YCCM PT4 DETAILS Chapter 20 ONE LOVE—PERFECT LOVE

YCCM PT4 DETAILS 

Chapter 20

ONE LOVE—PERFECT LOVE

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 from whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named,

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height,

19 and to know the love of Christ, which surpasseth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.


My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons and daughters of God! Therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. (1st John 3:1)

My heart is filled, as I bring you this message; filled with the joy of the Lord. He has made me glad in that He perfects the love within me, that I may come to reveal His Will and His Way to His Children, whom He dearly loves, unconditionally.

I have included much scripture in this chapter, that your knowledge of the Truth may be full. Do not let it overwhelm you. It is good to stop and rest on your journey. Take your time in reading and lean on the Lord for patience and understanding, remembering that this is a time for feeding your spirit.  Let us be anxious for nothing, but patient in all things, doing all things for the glorification of God; for we can do nothing without Him. Let us do all things in love, remembering the love that is bestowed upon us,  continuing to keep us.

Be it known to all, far and wide that GOD IS LOVE, UNCHANGING and His love is PERFECT LOVE.

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN LOVE?

There is much good in the world; for God created this world. However, during our lifetime, we are exposed to people and experiences that change the way we see the world. Those experiences can change the way we feel about ourselves and others.

Our heart may not see good because our vision is obstructed. We can end up becoming people who want to be nice and loving, but didn't have good instructions to begin with.

We may become so deep in bondage, we don't know how to get out. We want to love and be loved, however, pride gets in the way. We become so confused, we don't know what real love or true love is. Certainly, there must be a way out of this endless maze of confusion.

But while we are searching in the world, in vain, we become so wrapped up in worldly and fleshly love that we don't know how to truly love people, yet, believe we are living in Christian (Christ-like) love.

As Christians, we sign our correspondence with the phrase, 'in Christian love'. Often, so as not to confuse people as to how we love them. But, are we loving them as Christ loved them? Will others know we are His disciples? Is our love made PERFECT, free from fear, malice, jealousy, contempt, condemnation, lust, bitterness, guilt, shame, arrogance, hatred, etc.? Do we hold anything against our brother? Or, are we indifferent?

What is Christian love? What is Christian love today compared to Christian love during the time following the death of Christ? How did Christ love? Can we love like Christ? Can a husband love his wife as Christ loves the Church and still love others as Christ loves us? Is there a difference in this love? Is Christ's love ambiguous? Did He differentiate in His manner of loving one from another? And if He did—why? Then, how are we to love?

In the previous chapter, we uncovered some of the details of the life of Ananias and Sapphira, who showed us the wrong way to love. They were among those who called themselves Followers, Believers and Disciples of Christ. Yet, their love was for themselves and the world. They were not concerned with the DETAILS of being Believers. They thought they could continue being who they were in their private lives, putting themselves first, lying and deceiving others and no one would be the wiser. Had they learned nothing from the life and death of Judas Iscariot? Ananias and Sapphira lacked One thing, Perfect Love. They had not become One with God and Christ.

God has separated us from the world and through His Holy Spirit, He shares with those whom He calls Friend. Through His Holy Spirit He shares His Love, thoughts, and His wisdom, that we won't be deceived by the lies of the world. ONLY by becoming One with God can we learn how to love in Perfect Love.

A SEPARATION OF WORLDS

My brothers and sisters, we do not strive as the world does, but we surrender to a better purpose and a perfect love that will keep us from sin and strife and allow us to rest in abundant and eternal life as citizens of God's Kingdom here on Earth.

Jesus' teachings constantly encourages us to examine the way we love others, God and the Son, whom He sent. Christ told us that, in Heaven, no one is given in marriage. (LUKE 20:34-36) 

Please do not misinterpret this scripture. It does not mean that it is better not to marry on Earth or love our family. No, by no means. God has made the children of this world as man and woman to be given in marriage, loving and caring for one another; to be fruitful and multiply; to replenish the Earth; and to be its caretakers.

Within the union of marriage, two become one—connected to God—living, loving, serving and worshiping as one. This is how it should be and was meant to be. Therefore, what joins with God should be holy for God is Holy and evil has no place with good. That which is joined with God is rooted in love. Agape love is of God and as we are re-birthed through His Holy Spirit, we are born of this love.

Then why do people experience so much divorce, abuse, poverty, crime, pain and suffering in the world? Because they are functioning on love of the world and of the flesh. They do not try to abide in God in Holy Matrimony.

TYPES OF LOVE 

Heaven is filled with the pure love of Godly love—Agape love. There is no worldly or fleshly love. No Eros, Philia, Storge (see below for definitions); all of which are types of love that exist due to our having a body made of flesh.

Agape: selfless, sacrificial , unconditional love, the highest of the four types of love observed in the Bible

Philia: brotherly or friendly love

Eros: physical, sensual love between a husband and wife (Greek term does not appear in the Bible, but examples of this type of love are given in Solomon)

Storge: family love, the bond among mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers (Greek term does not appear in the Bible, but examples are given, i.e. Noah and his family, Jacob and his sons, Mary, Martha and Lazarus)

Philia, Eros and Storge, are these the types of love that God wants us to abide in; love that can lead to selfishness, covetousness and/or love of the world; love that can be fleeting and corrupted?

Some have been misled to believe that only God can have Agape love. Yet, His Holy Spirit dwells within us and is manifested through us. God is unchanging. When we die to self--when we surrender to His Will and Way, the love that He manifests through us is Agape love.

This Truth narrows the path to truly walk in the Light of Holiness and Righteousness and be called a Child of God.

Matthew 7:13, 14

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Jesus continuously gives examples to His disciples of true and perfect love. He emphasizes that there is a greater love than that which they have known and practiced.

John 21:15

15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou Me more than these?" He said unto Him, "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee." He said unto him, "Feed My lambs."

Jesus was asking Peter: Do you have Agape love for me; Unconditional love for me; Everlasting love for me; Are you ready to lay down your life for me and my flock? Or, is your love philia, brotherly love, with which you so easily betrayed me and denied me three times?

My friends, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, Peter and some of the other disciples had gone back to doing what they knew before—fishing, when Jesus had made them fishers of men. If we are Christ's disciples, we also are fishers of men. Then, why do we also go back to doing the same things we did before and loving the way we did before? Are we truly Christ's disciples?

John 13:34, 35

34 A new commandment I give unto you: that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another

35 By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples: if ye have love one for another.


Jesus is not speaking of any type of love, but the Agape love of God, His Father, who dwelled within Him. Our Heavenly Father's Holy Spirit which dwells within us empowers us also to be made perfect in love to manifest God's Perfect Love.

One day we will put off the corruptible (our fleshly bodies) for the incorruptible. But, Now—Yes--Now--At--This--Moment--We are to bring Heaven to Earth each and every day and moment and that can only be done through ONE LOVE—PERFECT LOVE.

CAN THIS BE LOVE?

Matthew 12:46-49

46 While He yet talked to the people, behold, His mother and His brethren stood outside, desiring to speak with Him.

47 Then one said unto Him, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand outside, desiring to speak with thee."

48 But He answered and said unto him that told Him, "Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?"

49 And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples and said, "Behold, My mother and My brethren!

50 For whosoever shall do the will of My Father who is in Heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother."


Matthew 8:19-22

19 And a certain scribe came and said unto Him, "Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest."

20 And Jesus said unto him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath nowhere to lay His head."

21 And another of His disciples said unto Him, "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father."

22 But Jesus said unto him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead."


Matthew 10:34-39

34 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. I came not to send peace, but a sword.

35 For I am come to 'set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-inlaw.'

36 And 'a man's foes shall be they of his own household.'

37 He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me. And he that loveth son or daughter more than Me, is not worthy of Me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.

39 He that findeth his life, shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for My sake, shall find it.


Mark 13:12, 13

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death.

13 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name's sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.


Luke 21:16-17

16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents and brethren and kinsfolk and friends, and some of you they shall cause to be put to death.

17 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name's sake.


My Brothers and Sisters,

The previous scriptures paint a very different and disturbing picture of familial (Storge) and brotherly (Philia) love. What kind of love can be turned into hatred against one's mother or father, sister or brother? What is its character? What are its roots? Is Storge love so fragile and corruptible that one would choose the world over one's kin? Yes. Did Cain not slay Abel, his brother?

We witness the failure of Storge love daily and time to time experience it. Domestic violence within the family is a common occurrence. To have a dysfunctional family or broken home is considered the norm in society. Increase in divorces, dating and living together have altered the course of commitment, whereas, most couples don't really commit to stay together forever. Many parents do not feel responsible for their children and many children do not feel they owe their parents respect or loyalty.

During the era of Nazi Germany, children who had been brainwashed and indoctrinated into the ideology of the Nazi Regime, turned on their own parents and reported them to the secret state police (the Gestapo) of the German Third Reich, to be imprisoned or put to death. Love for the world and self can be very strong and darkness fights to hold on to what and whom it has claimed for its own. We must ask ourselves if we are truly teaching our children to love by the example of perfect love that abides within us through Jesus Christ.

A KISS

A kiss is a sign or symbol of love. Yet, it is more than a physical gesture to express what is felt inside. Feelings can be fleeting and die, but Godly love is alive and everlasting. Thus, Christian's are to greet one another with a kiss—a sign of everlasting, unconditional love. Hence, when Judas betrayed Christ with a kiss to identify Him to His accusers, Jesus questioned him for using this gesture.


Luke 22:46-48

46 And He said unto them, "Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."

47 And while He yet spoke, behold, a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?"



Have you been like Judas when you deceived another with a kiss or hug, given without pure and perfect love? Are you betraying Christ and Godly love because you fear and love the world? Are you being like Satan—mimicking God? Is love something that you turn on or off? Or turn up or down—increase or decrease?

THE AGONY AND DEFEAT OF BETRAYAL

Matthew 13:18-23 (NKJV)

18 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

CHILDREN OF GOD, 

Jesus left us with these detailed parables so that our living would not be in vain. Read the Parable of the Sower carefully.  The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy that which would be fruitful and give glory to God. The enemy will cause many counted among us, who profess to be One, to betray us. Nonetheless, betrayal is self-defeating; for the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy all who could be fruitful and give glory to God, even after they have realized that they have betrayed innocent blood. Judas was no longer useful to Satan, in the flesh.  He was disposable and so he disposed of him.

The adversary knows that we have potential and our fruit will glorify God. We are soldiers and bearers of the cross and as our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ suffered, so must we to be counted worthy. Yet, we do not live to war with flesh...nor take the battle into our own hands; for the battle is not ours...but the Lord's.

When adverse situations come into our lives, we may ask, “Why me?” However, if we are serving God and bearing His fruit, we must realize, “Why not me?”

When our world appears to be shattered and we feel that all is falling down around us, because we have been betrayed by what we felt was love, or we have betrayed another and God's love, what do we do? Should we withdraw from the world, take it out on others, give up or destroy ourselves?

Judas' Betrayal and Death

How could Judas not know that Jesus loved him? The love of Jesus penetrates through darkness. Yet, it did not matter to Judas because he had not surrendered his will or been washed and cleansed in Jesus' love.

Judas lacked perfect love, honor and obedience. He rejected that which would have protected him from sin. He clung to the world and chose the world over the Father and the Son. Therefore, he was left to the malady of darkness to infect him and be used to do Satan’s bidding. He did not wish to be joined as One and only when it was too late, did he realize the love that he had betrayed.

Before we condemn Judas we must recognize God's plan. If it wasn't Judas, then who else? It could have been you or me, before we were washed in the blood of Jesus. God used the darkness within Judas to bring forth true Light to the world and thus prophecy and scriptures were fulfilled.

Judas was counted among the twelve, as one of Christ's disciples. He was sent out to perform miracles and preach the Kingdom of God. Judas walked with Jesus, the Son of God. He listened to the Word of God and became a follower. Yet, like millions of Believers today, he still lacked one thing. Still, we must remember, that Jesus did not wash Judas clean from sin.

We can go to church and fellowship with one another and still lack one thing. We can pray and fast and still lack one thing. We can read and study our Bible, but still lack one thing. We can sing, dance and praise Jehovah God, but still lack one thing.

We can have houses and lands, riches, status, intelligence and talents, but still lack one thing. We can be anointed and greatly esteemed, but still lack one thing.

And that one thing is PERFECT LOVE; for if we are chosen to be Children of God to enter into His Kingdom, we must have PERFECT LOVE and be washed CLEAN from the sin upon us and that permeates our soul.

God's perfect love for us grants us grace, mercy and forgiveness. When we fall into sin, we can have regrets and remorse, but without true repentance, a genuine desire to change and turn from our sin, our regrets and remorse are in vain. The wages of our sin—death--will eventually come to claim us.

As we abide in Christ our faith is increased and we are made perfect in love. We come to love God's Holiness and Righteousness and living in His Light.

If we fall into sin, we fall into darkness. However, our love for the Light compels us to repent. Like King David, we feel lost, humbled and remorseful for having disappointed and hurt our Father. We are thankful for His Love, Grace and Mercy and for Jesus and God's Holy Spirit; that we are not lost and never alone.

Are we true disciples? Do we truly believe in Christ and God, our Father who sent Him? Our unbelief will always betray us; for if we believe in God and God within us, we also believe in His Perfect Love and surrender to the manifestation of Perfect Love through us.

Our unbelief will betray us; for if we lack Perfect Love we cannot truly love one another. Is it no wonder that the father of the boy Jesus healed, possessed with a deaf and dumb spirit, asked God to help his unbelief? (Mark 9:24)

Judas' unbelief betrayed him. Ananias' and Sapphira' s unbelief betrayed them. They doubted what God could do for them if they surrendered all and loved in Perfect Love.  Their love was filled with fear, distrust and greed.

We can have no doubt in God's power, His Will and Way and His Holiness and Righteousness. Our fear, distrust, disobedience, rebellion, our going ahead of God, and taking things into our own hands, always betray us and exposes our lack of Perfect Love. (I John 4:18)

Because of our unbelief, God cannot work in our lives. We bear ill fruit and live in conflict and hypocrisy; sowing distrust, jealousy, bitterness, pride, selfishness and all manner of iniquity. Because of our unbelief, we are hearers of the Word, but doers and sowers of the Word we are not. Thus, darkness, conflict and adversity follow and surround us.

Matthew 13:57, 58

57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.


Matthew 17:19-21

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 27:3-10


3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!"

5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood."

7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced,

10 and gave them for the potter's field, as the LORD directed me."


Let Judas be an example of the agony and torment of betrayal that ends in self-defeat. One cannot serve two masters. What profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul.

Judas desired the things and esteem of the world, even after Jesus had shown him another way and told him of His Kingdom. Are we any different when we take on the ways and love of the world, then go to church and pretend to have Perfect Love? Our soul falls into agony and torment over and over again as we continue in an endless spiral plummeting into darkness and eternal damnation. We lack true belief and servitude to God.

Perfect Love is the legacy, gift and inheritance of the Gospel. We cannot preach Jesus and His Gospel without the message of Perfect Love; for to believe and abide in Christ and the One who sent Him is to believe and abide in the Perfect Love that led to our salvation and conquered all. (John 3:16 , Matthew 6:24, Acts 1:15-20)

My brothers and sisters, our betrayal--our self-defeat--is evidenced in our inability to truly love God and believe His Word; our inability to love one another and be One; and to believe in the Kingdom and Will of God, here on Earth, manifesting Perfect Love within our lives, therefore entering into holiness and righteousness.

Will you also, like Judas, when it is too late, realize that you have betrayed Christ and His love for you? Judas' betrayal served a purpose in that the scriptures were fulfilled. What purpose does your betrayal fill?  Is it self-serving? Will others know that you walk with Christ, not only by your speech, but by the way you live and love? On the Day of Judgment, will your Father know you? If we love like our brother, Jesus, the world will not know us. Can you bear being apart from the world; unpopular; ridiculed; even persecuted?

We suffer in life with sickness, disease, addictions, bondage, trials and temptations, because we wrestle with self, while we claim to believe and trust in the Almighty God. Our belief does not rest in our cognitive ability to recognize Christ as the Son of the One True God. Our belief must flourish from our heart, soul and spirit, bearing fruit in the way we love and serve one another. Again, our words and deeds prove our unbelief. We trust and believe Darkness, while, Jesus is the Light of the World. (John 3:17-21)

Many believe we must strive to live and love as Jesus did, but Jesus has already carried our strife so that we simply need to abide—rest in Him. Our struggle comes from our flesh—our refusal to die to self, letting go of pride and self-will. We have denied ourselves abundant life due to our self-willed, expectations and pursuits in the world.

Ask yourself, “Am I really pursuing God and His Kingdom?” If you are, then you are seeking His Light and His Will to be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. You offer yourself as a vessel for God to perform His Will. As you abide in God, that which you do is done by His power and might to His Glorification--not so that others will praise and honor your accomplishments.

There are times when we pay too much to details and fail to see the big picture. While we may concern ourselves with that which is Biblical, we overlook that which is Holy and Righteous and Glorifying God. We must acknowledge God's presence in everything we think, say and do; doing all to His Glorification.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus' love is always there for us, as is Abba Father's love. However, we must learn to embrace it; loving as One, honoring and obeying God. Marriage vows have us repeat 'love, honor and obey.' A man is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. However, we must pay close attention to the passages that follow, telling us how and why Christ loves the church.  Christ is One with the Church; joined together.


Ephesians 5:25-31

25 Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,

26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,

27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He hat loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.

30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

31 "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."


This passage also tells us how Christ loves us; for WE are the church, who Believe and Follow, uniting in fellowship, in God's Light.  If we consider ourselves part of the church (One Body), is Christ's love for the church more than for any ONE man or woman within the church? Does He love the Jew more than the Gentile; the Gentile more than the Jew? Didn't He die for us all?

The Church is compared to Christ's bride, yet, it is also His flock; for He is the Chief Shepherd. Does He love one sheep more than any other? Won't the Shepherd set out to find the one lost sheep which He also loves and rejoice when it is found, just as He sent His disciples out to find the lost sheep of Israel? Although, Judas betrayed Him, Jesus died for him and others like him because of His Perfect and Unconditional Love.

AWAKEN, My Brothers and Sisters and let us not allow darkness to obstruct or distort our vision and the revelation of Godly love, which is to rest, abide and be manifested in each and every one of us. We are no longer of the world. We must put aside our worldly thinking. Christ has given us a commandment and asked us to obey. If we love Him, we will obey Him.


John 15:12-14

12 "This is My commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

BONDS WITHOUT BONDAGE

Are you still confused by what true love is? Are you chained and tied up in fleshly, worldly descriptions, translations and definitions of love? Are you in bondage to a lie? Do your relationships fail or are they suffering because of your bondage? Are you afraid to tell people that you just simply—love—them; for fear of what they might think your intentions are and how they might take it and react? Do you choose carefully to whom you say 'I love you'; for perhaps they might be mentally, emotionally, or spiritually unstable? Or, it might make someone else jealous? Or, you feel as if you are betraying another?

When in fellowship with others, do you say, “love you,” not really meaning it, or having some hardness in your heart against that person, such as their appearance, jealousy, judgement, distrust or a grudge? Or, do you simply not reply and reciprocate? Has saying “I love you” simply become a cliché and congenial way of greeting people? Have you been made Perfect in Love as God requires His children to be?

To love requires a relationship, be it familial or brotherly, relationships are a gift from God, because of His love for us. A friend, spouse, and child are given as a gift. That which is given to us must be appreciated, honored, respected. Our obedience lies in our accountability to God for their care. We are expected to provide for the nurturing and upkeep of the gift, as well as to love them, as God loves them. We must not confuse sex and physical intimacy with Godly love. These are things of the flesh that enhance and add pleasure, through the desires of the flesh, but alone they cannot forge and fortify the bond that holds a marriage together.

To become one in marriage is as becoming part of the Body of Christ. Marriage is not just a union between two people. It is a union between, God, a husband and wife and the community of Saints accountable to God for the sanctity (Holiness) of that union. We cannot remove the lifeline that sustains them both.

A hug and a kiss given to a child cannot create or strengthen parental bonds without heartfelt love and care. These bonds must be forged and strengthened by love that emanates from God. Through our relationships with one another, we strengthen our relationship with Jehovah God.

There are children we birth and children God gives us to watch over, pray for, and mentor. As Christians, even if you're not a mother or a father, we all should love, watch-over and pray for God's children and lead them to Christ. This is discipleship. This is God's love.

Parents, be you single or married, men and women alike, take heed, if someone cannot accept and love your children, the love of God is not in them. So, how can they truly love you?

God's love is unconditional and so, we, too, must love in this way. Just because you don't like what young people are doing and how they are living doesn't mean you throw them away, talk about them and shun them. You take them under your wing, by the power of God and show them another way. You pray for them. You become an example for them. You go through things with them. Mentor them. This is discipleship. This is Godly love. It will stretch and grow you as much or more than it grows them.

God goes through things with us because He loves us unconditionally. We must be willing to go through things with others, likewise, standing, not wavering, in holiness and righteousness. This is how God teaches you His unconditional love and the power of God within you.

My brothers and sisters, is your doubt, lack of faith, behavior and disobedience giving Satan permission to put curses upon your children due to what they've seen, heard and experienced? Do you love yourself more than your child? Do you rationalize and make excuses, telling yourself, “It's none of their business what I do,  I deserve to have a life, too” or, “They'll get over it,” or, “They need to know what the real world is like,” or, “Kids are resilient?”

Are you unable to bond with your child because you are in bondage? Then, your child's deliverance begins with your repentance and asking God to purge your selfish thinking and renew your mind; to make you into a Godly parent worthy of the gift given to you.

If we ask Abba Father, if He really loves His children, we already have His answer. He sacrificed His only Son that you and your sons and daughters may have eternal life and life abundantly. What will you sacrifice for your child, today and everyday? Will you give your life to God; surrender all; die to self and live in Christ Jesus, that your children also may have God's Promise?

ANOTHER CHANCE

Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. Jesus marvelled at the unbelief of the people of Israel. When the Truth is in you and you abide in the Truth, unbelief in others stands out. It is evidence that they have not been made perfect in love.

They may gossip, mistreat their neighbor, make fun of people, lie, bask in pride and arrogance, live in constant fear, doubt, discontent, anger and bitterness, yet regularly proclaim their salvation and deliverance. While you may be perplexed as to why they cannot see their lack of faith or hypocrisy, at the same time, it will sadden you. So, was Jesus saddened.  Although, Jesus marvelled at the Jew's unbelief, He was willing to die that they might have another chance to abundant and eternal life in God's Kingdom.

We may see our loved ones deep in bondage and forget that God knows. We may lose sight of our Saviour, cry out in pain, humiliation, guilt, anger and despair. We forget that we are not the exact same people we were ten years ago or twenty years ago. We may only see a dark path and doomed ending for them. Yet, darkness has it's purpose. The Light of Truth pierces it, shining brightly to attract those seeking Truth.

Now, here we are with God in the future—changed, remade—a renewed mind; fighting off, suppressing and dying to the old man we were, and abiding in Jesus. We must have faith in the work of God in others. It may be seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, or even years from now, but it can happen. As each new dawn breaks and we awake into consciousness, God is giving us and others another chance. We may be too preoccupied with our present circumstance or whatever brought us to this moment to recognize it as another chance and see that God has been preparing us for change.

God knows that we made some choices out of fear; some were made out of rebellion; others were made because of hurt, pain, weaknesses, and bondage; still, other choices were tainted with pride and selfishness. However, God wants us all to come to know Him and live in the fullness of His Glory. Each bright new day He gives us is another chance.

When we accept that chance, what we have learned determines our path. If we have not learned the love of God, then how can we learn to love others? If we have not learned discipline, then, how can we be expected to obey? If we have not learned to respect God, then, how can we be expected to respect ourselves or others? If we have not learned holiness and righteousness, faith, hope and Truth, then our lives are built upon lies that cannot stand.

Yet, the day comes, when Truth is revealed, even to the blind and feeble-minded. Of this we can be assured. It will happen. Happen—it will. So, fret not for those who live their lives in vain, and who choose to live their lives in accordance and agreement with the world. Where we see hopelessness, shame, and despair, God sees another chance, daily, and a way to shine the revelation of Truth. The God of Love and Truth is in control—always.

Be ye mindful that tomorrow is not promised to us. We must choose this day whom we will serve. It is foolish to believe that the PURPOSE of each new day is to give to you another day to make up your mind to serve God and abide in perfect love. God wants us to have a long and full life living abundantly in His Kingdom on Earth.

Each new day, we are to come to our Father, asking His Will, in Jesus' name. We are to come to our Father as a child, as the heart of a child can love unconditionally. Jeremiah showed us that even a child can decide to accept the love of God and trust Him. Even a child can choose Light over darkness and obey the Will of God.

Jesus reminds us:

John 14:13-15

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.

15 "If ye love Me, keep My commandments.


John 14:23-26

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make Our abode with him.

24 He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My sayings. And the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.

25 "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.


My brothers and sisters, we've got it all wrong. Love is not only about how we feel or how we make someone else feel. Neither is it just about what we give or receive. Perfect Love is received through a spiritual connection, a living bond, an umbilical cord that continuously feeds us and connects us to the Source of Love—God; a love that strengthens, nurtures, edifies, exhorts one another and gives glory to God. God sent us our connection to Him, our Bond without bondage to keep us from bondage.

To love and unite with another is to be conjoined as one, as two children within the same womb feeding from an umbilical cord attached to God. From that union exudes the force of God, within the ministry of matrimony; within parenthood; and it is that same fortifying power which empowers you to love your neighbor.

God does not give us anything that He does not prepare us for and provide for its existence. As our Creator, He perfects us and our relationships. Is there any doubt that He created marriage? Then, He provided for its sanctity, its righteousness, its fortification, its purpose unto the Body of Christ; its survival and its glorification unto Him, just as He provided for family relationships and our relationship with our neighbor. That provision is Perfect Love through the embodiment of the Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus.

Perfect Love can never be inappropriate, for it is covered in God's holiness and righteousness. Perfect Love has no darkness or sin, for God is Light and Holy. One cannot indulge in fornication, promiscuity, homosexuality, incest, pedophilia, prostitution, living together unmarried, open marriages, adultery, etc. and have true love. These things cannot bring glory to God.

Certainly, this statement will outrage millions of people. However, love is not a man-made thing, neither is it a thing. Love is alive, as is the Word of God; for it dwells within us, thrives and increases to bring Glory to God. Our love comes from God; for God IS love. His characteristics are unchanging and His Word is everlasting. Where so, His love which is manifested through us is unchanging and everlasting. Glory to God! 

How do we insure that our love is real and pure and not of self? God says to, “Abide in Me. Be Ye Holy, for I Am Holy.” As we abide in God, His Holy Spirit, and Son, we love as One, joined together. When you abide in God, He will make you perfect in love; and perfect that which concerns you.

Knowing this, we can understand why David sang:

PSALM 138

1 I will praise Thee with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee.

2 I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth, for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.

3 In the day when I cried, Thou answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of Thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly, but the proud He knoweth afar off.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me.

8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever; forsake not the works of Thine own hands.

It is hard to bring oneself into submission to God when concerning matters of the heart that are attached to the flesh. The flesh allows fear, hurt, and pain to become stumbling blocks. Past experiences hinder us because we are leaning on self-confidence. And then, pride and disobedience may hold us in bondage.

Before God brings you out of the wilderness, some changes have to be made within you. And, if you allow Him, the touch of the Master's hand can make all things new--bright and beautiful; even that which once was a dark cloud hovering over you.


1 John 2:15-17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

My brothers and sisters, are you satisfied with loving as the world loves? Will you be keepers of the true Gospel, true followers of Christ keeping His commandment to love as He loved?

As we surrender our lives to God, we are made perfect in His love, by His love, to love Him and others in perfect, unconditional love. What an endless source of power, rejuvenation, inspiration and divine love. How can love die out if it is plugged into God? How can it fail with God to lift it up?

We must learn that without the Perfect Love of our First Love, we cannot truly love another. Let us experience and live out the full joy of the Lord to His Glory and Majesty. Let us take the path to the full knowledge of Jesus Christ in knowing our Father as One Perfect in Love.


By the grace and mercy of Our Loving Father,

your servant and soldier, united with the One,

mishael


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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions.

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:

https://fsasw.blogspot.com 
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com 

1. It is clearly written that Jesus wants us to love one another as He loved us. Do you believe that Jesus, who is The Word of God, loved with Agape Love? Read John 1:1-14
2. What will your legacy be? Will they list all of your accomplishments and assets, but say that you still lacked One thing? 
3. Is Christian love the same thing as Agape love? Why or why not? Should it be the same thing?
4. Do you think Christian love today is different from Christian love after Christ's death and resurrection?
5. Are Christians loving one another today like Jesus loved His Disciples?
6. Were there Believers during that time who were not made perfect in love?
7. Have we isolated ourselves and excluded others by referring to our love as Christian love?
8. Did Jesus give His love a name or was it His Father's love?
9. Have we strayed from loving as Jesus loved us?
10. Have we failed to live and love one another as disciples? How and why?
11. We must all examine how we love others. Do you love some people more than others? Why or why not?
12. Have you ever felt that someone loved someone else more than they loved you?
13. Do you find yourself loving people who are most like you?
14. Do you love some people and like some people? Why or why not? 
15. What is the difference between loving someone and liking someone? 
16. Does the heart determine the difference? 
17. What is in your heart when you like someone? 
18. What is in your heart when you love someone? 
19. God told us to love even our enemies. Have you hardened your heart against others? 
20. Have you been betrayed? How did you feel? What did you do? 
21. Have you ever betrayed someone? 
22. Have you betrayed Jesus?
23. Have you fallen in and out of love with someone? Why or why not?
24. Has someone fallen in or out of love with you? Why?
25. Do you love yourself and/or the world more than others? 
26. Do you love yourself and/or the world more than God and Jesus? 
27. Do you turn your feelings of affection on or off around some people? Why?
28. If you are married, do you love your spouse like you love yourself? Why or why not? 
29. Are you loving others as Jesus loves you?
30. Are you satisfied with the love the world offers you? Do you want to continue loving like the world? 
31. Are you ready to be made perfect in love? 
32. Are you ready and willing to help tear down the walls, labels, names, prejudice and discrimination, exclusiveness and lies that have kept us from Truth and loving one another as Children of God? 

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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Acts 1:15-20

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

John 1King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:17-21

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.


I John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.


LUKE 20:34-36

34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Matthew 6:24

24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.