It’s been a mixed bag of experiences for our family this week.
On one hand- we’ve been on vacation. It’s been a great trip for us, as my recent work schedule and the kids’ activities have propelled our family in opposite directions. We’ve had an incredible opportunity to spend lots of time together- making new memories and laughing about old ones.
Conversely- our trip has come during a time of great sadness across our country. This week’s headlines have been filled with violence and sorrow. Innocent lives have been lost and nerves are frayed.
It’s hard for me to understand. I can’t imagine how hard it is for my children to process.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
I guess the best response as parents is to continue to teach love.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Love is the greatest command. Along with this command comes honor and respect for others.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,…” 1 Thessalonians 4:9
So who is our brother? It’s our neighbor. It’s the person living in a different neighborhood across town. It’s the teller in the supermarket line. It’s the person that doesn’t dress like us or talk like we do. It’s the people in our lives that have hurt us and caused us pain.
Our neighbors are everywhere.
Everyone has value. Every person has worth. And just as Jesus loves us, we are called to love others.
It’s hard sometimes, but it’s our responsibility. And it’s our responsibility to teach love and honor to our children.
“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” 1 John 3:23
Let’s look for ways this week to get to know our neighbors…and engage with different people in new and meaningful ways.
I need prayers for guidance on how to help my children process these tough events. Please let me know how I may pray for you.
God bless.
Friday Word(s) 
Thank you. Much needed reminder.
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Thank you again for another great post Keith. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. God bless you. John Luthi Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE Phone
Friday word wrote:
kcarver1970 posted: ” It’s been a mixed bag of experiences for our family this week. On one hand- we’ve been on vacation. It’s been a great trip for us, as my recent work schedule and the kids’ activities have propelled our family in opposite directions. We’ve h”
I love you, brother.
And the GREATEST of these is LOVE…….on my knees……
Another wonderful welding of words, my friend… I am so blessed to have known you all of these years. While there may be a question in your heart, I have no doubt that you will be able to guide your children through not only this difficult time and the many more that are unfortunately on the horizon. I would be appreciative of any prayers from you, especially to lead me on the path that God has laid out for me with a willing heart that puts His wishes and needs above my own selfish ones. Thanks, Keith, and as always, God Bless you and yours!
Keith dear, I heard about the group called “Black Lives Matter” and wished that it was called” Every Life Matters”, each one so precious to our Father and, therefore, so precious to us. Thankful for you, Ann
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Poem – What is love?
Two men came to Jesus
With different motivations.
They asked Him the same question
Relevant to all the nations:
Which is the Most Important?
The answer was the same.
Jesus did not manipulate
He was not there to play a game.
“Love the Lord your God” said Jesus
as He quoted from The Law –
to fulfill and not abolish
was His purpose, full of awe.
Jesus did not make all Scripture
Into one new great commandment.
He summarized The Law and Prophets
“First and Greatest” and “The Second.”
The Love of God is higher
Than the love of any man.
Receive from God, give back to God-
Then to others, that’s His plan.
The Love of God involves much more
Than simply “love your fellow man.”
Worship, trust, and pray to God,
and obey Him – that’s His plan
To worship and pray to neighbors,
Whoever they may be,
Or trust and obey our enemies
Would be idolatry.
The love of God is first and greatest,
And the love of man is second.
“All we need is love” are words
of dead Beetles on the pavement.
“The entire law is summed up in a single command”
are not the words of Jesus our Salvation.
It’s false teaching of Paul the Pharisee
an “accuser of our brethren.”
“Love” without God is Satan’s word through Paul
in his chapter to the Corinthians.
“I will show you the most excellent way”
is the road to eternal perdition.
Where is God in Paul’s chapter on love?
Nowhere in view of the eye.
Paul sings about himself like a Mexican Mariachi
“I, I, I, I.”
Jesus is The Most Excellent Way
Not the words of a Pharisee.
The words of Jesus are very clear.
Jesus said, “You must follow ME.”
Jesus was asked twice which Commandment is the greatest or most important one, (Matthew 22 and Mark 12)
Both times Jesus answered quoting the same two commandments, from the Law of Moses.
Jesus said that one of these two commandments is the first and greatest most important one. Which one is it? The one in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, or the one in Leviticus 19:18 ?
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “ is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [Mark 12:29-30, Deuteronomy 6:4-5]
Jesus 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.” [Matthew 22:37-38, Deuteronomy 6:5]