Love Language

Life is God's gift to us, but what we do with that life is our gift back to God. One of the most expressive ways to show God our attitude of gratitude is to share the life of God's love with others. We live in a world that is screaming for love in all the wrong places. As a society, we have lowered our standards to believe that it doesn't matter where the love comes from,as long as it is packaged with a label called "love". Most often we findt hat what we call "love" is actually lust disguised. One can always use this example as a gauge to measure if something is love or lust: If it is true love it's always looking for an opportunity to give. If it is lust it is always looking for an open door to take. We have crossed the threshold of a new age, we must hold fast to the core values that have made us sober and secure. Jesus tells us that on these two hang the entire laws of the prophets according to Matthew 22:38-40:"This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."Let us continue to love one another and our neighbors to show the love of Christ in our hearts.

South America trip to Chile

Last Thursday, I returned home to America after spending five days in Santiago, Chile. I discovered too much there to put in a blog, so I will give the highlights. The weather was sunny and 90 degrees everyday. December-February is their summer. We have 260 Church of God churches in Chile and the total population is 16 million people. I met the Leadership from the nation of Chile, the National Overseer, the Regional Overseer and the Director of Education at the Chile Theological Seminary. These men are devoted to their calling and represent their country highly esteemed. The most which stands out to me was being in the worship service at TemploShalom Church of God. There, I was asked to lead some worship and everyone in unison worshipped God together. I could of never dreamed of having an opportunity like that in the ministry. Next, I met four beautiful couples who have been chosen to start church plants in various cities of Chile. God is going to use these pastor's to raise up people in the kingdom. We went to Lamachi, a small community where I met Richard & Silvia Saez. They have a real heart for children where they are ministering to over 50 children in their community everyday, as well as pastor their church. These children were so lovable. I could of easily taken a few back home with me. Silvia has such a passion to reach these children and their families. Every time she would speak of this ministry, tears would begin to form and run down hercheeks. The entire trip was just an awesome experience that I will never forget the rest of my life. However, I believe going there has more to do with just seeing the sites of Chile. God has a special purpose in mind, and I am asking God to speak to us as to how we are to be a part of this experience. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us. (prayer) My faithful Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to see how you are moving in other parts of the world. I thank you for safe travel to and fro. So many were praying that I would be safe without harm. Thank you for watching over my family while I was away. Your guided hand and love truly reaches throughout all the world and many are seeing your power being demonstrated in all the earth. Please continue to bless the leadership of Chile and may they always know they have brothers/sisters in Ohio interceding on their behalf. In Jesus name, Amen!