To Love Larger is Key

I push the coffee button. The sun is peeking up on the horizon. I noticed the crimson pink showing its light. I do believe it is gong to be a beautiful day. I see my Bible, my favorite Bible on the floor. That Bible has had some miles. Laying there it looks similar to the 'world' today, divided and torn. It is getting pushed aside or ignored. My heart suddenly feels compassion for the lost. I do not understand how one can survive these perilous times without the hope in the Living Savior, Jesus Christ. Gods children have the promise of Christ. There is no greater love. We have the promise of eternal life where there are no tears, suffering or sin. The gates are jewels. The streets pure gold in Heaven. We get new eternal bodies. Who would not want this promise? Eternity with the King of Kings. I do not get it. It is so simple. The ticket is free, we just have to ask. Are some just having a terrific time on their own strength? Depending on the 'world' for hope and abundant life is a scary venture.

I pick up my Bible. Yep my daughters puppy has been here. The index, binder and Genesis are eaten. It is a good thing the word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I think the 'word' is in 'Rocco'. I chuckle. 2 Timothy is in tact. Yesterday it was put on my spirit to pray 'to love larger' and read 2 Timothy 1:7. 'God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind.' I pull the 'word' close to my heart. It feels warm. I have other Bibles and this has one terrific story behind the tattered lining. I thank GOD for holding me up on those miles I felt I could not stand. For holding me up today. He raises up his children. 'Allelulia'

I read 2 Timothy. I reflect on Paul's writing most of the morning. This epistle is so beautiful. I am grateful I had time to reflect and meditate on Gods word. The understanding I have is clearly the power of the Holy Spirit. It is as if the words jump out to me. I am getting a tiny glimpse of 'loving larger'. As far as we know this was the last time Paul picked up his pen. He was in a Roman prison. He had no shawl to keep him warm. Everything was taken from him. He would not see his Church's again. He was sentenced to die. He writes young Timothy his son in Faith. Paul warns Timothy. Christians were under extreme persecution in the Roman empire. He tells Timothy to hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ.' (2 Timothy 1:13) The pressure to abandon the faith was strong.

We must seek strength from the Lord to deal with the everyday stresses and pressure. As Christ tells us in 2Timothy 1:7. He did not give us a spirit of fear but of love, power and sound mind. Today we must guard our hearts against the attack of the Word of God. Make sure that what you hear is sound doctrine from the living word. Not twisted or watered down. If we lookout the window we see the practice of evil doers. Many will tell the church what they want to hear. This is poison from the enemy. Paul writes 'shun profane and idle babbling, it will increase to more ungodliness' (2 Timothy 2:36) He says the message will spread like cancer. 'Never the less the solid foundation of God stands having this seal. Christ knows those that belong to him. 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.' ( 2 Timothy 2:39) Children of God we have our work cut out for us. Look out the window. We are in those times. I am not bringing this news as a secret. It is evident. We are told to pray and tell others of the good news of Christ. For me I know what my heart tells me. The power of the Holy Spirit is telling me to use my God given gift and write the truth. Many doors will open. I know who I stand for the one true living God. As I read through 2 Timothy I think no one will ever have a teacher as Paul. He could of been retired as a prosperous Jew in good standing.He could have been less compromising and passionate for Christ and stayed in one city with one church. His heart was on fire for Christ.

Now he is in a cold Roman prison. He once was lost and then saved, and he spent his whole life telling anyone that would listen. As I was reading I felt the power of the Holy Spirit in me like a fire of urgency flowing within. If I love then for me I need to 'Love Larger' I trust God for my all. I am letting him push the swing. If anyone would have told me 8 months ago I would be studying scripture and writing like this I would have been blown out of the water.

Paul wrote to young Timothy in love and Godly inspiration. He told him that his church needed to put the focus back into Christ and set aside personal annoyances. Paul knew this would help Timothys church. This is a reminder for me and for anyone reading this I encourage you during those times of suffering focus on Jesus Christ. Avoid being distracted by 'worldy' problems.They are out there. God will raise up his children. The harvest is ready for picking the laborers are few. Some how I get this. somehow I get this. Kidding. I only have it because of the power of Chist. Christ gave it to me to you on the cross. Freedom and Hope for a future. He took on the sin of the 'world. It is only by his righteousness that I am forgiven. I will make errors. I am strengthened and comforted by Gods Word. 2 Timothy has encouraged me to stand up for my faith and trust God no matter the suffering. If I love my neighbor as myself am I going to take the risk and love larger?. It is no coincidence a door has opened for my hearts desire and dream for a vision. I am excited to see how the Lord moves.I have committed to a missions class. Number 3 is coming up soon. Although in my back yard I have a mission daily I have big dreams. God is the maker of Big Dreams. He does the largest. I am sure this journey will be more awesome then my finite mind can muster up. God is full of surprises for his kids. Even in these perilous times that can impact our family and friends Christ is there. He waits. He is holding us up. He knows our needs. Stick close to Jesus.You are not alone. Share the Faith and Love of Jesus. Christ stood with Paul. He stands with us no matter the mission we are on for him.

It will be awesome to meet this loving, tender character Paul one day. He knew some rough times. He never gave up. Stoned, thrown in the seas, naked, hungry, cold, whipped, chained he stood his ground. God love him. He is truly amazing. I can see the twinkle in his eye as he looks over his pen. He was going to die. He was a drink offering by now. " I fought the good fight of faith, I have finished the race. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that day and NOT only me but to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

When we depart from this world nothing goes with us but our works. We will be rewarded for works. I know for myself I want the big jewells. Working for Christ is not easy but we are never alone. The enemy is at large looking for who he can devour. We are told to help our neighbors. It is a risk worth taking. If the rocks come, they will be dodged. Christ is the way, truth and life. John 3:16 God is a merciful God, if a soul reach's out. He comes for you. He is God. He is the eternal Spirit. I want the fine white linen. Rather then the Visa rewards in the 'world' I will go for the heavenly treasures. God gives wisdom, so ask of God and 'his' ways will work for you.

May God Bless you and yours. Thank you for coming by for a visit. I am eternally grateful. Stay tuned for 'To Love Larger, part 2"

You will love the music. 'Time To Give.' Enjoy.

In Joy Love and Peace, Skye