a face
once filled with disgrace
when pain seemed too much to bear
when words were devoid of care
Let love shine upon a face!
No more running and feeling mad
crying alone looking sad
confused and acting bitter
displaying someone else's litter
Let love shine upon a face!
Days are so few
memories like morning grass dew
gone so very fast
good moments don't last.
So let love shine upon a face
be one of the first to finish the race
with arms held high
and a tear in your eye
wave goodbye to sadness
so long pain
God will stop all the rain!
Let love shine upon your face!
When It Happens
When pain comes like a rolling sea
Joy is found and you are free.
When bills are due and money is short
There God is standing in your court.
When trouble knocks on your door
Your old heart He does restore.
When bad news rings your black phone
Let it drop, here catch a dial tone.
When there is no comfy car
That’s okay the bus ain’t far.
When the laptop is in the shop
You’ll still make it to the top.
When he has gone and left the house
Forget about the ingrate louse.
When mom is not feeling her best
Remind her that it’s just a test.
When bad dad is stinkin' drunk
Don’t let him get you in a funk.
When your looking for a mate
Pray for love it's not too late.
When the children fight and whine
Call for help, go out and dine.
When time is sinking like quicksand
God is there to lend a hand.
Joy is found and you are free.
When bills are due and money is short
There God is standing in your court.
When trouble knocks on your door
Your old heart He does restore.
When bad news rings your black phone
Let it drop, here catch a dial tone.
When there is no comfy car
That’s okay the bus ain’t far.
When the laptop is in the shop
You’ll still make it to the top.
When he has gone and left the house
Forget about the ingrate louse.
When mom is not feeling her best
Remind her that it’s just a test.
When bad dad is stinkin' drunk
Don’t let him get you in a funk.
When your looking for a mate
Pray for love it's not too late.
When the children fight and whine
Call for help, go out and dine.
When time is sinking like quicksand
God is there to lend a hand.
Offended
Holding a gun to your head,
read the Bible
do what it says.
You know I haven't treated you this way.
It's all in your head.
Conversations about Jesus.
Not permitted.
Don’t force your beliefs on me
you say.
Whose forcing?
read the Bible
do what it says.
You know I haven't treated you this way.
It's all in your head.
Conversations about Jesus.
Not permitted.
Don’t force your beliefs on me
you say.
Whose forcing?
No Time
Knocking on your door
will you open?
The man asleep
the t.v. still on.
Knocking on your door
will you open?
The woman screaming
at her child, his small
hands cover his ears.
Seeking will you find?
The Bible under a pillow
no time to read.
Seeking will you find?
The cross around her neck
and she curses.
Sought and fought
buried six feet deep
now what do you think?
Nicholl McGuire
will you open?
The man asleep
the t.v. still on.
Knocking on your door
will you open?
The woman screaming
at her child, his small
hands cover his ears.
Seeking will you find?
The Bible under a pillow
no time to read.
Seeking will you find?
The cross around her neck
and she curses.
Sought and fought
buried six feet deep
now what do you think?
Nicholl McGuire
Dollar Sign
Money hungry woman
the old lady saw the look
you won’t marry
you won’t marry
for your nothing but a crook.
Scheming on the side
and she knows she shouldn’t.
Thinking to herself maybe
she wouldn’t.
He knows her plan
this controlling man
a rose or two
he knows what to do.
And she sits around
showing a little thigh
while he tells her
another little white lie.
Then they do marry
the old lady just shook
because she knows
the vows they just took.
Then it began with just one look
now act on those vows
woman
remember the holy book.
the old lady saw the look
you won’t marry
you won’t marry
for your nothing but a crook.
Scheming on the side
and she knows she shouldn’t.
Thinking to herself maybe
she wouldn’t.
He knows her plan
this controlling man
a rose or two
he knows what to do.
And she sits around
showing a little thigh
while he tells her
another little white lie.
Then they do marry
the old lady just shook
because she knows
the vows they just took.
Then it began with just one look
now act on those vows
woman
remember the holy book.
Dedication to Baby
Baby cry out.
You live.
You die.
A world, cold.
Warm us with your smile.
Touch us with your love
Help us find God.
Grow.
Tell us what you know
A piece of paper crinkled in tiny palms.
You live.
You die.
A world, cold.
Warm us with your smile.
Touch us with your love
Help us find God.
Grow.
Tell us what you know
A piece of paper crinkled in tiny palms.
The Dark Side
I know she was suppose to be a man,
but they did that operation and instead
called her Fran.
Interesting, original she was
God used her and gave her love.
But no one knows
at least so she thinks
for I know the well water
that she drinks.
but they did that operation and instead
called her Fran.
Interesting, original she was
God used her and gave her love.
But no one knows
at least so she thinks
for I know the well water
that she drinks.
Separation Between Church and State
Martin drew a line between us
when he told me I talked about
God too much.
Sarah drew a cross between us
when she agreed with me
that God disappeared from the
hearts of many.
Tina didn’t want to hear it
so she walked away.
when he told me I talked about
God too much.
Sarah drew a cross between us
when she agreed with me
that God disappeared from the
hearts of many.
Tina didn’t want to hear it
so she walked away.
Stomping Beast
The beast doesn’t give
unless he receives
what is the benefit?
what is the cost?
there are no excuses
there are no reasons
the beast commands
he does not ask
he is enraged
behind his mask
take it all off
let us see your face
but the beast only hides
he knows he’ll be erased.
unless he receives
what is the benefit?
what is the cost?
there are no excuses
there are no reasons
the beast commands
he does not ask
he is enraged
behind his mask
take it all off
let us see your face
but the beast only hides
he knows he’ll be erased.
Friday
Money and the Working Parent
Born into the world needy
grew up and became greedy.
First baby boy born
my heart now torn.
Split between job and time
can't seem to save a dime.
Living check to check
a credit card wreck.
Loan upon loan
only a sigh and a moan.
Dirty diapers and cries
the American dream lies.
Hold my limp hand
tired legs can't stand.
Freezer meal junkie
laundry smells funky.
Sink full of dishes
and pot of gold wishes.
Tired husband, wife
feeling the stress and strife.
Nights provide a break
One day by a lake.
Giving up on some things
while the church bell rings.
No more, no more
my heart no longer tore.
Choose between job or time?
My love is above a dime.
grew up and became greedy.
First baby boy born
my heart now torn.
Split between job and time
can't seem to save a dime.
Living check to check
a credit card wreck.
Loan upon loan
only a sigh and a moan.
Dirty diapers and cries
the American dream lies.
Hold my limp hand
tired legs can't stand.
Freezer meal junkie
laundry smells funky.
Sink full of dishes
and pot of gold wishes.
Tired husband, wife
feeling the stress and strife.
Nights provide a break
One day by a lake.
Giving up on some things
while the church bell rings.
No more, no more
my heart no longer tore.
Choose between job or time?
My love is above a dime.
Tuesday
The Friend I Found In You
Everything I wish a friend to be I found in you.
When my family didn't have the time
you heard my cries
didn't have to protect my heart
with some made up lies.
You were there in death
in sickness
and in health.
You built me up
even when I tore myself down.
You held my hand
even when I pulled away
like a selfish two year old
wanting to play.
You were my strength
when I fell weak
talking to a bottle
and throwing up pills.
When hunger pains
clenched my stomach
you filled it up
with a plate of love
and a drink of hope.
You never forgot about me
when you talked to your God.
Opened up your arms
gave me a hug
kissed me on the cheek
and tucked me in bed.
You listened to my rants
even slapped me when I needed it.
Cried with me
through the heartbreaks.
Laughed with me
until our bellies ached.
You were everything to me
and I to you
for when I was strong
I carried you too.
Thank you for being
the friend I found in you!
When my family didn't have the time
you heard my cries
didn't have to protect my heart
with some made up lies.
You were there in death
in sickness
and in health.
You built me up
even when I tore myself down.
You held my hand
even when I pulled away
like a selfish two year old
wanting to play.
You were my strength
when I fell weak
talking to a bottle
and throwing up pills.
When hunger pains
clenched my stomach
you filled it up
with a plate of love
and a drink of hope.
You never forgot about me
when you talked to your God.
Opened up your arms
gave me a hug
kissed me on the cheek
and tucked me in bed.
You listened to my rants
even slapped me when I needed it.
Cried with me
through the heartbreaks.
Laughed with me
until our bellies ached.
You were everything to me
and I to you
for when I was strong
I carried you too.
Thank you for being
the friend I found in you!
Other People's Problems
Minding my own business.
I didn't call you.
You called me, wanting to talk about your problems.
Problems you could have avoided, but you made the choice to ignore wisdom.
Thought that you were strong, but really you were weak.
Subjected yourself to enemy schemes to kill, steal, or destroy your common sense.
I offered my opinion, to this, you talked over me.
Afraid I would say, "I told you so."
Yet, what I did tell you, your ears were closed.
Didn't want anyone to be right but you.
The conversation changes, feeling offended, you start talking about other people.
Ready to get off the phone.
You wish you hadn't called.
I wish I hadn't picked up the phone.
I have my own problems.
So I don't say I will pray for you, but I know I will.
It's not worth mentioning, because you won't listen anyway.
I didn't call you.
You called me, wanting to talk about your problems.
Problems you could have avoided, but you made the choice to ignore wisdom.
Thought that you were strong, but really you were weak.
Subjected yourself to enemy schemes to kill, steal, or destroy your common sense.
I offered my opinion, to this, you talked over me.
Afraid I would say, "I told you so."
Yet, what I did tell you, your ears were closed.
Didn't want anyone to be right but you.
The conversation changes, feeling offended, you start talking about other people.
Ready to get off the phone.
You wish you hadn't called.
I wish I hadn't picked up the phone.
I have my own problems.
So I don't say I will pray for you, but I know I will.
It's not worth mentioning, because you won't listen anyway.
Monday
For Those Who Forget To Pray
Walk out the door.
Drive your car.
Talk on the cell phone.
Speak to your boss.
Leave a note for a co-worker.
Go out to lunch.
Read a book.
Complete some paperwork.
You forgot to pray.
When you walked out the door, someone had been waiting to rob your home.
As you drove your car, you missed an accident.
The person on your cell phone, hadn't told you about her plans to commit suicide.
Your boss had planned to fire you a month ago, but you still have your job.
The co-worker you left a note for was responsible for him keeping you.
The lunch you ate today, hadn't made you sick.
The book you read, you could have missed the sale.
Incomplete paperwork would have cost you money and the company.
Yet, He didn't forget about you.
Drive your car.
Talk on the cell phone.
Speak to your boss.
Leave a note for a co-worker.
Go out to lunch.
Read a book.
Complete some paperwork.
You forgot to pray.
When you walked out the door, someone had been waiting to rob your home.
As you drove your car, you missed an accident.
The person on your cell phone, hadn't told you about her plans to commit suicide.
Your boss had planned to fire you a month ago, but you still have your job.
The co-worker you left a note for was responsible for him keeping you.
The lunch you ate today, hadn't made you sick.
The book you read, you could have missed the sale.
Incomplete paperwork would have cost you money and the company.
Yet, He didn't forget about you.
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