The Apostle Paul
was always concerned about the love that people had toward one another. This is
one of those passages where he interjects into the text a word of encouragement
for us to love one another. He not only asks that we have love, but that our
love would grow; abound more and more. This love is to be filled with knowledge
and discernment.
In I Corinthians
13 (the love chapter) he says three things are important: faith, hope and love
and that the greatest of these is love. It is in love that our lives are
preserved pure and blameless at the return of Christ. Other New Testament
writers say it is love that covers a multitude of sins. “Love never fails.” I
Corinthians 3:8 (NAS)
In his letter to
the Thessalonian church he says: I Thessalonians 4:9 “Now as to
the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you,
for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 for
indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But
we urge you, brethren, to excel still more.” (NAS) Not only does the Bible say
to love one another, but to excel still more.
Love is not static it is always dynamic. Constantly
your love will grow or wane according to what you do about the power of the
Holy Spirit in your life. The scripture says: Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of
the Spirit is love.” (NAS) As you allow the Holy Spirit to control and direct
your life you will find your love will grow.
Is there someone to whom you need to express your
love, or show affection to, in order for them to know that they are loved?
Could you do something even today to make it happen? Love them. Care for them.
Let them know by your actions that you love them. Paul’s implication is that to
be filled with love is to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. In the end
your life will bring glory and praise to God. What a great idea!
______Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ
Sandy and I came home a day early from the mountains. Guess we must have missed the HEAT! It was a wonderful time. We not only had the time to do some sight seeing and enjoy the cool, rainy mountain air, but on Friday night we attended a Bible Conference at First Baptist Church of Pinetop. The guest speaker was Dr. Richard Jackson, former pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church. He was preaching from Philippians. He presented a wonderful message and it was good to see him and his wife, Wanda. We had not crossed paths in several years. He was doing well and preached a wonderful message.
Collin came home from California on Monday. He enjoyed his time with his Dad. They went cave exploring, white water rafting, camped in the Redwoods and enjoyed playing video games. I picked him up at the airport and it was pretty much nonstop talking all the way home as he told me of the things he did. He also got to see his other grandparents.
Bennett and Burke started school on Monday this week. Both had a good beginning. Bennett is a sophomore in high school and Burke is in the 6th grade. I think that makes me OLD.
I will be preaching Sunday evening this week (Aug 5) at First Baptist Church of Tempe at 6PM. We begin a new series on Sunday night in the Book of Philippians. It will be a great study. Sandy begins her Tuesday morning study on September 4th at 9AM at First Baptist Church.
Several of you have asked about my tests. I had the MRI on Tuesday July 31st. I will not have a report until Monday August 6th. The labs I had done a couple of weeks ago show a possible blood sugar problem. I will have a consultation with my doctor soon to determine if I have diabetes or hypoglycemia. My blood sugar seems to fluctuate considerably. Would really appreciate your prayers.
Thanks for your prayers, concerns and support for both Sandy and me. God continues to use our lives for His glory as you continue to encourage us to serve Him.
I always enjoy hearing from you and do try to respond to each email I receive.
May God bless you this week with someone who needs your love. I do hope you will reach out to them with His love. Check out The Encourage that is attached. May the words encourage you to love one another.
~ DGW
~ DGW
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