C2C Church Christian Blog
Bridging the Gap between Worship and Missions.
Tags >> love
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 15, 2011
We serve a gracious and generous God. Our response to God's grace and generosity should be a spirit of great thanksgiving and a passion to look like our Creator as we encounter people each day.
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 10, 2011
Peter and John had been very bold in their witness of what Christ had done in their lives; how their lives had become whole and Christ's love had filled them. God took these ordinary men and inspired them to "connect" with a man who had been lame for forty years. This man was healed, in the name of Jesus, by the power of God's love through these two men. Naturally, the church council and the religious leaders were not happy about this love and energy that was permeating "their" religious camp. But, these religious leaders could not deny the courage and boldness that had come over these two men to speak the truth about how their lives had changed since meeting Jesus. Peter and John were acting on what they could now see from God's horizon. Peter and John were more concerned about what God desired to do through them, than how these people around them listening might react to what they might do and say. This is an example of a stand of courageous love for God and people. It is that courage for which we, as Christ followers, must seek to "connect." The Holy Spirit is the Giver and Initiator of such courage. Following this story, the healing of the lame man, we see the early Church (followers of Christ) ramping up their prayer for courage...
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 20, 2011
What comes to your mind when you think about the word, Hospitality? Jesus always seemed to know how to treat others by making them feel welcomed and valued. He understood hospitality. Let's look at an example from Luke 19.
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 18, 2011
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:13-16
God created us for relationships. Within those relationships, we are called to be salt and light--the flavor and illumination of God's love that has been extended to us. When we respond to the love of God found in Jesus, we become partakers in the Common Story. We share and tell our part of the Story, as well as advance God's kingdom in this world through the cultivating of other vibrant relationships. This is the context in which God has called his Church--the people of God--to grow in connection to Christ.
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 30, 2010
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded his disciples and others that a person who hungered and thirsted for righteousness would be blessed. The New Living Translation uses the word "justice" for the word "righteousness." Let's explore this verse from both meanings; keeping in mind this is just one way to look at it. I believe Jesus was pointing to the fact that when we choose to live moral lives--right by God's standard--we are called blessed. In a world that calls everything right--anything goes--what does that really mean?
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 02, 2010
God is always ready to help; of course we have to use our faith in order to please him. I believe it is our faith that moves the hand of God; not really our needs, although He cares greatly. Faith believes God is real, loving, and good. We all must choose how we will respond to God's invitation to a life of faith. It will stretch your natural understanding of God if you choose to exercise your faith. God's ways and thoughts are higher. He delights in revealing His love in new and fresh ways.
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 19, 2010
I love talking about happy places, times, and endings. You know; abundant living in connection to Christ. But, God's Word reminds us that around the Light of His love, darkness can be found. We are so used to the sunlight that follows the nighttime that we forget God's Word talks about a darkness that is eternal. The life of Judas can tell us about the darkness. Picture the story. Jesus is sharing a final meal with his disciples. Judas, who is choosing to remain in the darkness, acts like he really cares about Jesus. Oh, he might care about him, but make no mistake, Judas cares more about himself than anyone else. It's a dark process of thinking; selfishness. The pressure of being near the Christ (the selfless One) is putting too much pressure on poor Judas. He has to leave the presence of Love; "So Judas left at once, going out into the night" (John 13:30). Yes, it is much more comfortable in the darkness when you're selfish.
Posted by: mhaley
on Sep 30, 2010
Everyone would like to think he or she have a corner on truth, but that is only possible when we connect with Jesus because truth is a person. The way we gain truth is through a personal and loving relationship with Christ, as well as in community with others who have a connection to Christ. Truth is revealed and shared in the love of Christ. Do you know the truth? Do you know someone whose life testifies to the truth? People who know the truth are great examples of love.
Posted by: mhaley
on Sep 09, 2010
Our level of courage will determine whether or not we "live big." Most people say they want to courageously walk through new doors of opportunity and embrace change, but few will ever make the decision to do so. Change is frightening. Safety calls to us and tries to keep us from the bigger and deeper life God has prepared for those who love Him. God rewards our faith-filled lives; a desire for safety tries to stand in the way of our faith.
Posted by: mhaley
on Sep 07, 2010
Billy Graham once said, "Courage is contagious! When a brave man (woman) takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened." As we get around other people who are busy listening to God and living for the truth of His love, our backbones grow in strength. Truth, God's Spirit, flowing courageously from others is inspiring. I guess each of us better ask ourselves, "Is my courage contagious?"
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