Do You Love Me?

Throughout my life I have encountered challenges that overwhelmed me, almost taking my breath away. During those devastating moments, one unspoken question permeated the atmosphere. From time to time it's as though the Lord asks, "Do you still love ME?" I'll give you an example of a time the unspoken question hung over me. I hate moving. I've lived in a few states and have disliked putting down and tearing up roots, friends, and familiar people and places. I'm so grateful that I've been blessed to always have a roof over my head. Nevertheless, within the last four years, I've moved three times due to a variety of reasons beyond my control. During one of the most recent moves, I consulted with four real estate agents as well as a government agency, none of whom were helpful. Surely, the Lord who created me knows how I felt about moving. Yet He allowed the circumstances in order to move me towards Him. All the while the unspoken question was in the air, " Do you still love ME"? My answer, Yes Lord, I love you.  And like Peter said (John 6:68) "Where else can I go but to you Lord, You have the words of eternal life? The Bible tells us more about Peter. He was a bold disciple who loved the Lord deeply but failed Jesus three times by denying that He knew Him during a critical time. What was the Lord's response afterwards? Three times the Lord asked Peter " Do you love ME"? Twice Peter answered, yes, Lord; you know that I love you. The third time he said, Lord, You know all things, You know that I love you. Jesus responded, feed my sheep and feed my lambs. In other words, though Peter failed, his assignment prevailed. Now go and preach, and teach others about ME. Your love for the LORD will be challenged. You won't pass every test perfectly because you are human. Allow the challenges to draw you closer to the Lord, not push you away. When the Lord provides the opportunity, share your experience to help others draw closer to Him too. The Bible tells us Joseph was tested, Abraham was tested, Peter was tested and you will be tested. Choose to love the Lord no matter what comes your way. Know that He is working everything together for your good and for His glory no matter what it looks or feels like. For He loves you with an everlasting love.(Jeremiah 31:3) So much so that He gave His Son to make you more than a conqueror. (Romans 8: 32-39) Receive His love and love Him. It's the one decision you'll  be glad you made in this life and in the next. Yes. love the Lord!

Dream Job by Louisa Guzman

After 23 years as a school secretary - not a profession I chose, rather one I fell into - I've often wondered if at work I have been useful towards furthering the kingdom of Christ. Have I used my time wisely to show my coworkers who God is? Have they seen in me a true picture of Jesus? After all, says Acts 20:24, life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.

Not everyone wakes up each day happy to go to work. Few are fortunate to have professions or jobs that are perfect for them. But whether you love it or hate it, know that your job was specifically selected by God and that you are employed by Him.

God uses the work you do as one of His tools to mold you into who He wants you to be. If you trust God's choice for the work you do, then your job becomes an opportunity for Him to teach you and make you your best self.

In my case, by meeting deadlines, completing assigned tasks with excellence, and showing respect for my coworkers, God teaches me valuable life lessons, such as responsibility, cooperation, flexibility, humility, patience and good relationship skills.  From having dealt with many difficult people these past 23 years, I have learned to love and forgive. My job has taught me how to serve with humility, because it's easy to serve at church, but on the job it's a whole 'nother story. I'm certain that by my actions and words I may very well be the only picture of Jesus my co-workers and the school community ever sees, for Jesus says that "whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for Me" [Matthew 25:40].

Whatever your job or profession may be, what's important is having the right attitude about what you do. Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God [1 Corinthians 10:31].

My Way or The Highway

by Christina Calvache

Back in the day, during the 70’s and 80’s, “My Way or the High Way” was an expression used to signify an ultimatum. Bosses and Boyfriends would use this term and you would know what it meant: no compromise, no reasoning, no choice. Luckily, we follow a God who has the ultimate say but would never give us an ultimatum.

Jesus said to Levi, (Luke 5:27-28) "Follow me,” and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him. How admirable is Levi for dropping everything and following Jesus? Isn’t this what Jesus says to all of us? As for me, and I’m sure you too, it is not always that easy.

Every day we make choices and exercise the privilege of “Free Will”. It is good to weigh our options, make pros and cons lists, or ask advice from trustworthy people. But we need to remember the Word tells us that “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14 KJV). The grass is not always greener on the other side. Something may seem like a good thing, and although it may not have catastrophic effects, it may not be God’s best for your life.

God loves us so much that he allows us to decide what we will do in every matter we face. He gives us guidance and wisdom on making decisions. And if we learn to seek Him and his ways, He will show us what He knows we should do.

When I have big decisions to make, like where to live, work, or which schools my kids should attend, I seek the High Way”. Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial (1 Co 10:23). Sadly, I learned this the hard way. And although hearing from the Lord is not always clear or quick, I am confident that when I seek Him, I find Him (Matt 7:7). I encourage you to seek Him too.

He will show you the way!

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