The Love God Has For Us!

By // by Khaleef Crumbley

Each Sunday, I try to post a devotional thought for you to meditate on. Sometimes it will be something out of my own studies and prayers. Other times – like today – it will be from another source.

Today, I am posting about the love of God by James Smith, courtesy of Grace Gems:

(James Smith, “Comfort for Christians!”)

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us! God is love.” (1 John 4:16)

The sweeter the truth–the more backward we often are to receive and believe it. Therefore it must be presented to us again and again. What is more pleasant, than the fact that “God is love”?

Yet so quickly we doubt it, or forget it, or fail to realize it. Therefore the Gospel presents it to us again and again, and in almost every possible form. Twice within the scope of a few verses, John tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8,16).

Belief in this portrayal of God lies at the root of our holiness, happiness, and peace. To the extent that we believe that “God is love”–we will . . .
consecrate ourselves to His service,
enjoy peace in our consciences,
and be happy in His ways.

God loves us, and therefore He planned our salvation, sending His one and only Son to take away our sins by the sacrifice of Himself. He also sent His Holy Spirit to teach us our need of Christ and lead us to Him. And, finally, He has put His blessed Word in our hands so that through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

God loves us–and therefore He . . .
chastens us,
strips us, and
empties us.
He will not let us live satisfied without Himself.

God is love–therefore He has provided an atonement for all our sins. His justice is satisfied, and Heaven is prepared for us!

Yes, though we were sinners by nature, and deeply feel it–though we are not all that we wish to be, and deeply deplore it–yet God loves us!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, who in His love and in His pity has redeemed me!

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins!” (1 John 4:10)

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

And Will He Feed His Birds-And Starve His Children?

By // by Khaleef Crumbley

Today, I am posting a great thought from John MacDuff about God’s provision for His children, courtesy of Grace Gems:

(John MacDuff, “Looking unto Jesus!” 1856)

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

From the general care of God for these lower creatures–with what confidence may we infer God’s special care for His people, who are His by so many close and tender ties!

Are the birds of the air fed? Do they find their food provided by a hand which they cannot recognize? Does He who gave them being, and who has assigned to them their appointed place in the ranks of creation, supply their daily needs, so that none of their species perish for lack of sustenance, but continue, from age to age–a standing monument of His providential goodness?

And will He feed His birds–and starve His children? Will He care for the one–and neglect the other? It cannot possibly be! The Savior refers to their comparative value, and asks, “Are you not of more value than they?” You are rational creatures, spiritual creatures, immortal creatures, yes, redeemed creatures–and therefore unspeakably more important than the birds are. If He then cares for them–oh! will He not care for you?

In connection with the above consideration, we may refer to the relationship which exists between God and His people. He is their Father–and they are His sons and daughters. Now a kind earthly father has it in him, as a natural instinct, to care for his children. His heart is set upon helping, supporting, directing, comforting, and blessing them. Such a concern has he for their well-being, that scarcely any sacrifice is deemed too costly by which that concern shall appear in practical manifestation. And if his concern for them should be repaid by nothing but ingratitude, as, alas! is often the case–yet even this cannot destroy his affections and feelings.

And if earthly fathers care for their children–will not our heavenly Father care for His? If they are full of concern for their offspring–then is it to be supposed that He, who implanted those kindly principles in their hearts, can be unconcerned about His offspring?

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

photo credit: Freedigitalphotos.net

The Furnace of Suffering: God’s Purification Through Affliction – Devotion

By // by Khaleef Crumbley

Today, I am posting a great thought from James Smith about God purifying us in the furnace of suffering, courtesy of Grace Gems:

(James Smith, “The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior’s Grace Displayed!”)

The Furnace of Suffering

“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!” Isaiah 48:10

The love of Jesus will not preserve His people from trials–but rather, assures them of trials! All whom He loves–He chastens! He has a furnace to purge our dross, and refine our souls. His Word and the Spirit reveal to us our defilement and impurity–and His grace and providence co-operate to remove them. “I am the Lord God, who sanctifies you.”

It is divine love which . . .
prepares the furnace,
kindles the flame,
brings the Christian into it,
superintends the whole process, and
brings him out as gold, seven times purified!

“From all your filthiness and from all your idols, I will cleanse you!” He cleanses them in the laver of the Word by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit. But He also cleanses them by a variety of afflictive dispensations, through which He causes them to pass.

Our sin calls for trials–His love sends them!

Our nature repines at trials–but grace submits to them!

Our corruption is enraged at trials–but the Spirit sanctifies them to our good, and our Savior’s glory.

He makes His people choice ones–in the “furnace of affliction!” He says, “I will put you into the fire–and will purely purge away your dross.”

Believer, never repine at your trials, nor be over-anxious for their removal. They are appointed by Jesus as your Purifier–and are choice blessings in disguise!

Seek their sanctification,
wrestle with God that you may see His love in every stroke, and
look to Jesus that you may enjoy His presence when passing through the flame!

Nothing can hurt you–while Jesus is near you; and He is never nearer to you–than when you are in the furnace! For He sits right there as the Refiner . . .
watching the process,
regulating the heat, and
waiting to effect a gracious deliverance–when the ends of His love are answered.

He is only preparing you for fresh manifestations of His glory–and fitting you for larger communications of His love.

In the furnace, you will lose nothing that is worth keeping–but you will obtain what is truly valuable!

The flesh and the soul need constant cleansings–for corruption is so deeply rooted in our nature, that it takes a long and painful process to purge it out! But in reference to the furnace, your Lord says, “The Lord did this to purge Israel’s wickedness, to take away all her sin!”

photo by shehal

It’s Our Anniversary…Again!

By // by Khaleef Crumbley

Today is our 5-year anniversary. Some of you may remember that I wrote a post about my thoughts on marriage for our 4th anniversary. Well, I decided to write something a little different this year and put it up on my weight loss & debt management site (Fat Guy, Skinny Wallet).

I’d appreciate if you go over and take a look at it: http://fatguyskinnywallet.com/what-a-difference-a-year-makes-celebrating-our-5th-anniversary/

…And don’t forget to read the one I posted last year (first link in this post) – it even includes a response from my wife!

Valentine’s Day Ideas: 11 Frugal Ways To Declare Your Love

By // by Khaleef Crumbley

Every year people empty their wallets in order to impress their spouses – I won’t make this a rant about February 14th only because my wife will probably read this 😉 ! Most people I know will spend well over $100 for a Valentine’s Day gift. Add in dinner, dessert, traveling, lodging, and entertainment, and you’re sure to whip out a credit card just to handle it all! Below you will find a few frugal Valentine’s Day ideas to help your wallet feel a little love.

Frugal Valentine’s Day Ideas:

Have A Candlelight Dinner At Home

There is no rule that says that you have to go out to enjoy a romantic evening! You can get all dressed up and have a wonderful, romantic dinner at home. If you really want to enjoy the atmosphere of an expensive restaurant, you can have dessert or coffee there, after you enjoy your meal at home!

Some people love cooking special dinners, but if you think that the prep work may drain you before the evening even begins, just pick up something from a local restaurant.

There are actually a few frugal Valentine’s Day ideas that you can incorporate into dinner, but those were just a few.

Celebrate On Another Day

I must admit that I hate the markups that come around Valentine’s Day! Once the paper hearts are hung, you will pay double or triple for flowers, candy, jewelery, and even meals! However, if you wait until the following weekend, then most of those prices will be back to normal!

Out of all these frugal Valentine’s Day ideas, this is the one that I practice every year without exception!

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Stay Home From Work

If February 14th happens to be on a weekday, then stay home from work and use the entire day to celebrate! Actually, since my favorite of all frugal Valentine’s Day ideas is to celebrate on another day, then my suggestion is to combine these tips. Take the following weekend to celebrate, and then take a vacation day on that Monday! Then you’ll have a chance to incorporate many of these tips (and the ones suggested in the comments below)!

Find A Free Concert

Many colleges and universities offer free shows during the semester. These concerts are usually performed by the music majors, and are at a pretty high level. If there isn’t one directly on February 14th, then choose a night close to it (see above)!

Share Creative Expressions

I really hope my wife doesn’t see this. You can write a poem or a love letter to your spouse. If you have musical talent, then try writing a love song to them – or at least singing one that captures your feelings!

You can even make a video expressing your love! Just be creative, but be sure to do something from the heart.

Go For A Walk

If you live in an extremely cold climate, then this may not be for you. But if the weather and temperature permit, go for a walk under the stars. This is one of my favorite frugal Valentine’s Day ideas!

Couple this with having dessert and/or coffee at a fancy restaurant, and you’ll make the night even more romantic!

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Create A Playlist

Gather together all of your favorite love songs and create a master playlist! Make sure that it is long enough for dinner, dessert, a little dancing (maybe I just shouldn’t show this article to my wife at all), and other extra curricular activities.

Give A Creative Gift

Give a gift from the heart. Honestly, I hate buying flowers and other traditional gifts…because they are so “cliche” and have lost their umph (yes, that is a technical term)! Homemade gifts make great statements of your affection!

Make A Coupon Book

Remember, when coming up with frugal Valentine’s Day gift ideas, creativity is the key! Something that is fun to do is to create coupons or gift cards that your spouse can redeem for various things from you. You can offer a massage, running errands, cooking their favorite meal, etc.

Make A Slide Show

Take your favorite pictures from your wedding and make a slide show out of them! You can also take pictures from your dating days, and other special events in your lives together, and include them as well. Be sure to have good music picked out for the slide show.

Make A Scrapbook

This is more of a general idea. Whenever you create something that expresses your love, or find something that captures a memory, put it in a scrapbook. Then, every Valentine’s Day, take it out and look at it together! My wife keeps EVERYTHING – playbills, ticket stubs, receipts, everything that will help us remember special moments together…and I love it!!!

photo by The Pink Peppercorn

Your Ideas

So, what are your ideas (please keep it “family friendly”)?
What creative things have you done to demonstrate your love, without emptying your bank account?
Be sure to check out frugal Valentine’s Day Gifts from Amazon.com!