The most difficult part about relationships is speaking the truth in love when needed most to the one we love most.

We often fear to speak the truth in love to the one we love most because we fear losing that person and our relationship with them. Yet, the very fact we are willing to risk the relationship should affirm to them how much we TRULY love them. And, we must be ruled by God, not by fear.

So, speak the hard truths to those you love. But, first make sure you have a clear message from God for them. Also, make sure it comes from sincere motives and a pure heart instead of from your past history (of hurts) with them or from merely your frustration with them. Follow God's formula for healing conflict.

Go to them in private. If they will not listen to you, go back and take someone else with you that loves them. If they will not listen to either of you, and you mutually agree that family intervention is needed, take the problem before the family! But, first try to resolve the issue in private.

Ultimately, it comes down to them resolving their own hard isssues with the Holy Spirit's help. We can't fix anyone. Some of these hard issues are only going to be resolved with direct intervention by God or professional counseling. So, encourage them to seek God and godly counseling. Then, if family intervention is required, set a time and place to approach them. And, bring some oil for anointing!

Know that God loves you. Know that God loves them. Let them know that you love them and God loves them. Have no fear of truth spoken in love. Trust that love works.

If love will not work, nothing will.

I am fascinated by God’s grace in Scripture. Especially in the Old Testament while Israel is under law. Law is incapable of saving anyone. Law condemns. Sin is trangression of law so law can only make law-breakers!

Yet, while under law, God extends his grace time and again to Israel. The only way he could do this as a just God was when they accepted him as their Lord and Savior. He extended grace because he knew later Jesus would come to perfectly fulfill the law through his perfect sacrifice for sin.

Jesus makes grace freely available to all. He pleads with believers to obey him as Lord and God. Many believe but few are willing to obey him. He condemns them not for he did not come to condemn but to save.

It is we who refuse him when we refuse to submit to him. We stand self-condemned while God's grace is sufficient to save.

It isn’t obedience or faith that saves us. God alone can save. We cannot save ourselves. His grace and spirit is extended only to those who willingly come under his blood and headship as Lord God through Jesus.

Thank you, Savior, for the blood that makes pure. Thank you, Lord, for the grace sufficient to save a sinner like me!

In the end, that relationship with him is the only one that truly will matter.

Oh my! It’s been awhile since I have posted.

There’s really no excuse. I lead men’s bible class on Monday evenings. I counsel in our home on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I lead a community bible study in our home on Wednesday evenings. I operate a small cattle ranching business. I work at least forty hours a week for a local manufacturing company. But, I could find time to write if I made it a priority.

Frankly, I simply haven’t fasted or prayed properly. I know better than to post when I am empty.

Don’t give up on me. I’m still here.