July 11, 2016 - "Love Never Fails"

Chaplain’s Corner

July 11, 2016

Love Never Fails

Good Morning, Patriots!

It has been a couple weeks since I last posted a blog. A lot has happened in that span of time. Terrible tragedies, as we see people being killed, and a general sense of havoc, mayhem, and anarchy. People are more and more becoming polarized by political and racial issues. There is very little "middle ground," and people are clashing constantly, causing a sense of dread across our nation. I want to share Scripture with you this morning. People say there are no easy answers. Actually, the answers are easy. The implementation of these answers is where it becomes difficult for many of us, as we have to divest ourselves of pride and arrogance, and work to take on the attributes of God.

I was honored this last weekend to be asked to attend a wedding, and to deliver a word and a blessing during the ceremony. This is the scripture I read, and it is so powerful, and so timely for today:

1 Corinthians 13:1-8(a) New International Version (NIV) says:

"13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails."

That is a powerful testimony to the power of love, and there is truth there that cannot be denied. When we speak of God, we say that "God is Love," meaning that He is the very personification of love in its purest, most perfect form. He is the Initiator of love. He is the Author of love. He is the Perfecter of love. So, when we show true Christian love in our lives, we reflect the very presence of God Himself in our lives.

This is easily said, but very difficult to do in our present sinful flesh. As children of God, our very purpose in our lives should be to try daily to be like Him, and beg Him to change our hearts and built in us new men and women of God who can reflect His great love in a sinful, ungodly, and dark world. Our mission is to spread the Good News of the Gospel. People will judge the message by the messenger. We need to work hard to be holy, as our message and our Father is holy. How can we reflect His love in our lives when we take part in, and take sides in hurtful and malicious conduct? When we see injustices being committed, we need to stand up for justice. But the only justice that is right and pure is God's justice, not man's. We have to stand on the side of the Word of God, not being drawn into petty arguments and man-made disagreements and prejudices.

My Dad used to say that, before you say something out loud, you should consider these things first:

1) Is it true?

2) Is it kind?

3) Is it necessary?

Brothers and sisters, we are living in dangerous times, and the things happening in the world around us are only getting worse, not better. The reason is because this world and it's passions are passing away, but we must remember that those that do the will of God will live forever. The wicked one is fighting spiritual warfare in our midst, and trying to take down as many as he can, before God steps in and binds him and removes him from the earth. We are heading for a great destruction in this world, but on the other side of that destruction is life eternal, and a chance to be a part of God's Kingdom. The decisions we make today make a profound difference in the quality of our life now, and in the future. I will leave you with this scripture, where Joshua was speaking to the people of Israel, many of whom had slipped away from their commitment to God:

Joshua 24: 15 (NIV) says:

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

My wife and I are committed to serving God, and many of my brothers and sisters in this group have made the same decision. I beg you to assess your heart, your moral compass, your position on where you stand in the world today. Decide now whose side you are on. Will you be part and parcel of this old world that is ruled by the wicked spirit forces and heading off into destruction? Or will you take your stand on the side of God, and embrace His Grace, forgiveness, and salvation? Will you live for Him? Will you die for Him, if necessary? Will you reflect His love for all mankind? We are fast approaching a point in history where we cannot sit on the fence much longer. We need to make a choice, and live with the rewards or the consequences. I pray that you make the right choice. I pray that you answer God's call as He tugs at your heart with His Holy Spirit. I pray that you come home to Him, and let Him fill your life with "... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

God Bless you, every one, and:
God Bless America!
Stephen King
Chaplain@3upi.com