SUMMER OF LOVE

 

God’s heart is that we know and experience the vastness of His love, both in its magnitude and in its complexity.   One tradition refers to them as the benevolent, beneficent, and complacent love of God.As disciples and in our disciplemaking ministries, it’s important for us to ever seek to fathom the depths of God’s love and live in light of what we discover, and then to help others do the same

1.       God’s Creative Sustaining Love is evidenced in all that He has created, but especially in His provision for mankind even when people reject God. The model is found in nature and illustrated when Jesus said that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. The proper response to His creative sustaining love is reverence and gratitude

 

2.      God’s Individual Redemptive Love is expressed in His eternal plan to call out people to be His own. It is this love that is expressed in the familiar first part of John 3:16. The biblical model of this love is seen in the events of the initial Passover. God redeemed people for Himself as they responded by believing and applying the blood of a lamb to the doorposts of their homes allowing the death angel to pass over them.  The appropriate response to God’s redemptive love is repentance and belief in the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ (John 3:16), which opens the door to the next expression of God’s love.

 

3.      God’s Covenant Family Love is accompanied by a new identity and position in Christ, “the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This expression of God’s love is seen in such passages as John 1:12 and 1 John 3:1-3. Family love includes (among others) justification, adoption, citizenship, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The expected response to this expression of God’s love is faith-filled obedience. The apostle John states in his first letter that obedience is a clear indicator of being a child of God and is how we are to demonstrate our love

 

4.      Lastly, we bring God’s love into all relationship.  Whether in Friendships, family, romantic or our love towards God.  It marks who were are and what we do.   God’s Personal Intimate Love exposes us to the heart of God and is a result not only of maturity but continued alignment to God’s will.   Jesus said they will know His Disciples by the way we love one another.  I close with 1 Cor 13:4-8.  4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.  1 Cor 13:13 states that these three remain.  Faith, hope and love but the greatest of these is love.  SO let us love through this week.

 

5.      Pythias was accused of plotting against the tyrant and sentenced to death.  Accepting his sentence, Pythias asked to be allowed to return home one last time to settle his affairs and bid his family farewell. Not wanting to be taken for a fool, the king refused, believing that, once released, Pythias would flee and never return. Damon offered himself as a hostage in Pythias' absence, and when the king insisted that, should Pythias not return by an appointed time, Damon would be executed in his stead, Damon agreed and Pythias was released.

Dionysius was convinced that Pythias would never return, and as the day Pythias promised to return came and went, he called for Damon's execution—but just as the executioner was about to kill Damon, Pythias returned.  Apologizing to his friend for the delay, Pythias explained that on the passage back to Syracuse pirates had captured his ship and thrown him overboard, but that he swam to shore and made his way back to Syracuse as quickly as possible, arriving just in time to save his friend.So astonished by and pleased with their friendship, Dionysius pardoned both men.

QUOTES FOR APRIL 28, 2026

 

TEARS AND A PROMISE

 

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

 

1.      This story establishes that Jesus was in the last days of His life.  We know that this event happens just two days before the festival of the Passover and unleavened bread.  Jesus was in Jerusalem. 

2.      We also learn that the teachers of the law were scheming two things.  They wanted to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him.  Remember Jesus knew they were going to kill Him.   All the events of supernatural and natural history were about to collide in the greatest human drama and event of all time. 

3.      The teachers and officials had decided not to do this during the festival.  They knew Jesus was popular and they were concerned about a riot.  Mark puts this in his narrative to set the stage for the final events of Jesus life and this event we are about to talk about. 

 

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

 

1.      Jesus is in Bethany which is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives overlooking the Judean Hills.  He is relaxing or reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper.  Simon was Leper this is also recalled in the account of Matthew.  We do know that from this account the disease was in the early stages because he was not yet an outcast or that Jesus had healed him, and this was how he was now identified. 

2.      A woman came in.  Some people it is Mary Magdalene based on the Luke account.  In Mark’s gospel that detail is left.  Mark just says she is a woman.

3.      She comes in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume.   Alabaster is a form of marble stone made of gypsum.  In the ancient world it was very expensive to make.   A craftsman who would hollow it out the usual time to do it would be from 2 to 3 days.  This was a jar shape.

4.      The perfume inside was pure nard.  Spikenard, also called nard, is an aromatic, amber-colored essential oil, flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.  It was imported.

5.      She broke the jar which would have been quite the feat and poured the perfume on his head. 

 

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

 

1.      Some of those that were there spoke indignantly to each other.  They were criticizing her and this act.  They saw it as a waste of perfume.  They missed the meaning and reason why she did it.  The crowd and critic never see the bigger picture.  They only see things from their narrow, bias, and prejudicial view. 

2.      We now know the value of this perfume it was over a year’s wages.  This would be anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 dollars on today’s money.  They then tried to justify what they were doing by saying the money could have been given to the pour.  The cynic will often disguise their attack in some noble cause. 

3.      This was the cover or reason in their mind for the harsh rebuke they gave her.  They turned an act of beauty into an act of shame and guilt.  They were demeaning her. 

4.      Remember there will always be people who miss what you or they Lord are trying to do.  Remember keep doing the will of the Father.  Keep doing right.  Keep your heart right.  Remember you are not going to have to give an account to any of the crowd.  Just to the Lord. 

 

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

 

1.       Jesus then has a moment of anger, and he tells the naysayers and critics to leave her alone.  He comes to her rescue.  He says why are you bothering her? 

2.      Jesus tells them they are missing the beauty of the moment and this gesture.  She was doing something that would not be taken away from her.  She and Jesus saw the big picture.  Her act of homage, worship and honor would not be taken away from her. She gave the most expensive thing she had.  God honors both her sacrifice and obedience. 

3.      He reminds them that there will always be poor and disadvantage people.  Jesus also saw their false piety and motives behind what they were doing.  Jesus says you can always help them anytime.  He says there will always be an opportunity to help others which we should.

4.      He reminds them that they will not always have Him.  This was also a moment of truth and prophecy.  Jesus knew shortly what He had to face.  She has done what she could.  Then Jesus states that she has prepared his body for my burial.  Jesus knew before the week was out, He would be dead and buried.  This was a pre-burial, prophetic moment.  Jesus was announcing publicly what would happen to even though they would not understand till later.  Nicodemus and Joseph would prepare his body later, but this was her moment, gift, and time.  It would not be taken away from her.  Jesus was her defender, advocate, and promoter.

5.      Jesus closes with stating that whenever and wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world what she has done will be told in memory of her.  That is why it is included in in all the gospels in one form or another.  This is her story, connection, and blessing of being with Jesus.  All mankind for all generations countries and languages knows this story.  It is her testimony of love, homage, sacrifice and worship.  In Jesus mindset she was a true worshipper.  She gave the most expensive and important thing she had.  If it doesn’t cost us something it is not true worship.  Jesus says if we are not willing to give us family, friends, lands, and society we are not worthy of Him. 

 

TEMPTATION OF JESUS

 

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 

1.      Jesus was led by the Sprit into the wilderness place.  In these places it becomes a place of separation.  You are alone with God and clarity.  You do not have all the noise, business and distractions that come with everyday life.  It is a place of quietness, peace, serenity, and closeness to creation.  It can be a place where you can recharge and rethink. 

2.      It is a place of preparation.  Jesus had to face the enemy because He was about to begin his public ministry.  Jesus cleanse His soul.  Spent time with His Father to know the will, plan and purpose for His life.  Jesus was getting prepare during those forty days for His mission.  He knew He needed God’s strength and help.

3.      It was a place of Revelation.  It is in the wilderness that we can get to know God and ourselves.  When you combine these times with prayer, the word and fasting it really brings clarity.

4.      After forty days and night of fasting Jesus was hungry that is one time where the text is an understatement.  It is when we are weak in an area the tempter comes.  Temptation is a test.  Jesus was being tested and we will be as well.  This is one of the three ways satan attacks.  The other two are deception and accusation.  Temptation is only a test and they are not punishments.  Now they have a purpose.  They show us our weaknesses.  Fear, greed, riches, pride, pleasure, or suffering

5.      Satan always by creating doubt.  He did this with Eve.  “If you are the Son of God”  Satan attacks our identity and also the things we say or did not say.  This is also one of the biggest arguments critics of Christianity.  Jesus did speak about this or that. 

6.      He then says, Jesus, turn these stones into bread.”  He was tempting Jesus to use His power for His own preservation or use His power in a foolish way.

 

 

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

 

1.      Jesus used the Word of God against the devil.  The Bible is our final authority of faith and practice.  It is God’s infallible word or His love letter to man.  God’s honors His word above His name.  Jesus made it clear that the Bible is the word that comes from the mouth of God. 

2.      The Word gives us a clear plan and way to defeat the enemy.  It s the way, truth and life to defeat the enemy.  Jesus saw the use and so must we.  That is why Bible Graham always quoted the Word when interviewed.

 

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:  “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

 

1.      Satan saw Jesus’ plan of attack, so he changed tactics.  He takes Jesus up to the highest point in the temple some 500 in the air. He still attacked Jesus’ identity and claims.  He was still using, temptation, accusation, and deception.  He likes to wear down his victims.  He then used his second tool in arsenal of attack.  He distorts what is said in the B

2.      He used Psalm 91, but changed the meaning, context, and application.  He says the Bible says and then applies a whole different meaning.  False teachers and cults do this.  That is why you need to be born again and have the Holy Spirit to teach you.  That is also why you need to study to show yourself approved of God who rightly divides the word of truth.  That is also why you need to read and study the Bible from cover to cover.  Smith Wigglesworth said a person is never fully dressed until they have on their person the Bible.

 

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

 

1.      Jesus said to the devil.  Hey, you got it wrong.  I like what it says in the amplified Bible.  Don’t put the Lord to a foolish test to prove Himself to you.  Jesus wasn’t play that game.  Jesus was not going to let the devil’s distortion of the Bible change His view, relationship and fellowship with God.

2.      Jesus also practiced the sixfold plan of wisdom.  He knew the information which gave Him knowledge, it created understanding, brought insight, enabled discernment which delivered wisdom to know what to do.

 

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 

1.      Satan then bring out is ultimate card and best trick.  He takes Jesus up to a high mountain.  shows him all the kingdoms of this world and their splendor.  He then offers it to Jesus.  Jesus never disputed him.  Satan took dominion from man when we fell.  Paul calls him the god of this world.  He is the author and source of all evil. 

2.      He gives it to whoever he wills.  Popularity, wealth, fame, significance, and power.  The world of music, movies, business, etc are littered with his victims.   

3.      He then reveals what he really wants.  He wants, craves, and demands worship.  It was his pride and thirst for worship that caused his fall, change and judgment.  All demonic entities wants this.  It feeds them.  This worship of satan drives every religion. 

 

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

 

1.      Jesus demonstrated James 4:7, he was submitted to God.  He resisted the devil.  He said, “Get away satan.  It is written worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.  Jesus knew the first commandment.  He knew satan’s agenda.  It was all revealed in this incident.  You want to know how the devil works.  It is all here in black and white. 

2.      Jesus resisted, used the word of God, and stated what a relationship with God looked like.  Worship and work.  The practical expression of worship is service.  You worship by what you do.

 

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 

1.       The devil left Him and that is what the devil does which you submit to God, resist him and he will flee. 

2.      Jesus gives a textbook example of to deal with temptation.  Satan will always hit you where you are weakest.  Use the word of God.  Walk with wisdom because the enemy will always change tactics.  Always be aware he will use pride, pleasure and possession as main attack. Remember satan ultimate goal is to get your worship that is reserved for God alone. 

3.      Remember, submit yourself to God, resist the enemy and he will flee from you.

BEING THANKFUL

 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul simply says very directly: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside this parameter—in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.

 

God wants us to learn to be grateful.  So for a few minutes I want to give you a list of things to be thankful. 

 

 

  I am thankful for my health, modern medicine and a God that heals.  I am thankful to have a God

who loves me and is with me no matter where I am.  I am thankful for the freedom of worship that we

have.  I am thankful for my mom.  I am thankful for my wife who loves me and has been my life

partner.  I am thankful for my sons and daughters and grandchildren.  I am thankful for my two

brothers and one sister.  I am for my family members that are serving the Lord.  I thankful for my dogs,

puppy and cat.  They give unconditional love.  I am thankful for my home there are many who do not

have one.  I am thankful for my cars and my bike that God has provided transportation to come here

today.  I am thankful for the clothes on my back and my wives shopping sprees.

     I am thankful for Alberta and its beauty and majesty, for beautiful sunrises and the amazing sunsets here in this province.  I am thankful for the stars in the sky and the rainbow after a storm.  God is a wonderful creator.   I am thankful for our military and veterans for the current people who serve in our military.  I am thankful for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  I am thankful for the right to vote and the freedom to choose I vote for.  Many countries in the world do not have this.

     I am thankful for the Internet, smartphones, tablets, google and modern social media.  We can learn so much and express our faith so much more today.  I am thankful for electricity, indoor plumbing hot showers and modern sanitation.

     I am thankful for Holidays and the time I can spend with my loved ones so many people do not have

this .  I am thankful for my brother and sister in law.  I am thankful for home cook meals I do not have

too make.  I am thankful for road trips and holidays with my family.  I am thankful for good

restaurants, hot pizza, KFC, Tim Hortons and freshly baked cookies and all the conveniences of our

modern communities.  I am thankful for steep tea a double double.

     I am thankful for my education and the privilege of having an opportunity for education.  So many do not have that privilege.   I am thankful for the opportunity to follow my dreams.  I am thankful for dollar stores and places where I can get modestly price goods, especially tools.  I am thankful for my pillow and mattress topper.  I am thankful for clean air good water, Am 930 the light, for red tag sales and the many wonderful holidays we have in Canada.  Did you know we have one every month? 

     I am thankful for the forgiveness, mercy, grace, peace and the love of God none of which I deserved.  I am thankful for you my church family.  I cannot believe I get the privilege of sharing the word with you every week this is such a privilege.  I am thankful for the kindness of others and the privilege of being able to be kind to others.  What a joy to be an encouragement and blessing to others.  I am thankful for the wisdom of others people who have sown good words in my life.  Thank you.  I am thankful for The Father who accepted Jesus’ sacrifice.  For Jesus Christ who gave His life that I might have eternal and abundant life.  I am thankful for the great teacher, comforter and helper the Holy Spirit who regenerated me and made me His home.  I am so thankful and grateful for the eternal and abundant life I have been given.  I am thankful for prayer, the bible, worship and evangelism.  I cannot believe I get the privilege to tell others what Jesus has done for me and you do as well.

     I am thankful for this time that we have spent together.  Doris Day said that gratitude is riches and complaining is poverty.  “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ―William Arthur Ward.  “Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” ―Margaret Cousins.  “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ―Melody Beattie.  “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” ―Kristin Armstrong

 

So remember in everything give thanks this is the will of God.  You want to do God’s will start with thankfulness and gratitude.  Today cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  Be the person everyone wants to be around and like.  Be that everyone wants to be.  You and you will if you seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 27, 2026

 

THANKFULNESS

 

A young banker decided to get his first tailor made suit. So he went to the finest tailor in town and got measured for a suit. A week later he went in for his first fitting. He put on the suit and he looked stunning, he felt that in this suit he can do business. As he was preening himself in front of the mirror he reached down to put his hands in the pockets and to his surprise he noticed that there were no pockets. He mentioned this to the tailor who asked him, "Didn't you tell me you were a banker?"  The young man answered, "Yes, I did."To this the tailor said, "Who ever heard of a banker with his hands in his own pockets?"

Thankfulness – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

1. You have received life!

2. You are never alone

3. God loves you incredibly much

4. You have a fantastic hope for the future.