Never Alone

 A few years ago the band Barlowgirl released a song called “Never Alone”. It dealt with the idea that sometimes we do not feel God’s presence but we can know that we are never alone.  Over the years I have noticed that simple truth is so reassuring.  I know that God is guiding my path yet it seems often that He works so subtly that I do not always notice. 

The Psalmist wrote that God’s love endures forever:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

(Psalm 136:1-3 ESV)

That is such a comforting promise. That no matter what God’s love endures. No matter what we do God still loves us. He endures with us forever. That is why we are never alone. Isn’t that a wonderful idea. Let us praise the Lord who is with us always. Even if we do not feel his presence we know that he is there guiding us and molding us to be what he wants. 

What is Love?

Love is a wonderful word. It is permeated in our society. The vast majority of music, poetry, stories, and art are based in the theme of love. In pop music we find all types of love situations. One can be “all out of love” or for some “all you need is love.” Love can even be “more than a feeling.” It is something that we all crave. We all desire to be loved. That is why little girls dream of princes and princesses, there is a simple theme of love overcoming in those fairytales. Yet, when you listen to most of the songs and read the stories, this love is very shallow. There is no depth to it. Even Christians today, seem to turn love into a simple slogan “love wins” which is popular to see on the backs of cars where I live. 

But is this really all love is, a simple feeling, that can be changed depending on the day? I don’t think so. Love seems to be something deeper. Something that endures, that last.  After all, scripture says, “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

So than what is love? The Bible says this about a man without love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. (Message)

Earlier this year, I was able to celebrate an important milestone in my life. I was able to celebrate ten years of marriage with my wife. We marked this wonderful time by renewing our vows. I realized during this time just how lucky of a man I was. I was able to declare twice to my friends and family, that I love my wife. From my marriage, I have realize that love is not just this grand feeling. It is not a slogan. Sometimes love hurts, yet it endures. In ten years, my marriage has been great, soaring among the clouds, and at other times, not so much. Just like life, sometimes the ride is fun, and other times the ride is work. Even so, when I looked into my wife’s eyes during our renewal, I knew I loved her more than I could ever describe. It was at this moment, I realized that I am richer than I could ever guess. Yes, love is wonderful. 

So I ask you, where are you at. Have you been living a life that is rich, full of love? Or, are you living a life where you seem to be doing everything, yet  seem empty?

What About Love?

Recently, I watched a documentary about the Church and the Culture wars of America, called Lord Save Us From Your Followers. One of the things I found interesting was the idea of having a civilized conversation about Jesus and faith. All to often our conversations are anything but civilized. In America, faith almost seems to be denominationally driven.  We seem so focused on making sure that we are right and any other Christian is wrong. We often reduce complex issues down to a simple bumper sticker slogan. Is it any wonder then that non believers look at the Church they no longer see Christ? 

Is this Church that the Bible envisioned? What should the church look like? Paul tells that we are to be ambassadors of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:19. So what does that mean. Webster defines it  either an official envoy or representative for diplomatic purposes. This means that we are to reach out peacefully to non-christians and to each other. That is the message that has been lost in America. It is time we realize that God created all people. He loves his creation. He sent his son for “WHOEVER” believes.

 So how do we show this love? It is time we welcome people as they are. Do they drink? Welcome them. Are they homeless? Welcome them. Are they Divorced?Welcome them. If you are a Baptist, welcome the Methodist. Are you a Protestant welcome the Catholic. We are all part of the Body of Christ, each a vital and important part. We all look to Christ as the head. If the church today would do that, just imagine How the Spirit could work.

Instead, We seem to focus only on the hate, the differences. That needs to stop. How can we judge a world that does not know Christ by the same standard we judge ourselves? How can we judge our brothers and sisters in Christ? We may seek the spirit of Church, but when did we become the judges? I ask that you join myself and countless others who are trying to welcome all with love that Christ gave us.