May 2010
From The Editor . . . by Tim Greenwood
But what exactly is this thing called love? In this day and age, the word "love" is used and misused to describe everything from inanimate admiration to the acting out of sexual lusts.
We know from the Greek language that there are different catagories of love: storge: a natural parental love, phila: a friendship or brotherly love, eros: a sexual love and agape: the unconditional, God kind of love, which is our focus.
1 Cor. 13:4-8 says that love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or full of vain glory, does not display itself haughtily.
It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful, it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and disposition), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
But love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or ever comes to an end]. TGM
Window On The Word
By Marcia Greenwood
Are
you a person that is prone to "getting" or "giving" in life? Now
be honest with yourself. Most people who are out to "get"
usually don't get much back in life and, to be honest, deep down they
are not truly happy.
If we follow God's way then we would be looking for ways to
give. Giving doesn't always have to be big. A smile,
a kind word, patience towards our children, spouse or co-workers can go
a long way. Sending a bag of groceries to someone in need (the
food banks are helping more people out nowadays than before) or just
allowing the person behind you in line to go in front of you (no
cutting in front of others of course!) these can go a long way to
convey a message that you care for others. Make it a goal in your
daily life to begin thinking of ways to give to others. Pretty
soon it will come naturally!
I saw a commercial sometime last year that showed people giving a
"helping hand" to other people they didn't even know. The smile
on the recipients face was contagious - after they had received a
"helping hand" in some way - they in turn did the same for another
person. This is the way a "giver" should live his or her life,
everyday of the year. Our thoughts should be about others and not
ourselves.
What about at church? Are you a getter or a giver? No, I
am not only talking about tithing and giving offerings, which by the
way is very important to allow the Kingdom of God to be preached to all
nations, providing for your pastor and keeping the building where you
meet in great condition to invite others to. Remember, we should
give God our best.
What about giving of your time? Helping out at the bookstore,
youth ministry, children's ministry, local Red Cross, library, PTA,
helping at the donut and coffee station (OK, I know this one can be
tempting) can go a long way to take off much pressure of the pastors or
leaders in charge of scheduling.
Now remember when you commit to something you are doing it in good
faith. Do not allow volunteering for something to become a "hit
or miss" decision for you. People are counting on you! The
Bible says to "do to others as you would have them do unto you."
One way to be a giver is to always - in good faith - do what you say
you will do. The way we follow through, tells others about our
character.
If you don't give (in any area) - who will? Do you
realize that 20% of the people do all the work or giving financially
for the other 80%? This statistic should be humbling enough to
move the 80% of the "getters" into "givers." Please think about
this if you are one of those in the 80% category and make a change.
Yes our time is valuable! We all have the same 24 hours in any
given day. But, I dare say that many of us (including myself)
could be a better organizer of our time. But think about being a
giver at church - isn't the Sabbath Day supposed to be a day of
spending time with God, His kids and not racing around trying to get
everything accomplished that we missed doing during the week?
Most of us have room for improvement in this area of giving.
God gave His best - Jesus - for you and me. Jesus gave His life
for us. As Christians, we need to be givers into the Kingdom of
God (here on earth) and into the lives of others. Jesus came to be a
servant. His life was about giving, about serving others in every area
of life.
Galatians 6:7 tells us that God's plan is reaping what we sow. So, it is always more beneficial to others and yourself to be a giver. Go ahead; decide to make that move from being a "getter" in certain areas to a "giver." You will be happy and blessed because you did! TGM
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Your Heart
In Action For God Thank You For Loving Others!
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I simply do what God has asked me to do as provision is made available. But YOU are really the reason so many are being touched by God through this ministry - Your seed sends the good news all around the world. How awesome a responsibility is that? It's more than money; it is your heart in action. Thank you so very much. Lives are being changed because you care enough to give.
Right now we are believing God for an extra two-hundred and forty thousand dollars to send salvation, healing and deliverance around the world this year. We are believing that two-hundred and forty people will give a thousand dollars to supply these funds. We know some will give more and some less, but together it will be enough.
As you sow your seed this month, plant it by faith. Marcia and I will stand in agreement with you for a hundred fold return - And for God to meet your every need.
To contact or send a donation to Tim Greenwood Ministries, please use the form or contact information below.
Is A Publication of
Co-Editors
Tim Greenwood & Marcia Greenwood
Windows on the Word is published monthly for the edification and pleasure of the partners and friends of Tim Greenwood Ministries (TGM).
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Tim
Greenwood Ministries is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt, California Religious
Organization. All contributions, less the value of any products
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