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

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)

Hey, Daisy! Chase a squirrel for me!

Weinie

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

Good Morning (((AQUA)))!

(((Daisy May))))!

A cute start to the thread today!

Pres. Bush fixin's us pancakes!

27 posted on 08/12/2004 7:00:27 AM PDT by Pippin (RE-ELECT BUSH/CHENEY............PLEASE!)

Dere Daisy Mae,

My, my. my - - what a phine lookin' ~~babe~~ basset hound you are!!

My name be Lil Abner, and I wunder iffen I kin visit yew.
I am of good temperment - love to chase rabbits in the woods, and xcell at lazin onna porch....

Sined,
Lil Abner of Waggy Tail Kennels

Recent photo:

52 posted on 08/12/2004 8:24:40 AM PDT by LadyX (((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- ))))

You've become so good at your presentations, Aqua, and this ad lib one excels in every way!
Great of GW to flip the pancakes for us..:))

53 posted on 08/12/2004 8:29:45 AM PDT by LadyX (((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- ))))

Hi! My nme is Barney,
and I'd let you play ball with me, Daisy Mae - -

55 posted on 08/12/2004 8:32:31 AM PDT by LadyX (((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- ))))

To: Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; All

Good afternoon, dear Sistah! This is the cutest thread! Kudos! You took all the parts and blended them together and it's just way too cute 'n sweet, kiddo! (I love your background border, too - nice!)

Daisy, Giz better watch out or he'll be losing a job! LOL!

Sistah Mail!

85 posted on 08/12/2004 11:02:27 AM PDT by Billie

Wonderful thread, Aquamarine! Your Daisy Mae has the sweetest little face! :)

93 posted on 08/12/2004 12:41:19 PM PDT by Kitty Mittens

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794