The Secret Garden Chronicles ~ Who Do You Love? Revisited for Valentine's Day 2/14/2019

Original Post written 2/14/2017, but it seems to be worth repeating, since I didn't have anything new to share today...Hope you are having a beautifully blessed Valentine's Day, wherever you are, and whoever you are with.  Jesus Loves You...and that's the best Valentine you could ever have!!

Happy Valentine's Day!  

Seems like a lot of hype over today...but it is a great day to express and 

show love to each other in a tangible way; 

cards,

candy, flowers, or a special dinner...but it shouldn't be a day that causes one to feel sad or forgotten or left out if they don't receive any special treatment on this day.  For those who may not have anyone "special" in their lives to share this day with...perhaps one should find someone who could appreciate an extra word of encouragement, love, or kindness.

Don't let it be a day that is just "all about me", but make it a day that brightens someone else's life...young or old, rich or poor, lonely or overwhelmed with too many mouths to feed...a day to show love to those who may feel unlovable.  What a great way to share the love of Christ with others!

Here are some thoughts about love....

I John 4

7.  Beloved, let us love one another...

for LOVE is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8.  He who does not love does not know God, 

for God is LOVE.

9.  In this the LOVE of God was manifested

toward us,

that God has sent His only begotten Son

into the world,

that we might live through Him.

10.  In this is LOVE, 

not that we loved God, 

but that He LOVED us and sent

His Son to be the 

propitiation for our sins.

11.  Beloved, if God so loved us,

we also ought to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

15.  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God abides in him,

and he in God.

18.  There is NO FEAR in LOVE;

BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR!

20.  If someone says, "I love God", 

and hates his brother,

he is a LIAR,

for he who does not love his brother

whom he HAS seen,

how can he love GOD, Whom he has NOT seen?

Wow!  These are some strong thoughts about love, Lord!

Verse 21 further says:  

"And this commandment we have from Him:

That he who loves God MUST love his brother also!!"

So, on this day set aside to show love to one another, perhaps we need to think a little more deeply about who we really love...not just in the romantic sense...but in a holy, pure, Godly way.

Do I,  Do YOU, Truly love our fellow "man"...brothers, sisters;  Or do I just "tolerate" them for the sake of keeping peace?  It would seem that "tolerance" is rapidly becoming a thing of the past in today's society.  Many people have moved away from being "tolerant" to just being downright hateful.

It seems as though people, even members of the same family, community, and even some churches, are becoming less and less loving because of strong differences in opinion politically and socially.  Certainly there are some behaviors that we as Christians cannot approve of or even begin to tolerate; but can we love others who may disagree with us?  Can we overlook some opposing views and still love the person?

It's a challenge...and as the day draws closer to the Lord's return, we may find it becoming even more and more difficult...

But God's Word tells us that if we do not "LOVE OUR BROTHER" whom we HAVE seen, then how can we LOVE GOD whom we have NOT seen?

Something to ponder...Something to cause us to look deep within, and pray for that kind of love that looks beyond one's faults and differences...and sees the person that God wants us to love instead...and perhaps even win that brother or sister to Christ because of our unwavering love.

Lord, Help me to be able to stay true to my convictions 

without driving away the people 

to whom You want me to show Your love.

I can't be a true witness for Christ if I harbor 

resentment or intolerance

for those who need to know YOU, Lord.

It's a fine balance between 

standing strong in what I believe,

and being strong in acting upon those beliefs 

by loving others the way YOU want me to.

Lord, I need YOUR help and guidance

and courage to love like YOU.

I John 5:14-15 says:

14.  "Now this is the confidence 

that we have in Him,

that if we ask anything according 

to His will, He hears us.

15.  And if we know that He hears us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have 

the petitions we have asked of Him."

Hear my prayer, O Lord!

"Let the beauty of Jesus 

be seen in me;

All His wonderful passion and purity;

O Thou Spirit divine,

All my nature refine;

Till the beauty of Jesus 

be seen in me."

Amen.

(Let the Beauty of Jesus by Albert Osborn)

Well, this is certainly a different way of looking at Valentine's Day, huh?

I pray it has been a day of joy and blessing for each of you!

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you today!!

Even a couple of buzzards know how to love!!!  

And So do these two camellias!!!  Back to Back, stuck tight together!!

Things to Do in the Meantime...UPDATED 11-15-15 and 11/15/2016

I like to look back at previous years to see what I wrote on this date...it is always interesting to see what was going on then and how I was feeling and being affected by the events of the times...and how they relate to how I feel today, however many years later.  You should click on the links embedded in this post to get the full story(ies).  It is interesting to note how I felt  after the election in 2012 (see the link for "Still Reeling and Putting Things in Perspective" as well)  and how people are reacting today to the current election.  My feelings back then were valid and real...but I didn't go out and join a riot/protest or break windows, pillage, scream profanities or burn anyone in effigy.  I prayed. I prayed for our nation, our people, and our president.

Today, I have much more hope for our nation than I did in 2012.  I am expecting some great things to happen in the next four years.  But I am also a realist.  I know that there is no man or woman who can totally make all of the changes and keep all of the promises that they hoped to be able to do. Things happen that totally change the course of our dreams and plans.  Look back to 2001...and 9-11.  That horrific event tragically changed the plans that our then President Bush had for his presidency...and altered the course of how we view our world and our sense of safety and security forevermore.

You know, we all have disappointments in life...some greater than others.  But we don't have to lose hope. We don't have to hurt other people to show our displeasure and anger. If you don't like something, do something positive to help make our world a better place.  Volunteer to help those less fortunate than you. Go on a mission trip to an impoverished nation or places here in our own country and help rebuild their homes, churches, schools.  Donate from your personal wealth to give to those who have nothing.  Teach a child to read and write. Visit the sick and lonely. Pray for those in authority over you and even for those whom you may greatly dislike.   Turn a negative feeling into a positive action...something that improves the lives of others without harming innocent bystanders. Become a positive role model to those who may be looking up to you for guidance...don't lead them to become disobedient, disruptive and bitter people.

Now, back to where we were this time last year and in the years before...

Update from 11/15/2015:
In light of the current events taking place in our world this past week, (the ISIS attacks in Paris and other parts of the world)http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/11/14/paris-attacks-important-lessons-must-heed-from-french-tragedy.html   I wanted to write something to express first of all my sorrow for the nation of France and others throughout the world so affected.  These heinous acts leave us all feeling vulnerable and fearful, knowing that the same thing could happen here at home at a time when we least expect it. I was looking back at some earlier posts written regarding "the armor of God" Click HERE, And HERE AND HERE.  I realized that this has been a recurring theme, but each from different perspectives and events in my life and the world at large.  The reality is, we are living in a fallen world. We can expect things to continue to build and escalate as the final day draws nigh.  But we don't have to live in fear and without hope.

Here's what I wrote three years ago, on 11/10/12:

I think my previous post left a few people speechless...not knowing exactly how to take it or what to say....

(Click on this link to "Still Reeling and Putting Things in Perspective" )  -which was written just after the last presidential election in 2012.

Today I think I will elaborate and set the record straight.  This is in no way to be considered a thorough theological or prophetic message.  It is just what I believe God is saying to my heart as I look at the world  around me and read God's Word. 

1. First of all:  Yes, I do believe we are living in the "Last Days"
• "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.  So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors!  Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. " Matthew 24:32-35
2. Do I know exactly when the Lord is going to return? No.
•  But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, but My Father only."  Matthew 24:36
3. Do I think that we should just give up and go live on the mountaintop and wait for His return? No.
• "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." Matthew 24:46

Ok,  What should I be doing?

BE STRONG:

• "Finally, my brethren, (sisters), be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
• "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Read Ephesians 6:10-18)

BE AWARE:

• "Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power..."  Colossians 2:8-10

• "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."  Colossians 3:2-4

BE HOLY:

• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 

BE THANKFUL:

• But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

BE WISE:

• Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
• And whatever  you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3:12-17
• "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

BE GRACEFUL:

• Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."  Colossians 4:5-6

BE LOVING:

• "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
• In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:7-11

As you can see, God's Word is where the answers can be found.  The best advice I can give for us during these days is to:

• "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I say rejoice!
• Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.
• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
• And the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7

Do I have all the answers? NO!  But God's Word DOES!  Read your Bible!  Get to know the One Who gave His life for you...and the One with Whom you will be spending eternity!

Do I always live like this? NOT LIKE I SHOULD.  So this message is as much for me as it is for you.  Again, I go back to my post from yesterday: "People Get Ready, Jesus IS Coming"...but in the meantime...Live for Him, Love Like Him, and Let Others See Him Living in You.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13.  Amen.

I will close with portions from "The Last Message of the Bible", found in the Book of Revelation 22:7, 12, 13, 16, 20, 21 ~

7.  "Behold, I am coming quickly!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

12.  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with me, to give to everyone one according to his work.

13.  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

16.  "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

20.  "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." 

Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

21.  "The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen."

I have nothing more to say on this subject

tonight.

Good night...and truly, may

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

Amen.