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PLEASING OTHERS
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves“– Romans 15:1
When was the last time you saw a commercial or advertisement expressing this idea: “you should not try to just please yourself, but should be concerned for the welfare and care of others”?
No, we are usually bombarded with messages that encourage us to get the latest gadget, or enjoy a vacation spot, or purchase a vehicle for ourselves because “you deserve it; you owe it to yourself.”
But Paul tells us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that the debt you ought to be concerned about is the debt you have to others. God has entrusted you with health, with money, with time, or with resources that others may not have; but these gifts are not meant to pool up in the reservoir of yourself. You have an obligation to God, as a steward of the blessings with which He has entrusted you, to be a conduit, a tributary of blessing to others.
A few verses later Paul tells us why this is so: “For even Christ pleased not himself…” (15:3). That is a big “even”, because Christ (unlike us) had every right to please Himself. And, yet, He was concerned rather to serve and to bear the infirmities and afflictions of the weak with them. We then that are strong, Paul says, ought to be doing the same.
What burdens have you helped bare today? What resources have you shared with others? Don’t seek to please yourself; seek to please the Lord by caring for others.(Baptist Bible Hour)
NO ELECTION?
Dr. Ben Carson recently commented that there might not even be an election in 2016. Does that sound far-fetched to you? While many will laugh it off, as though it could never happen, I’m not so sure. Stranger things have happened. When you consider–
— the government hoarding ammo
— the effort to ban certain ammo for the AR-15, America’s most popular rifle
— Obama’s defense of Muslims, hatred of Israel, and disrespect for the constitution
— the numerous Muslim terrorist training camps in America– have you seen the reports?
— the coming economic crisis
— Obama’s love of “executive orders”
— the possibility of martial law
— the gutless Republican leaders who refuse to stand
— Obama seizing control of the internet
Carson might be on to something. As he said, “there is no telling what could happen in just a matter of a couple of years”. That’s for sure! And maybe the best indicator that this could happen is believing it can’t! It is a well known fact that Obama loves a crisis and creating one might be a lot easier than you think–and more harmful than you imagine.
As I said in another article, “if the crisis were large enough Obama would drain his pen of ink signing executive orders so as to impose his will on the people.” By the way, I’m still not convinced that there won’t be some sort of crisis before 2016 that will cause him to declare a state of emergency, and take control. Some have already suggested that we should do away with term limits, so you can bet that if it can be done it will be done. Crazier things have happened and we are ripe for the picking. I can’t prove I’m right and I hope I’m wrong, but assuming it can’t happen puts us in grave danger.
LOVE THAT LASTS
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.– Eph. 4:32
If I hear it again I think I’ll scream– over and over I hear people say, “A successful marriage is 50/50. No it’s not! A successful marriage is 100/100. Both sides must give their all. I love what Pastor Jack Graham said to a certain couple:
I was talking to a couple in my office one day who were considering marriage. They were explaining to me how much they loved each other in the months they had been together. One of them spoke up and said, “Pastor, when we met it was really love at first sight.”
So I looked at them and told them, “That’s great, and I’m glad you feel like God has already given you that kind of love for one another. But the kind of love that makes a marriage last isn’t love at first sight. It’s love that remains after looking at the same person over a bowl of Shredded Wheat for 40 years! That’s a love that lasts.”
That initial electricity felt between two people, often called infatuation, will always fade. In fact, some people become so enamored with that feeling that it becomes like a drug. So they go from person to person trying to get their next high. Love, on the other hand, lasts long after the feelings of infatuation go away.
You can make the choice to love your spouse. It’s not always easy, but it’s how you’ll breathe life into your marriage. Make that choice today by serving, being patient, and living a life of joy with your spouse. It’s so worth it!
BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR MARRIAGE BY MAKING THE CHOICE TO LOVE AND SERVE YOUR SPOUSE WITH PATIENCE AND JOY!
A GLORIOUS FACT
“I am the Lord’s.” Isaiah 44:5
Not only because He has chosen me…in Jesus His beloved Son; nor merely because I am redeemed from among men, by the precious blood of Immanuel; but also because I have surrendered myself up into the Lord’s hand, with all I have and am, to be taught by His Spirit, ruled by His word, supplied by His providence, and devoted to His praise. The Lord claimed me, and I was enabled to acknowledge the claim; He has a right to me, and that right should never be forgotten by me. Am I tempted to sin? To murmur? To despond? Let this be my preservative, “I AM THE LORD’S.” How base, ungrateful, and wicked for me to yield to sin; for me to complain of any of His dispensations; or for me to doubt His goodness or His grace. I am the Lord’s for life; I shall be the Lord’s in death; and then (O delightful thought!) I shall be the Lord’s for evermore. He will guide me by His counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. I have only to aim at His glory, walk by His word, and live at His throne, until He takes me to Himself. My only business on earth is to please God, and my heaven will be to enjoy Him forever. Blessed truth, “I am the Lord’s!” (James Smith, 1840)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me
No thought can reach no tongue declare;
O knit my thankful heart to Thee,
And reign without a rival there!
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