Monday, November 26, 2012

How to love

Agape is the Greek word to describe God’s love.

C. S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves, used agape to describe what he believed was the highest level of love known to humanity—a selfless love, a love that was passionately committed to the well-being of the other. Before our wedding, our pastor required that my husband and I attend premarital counseling. In one of our meetings, he explained this meaning of agape love to us—such valuable knowledge for the strengthening of marriage! Unconditional love promotes loyalty and dedication to each other, even as the imperfect humans we are. Because of human nature, temptation to give up will creep in—and when it does, it is essential to grasp tightly to this type of love in order to uphold the marriage commitment and help each other. Trust grows from trials patiently endured. The reward is great.

When asked what was the great commandment, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
God gives His only Son as a sacrificial gift to deliver the world from condemnation and to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. When we continue in an immoral lifestyle, we naturally resist divine disclosure of our sin and thus our need for a Savior. Do not flee the light, but repent. God has revealed His strong love in His Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive your sins and give you life. • O heavenly Father grant that my life may be a vivid testimony to Your sacrificial and faithful love in Christ. Amen.
The Lutheran Study Bible
, Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 KJV
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Three ©Elizabeth B. Knaus
The Savior was Given
Read more about these postcards for sale at the Christian Postcard Section in my Etsy Shop.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Forgiveness and peace

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. —C.S. Lewis


God’s good-will to men is proven in sending Jesus for the redemption of the world. God’s kindness and love designed this free gift (we don’t deserve it). He introduced peace in this world—extinguished the separation that sin had raised between God and man and established a peaceful connection. If God be at peace with us, all peace results from it: peace of conscience and peace with other people. Peace is all that is good which flows to us from Christ. All the good we have, or hope, is owing to God’s good-will; and, if we have the comfort of it, He must have the glory of it.

Take the benefit of peace though vessels of His mercy! Worship, praise Him, listen to His Word and receive His gifts of forgiveness. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” To help you grow in faith, my hope is that you will visit my church or find a similar church in your area.


“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14 ESV
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Five ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior Brings Peace
Read more about these postcards for sale at the Christian Postcard Section in my Etsy Shop.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Are you open-minded?


Think about what is written on your heart.

  1. Who was Adolf Hitler?
  2. What do you do when you come to a green light?
  3. When has watching a movie made you think twice?
  4. How are you influenced to make intuitive decisions?
  5. Do you trust your instincts?
  6. Do you weigh pros and cons and use imagination to envisage living with your decision?
  7. Why form opinions on political issues?
  8. Do you like thought provoking questions?
  9. Why are you receptive to new and different ideas or the opinions of others?
  10. What do new ideas, arguments, etc. mean to you?
  11. Is it important to share your perspective?
  12. How can you help others think with an open mind?
Remember, some decisions we make won’t make sense to other people. Intuitive decision-making works best when greed is separated from discernment. An open-minded person is willing to consider that he’s made a ‘wrong’ decision, turn from it and strive for what is right. We are all human and can learn from mistakes.

What does it mean to be open-minded?
  • unprejudiced
  • liberal
  • free
  • balanced
  • catholic
  • broad
  • objective
  • reasonable
  • enlightened
  • tolerant
  • impartial
  • receptive
  • unbiased
  • even-handed
  • dispassionate
  • fair-minded
  • broad-minded
Satisfy your curiosity. If you’re open-minded, watch “180movie” NOW!

More info on the movie at heartchanger.com
More info on life issues, abortion and adoption at Lutherans For Life

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