Easter's True Message

Easter's true message is "Love"- God's love for you and me.

We talk about love. We search for love... in all sorts of places and in most every way. But I believe the source of true love can only be found in one place- the heart of God. The Bible tells the story of how love entered into the world with the very act of creation. We can see it in every blade of grass and on the faces of the little flowers. In the songs of the robin and the whistling of the breeze, we hear it. And in the sun's warmth and the afternoon shade, we feel it. It's all around us- from the heavens above to the depths of the ocean floor. In all creation God is saying He loves us.

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It's interesting to know that in the diary of the late Madalyn Murray O'Hair, a well known atheist, she had written many times, "Somebody, somewhere, love me!" It's also very sad that Madalyn never knew how much she was loved by her Creator because she chose not believe in Him. She refused to admit that she needed Him. I have to tell you, I need Him. Without Him, I'd be empty inside. But I'm happy and thankful to be able to say I'm not empty inside! Because, not only do I have God's love all around me in His creation, I have His love in my heart. And I can share that love with you, my family, and with others. And it's all because of one man- Jesus, God’s own Son.

Now, some say Jesus was just an ordinary man. But history has a different story to tell for anyone who genuinely seeks the truth. Not only do we know He was a great teacher, we are assured that He was the Son of God. And even more, that He gave His life, according to God's plan, so that every one of us might be able to experience the love of God in our own lives. We find the proof of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in an unprecedented number of New Testament manuscripts, in historical documents, and in archaeology. No matter how hard the skeptics try, they can not disprove the story of Jesus nor discount the ways in which His life has changed our world. Because, you see, He was and still is the greatest testament of true love ever known to man. He was God's love manifest in human form. And He is and will be forever with us by His Spirit, which lives in all creation and in the hearts of those who seek to know Him.

At Easter we celebrate the love we share as a family- God’s adopted children. And we remember what Jesus has done for each of us... certainly through His life, for it is an example of selfless love, God's love; and through His death, because He paid an atonement for our short-comings and opened a door to an eternal relationship with our Creator. But, even greater than this, the Bible and history tell us that He rose from the grave, defeating death, so that we might have eternal life! And today He is seated in Heaven at the right hand of Almighty God, our Father and Creator.

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus give us hope. We have hope for today, for we can experience His love and the joy He brings to our lives; and for the future, because we believe we will see Him again one day and live joyfully in God's presence forever. As we search for meaning and answers to life’s questions here on earth, and as we long to be loved, may we realize there is One who loves us with an everlasting love and who is waiting patiently, as our Heavenly Father, to have us run into His arms and call Him by name. He longs to forgive our mistakes, heal our hurts, and to fill our lives with hope and joy.

The true message of Easter is "Love". Jesus embodied it, through His life and by His words. In Matthew 22:37-40, He commands us,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Today, let us be thankful to Jesus for coming to earth and giving His life so that we might fully know the love of our Heavenly Father and Creator. And may we open our minds and hearts, accepting God's love, and allow it to flow through us, that every person might know the wonderful gift He has bestowed to us all through His Son, Jesus Christ!

Blessings to all... Happy Easter!

Dear Friend,

If you haven't experienced the love of God in your own life, but you'd like to, I invite you to ask Him to come into your heart today. I'm a living testament that He can change your life with His love and bring you new hope, no matter what circumstances surround you. All it takes is a simple prayer, from your heart, seeking forgiveness for past wrongs and a chance for a fresh start, believing that Jesus died so that you can have new life. If you'd like that new life right now, then pray this prayer with me,

"Dear Heavenly Father, I believe that You are the Creator of the Universe, of the earth and all that is in it. I believe You created me and that You love me- so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins so that I could have new life as Your adopted son/daughter. I want to know Your love and to have new hope and joy in my life. Please forgive me for the things I've done wrong and come into my heart. Change me now and make me a new person with a fresh start. I want to live the way Jesus taught us to live by loving You, as well as my neighbor. I give my life to You from this day forward. In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer today, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me an e-mail. I'd like to pray for you and to help you find guidance and support, as well as fellowship with other Christians. If I can be of any help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. May God bless you abundantly, my friend, and guide you to becoming all He created you to be!

Love in Christ,

Angela Dobbins

Christian Life Coach

True Life Family Ministries

True Living Today- Life Coaching with purpose & passion!

The Essence of Love

2With Valentine's Day fast approaching, the world turns its focus to "love". But what is "love", really? Perahaps it can best be defined, not in words, but in a thousand pictures God has given us to illustrate His profound feelings for those He created. Love is all around us and in us, if we only open not only our eyes, but our hearts...

The Essence of Love

Love is a sunrise- a radiant kiss

   of life and warmth to all creation,

The heavens' amidst;
   a glorious light of truth and dedication.

Love is a seashore- golden sand
   and silver waves depict the timeless art;
Collecting and sifting, again and again,
   carefully discerning those thoughts of the heart.

Love is a gentle rain shower in spring-
   soothing the thirst of a weary one's soul.
Falling, it makes the heat to sing
   and tenderly urges the flowers to grow.

Love is a mountain- majestic and strong;
   a colossus of truth, changeless and free;
A powerful fortress which all nature bonds
   and holds in its chambers life's key.

Love is a miracle- God’s special gift;
   His perfect plan brought to earth.
Love is the essence of all that is His;
   the measure of life and its worth.

And those who discover this wondrous gift
   hold greater wealth than the world can know.
It is love's priceless treasure that brings hearts a'lift;
   for the essence of love is life to the soul.

© 2009 Angela Hall Dobbins

If you want to discover or learn more about God's deep and endearing love for you, visit True Life Family Ministries or True Living Today- Life Coaching with purpose & passion.

The Fern And The Bamboo

The Fern And The Bamboo
"'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 NIV


One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality. ... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God.

'God', I said. 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'

His answer surprised me.

'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the fern and the bamboo?'

'Yes', I replied.

'When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of
them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the
earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again,
nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not
quit. The same in year four.

Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.
But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and
gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a
challenge it could not handle.

Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you
have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo.. I will
never quit on you.

Don't compare yourself to others.' He said. 'The bamboo had a different
purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.'

'Your time will come', God said to me. 'You will rise high'

'How high should I rise?' I asked.

'How high will the bamboo rise?' He asked in return.

'As high as it can?' I questioned.

'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will
never give up on you!

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are
essential to life.

**********************************************************************************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The author of today's devotion is unknown. It was submitted by Kay DeCarlo, Devotion Coordinator for Rest Ministries. Kay lives with her husband Joe and two furry dog-type children, Daphne Mae and Alice in Connecticut. Kay struggles with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Bipolar Disoder and Type 2 Diabetes.

Courtesy of Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals from Rest Ministries.

Your Gift

Your Gift

Be sure to share your 'gift' today

with someone along life's way;

though it may, to that one in need,

be a gift he can not repay.

Search deep within yourself

to find those special traits,

which God has gifted especially to you,

for uplifting others today.

Reach out and touch another

with the love God has placed deep within.

For, even when your own heart is heavy,

there is one whose heart you can tend.

So remember to think of someone today

whose life you may somehow touch,

that through the special gift God has given you,

He might reveal His love.

For the greatest gift we can offer another

is God's precious gift of Love,

and to help one discover his own special gift,

lovingly bestowed from above.

~ by Angela Hall Dobbins

Discover more Christian poetry and lots of helpful Christian resources and links by visiting True Life Family Ministries

What God Hath Promised

What God Hath Promised    

God hath not promised

Skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways

All our lives through;

God hath not promised

Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

Peace without pain.

But God hath promised

Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,

Light for the way,

Grace for the trials,

Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy,

Undying love.

~ Annie Johnson Flint

In God's Family There Is Love

A Family Is...

A Family is a Place

To cry

To laugh

To vent frustration

To ask for help
And tease

And yell

To be kissed and hugged and smiled at.

A Family is People

Who care when you are sad

Who love you no matter what

Who share your triumphs
Who don't expect you to be perfect
Just grow with honesty

In your own direction.

A Family is a Circle

Where we learn to like ourselves

Where we learn to make good decisions

Where we learn to think before we do

Where we learn integrity and respect for others

Where we are special

Where we share ideas

Where we listen and are listened to

Where we learn the rules of life

To prepare ourselves for the world.

The world is a Place

Where anything can happen.

If we grow in a Loving Family

We are ready for the world.

~ Author Unknown

    

    

In God's Family There Is Love

    

     I came across the little poem above, one day as I was surfing the internet.  And I realized that the author's words, which seemed to come from a young heart, reflected real insight.  I wish I knew who wrote it because it conveys so much of what I believe a godly family should be.  When I say this, I am not only referring to individual families, but to our church and neighborhood families, as well.  It would do us great good to consider the author's words in describing what a family should be.

     When you think about it, there are all different kinds of families. There are biological families, blended families, adoptive families, extended families, school and work families, organizational families, team families, community families, and more. Each of us belongs to a family, whether it be small or large. Most of us are part of more than one family. But the most wonderful thing is that we are ALL part of God's Family!

     It is in God's Family that we have refuge and find strength to face the day-to-day challenges life brings. In God's Family we are accepted, loved and cared for as His children. Each and every one of us is unique and special to our Heavenly Father. In His Family we find shelter, comfort, guidance, strength, and peace, as we learn to receive God's love and to love Him and others in return.

     In God's Family, there are children with many colored faces, differing characteristics, and from all walks of life. We are all different because He created us that way. He delights in our differences and loves each one of us with a love that is everlasting and unconditional. It is here in God's Family that we discover what a loving Father our Creator really is and that we learn and grow in grace and wisdom, as we receive and share His love.

     In today's world, we are faced with so many challenges and external forces which threaten to destroy our families.  Being a survivor of divorce, myself, I can certainly identify with these challenges.  At a time when there is so much talk concerning "family values" and what an "ideal family" should be, it is important that we remember who we are as God's children and that we strive to uphold the loving values taught in His Word. By "His Word", I am referring not only in His written word, the Bible, but to the true Word of God- Jesus Christ His Son. He is the Living Word of God to us and the ultimate example of God's love for humankind.

     Always remember... in God's Family there is Love, first and foremost. True "family values" are those taught in the book of I Corinthians, chapter 13, in the Ten Commandments, and in the words of Jesus found in Matthew 22:36-40*. Individual families are as different and unique as the members who belong to them. And an "ideal family" is one where God is honored and where love abounds!

May God Bless You Abundantly!

Love in Christ,

Sister Angela Dobbins

Founder, True Life Family Ministries

God's Litmus Test

God's Litmus Test

by Angela Hall Dobbins

A “litmus test”, as defined by Webster’s
Dictionary, is “a test in which a single factor
(as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive.”

At the suggestion of a friend of mine, who is a pastor, I recently read the testimony of young Christian music artist, Matthew West. I was both impressed and inspired, not only because Matthew’s story says so much about trusting God, even when we can't see what He's doing, but because I can personally relate to much of the emotional message it conveys. Matthew’s music career was just taking off when he was suddenly faced with the possibility of never being able to sing again due to a vascular polyp and hemorrhaged blood vessels on one of his vocal chords. Through this painful “season of silence,” as he calls it, Matthew learned that God was still using his voice, even when he was unable to hear it.

Sometimes God begins preparing us for something great to happen in our lives- perhaps it's to fulfill a vision He has placed in our hearts. But, to our shock and dismay, just as things seem to be getting off the ground and we begin to see Him working in and around us, something happens that suddenly seems to bring everything to a screeching halt. We find ourselves struggling to make sense of what has happened and we wonder, "What went wrong?" We may even ask God, "Where did I fail you, Lord?", thinking God is chastising us as a result of some sin in our lives.

And while God does chasten those He loves, those dark, silent days don’t always come as the result of wrongdoing on our part. Sometimes painful events just happen. But God may allow them to happen because He has a way of using those dark, silent, even painful days to draw us closer to Him and to teach us more about His deep, endearing love for us. During those times, He is administering valuable lessons and further preparing us for the next segment of our journey through life. Through our pain, He tenderly ministers His love to us, that we might, in turn, minister it to others.

This has been the case in my own life and, perhaps, it has been so in yours, as well. It was during my own “season of silence”, after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and while recovering from divorce, that God opened my heart and mind to understand so much more about His unconditional love for you and me. If we are "judgment day honest", as my pastor friend often challenges those to whom he ministers to be, then we must pass one test before we can truly know where we will spend eternity. We might call it "God's litmus test". In order to pass the test, we must ask ourselves, "Do I have the love of God in my heart?" The true test of whether or not we are ready to meet our Creator lies in our answer to this single question. Jesus summed it up like this in Matthew 22:36-40:

When asked this question by one of the Pharisees, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." NIV

And in John 13:34-35, Jesus said:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." NIV

Do we really "walk the walk" of a Jesus follower? Do our words and actions speak kindness to others? Or do they echo criticism and condemnation? Do we give of our time and resources to help those in need? Or do we live for selfish gain? Do our actions toward others demonstrate genuine concern and empathy? Or do they reflect prejudice and indifference? Do we genuinely love our neighbor? Or do we love only those who fit our narrow concept of what a neighbor should be?

Friends, if we truly want to be ready to stand before our Lord on judgment day, then we need to be on our knees asking God to fill us to overflowing with His love. Putting behind us old traditions and going through the motions, we must, every day, immerse ourselves in His Word and seek to be like Jesus in our own words and deeds. I firmly believe this earthly life is preparation for the life we will lead hereafter. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible contains God's message of His everlasting love for humankind. And Jesus Christ is the epitome of God's love- the fulfillment of Biblical Law. God's "litmus test" for determining our eternal destiny is spelled out in just four letters...

L… O… V… E

Do you have it?


Scripture References:

John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." NIV

Romans 13:8-9

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." NIV

1 John 3:14-17

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" NIV

1 John 4:7-8

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." NIV

For more Christian articles and resources, please feel free to visit True Life Family Ministries- Empowering Individuals, Families & Communities with a message of Love, Grace & Hope!  At TLFM, You're One of the Family!

May God bless you abundantly and guide you to becoming all He ceated you to be!

Love in Christ,

Angela Dobbins, Founder
True Life Famly Ministries
True Life Strategies- Life Coaching

This Week's Affirmation for Those Living with Chronic Illness: I Am A Child of God

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then the Bible says you are a child of God! And, as a child of the Most High God and Creator of the Universe, you have an inheritance! You are a joint heir with Christ and you will join Him one day in Your Father's Kingdom. Isn't that awesome!

Yet, not only are you a joint heir with Christ, chosen to receive a heavenly inheritance, you have an earthly inheritance, as well. Jesus said, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b No matter what circumstances surround you today, God has promised that He will never leave or forsake you. As His child, He looks at you through the endearing eyes of a loving Father, always there with arms wide open to comfort you in every situation. In 2 Corinthians 1:3,4, we read, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Chronic illness may have changed the way you live your life on a day-to-day basis. Grant it, it has surely required you to learn to pace yourself, set limits, even discontinue some activities, and to rearrange your lifestyle. But it will never prevent you from being the person God created you to be! That's because God, as your ever loving Heavenly Father, in His wisdom, has a plan for your life. And He is working that plan to your advantage and for the good for all eternity! Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." God has given you a promise and, no matter what circumstances you face in this life, He will never go back on that promise! Your life is important and special! And He has an important purpose for you! You are His Child, unique and adored, and He wants to shine His light through you today, right where you're planted!

Some of God's richest blessings are bestowed through adversity. When we give, especially out of our own need, God has a way of blessing us immeasurably. So, no matter what limiting circumstances surround you, remember that God is still on His throne and that He is in control! You are His Child, whom He loves! He has gifted you with certain talents and abilities with which to share His love with others. And He has placed before you, even in the midst of chronic illness, opportunities to fulfill the very purpose for which you were created!

Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

May God bless you abundantly today and guide you to becoming all He created you to be!

Love in Christ,



Angela
Angela Dobbins
Christian Life Coach
True Life Strategies- Life Coaching with hope & heart
True Life Family Ministries



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Angela Dobbins is a Christian life coach who lives daily with the debilitating effects of Fibromyalgia, including chronic pain and fatigue. She is the devoted mother and aunt of one teenage daughter, a teenage niece, and two young nephews. As a Christian life coach with a background in nursing, she has dedicated her life to sharing God's love with others and to helping them discover His purpose and empowerment for their lives, no matter what their circumstances.