Invest; Choose Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

On Saturday, my sweetie and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. Over the years, believe it or not, my sweetheart has done some things that irritated me and yes even hurt me. I also realize that, on occasion, I have done the same thing to him. I can choose to let small petty things bother and damage a relationship or I can choose to let them go and forgive. However, we often hold on to those hurts and then they fester and poison the relationship. Whether it’s a spouse, a coworker, a parent, child, or someone else we choose to extend love or not. I know it’s not a popular thing to say, but especially in marriage, love is definitely a choice; an investment into another person. Jesus tells his disciples “you must love one another”. The word Jesus uses is must, not ought to, or should, or even try; it’s a command, not a suggestion. One thing I am sure of, if Jesus commands it we can do it because God would never ask us to do what is not possible for us to do. It may take time, and it may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Christian friends let's love the way God loved us. Who among us does not need and want love?

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Live Fearlessly

As I was driving home today, I passed a person walking on the side of the road. Since it was cold, and snowy, I thought I should stop and offer the person a ride. As I drove on by, I was irritated with myself for not stopping. I could have and should have but I didn't. Why? I was scared! Maybe that wouldn't bother you, but I'm willing to bet there are things that make you afraid. It may be snakes or spiders that send the ticker into overdrive. Or maybe it's your job and finances that keep you up at night when you should be resting. Then again perhaps it's relationships that consume your thoughts and energy. As followers of God, we know that we are told not to be afraid. Yet we often are afraid despite everything we know. As I was driving away from a missed opportunity, I began thinking about what it is that makes us afraid. I honestly am not sure what it is that causes us to be afraid when we should be bold, but I

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Just A Word of Praise!!

On Sunday, after church, we went to a town about thirty minutes away. On the way we drove through an area where they were working on the road. It was no big deal. We had lunch, bought some food for the week, and drove back home. Later, as we were on our way to church for the evening service, I heard the ominous flapping sound that a tire makes when it’s flat. Yikes! I pulled over and while I was debating how I was going to change a tire. A car coming in the opposite direction drove by and stopped. As the driver appeared from the vehicle, I recognized him as a neighbor and fellow believer. He approached the car, and asked if I had an air compressor to inflate the tire. My answer, “Yes, but I’m not sure how good it is. I’ve never actually managed to inflate a tire using it. I may not be using it properly.” I produced it from the trunk of the car and handed it to him. Within a few minutes, he had it hooked up and running. As it turned out, I was using it properly,

Inspirations

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