1 posted on 08/12/2004 5:28:56 AM PDT by Aquamarine

To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; Mama_Bear; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; Calpernia; ...

2 posted on 08/12/2004 5:29:37 AM PDT by Aquamarine

To: Aquamarine; ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; Mama_Bear; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; ..

August 12, 2004

The Power Of Love

Read: Matthew 5:43-48

Love your enemies, . . . and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. —Matthew 5:44

Bible In One Year: Psalms 84-86; Romans 12

Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of brothers Ivan and Alyosha Karamazov. Alyosha is a devoted follower of Jesus; Ivan is a skeptic.

As the story unfolds, Ivan meets his brother at a café. In an effort to undermine the faith of Alyosha, he recites a lengthy poem he has written about the Grand Inquisitor. In it the Inquisitor rails at Jesus for His decision to grant free will to human beings and thus bring so much pain and suffering into the world.

As the Grand Inquisitor finishes his argument, Ivan portrays Jesus as having no answer. Instead, Jesus walks up to the Inquisitor and kisses him. Ivan hopes Alyosha will see this as an irrational act. But as he finishes speaking, Alyosha, imitating Jesus, leans forward and kisses Ivan.

Alyosha's profound gesture completely changes the tenor of the scene, for it represents the triumph of love over doubt and skepticism. Love overrides every objection. No logical argument can overthrow it.

That's why Jesus calls us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who spitefully use us and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Love, not rational argument, overcomes hatred. The goodness of God revealed in our love draws people to repentance. —David Roper

Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,
Help me to see them as You do above;
Give me the wisdom and strength to take action,
So I may show them Your wonderful love. —K. De Haan

It's better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind.

3 posted on 08/12/2004 5:31:42 AM PDT by The Mayor ("Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism." George Washington)

That's really cute, nice job!

4 posted on 08/12/2004 5:33:15 AM PDT by The Mayor ("Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism." George Washington)

Morning all. Haven't been around in a while. Been busy at work and moving into a new house. How 'bout a big hug from my granddaughter, Leila, to wake everyone up.

5 posted on 08/12/2004 5:37:52 AM PDT by ladtx ( "Remember your regiment and follow your officers." Captain Charles May, 2d Dragoons, 9 May 1846)

Good morning Aqua, another fun thread day. I brought the donuts to go with the coffee this morning.

6 posted on 08/12/2004 5:38:43 AM PDT by GailA ( hanoi john, I'm for the death penalty for terrorist, before I impose a moratorium on it.)

My Grandma taught me this a long time ago, thanks for the reminder today.

7 posted on 08/12/2004 5:38:55 AM PDT by Aquamarine

She is so cute..!

That's why you have been missing, you moved.
welcome back!

8 posted on 08/12/2004 5:42:29 AM PDT by The Mayor ("Guard against the imposture's of pretended patriotism." George Washington)

Good Morning ladtx, it's good to see you and your beautiful granddaughter again.

Thanks for the hug (((Leila)))

9 posted on 08/12/2004 5:43:32 AM PDT by Aquamarine

Mornin Gail. You remembered my favorite (lemon filled Krispy Kremes) :)

10 posted on 08/12/2004 5:45:33 AM PDT by Aquamarine

Hey, Daisy! Chase a squirrel for me!

Weinie

11 posted on 08/12/2004 5:48:04 AM PDT by lonestar (Me, too!--Weinie)

So precious! May God richly bless both of you!

12 posted on 08/12/2004 5:48:46 AM PDT by EdReform (Support Free Republic - All donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!)

To: Aquamarine; All

13 posted on 08/12/2004 5:50:01 AM PDT by The Mayor ("Guard against the imposture's of pretended patriotism." George Washington)

Thanks. I think this comes close to the perfect post, don't you? ;)

14 posted on 08/12/2004 5:52:17 AM PDT by Aquamarine

15 posted on 08/12/2004 5:58:20 AM PDT by The Mayor ("Guard against the imposture's of pretended patriotism." George Washington)

LOL

The truth is out there! :)

16 posted on 08/12/2004 6:06:59 AM PDT by Aquamarine

SUPER!!!!!!!!!

Good morning!

17 posted on 08/12/2004 6:19:56 AM PDT by Gabz (Ted Kennedy's driving has killed more people than second hand smoke)

My favorite filled ones are rasberry. I like yeast topped with honey glaze, chocolate and nuts best of all.

18 posted on 08/12/2004 6:27:09 AM PDT by GailA ( hanoi john, I'm for the death penalty for terrorist, before I impose a moratorium on it.)

she's beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

19 posted on 08/12/2004 6:28:21 AM PDT by Gabz (Ted Kennedy's driving has killed more people than second hand smoke)

20 posted on 08/12/2004 6:29:13 AM PDT by Gabz (Ted Kennedy's driving has killed more people than second hand smoke)

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