His heart

[rememberedone]

  Do you ever wonder if sometimes we really know the heart of God?
  Maybe it's not just found in devotionals, and such, but when we are out there healing broken hearts and satisfying hungry souls...
  My friend told me of a time when she was outside this building, and she heard this woman sobbing. My friend, not really expecting to do this, held out her arms, and the woman walked into them, and sort of looked at my friend and asked, "where did you come from", or something like that...and my friend said something to me about realizing how much God loves us.

[Shylynne]

"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Tend My lambs."
16 He *said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."
17 He *said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep."

This shows us very clearly  the heart of God, and our answer shows where our heart is.  True love for Jesus Christ distinguishes true Christians from false Christians.
Its easy to say I love Jesus, but God requires something more than lip service.

The Lord was not content with merely a profession of Peter's love. Jesus wanted to see the evidence of Peter’s love: "Peter, if you love me, feed my sheep."
Although love is as an invisible entity as God Himself, its passion can be clearly seen.  Jesus came to save all who are lost, this is the passion and purpose of the very heart of God.  

[nChrist]

AMEN!

We should find the love and compassion of Christ in each one of HIS children. I firmly believe that God gives his children opportunities to serve HIM in many ways. I'm sorry to say that many of HIS children make an excuse of some sort and go their merry way. It isn't easy to help people with such complex needs, but I know that God will give us what we need to try. There is a feeling of joy and peace when we yield to God and take advantage of the opportunities he gives us.

You are right that what we need might not be in the devotionals. What we need to help others should be in our hearts. Love and compassion don't take a string of degrees, just the heart of a Christian. That may also be the opportunity to offer prayer, share the Holy Bible, and do what a Christian is supposed to do.

I view devotionals to be little extras that you do in addition to your regular Bible Study. I many times get ideas for more in-depth studies I would like to do from the devotionals. For the lost, nothing replaces personal time spent with that person, but some won't permit it. A good tool for those is a well-done Bible tract that addresses Salvation. Maybe they will read it, but they might also throw it down on the ground. I have faith that God will use that Bible tract. Maybe the person who picks it up will read it. However, people in crisis are more likely to be open to listening, and this is an opportunity that should be used by God's children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[cris]

AMEN!

We should find the love and compassion of Christ in each one of HIS children. I firmly believe that God gives his children opportunities to serve HIM in many ways. I'm sorry to say that many of HIS children make an excuse of some sort and go their merry way. It isn't easy to help people with such complex needs, but I know that God will give us what we need to try. There is a feeling of joy and peace when we yield to God and take advantage of the opportunities he gives us.

You are right that what we need might not be in the devotionals. What we need to help others should be in our hearts. Love and compassion don't take a string of degrees, just the heart of a Christian. That may also be the opportunity to offer prayer, share the Holy Bible, and do what a Christian is supposed to do.

I view devotionals to be little extras that you do in addition to your regular Bible Study. I many times get ideas for more in-depth studies I would like to do from the devotionals. For the lost, nothing replaces personal time spent with that person, but some won't permit it. A good tool for those is a well-done Bible tract that addresses Salvation. Maybe they will read it, but they might also throw it down on the ground. I have faith that God will use that Bible tract. Maybe the person who picks it up will read it. However, people in crisis are more likely to be open to listening, and this is an opportunity that should be used by God's children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

You said that nothing replaces spending personal time with the lost and I agree but, I would like to add something to that, something that isn't done enough, and that's spending personal time with those who ARE saved when they're hurting.  Love and compassion need to be practiced IN the body of Christ.  Too many times you'll hear someone say, oh, sorry to hear that, I'll be praying for you, when they could take the time and call the person.  I remember a story someone told me 20 years ago.  Well, actually it isn't a story. She seemed a little down and when questioned she told me that someone she knew (a christian) had committed suicide.  You know BEP if her brothers and sisters were there for her, it probably wouldn't have happened.  That's just my opinion though.  We need to get involved if we think something might be wrong  -  my opinion, again.  Too many things are brushed off with excuses.  Well, 'nuff of my philosophical ruminating.  If you're wondering if I practice what I preach, the answer is yes.  Sometimes people WILL NOT talk and there isn't anything one can do except let them know you're thinking about them.  Many ways to leave doors open....

God Bless

cris

   

[nChrist]

Oklahoma Howdy to Chris,

You are 100% right. Christians are not immune from crisis in this short life, and we all need encouragement from time to time even if we are yielded to Christ. We will have illness and death in these weak bodies, and we may have some family events that break our hearts. We know that Jesus is always with us, but it definitely helps to have other brothers and sisters in Christ to pray with us and share our burdens.

Chris, you made an excellent point, one that we should all remember.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[NateyCakes]

Hallelujah! I agree. Love & Compassion is truly something we forget to have, express & give to others. I Know myself I am guilty of it. It seems like so many ppl are caught up in their own life and it seems like we focus so much on our own struggles that we forget others who need us. The Lord told us to go & spread the word & show them love & be a shining example. I hope the Lord will soften my heart to be more loving & compassionate to others who need it. Praise the Lord for your friend being there to comfort that woman