Fulfillment Of The Empty Life

Take Time Read: John 4:3-18

     In a sad, popular country song several years ago, the singer recalled his past romances. “Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places” was how he summed up his failure to find love that truly satisfied his heart and need for acceptance.

     This Samaritan woman certainly knew how it felt to miss out on love. She had been married five times and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband when she met Jesus.

     This woman had faced five rejections – how bruised and scarred her emotions must have been. She went to the well at the hottest part of the day just to avoid the scorn and disapproval of her neighbors. Have you ever experience some similar circumstance where you just wanted to avoid everybody?

     Jesus’ words cut straight to her hurts and deepest desires: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (v.14).

     Have you tried to find complete fulfillment in human relationships? Listen: Jesus’ love is eternal, unchanging, sustaining; all other affections are temporary and someday prove disappointing.

     You can trust in the Savior Jesus Christ who will not let you down or leave you comfortless. Jesus is the person to go to when you are looking for true love. So sing a new song “Lookin’ For Love In The Right Place”

What's It Like To Be A Fugitive?

Interesting Reading: Jonah 1:1-17 & Psalms 139

   

      How does it feel to be running from something or someone? Is running really any better than staying and facing the problem?

     These questions and more were probably at one time or another center of thought for the man (Jonah) who in the Bible has the distinction of taking the first three-day submarine excursion. Jonah rebelled against God’s specific direction. He became a fugitive from God. What Jonah learned, among others things, is that you may run from doing God’s will, but you cannot hide from God.

     It is the same lesson which Adam and Eve learned shortly after their act of disobedience in the garden. They attempted to hide from God, but God was fully aware of exactly what head taken place – and where they were.

     We all know that as Christians we face temptation. Especially in those times when we are all alone, it is most likely to happen that the tempter will offer his GOLDEN LIE: “But nobody will ever know.” That idea seems to strip away our resistance until we reel with the awareness that we are not alone – God Himself is present.

     Do you know that God truly does know all about you? Your past – present – future – deeds – thoughts and motives? What amazes us is that He loves us just the way we are.

     Trust God, stand firm, face up to reality of life and don’t become a FUGITIVE.

The Season For Love

Romans 12:9-16

9) “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

A preacher once told about three kids who made a new club. They had three rules. Nobody acts big. Nobody acts little. Everybody acts medium. Pretty good advice!

In the verses that precede this section of Romans twelve, Paul talks about being living sacrifices and that it starts inside. We become what we think about (and what we think about ourselves). Now this is part two of being a living sacrifice—living sacrifices living together.

Love Must Be Sincere (v. 9).

Love Hates Evil. It Clings to Good (v. 9).

Love Is Being a Devoted Friend (v. 10).

Love Honors Another Above You (v. 10).

Love Is Zealous, with Spiritual Fervor (v. 11).

Love Is Joyful (Because of Hope) (v. 12).

Love Is Patient in Affliction (v. 12).

Love Is Faithful in Prayer (v. 12).

Love Shares with God’s People Who Are in Need (v. 13).

Love Practices Hospitality (v. 13).

Love Blesses Those Who Persecute (v. 14).

Love Rejoices with Those Who Rejoice (v. 15).

Love Mourns with Those Who Mourn (v. 15).

Love Stretches Its Social Range Past Its Comfort Zones (v. 16).

Remember, all letter long, Paul reminds us that this is God-guided living that we cannot produce on our own. We need a Savior. We need the Spirit. We may have them.

      Merry Christmas Folks – Let the Lord Jesus Bless You!