“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no greater commandment than these.” Mark 12:29-32

We’re to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, the Lord has said…
but, sometimes, we’re critical of ourselves and unforgiving, instead.

Being right with God isn’t by our own deeds but through what Jesus has done…
He who is doing a good work in us will complete what He’s already begun.

To those who are in Christ Jesus, there’s no condemnation from the Father above. He’s merciful, forgiving, sympathetic with our weaknesses–and thinks we’re worthy of His love.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2-6

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

(Scriptures NKJV)

Precious memories are truly a beautiful thing,
but it’s the presence of a loved one that makes us sing.
I keep that in mind when I think of the Lord–
in seeking His presence, I’ll be renewed and restored.

It’s time spent with Him, sharing my love with Jesus,
that touches His heart, too, and greatly pleases.
He surely loves those who think upon His name,
and of the things He has done in Bible-event fame–

But personal time with Him daily and meditating on His Word
are the things that will make me live fully assured.
Then it becomes easy to follow where He leads,
with that overflow of mutual love to meet God-seen needs.

P. A. Oltrogge

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7 NIV

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 NASB

“He said to him, the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ (with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend.) Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that he should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know everything; You know that I love you’ (that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend.) Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.” John 21:17 AMP

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As Christians, we often confess our faith in God in various situations or for various things, but…

There’s a confession we can make that’s good for those with whom we come in contact and good for one’s own soul…

…that the fruit of the Spirit in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What an important goal of faith in Christ that is…

and it will be the evidence to those around us that we are His.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:3 NASB

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10 KJV

Sometimes….

Like Zacchaeus, do we find ourselves “up a tree,”
feeling strained about whether or not we can see
Jesus, the Lord, in the midst of our day,
even though we really took no time to pray?

Mercifully, Jesus calls us to quickly come down–
We sense His smile and not a frown;
He wants to come to where we live
to share counsel and love that He has to give.

Short in stature, Zacchaeus was,
“Short on time” is our daily buzz…
If we seek Christ’s presence before the day’s start
we’ll have greater courage to not lose heart.

P. A. Oltrogge

Of course, this account is really about Jesus’ love and saving grace for Zacchaeus, who was wanting to see Him. But the thoughts expressed above came to mind from the story because it seemed a good reminder that if our day is going to be busy, even a brief time of prayer, seeking the Lord’s wisdom/guidance for the day and listening to hear from Him, is wise. When we don’t do that, it can be much easier to become discouraged or choose paths that might not be the Lord’s best.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35 KJV

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6 NKJV

“Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.” Acts 16:7 NLT

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1 NKJV

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” 2 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 NKJV

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26 NKJV

Something anyone could consider doing…

A friend has kept a daily journal of thanksgiving to God now for, at least, ten years. And, in her life, she’s seen many blessings and has gained freedom from unfounded fears.

I agree wholeheartedly on thanking the Lord but haven’t always been so diligent to record thanks on a daily basis. But in this world of negatives that often bombard us, keeping a journal of blessings can be an oasis.

It truly is respectful of God’s faithfulness and causes us to see beyond things that are dark. A thanksgiving journal can be begun anytime, the Lord appreciating any written, thankful remark.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Scriptures New King James Version

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