Archive for July, 2025
Motivation for Christian Living
Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you love one another” (John 13: 35).
This text brings to mind the thoughtful question, “If you were arrested on the charge of being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
It is time for every Christian to get involved in a full-court press of love for Jesus Christ. It is such love as described by Tertullian, a pagan born in Rome, converted to Christianity who later had close ties to the church in North Africa in the Second Century (ca. AD 192), wrote of the Christians of his day, “The heathen are wont to exclaim with wonder, see how these Christians love one another! for they [the heathen] hate one another; and how they [the Christians] are ready to die for one another! for they [the heathen] are more ready to kill for one another.”
They did not simply articulate the gospel, they lived it as an example. We should exemplify the truth as defined in a poem by Edgar Guest entitled:
“I’d Rather See A Sermon.”
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.”
Jesus left us the challenge to love one’s “neighbor as yourself.” In Matthew 22: 35 – 39, He responded to a lawyer’s question about “Who is my neighbor?” by telling the story of the Good Samaritan, and asking which character was a neighbor. The answer, “The one who showed mercy.” Love depends on the subject, not the object. “I,” the subject, “love,” the active verb, “you,” the object.
There is much to be gained by giving love. God’s word is always right in telling us what to do and not to do. The world often fails to see the way clearly.
Man’s foresight is often wrong. In 1899, “Literary Digest” predicted the “horseless carriage would never come into a “common use as thy bicycle!”
In 1902, “Harper’s Weekly” said, “The actual building of roads devoted to motor cars is not for the near future.”
In 1948, “Science Digest” predicted, “Landing and moving around on the moon offers so many serious problems that it may take science another 200 years to lick them.”
The love of which God’s word speaks is ageless and advantageous. The Bible emphasizes that loving others is a core Christian principle, and the personal benefits of doing so include fulfilling God’s law, experiencing joy, and being seen as a disciple of Jesus. Pattern love even if it isn’t an instinct until it becomes your nature. Don’t just look for easy objects to love. Envision the difficult ones as having on a sign reading, “I am whosoever.”
Pope Leo XIV
There is a new Pope, (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), was elected on May 8, 2025. As the first American Pope the world is waiting to see how he leads the church. His voice is influential for Catholics and non-Catholics. After all, “Catholic” means “universal.”
In addressing the issue I resorted to my limited AI for insight which in this issue I trust is objective. In gaining his insight on the two following issues one might presume his leaning inclination on other issues.
In the Catholic Church, “ex cathedra” is a Latin phrase that means “from the chair” of Saint Peter, referring specifically to the Pope speaking officially in his role as the supreme teacher of the Church. When the Pope makes an ex cathedra declaration, he is considered to be speaking infallibly on matters of faith or morals. Not all of the statements of a Pope are considered to be ex cathedra. In either instance when he speaks millions listen.
He has previously taken a more conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues compared to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Francis was from Argentina, a socialist society and it appeared at times to have influenced some of his stances.
In 2012, then-Cardinal Prevost expressed concern that popular culture fostered “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel,” citing the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
While Pope Francis had allowed blessings for same-sex couples through the 2023 declaration Fiducia supplicans, which permitted priests to bless individuals in same-sex relationships without endorsing their unions, Pope Leo XIV has not publicly supported or expanded upon this approach. His views suggest a preference for traditional interpretations of Catholic doctrine concerning marriage and sexuality.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy his positions on LGBTQ+ matters indicate a potential shift towards more conservative policies within the Catholic Church. Observers will be watching closely to see how his leadership influences the Church’s approach to these and other issues.
Pope Leo XIV chose the name of a previous Pope who was a bridge builder. The new Pope has some very significant social chasms to bridge.
Pope Leo XIII (reigned 1878–1903) is best known for his intellectual engagement with modernity and his influential positions on social and economic issues. He viewed socialism as a threat to family, religion, and social order. A similar stance by the new Pope is needed in America.
Leo XIII strongly supported the Christian model of the family as the cornerstone of society. He warned against secular ideologies that sought to undermine family life and religious values. May Leo XIV follow his example.
It will be interesting to see how having an American Pope affects the church in America. There has been a reluctance to elect an American as Pope, feeling America has enough world influence. May the new Pope bring constructive world wide spiritual influence.
Millions of Catholics will be praying for the Pope. Now, a word to non-Catholics. Let us pray for him also. I pray for a lot of my Catholic friends. You can do so without compromising your own faith. Leo XIV needs the prayers and we need the practice. The Lord can run the prayers of all, Catholics and non-Catholics through the final filter.
Aside from the Pope reenergize your prayer life regarding all things.
Traits of Christ Needed in Your Life – Part Three
Romans 15: 1 – 13
Jesus died for all, Jews and Gentiles.
The Savior Demonstrated It — (Vss. 8 – 13)
Christ died to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body.
It is said of Jesus’ last hours: “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him…(John 12: 42). Then follows a sad commentary, “but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him…”
Reference is made of “the God of hope.” Notice, glaring in this reference the little word “the,” meaning there is no other one. Apart from Him there is no hope. He is the God who gives His people hope.
Hope is not a weak wish. It is justifiable expectation; the solid foundation for future blessings. It is the backbone of the believers stick-to-it-ive-ness.
Our English word hope comes from a combination of two old Anglo-Saxon word meanings: “desire plus expectation.”
Perhaps your perspective has become confused and you have lost hope. This may have even eroded to the point where despair and depression have set in. If so, reassess the important, invisible facts. Perhaps you have focused on observable negative reality to the point that you have become unaware you are the child of Almighty God who loves you. Presently He may be allowing you to walk by faith and not by sight. Your faithfulness in doing so will be greatly aided by keeping your mind fixed on the fact that even this is part of God’s loving plan to equip you for what blessings He has in store for you. Based on the fact He loved and saved you, predicated on the premise He has guided, guarded, and governed in your life previously you have reason for rejuvenating hope for the future regardless of the present.
It is easy to drift into cynical acceptance of a hopeless situation or a defeated resignation to the concept that you nor your world will ever be better. That is the world view. The Biblical worldview is there is no hopeless situation, there are only people who have grown hopeless in them.
The Lord will “Fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” Joy and peace are the product of believing. In most lives, when a situation develops, the person’s response is based on emotions. The response should be based on beliefs. The sequence should be: situation – beliefs – thoughts – emotions – actions. You can only have JOY and PEACE if you BELIEVE. Joy is not dependent upon what is happening. It is contingent upon what you know. If you know you are the object of the limitless love of an all knowing God, joy reigns. His long range goal for you is good even if it appears He is waiting too long to change the bad in your life. This deep joy is tied to hope.
By the power of the Holy joy and peace “abound.” The word for abound is “perisseuo,” meaning exceeding measure. It is the Holy Spirit that enables believers to experience in this life the blessings of the life to come. Till then live in such a way to daily experience joy and peace.
Traits of Christ Needed in Your Life – Part Two
Romans 15: 1 – 13
We need to program ourselves on the Word of God and fine tune ourselves through prayer. Both contribute to personal and group harmony. They result in “patience” (do you need it) and “comfort,” (do you want it)?
The word “patience” has two root parts. “Huper” means under and “meno” means “to abide.” To have patience is to abide under a load. To enable this we are, by our Lord, “strengthened with all power” (Col. 1: 11). The root word from which strengthened comes is “sterizzo.” It is the word from which we get our word steroid. It means to build up from within. Jesus builds up from within.
The word for “comfort,” “paraklesis” means encouragement.
This results in “hope.” This is a word for exhortation. Hope means confidence in a future certainty.
One of my favorite personalities, Booker T. Washington, once said: “I believe that any man’s life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement if he makes up his mind to do his level best every day and as nearly as possible reaches the high-water mark of pure and useful living.” Simply stated, servanthood brings joy.
In the bleakest days of World War II just before France capitulated to Germany, Winston Churchill outlined the situation for the British Parliament in the bleakest of colors. Finishing he stepped back in silence for a moment. Faces in the assembly evidenced despair. He then stepped back to the mike and said, “Gentlemen, I find it rather inspiring.” He recognized the moment was an opportunity. There is hope in action.
Do you believe in brain transplants? The Bible teaches it is possible. Scripture teaches it: Jesus’ mind indwells us — (Vss. 5, 6). When it does we begin to think like Jesus. These verses constitute a prayer for like-minded love.
When the Spirit indwells the believer the mind of Christ is present (Vs. 5). When each believer has the mind of Christ all are like-minded.
Verse 6, “That,” HINA, explains the reason for unselfish unity. When the mind and mouth are in accord, it will “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Christ Jesus.”
Churches need to strive for love and unity because when the love and harmony inside the church exceeds the hate and conflict outside the church, then those outside the church are going to want to come inside the church.
Scripture demands unity. (Vss. 7).
Because Christ received us without favoritism, we ought to do the same for one another. Christ despised no one and neither should we.
Jesus received us. The word for received is “proslambamo” which means to accept into one’s heart as a friend. That is what Christ did for us.
Traits of Christ Needed in Your Life – Part One
Romans 15: 1 – 13
Jesus “…made Himself of no reputation, and taking the form of a servant,” came “in the likeness of men” (Phil.2:7).
He appealed to His followers then, as He does now, to love and aid one another. He is our example. In His role, He “came not to be served, but to serve.” We who follow Him must do the same.
Selfishness is dealt with in this passage (Vs. 1- 6). Christian love and selfishness are mutually exclusive. You don’t have both. Some Christians felt imposed upon by a preceding request that regarded doing without some certain foods and special days in Jesus’ name. When considering what you are giving up for Him, remember what He gave up for you. Like Jesus, we must be willing to give up some rights that other people might be helped with.
In this chapter four different words for servant are used in the Greek text. God in His wisdom knows that a servant temperament brings JOY to the servant, GLADNESS to the one served, and gives GLORY to Him.
Frank Tyger, journalist/cartoonist, wrote, “If you want happiness, provide it for others.” “The only ones among us who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve,” Declared Albert Schweitzer.
A. Christ’s Model Incites Us — (Vss. 1 – 4)
Paul identifies himself with the strong majority. Literally, “We the strong are under obligation to bear the weaknesses of the not strong” (Vss. 1 – 4).
Gal. 6: 1, 2, “if a man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”(Galatians 6: 1, 2).
The conduct of the strong should be to “please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. “We should relate in such a way as to try to build up others.
Jesus is revealed to be our prototype, our example (Vs. 3).
The Scripture as one of two assets every believer has that will enable victory in interpersonal relations (Vs. 3).. The principle of prayer which is practiced in the following verses is the second asset. Believers need to utilize these assets. The first major problem in the New Testament church was caused by the apostles not having enough time to minister the Word and pray (Acts. 6: 1 – 7). Prayer is a process of opening the door of our life and inviting God in to help.
In addition to spiritual benefits derived, it indirectly helps us psychologically and physically. Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson has been studying this since 1968. He has concluded that, “People high in spirituality…turn out to score high on psychological tests.” They score the highest on the life-purpose index and register the sharpest drop in pain. (“The Prayer War,” “Psychology Today,” Stephen Kiesling & George Harris).
The Scripture bears enough witness of God’s faithfulness to motivate “hope.” Employ these two spiritual assets: prayer and Bible knowledge.