L-O-V-E

God is sneaky.  Technically, the Bible doesn't use that description for Him.  But in the "New Casey Standard Version" it clearly states that God is sneaky.  I've gotten the same "message" from 4 sources in 1 week.  That doesn't happen by chance.  God is sneaky.

On Tuesday, 10/13/15, I wrote this note in my Prayer Journal. (See Need for Love #1)
"Help Jake and I to be patient & kind to one another, even when we're tired & frustrated."
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

We have a 2 & 4 year old.  We are tired... a lot.  And when your body is tired, your attitude is 'vulnerable.'  That's my sweet way of saying short-tempered.  So it takes a God-size love to be kind & patient consistently.

The next day, I heard this song.  It's on my iPod.  I've heard it before.  But have I ever listened to the words?  How did I miss these lyrics? (Insert Love Tip #2)

"Try" by Amber Sky Records

You mean more to me, than winning the fight.

I'm letting it go, yeah I don't have to be right.

I wanna build you up, and so I'm giving in.

Because it's not about whether or not I win.

'Cause you mean more to me than that.

Then I went to  Community Group last night where we're studying "Christian" by Andy Stanley.  And once again he emphasized how love is the most vital commandment of all.  That showing love is the greatest witness we could give.  We discussed how truth should always be wrapped in Love.  Truth without love is just judgement.  And we are not called to judge the world.  We are called to love them.  Who would ever be drawn to a church that judges instead of loves first?  (Love Emphasis #3)

And Finally, Bible Study Fellowship.  We are studying the Book of Revelation.  I Did NOT expect the Love pattern to continue.  But Chapters 2 and 3 in Revelation include Letters to 7 different churches.  This week we are analyzing the letter to Ephesus and these were some of the notes I read this morning.

"One serious problem afflicted the church of Ephesus.  They had forsaken their first love.  When an expert in the Mosaic Law once asked Jesus which was the greatest command, the Lord replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  The night before the cross, Jesus told His disciples, "A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.".... This kind of love for others flows only out of a deep love for God....the Lord Jesus saw that while they continued to pursue truth, love for God was no longer their driving motive.  To fight for biblical truth without a love for God and others is to miss the truth.  Love should characterize EVERY church and EVERY believer." (Truth AND Love Point #4)

Love is needed to fill my prayer request.  Love is necessary to value a person over winning a fight.  Love is the greatest witness to Jesus Christ that we can offer the world.  And by THIS, by LOVE, everyone will know that you are my disciple.  Not by your knowledge of the Bible.  Not by your intelligent debate.  The Truth is worthless if it is not wrapped and presented in LOVE.