Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:22:39 -0600
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Nov. 8); BP: Jn. 13:31-35; RBTTY: Heb. 5; Jer. 43-45
DEAR PILGRIM:
Greetings in Jesus' Precious Name! I will be out of e-mail accessibility
from Thursday-Saturday evening, so have asked my brother (Lynn Smith) to
once again send out the "Morning Manna" for me. I've already send them to
him for distribution, so be sure to drop him a thank-you note if you feel
like it. As always, may the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you each day.
In Jesus' Precious Love,
Bro. Tom
November 8 “The Most Powerful Force In the World”
“A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another as I have
loved you, that you love one another. By this shall all men know that you
are My disciples, if you have love one to another.”
John 13:34-35
It can comfort the tiniest baby and conquer the mightiest foe.
Love.
We call it by a lot of names, but all of them are paltry imitations
unless they come from the heart of God. Nowadays, much of what is called
“love” is really nothing more than “lust” (I Jn. 2:16)—“lust of the eyes”
(covetousness, greed, envy, etc.) and “lust of the flesh” (sexual sins,
gluttony, drunkenness, addictions, etc.). Is it any wonder then that we’re
so impoverished and desperate?
No, it’s no wonder—for we were created for loving fellowship with our
Creator and those around us.
When Jesus burst onto the scene, the world lay in darkness. The Romans
ruled the known world with an iron fist. Dissension was quickly squelched
and dissidents were either beaten, imprisoned or executed.
Yes, there was great darkness on the earth—UNTIL Jesus, God’s Light and
Love made His appearance. And, even though He was sorely persecuted from
the womb to the tomb, He still demonstrated the Father’s love in everything
He said and did.
In today’s Manna our Lord said He was giving “a new commandment.” His
disciples knew the old commandment—i.e., “You shall love your neighbor as
yourself” (Mt. 19:19; Ex. 20:12). However, Christ knew this is nigh
impossible at times either because our neighbor’s quite unlovable or we
really don’t love ourselves. And, even if we get along great with the guy
next door and have a healthy self-esteem, we still tend to look out more for
#1 (self) than we do for others—especially when the chips are down.
That’s why Jesus added “That you love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.”
Pretty big difference, isn’t it? Assuredly so.
We know the love He’s talking about here is “agape,” which is a
God-type love. . .a love that is self-giving, not self-serving. . .giving
with no thought of anything in return. . . a love that’s willing to
sacrifice to help someone else, without feeling resentful or proud in the
process.
No wonder our Master went on to say “By this shall all men know that
you are My disciples, if You have My kind of love for one another.” He knew
the greatest evidence of the power of the Gospel is a changed life. And,
there’s no better way to express this than our living out His love in
everything we say and do.
So, how’s your “love life,” Pilgrim? No, not that one; you know, your
“love connection” with Christ? Hot? Cold? Or lukewarm? Why not spend
some time alone with Him today so you can make sure others can tell Whose
you are?
_________________________________________________________________
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