Love Alone

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. —Psalms 32:1-2

When David, the second king of Israel, committed adultery with Bathsheba and then plotted the death of Bathsheba's husband, God loved him too much to let him live with his sin. Here is how David described God's conviction:"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me" (Psalms 32:3-4). God knew that only when David confessed his sin could he live out his calling.

When we follow God's example, love alone prompts us to confront someone who has done wrong, receive his apology, and grant pardon. We forgive because we want our offender to be free. We celebrate with him when he confesses, because we know God celebrates with us when we confess.

That's why the first step in becoming a loving person is to acknowledge our own sinful behavior. That helps us avoid turning an opportunity to forgive into a moment of superiority. We cannot give what we have not received. When we have experienced the love that leads God to pardon our sins, we are able to extend that love to others.

Prayer:
Father, sometimes I forget that you convict me of sin because you love me. Thank you for wanting me to be more like you.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the beloved best-selling author of The Five Love Languages and Love as a Way of Life.

No One Is Smarter Than Mom
My son came home from school one day, with a silly grin on his face, he thought he was smarter than me, his Mom, and could put me in my place.

HE SAID:
Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright, It's about the laws of the land today, 
its called THE CHILDREN'S BILL OF RIGHTS.

IT SAID:
I don't have to clean my room, I don't have to cut my hair. Nobody can tell me what to eat, My freedom of speech is guaranteed.
Its my choice of what I read, or watch on TV.

I have freedom of religion, and regardless of what you say, I don't have to ask your God for help ---
I DON'T HAVE TO PRAY.

I can wear an earring in my ear, And, if I want, can pierce my nose. It's my choice if I so desire, to tattoo satan's numbers across my toes.

AND if you try to spank me, I will charge you with the crime, and I can back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind.

HE SAID:
Don't ever touch me, this body is only for my use, not for your hugs and kisses and stuff, that's just another form of child abuse.

HE CONTINUED WITH: Don't fill my head with morals, like your mama did to you, That's what's called mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, you can't do a thing to me, I can call Children's Services, better known as C. S. D.

MY TURN!!!!

My very first impression was, to toss this boy out the door, But here was a chance to teach him a lesson, for once and ever more.

I took my time and mulled it over, I couldn't let this go. This kid of mine didn't realize, that he was messing with a pro!

AND AWAY WE GO.............
The next day we went shopping, and in spite of every plea, I didn't buy him 501s or shoes designed by Nike.

I had called and talked to C. S. D., they said they didn't care, if I bought him K-Mart shoes, or a pair of Nike Airs.

AND THEN: I canceled his appointment to test his driving skills, I'd probably be dead by now, if only looks could kill!

I SAID: There's no time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch, I think you should follow C. S. D.'s advice, And make yourself a sack lunch.

So, what if you are too hungry, to wait 'til dinner time? Well, we're having liver and onions, Cause it's a favorite dish of mine.

He ASKED:
Can we stop to get a movie, so I can watch it on the VCR? Absolutely not! I sold the TV in your room and bought new tires for my car.

I also rented out your room, you really don't need a bed. C.S.D. says all that's required of me is to put a roof over your head.

I only have to buy your clothes, and the food that you must eat, The money you used to get for an allowance, will buy me something neat.

No more eating after we shop, no more joking along the way, I too have a BILL OF RIGHTS, that goes into effect today!

What's the matter, are you crying? Are you down on your knees? Why are you asking God for help?......... WHY NOT CALL THE C.S.D.?

(Author Unknown)

The moral of the poem is that no one is smarter than mom. 

Enjoy A Blessed Sunday & Happy Mother's Day,
Richard