Más que un sentimiento

1 John 4:7-12

Nuestro mundo actual tiene una visión superficial de lo que realmente es el amor. De hecho, el amor es la palabra más mal usada y abusada de todas las palabras pronunciadas por los hombres (en mi opinión más humilde). Mientras que la persona promedio define el amor como simplemente un sentimiento, la definición bíblica del amor se centra más en las decisiones y acciones. Sin la guía y la enseñanza espirituales adecuadas, muchos basarían fácilmente su comprensión del amor solo en los sentimientos y las emociones, pero hay más en esta palabra de cuatro letras que muchos no logran descubrir a lo largo de sus vidas. Dios es amor, y esto se expresa claramente en el versículo ocho del texto de nuestra lección. Dios manifestó Su amor a todos los hombres, cuando envió a Su único Hijo al mundo, para que aquellos que eligen aceptar Su salvación puedan vivir a través de Él. No había otra forma de redimir al hombre de regreso a Dios, excepto a través del sacrificio perfecto de Jesús. Si bien el alcance del amor de Dios puede desencadenar todo tipo de emociones, fue iniciado por una elección y una acción. Dios eligió enviar a Jesús, quien eligió dar su vida por ti y por mí. El amor se basa en obras y se trata más de acciones que de palabras huecas. Incluso se ha culpado al amor por innumerables problemas matrimoniales y de relación, pero el amor verdadero sigue siendo inocente. La gente lastima a otros en nombre del amor, pero su comportamiento malvado y malicioso fue la causa principal de todos sus problemas. A los hijos de Dios se les manda amar a los demás, demostrando que Dios está con ellos. Si Dios, el creador de todas las cosas, puede amarnos en nuestros estados pecaminosos y debilitados, entonces nunca deberíamos dudar en mostrar amor a todos los que conocemos. Si realmente amamos a Dios, definiremos el amor de acuerdo con Su estándar de santidad, y no con el estándar de egoísmo del mundo. Sal de tus sentimientos y ponte manos a la obra, porque el amor es lo que hace.

More Than A Feeling

1 John 4:7-12

Our present world has a shallow view of what love truly is. In fact, love is the most misused and abused word of all the words spoken by men (in my most humble opinion). While the average person defines love as simply a feeling, the Biblical definition of love centers more around choices and actions. Without proper spiritual guidance and teaching, many would easily base their understanding of love off feelings and emotions alone, but there’s more to this four letter word, that many fail to discover in their lifetimes.

God is love, and this is plainly expressed in verse eight of our lesson’s text. God manifested His love to all men, when He sent His only Son into the world, so that those who choose to accept His salvation, can live through Him. There was no other way to redeem man back to God, except through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. While the extent of God’s love can trigger all types of emotions, it was initiated by a choice, and an action. God chose to send Jesus, who chose to lay down His life for you and I.

Love is works based, and is more about actions, than hollow words. Love has even been blamed for countless marital and relationship problems, however true love remains innocent. People hurt others in the name of love, but their evil and malicious behavior was the root cause of all their issues.

The children of God are commanded to love others, proving that God is with them. If God the creator of all things can love us in our sinful and weakened states, then we should never hesitate to show love to all we meet. If we truly love God, then we’ll define love according to His standard of holiness, and not by the world’s standard of selfishness.

“Get out of your feelings and get to work, because love is what it does.” – Ell

Palabras De Consuelo

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Los últimos años han sido extremadamente devastadores para muchas personas en todo el mundo, que han perdido a sus seres queridos por el virus del covid. Personalmente, sentí el dolor de perder a alguien cercano de Covid, y no es una sensación fácil de aprovechar. La gente muere a diario, ya sea por enfermedad, dolencia, o por otras causas inesperadas, pero Dios está más preocupado por el bienestar espiritual de una persona que por la forma en que deja esta vida. “Y como está establecido para los hombres morir una sola vez, pero después de esto el juicio” (Heb. 9:27). Todos saldremos de esta vida algún día, y solo hay dos destinos a los que se designará a cada alma. Aunque hay muchos que no creen en el cielo y el infierno, pronto experimentarán por sí mismos la verdad de la otra vida. ¿Cómo está viviendo hoy para asegurarse de que su futuro se pasará en la eternidad con Dios? ¿Te preparas, como si tu último día pudiera ser mañana? ¿O intentas vivir tu “mejor vida” ahora, mientras descuidas solidificar un futuro con Dios? Insisto a todos los que lean esto a que se reconforten al saber que Jesús hizo posible que todos los que vienen a Él eviten la condenación eterna y vivan en paz con el Padre. Aunque muchos han rechazado y seguirán rechazando el mensaje de salvación, los que perseveren hasta el final serán recompensados y su labor no será en vano. No te preocupes por dónde pasarás la eternidad, si estás caminando en obediencia a Dios, pero hay de todos los que hacen la vista gorda a la verdad y siguen los placeres del mundo.

Words Of Comfort

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The past few years have been extremely devastating for many around the world, who have lost loved ones from the covid virus. I’ve personally felt the pain of losing someone close from covid, and it’s not an easy feeling to harness. People die daily, whether from sickness and disease, or other unexpected causes, but God is more concerned with a person’s spiritual wellbeing, than the actual way they leave this life. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb. 9:27). We will all exit from this life someday, and there are only two destinations every soul will be appointed to. Although there are many who disbelieve in heaven and hell, they will soon experience for themselves, the truth of the afterlife.

How are you living today, to ensure your future will be spent in eternity with God? Do you prepare yourself, as if your last day could be tomorrow? Or, do you attempt to live your “best life” now, while neglecting to solidify a future with God? I urge all who read this to take comfort in knowing, Jesus made it possible for all who come to Him, to avoid eternal damnation, and live in peace with the Father. While many have, and will continue to reject the message of salvation, those who endure until the end, will be rewarded, and their labor will not be in vain. Worry not about where you’ll spend eternity, if you’re walking in obedience to God, but woe unto all who turn a blind eye to truth, and follow after the pleasures of the world.

Dios contra dioses

Desde el principio de los tiempos, este mundo ha estado plagado de innumerables ídolos que los hombres han adorado y a los que han unido su lealtad. Lo que es interesante notar es que, en la raíz de cada ídolo o dios, está la mano de satanás. El motivo principal del diablo es bloquear o alejar de Dios a tantas personas como sea posible, antes de que termine este mundo actual. Lamentablemente, nuestro adversario ha demostrado ser muy eficaz para guiar a hombres y mujeres por el camino que se desvía de la dirección de la justicia. Afortunadamente, la Biblia está llena de pasajes que advierten a los creyentes que eviten enseñanzas, doctrinas y profetas falsos. Hubo muchos en el pasado, que hablaron cosas que realmente sucedieron, y fueron acompañadas de señales y prodigios sobrenaturales, pero esos fueron solo trucos y artimañas del enemigo, cuyo único propósito era alejar a los hombres de Dios. Hoy, la iglesia debe estar alerta y estar alerta, porque hay muchos que reclaman el nombre del Señor, pero en secreto tienen intenciones engañosas y malvadas. El Dios que creó el cielo y la tierra, ha dejado información más que suficiente en su palabra, que mantendrá a su pueblo preparado para enfrentarse a toda idolatría falsa y malvada. Pero, debemos leer y meditar en la palabra de Dios, a fin de crecer en el conocimiento y la gracia de todo lo que Él nos creó para ser.

God vs. gods

Deuteronomy 13:1-4

Since the beginning of time, this world has been littered with countless idols that men have worshipped, and joined allegiance to. What’s interesting to note is, at the root of every idol or god, is the hand of satan. The devil’s primary motive is to block, or turn as many people away from God as possible, before this present world ends. Sadly, our adversary has proven very effective at leading men and woman on the path that veers away from the direction of righteousness. Fortunately, the Bible is filled with passages, warning believers to avoid false teachings, doctrines, and prophets. There were many in the past, who spoke things that actually came to pass, and were accompanied by supernatural signs and wonders, but those were only tricks and ruses by the enemy, whose sole purpose was to draw men away from God. Today, the church must be vigilant and remain alert, because there are many who claim the name of the Lord, but secretly have deceptive and evil intentions. The God who created the Heaven and earth, has left more than enough information in His word, that will keep His people prepared to stand against all false and wicked idolatry. But, we must read and meditate on God’s word, in order to grow in the knowledge and grace of all He created us to be.

Scattered Minds

1 Peter 3:8-19

The men and women who make up the body of Christ in these last days, aren’t all on the same page. We are living in a time, when many false doctrines have infiltrated congregations around the globe, causing some to hold fast to the traditions of men, rather than the commandments of God the Father. The apostle Peter teaches in our text, we are all to be of one mind, as we fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Unity is essential in keeping the body of Christ together, and allowing each member to effectively use their gifts for edification, but where division is present, confusion has the ability to keep many from being their best for God. Not only are the members of Christ’s body commanded to be of one mind, but being meet for the Master’s use also demands that we walk in humility, show compassion toward others, and be willing to extend encouragement to all who need it. When a person’s foundation is built on godly principles and standards, they’ll easily render good for evil, or blessing for persecution. The church today loses its influence on the lost, the more they give in to false doctrine, which causes division. But, when the Lord is once again sanctified in the hearts of men, only then can they truly submit themselves to the truth of God’s word, and easily recognize anything that is contrary to what the Father commanded them to do.

Money Ain’t Everything

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Knowing that there’s nothing in this life that will carry over into the next, why do we cling so tightly to frivolous things? Money is good, cars are convenient, phones allow for worldwide communication, but such things should only be attained in a spirit of contentment, and to bring glory to the name of the Lord. People all over the world seek to be rich, and make as much money as possible, but the text tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:..” Desiring the world’s goods for any reason other than godliness, is unwise and will only lead to destruction. Many have sought to accumulate wealth, with selfish intentions, and have “pierced themselves with many sorrows” There are countless rich people who are unhappy everyday. Although they may have attained the wealth they desired, they possibly hurt many people, and did all manner of evil to get it. Money should be seen as a tool to keep balance in homes, help the poor and needy, and continue to build the kingdom of God in the earth. Unfortunately, the world has developed a system that teaches even the youth to “get all you can, and can all you get”. We came into the world with nothing, and we’ll leave the same way, so rather than place our desires on carnal and temporary things, let’s shift our focus to a more eternal perspective, where God’s purpose is at the forefront of our lives.

A Good Leader

Romans 10:1-4

A good leader cares for his people. A good leader desires only that those he leads, receives proper guidance, wisdom, and knowledge necessary to traverse life’s journey better. A good leader listens to his people. A good leader prays for his people. A good leader recognizes the good and bad character traits of his people, and tries to promote the former, while chiseling away the latter. A good leader exposes the unmasked truth to his people, to avoid the risk of them falling into the snares of temptation. A good leader promotes God’s righteousness, over self-righteousness. A good leader is not puffed up, haughty, or high-minded. A good leader walks in humility, and respects the opinions of others. A good leader cares for his people so much, until he’ll risk his own life, to keep them safe.

Nigh Unto Thee

Deuteronomy 30:6-14

As the children of God continue to live through the days of end-time prophecy, it’s disheartening to witness how many are falling away from the faith. While it’s no surprise, the world is in such a chaotic state, those who professed to be children of God, seem to have gravitated more towards the things of the world, rather than obeying the commandments of Scripture, during these perilous times. I could understand if the word of God was taken away from believers, as it is in other countries, but those with the liberty to study the bible, and have access to it, seem to ignore it for other things.

Many are striving diligently to pursue personal goals, and obtain things they’ve longed for, but when God is pushed aside, all goals and plans become futile. The freedom to read and obey God’s word is a privilege that countless individuals take for granted. Many people place their hope in therapists, counselors, and life coaches, rather than first seeking God’s word on all matters. In the word of God, is everything we need to live and maintain a holy lifestyle, during these difficult times. The world will only grow worse, and men will become more heartless, so it’s wise to keep God’s word in our hearts, so that we may walk consistently in the Spirit, and avoid the dangers of sin.

Learn to appreciate the goodness of God, and His unadulterated word, because without it, all hope of an eternal security would be lost.