Tag: love

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The Sound of Love

Do you want to hear God’s voice? If you do, it’s possible you’re hearing Him already, for He may be the one giving you the longing to hear Him. God uses lots of things to talk to us. But actually hearing from God isn’t so much a matter of “if” He’s talking, but rather, whether we are listening. How many times have you felt God is trying to speak to you and yet you feel like you’re hearing nothing? Who hasn’t asked, God, can’t you speak louder? I need to know what to do! The reality is that all of God’s sheep, already hear His voice every day!

The Lord constantly speaks to us and gives us His direction. It’s never the Lord who is not speaking, but it’s us not listening. We can never know an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father without hearing Him speak to us personally. But, as easy as it is for us to speak to Him, most Christians have a hard time hearing His voice. This is not the way the Lord intended it to be.

We know God’s voice because we know Him. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep and they know me” (John 10:14 NLT). We recognize God’s voice because we recognize Him, the better we get to know God the more clearly we will hear His voice. God’s voice is His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love, so the voice of God is the sound of Love. The actions of love are accomplished when we put God’s benefit and the benefit of others before our own. God’s voice, His Holy Spirit will always lead us in the direction of love.

In the 2nd Chapter of Habakkuk, the prophet, longed to hear from God! He was so determined that he was willing to stand and wait as long as it took. “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait and see what the Lord says…” (Habakkuk 2:1 NLT).

The prophet found that God was faithful. “Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:2 NLT).

Listening to God requires a right attitude in our hearts. In order to listen to God and receive His instructions, we must want to do His will, much as the prophet did. God honors the heart completely surrendered to Him. If we are stubbornly clinging to our own desires, we are likely to get a garbled message that will not be God’s voice at all. As a result, we are likely to continue pursuing a path that is contrary to the one God has designed for our lives.

Psalm 40:8 (NLT) says, “I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”

We can trust that God will direct our path when we desire His will above every other desire. By listening to His message and being quick to obey. Also, writing down what He tells us and being ready to share it so that others may understand. When we listen to God and obey Him, we will discover a life that is full and rich with purpose, with the confidence that we are following the Master’s plan.

The Lord would say, “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10 NLT).

Michael W. Cochran

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Count Your Blessings

(But you may not recognise them as such)

1. If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed – about 1/3 of the world does not have access to one.

2. If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day.
3. If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this as a blessing.
4. If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world.
5. If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you cannot see.
6. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God’s willingness to hear your prayer.
7. If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also.
8. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world
9. If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.
10. If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and supports you, you are blessed beyond measure.
11. If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.
12. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace you are among the world’s wealthy.
13. If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.
14. If you try each day to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ for even a minute, you are blessed because you show a willingness to grow up in Him.
15. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 1/3 of the world who cannot read at all.
16. If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed in indescribable measure.
17. If you have a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness God’s love, and a voice to share the gospel, you are blessed. About 1/3 of the world do not even know who the one true God is.
18. If you can hold someone’s hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.
19. If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give.
20. If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance, and tenacity.
21. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but many will not.

May God Bless You And Keep You Safe.

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Why Good Friday

As we approach the spring season, many of us begin to think about one of the most significant times in the Christian calendar: Good Friday and Easter. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—a time when faith and community come together in a powerful way. Today, let’s explore the importance of Good Friday and how it sets the stage for the joyous celebration of Easter.

I rememeber as a young lad, schools were out for Easter vacation. My mother would take us to the good Friday service. Usually it was held in the afternoon around 3 pm. Most churches in our town had services on good Friday. Usually the factories and stores would be only be open half day. In many communities, this time of year brings people together—attending services, participating in community activities, or simply sharing meals with loved ones. The shared stories and rituals foster a spirit of camaraderie and connection, reinforcing the sense that we are all part of something greater. However times have changed, and Good Friday is just another day.

On this day, many Christians attend services, meditate on the crucifixion, and engage in solemn reflection. It’s a time dedicated to remembering not just the pain and suffering endured but also the message of forgiveness and redemption that came from those events.

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and holds a profound significance for Christians around the world. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity. While the name “Good Friday” may seem somewhat paradoxical given the heavy nature of the events it recalls, it is believed to signify the goodness of God’s love, shown through Jesus’ willingness to suffer for our sins.

Now, you might wonder, how does this somber event relate to Easter? The answer lies in the very essence of the Christian faith. Good Friday marks an essential part of the Passion narrative—the story of Jesus leading up to his resurrection. It is a contrast of sorrow and joy, pain and hope.

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus—the triumph over death and sin. Without Good Friday, there would be no Easter. The sorrowful events of Good Friday make the joy of Easter even more profound. The message is clear: through suffering comes redemption; through death comes life.

Understanding the significance of Good Friday helps us appreciate the depth of the Easter celebration. It invites us to reflect on our own lives, our struggles, and the grace that comes from knowing we are loved unconditionally. The emotional journey from the crucifixion to the resurrection encourages us to seek forgiveness, embrace hope, and look forward to new beginnings.

As we prepare to observe Good Friday leading into Easter, let’s take a moment to appreciate this powerful narrative—the journey from grief to joy, from sacrifice to salvation. May this season inspire us to reflect on our actions, nurture our relationships, and spread love in our communities. Here’s wishing you a meaningful Good Friday and a joyful Easter celebration!

Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences related to Good Friday and Easter in the comments below. How do these days resonate with you? Let’s start a conversation!

Happy Easter, everyone!

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A Christian’s View of Valentine’s Day: Love,Faith, and Modern Celebration

The relationship between Christianity and Valentine’s Day runs deeper than many realize, rooted in both historical significance and spiritual meaning. As we approach this celebrated day of love, it’s worth exploring how Christians can meaningfully engage with this holiday while staying true to their faith.

The Sacred Origins
The story begins with Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to historical accounts, Valentine was a clergy member who ministered to persecuted Christians and was martyred for his faith. His legacy of sacrificial love became the foundation for what we now celebrate as Valentine’s Day.

The Catholic Church records tell us that Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. His commitment to love and marriage, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies the Christian virtues of courage and sacrificial love.

A Christian Perspective on Modern Celebration
For today’s Christians, Valentine’s Day presents both opportunities and considerations. While there is no biblical reason why Christians should not celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy, or cards,many believers choose to view it as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like love in broader ways.

Here are meaningful ways Christians can celebrate Valentine’s Day:
1. Celebrate God’s Love: Remember that God’s love is the perfect model of what we celebrate on this day. The holiday can serve as a reminder of the greatest love story – God’s love for humanity.
2. Express Broader Love: While romantic love is beautiful, Christians can use this day to show love to family members, friends, and even strangers, reflecting Christ’s command to love one another.
3. Practice Sacrificial Love: Following Saint Valentine’s example of selfless service, consider ways to show love through acts of service and sacrifice.
4. Share the Message: Some Christians make Valentine’s Day an evangelistic opportunity, using it to demonstrate how Christian marriages and relationships can reflect God’s love to the world.

Balancing Tradition and Faith
While the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day has become largely commercialized, Christians can choose to focus on its deeper meaning. The day can be an opportunity to reflect on 1 Corinthians 13’s beautiful description of love – patient, kind, and selfless.

From its origins in Christian martyrdom to today’s expressions of affection, Valentine’s Day holds a special place in Christian tradition. While some may choose not to celebrate it, others find meaningful ways to incorporate their faith into the celebration. The key is remembering that all love ultimately flows from God, and any celebration of love can be an opportunity to honor Him.

Whether through simple cards and gifts or more profound expressions of Christian love, Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful reminder of both human and divine love. As Christians celebrate, they can do so knowing that they’re part of a tradition that began with faith, sacrifice, and the purest form of love.

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A Recipe for the New Year

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts, but don’t make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humour.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.

You’re bound to have a happy new year

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Silent Night

It was the night before Christmas 1818, in the little village of Oberndorf, Austria. Joseph Mohr, the vicar, had just read the Christmas passage from Luke chapter 2, when a few verses inspired by the reading came into his mind. It would be pleasant, he thought, if they could be used at the Christmas Eve service, and so he called on the organist and handed him the verses.

Franz Gruber, the organist, thereupon composed a tune to which the verses could be sung and that was how one of the greatest Christmas carols – Silent Night – was created.

That evening, the organ broke down but, not to be outdone, the vicar and the organist sang the hymn as a duet. There the story might have ended had it not been for the organ. When the instrument had been repaired, the organist sat down to test it and played the tune composed by Gruber. He liked it and asked for a copy, which he took back to his home town. There a ladies’ choir added it to their repertoire and it was included when they sang in other towns as well.

Gradually it became known by more and more people and it increased in popularity until today it must surely be the most frequently sung Christmas carol. Moreover, it is sung, not only in the language in which it was first written, but it has been translated into others too, so that, all over the world, people are united at Christmas in singing Silent Night in their own language.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas.

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What Are Random Acts of Kindness & Why Do They Matter

You’ve probably been the recipient of a random act of kindness in your lifetime. Think back to an instance in which someone has helped you out of a tough situation when they could see you were having difficulty or when a friend simply paid you a compliment out of the blue. A sweet surprise like this can really make a difference. Did you also know such experiences can also be good for your health and overall well-being? It’s true. A random act of kindness can be a good deed, caring word, selfless act or small gift. Even a smile can brighten someone’s day. Take a look at some of the benefits of random acts of kindness.

Encourage Gratitude
Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel grateful for your blessings. This is especially true when the recipient of your act is less fortunate than you or in a tough spot. When you realize you’re able to give even the smallest bit of yourself to someone else, it shines perspective on the abundance you have in your life.

Lower Stress
Stepping out of ourselves in order to focus on someone else is another great way to gain renewed perspective. Plus, doing good just makes you feel better. It releases feel-good hormones and increases your happiness. Suddenly, your troubles may seem a bit less burdensome.

Improved Mood
Numerous studies have shown a positive effect on mood when people engage in random acts of kindness. You’re bound to feel better about life in general when you do good deeds. Improved mood, less anxiety and higher energy levels have all been linked to the performance of random acts of kindness. In fact, research has demonstrated that the pleasure and reward centers of the brain actually light up in those who perform these acts in much the same way as they respond in the recipients. It even has a name, and that’s “helper’s high.”

Less Pain
You might even feel physically better when you practice kindness. It’s been proven that endorphins are released in the brain after doing something for someone else. Endorphins are hormones produced in the brain and nervous system. They’re often referred to as natural painkillers for their pain reducing abilities.

Better Relationships
When you do something nice for another person, they will naturally recall that act with fondness. Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase connections. These bonds can lead to better relationships and lasting positive interpersonal results.

These are merely a handful of the rewards that come from doing random acts of kindness. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. Doing good always makes a positive difference to both the giver and the recipient.

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Prayer strengthens my faith.

I speak with God during my high times and my low times. Prayer keeps my relationship with God solid and increases my belief in His power.

Inviting God into my life is the norm for me. I speak to Him through my spirit and also my words. Having regular conversations with Him tightens our bond. It reminds me that He always provides guidance once I reach out to Him.

Prayer leads me to place my trust in the heavenly Father instead of myself. It takes me to a point of consciousness where I know the source of my strength.

Any financial challenge that I face is manageable when I pray. Talking to God allows me to release myself from the burden. When I open my eyes, I feel instantly lighter. God passes with flying colors whenever I put Him to the test.

Sometimes I am unable to see the way in front of me. But when I see things unfold and appear before me, I praise God immediately for His blessings.

Each answered prayer reinforces my trust. I believe that anything that I take to Him is already resolved. When the outcome is different from my request, I understand His message.

Today, talking to God reinforces my belief in His control over my life. His guidance is unmistakable. I use my regular conversations with God to guide me through this life.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. How do I know when my prayers are answered?
  2. How much of my prayer time is dedicated to giving thanks?
  3. What are some of the blessings that appear through my faith in God?

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Unleashing the Power of Friendship: James’ Inspirational Story of Faith and Service

James had no friends. He felt as though no one even wanted to be around him.

At church, it seed like no one wanted to shake his hand. At work, he was the last one his supervisor asked for new ideas. “What’s wrong with me?” he asked himself. “I’m pretty sure I don’t have some kind of weird disease.”

James went to the local YMCA to work out at least three days a week. He was almost always by himself. He tried to join in group activities. In fact he tried pickle ball. The other players sort of pushed him aside because he didn’t know how to play. It seemed no one wanted to take the time to coach him a long. “I’m lonely all the time,” he confided in Bill the custodian.

However, what James didn’t know he had lots of friends. In fact, they all wanted to be considered his best friend. At church, everyone wanted to shake his hand, at the YMCA they would invite him to participate in various activities. At work, he was asked for his input on a procedure or how to run the office more effectively.

James wasn’t just a friend in name only. He went out of his way to help people and put others first before himself. Here’s an example, he would buy a family down on their luck groceries before buying any for himself.

James and his best friend Robert, always went out of their way to help others. “We don’t always ask, we just do what needs to be done.” said Robert.

“That’s right,” said James. “We ask, ‘What can we do for our friends?”

James and Robert were known to family members and neighbors, if you needed help with something you could call the “boy’s”. One day they decided to clean some vacant lots in their neighborhood. The lots had old tires and garage strewn all about. Before long many of their friends joined the cause.

Local media caught wind of the cleanup.. They found them working on their third vacant lot.

TV reporter asked James, “Why are you doing this?” James replied that the village had limited funds for a project like this and they just wanted to help out.

A newspaper reporter asked what it meant to have his friends help with the cleanup.

“Friends can inspire and encourage and help you reach a common goal, like cleaning up these vacant properties”. James went on to say, “Friendship very important to a person’s well being, and being friendly to others exemplifies my faith,”.

James quoted Proverbs 18:24, “”One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother “

James concluded, “At the end of the day, being a friend, and helping others without hesitation, helps me to show them the love of God. And with some people that could almost be a full-time job!”