One Word: Love

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,
but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself."

Galatians 5:13-14

On a day of love, love is often misunderstood.

The kingdom of Cyrus the Great is said to have been the most expansive kingdom the world has ever
seen. By conquering much of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the Persian king Cyrus
created an empire like none had ever seen. His rule lasted nearly thirty years, and during that time
he was credited with much military success, political advancement, and religious contributions
(through the Edict of Restoration given to the Jewish people). Cyrus was known as a strong leader
with respect for the lands he conquered. He often allowed the people of the land to retain their
cultural and religious practices without Persian intrusion.

The story is told of an instance of Cyrus' kindness to the prince of a conquered land. As was Cyrus'
custom with resistant rulers, the prince and his family were captured and sentenced to prison. Yet
before the prince was taken away, he beseeched Cyrus to release him from bondage. Cyrus asked the
prince, "What will you give me if I release you?" Sir, I will give you half of everything I own,"
proposed the prince. "What about for the release of your children?" "I will give you everything I
possess." Cyrus pressed on, "And what about for your wife?" Without hesitating the prince replied,
"I will give myself so she might be free." Moved by the man's love for his wife, Cyrus ordered they
be released and sent them home. As they traveled home, the prince commented to his wife, "Wasn't
Cyrus a handsome man?" She replied, "I couldn't tell. I was focused on the man who offered himself
for my freedom."

The prince's love for his wife was so strong that he would have offered himself as a slave so his
wife might be set free. He showed that true love offers not empty promises, but backs up those
promises with actions.

Paul teaches the Galatians a lesson about love, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in
this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The Jewish people were taught the Ten Commandments,
the law, from a young age. They knew what to do and what not to do. Yet Paul showed them God's most
important law-the law of love.

God's law can be summed up in one word-love. Though God delights in godly living, He desires that
His children exercise love. Notice two loves that God desires would guide us as Christians.

Love for God. More important than following a list of rules is following a love for God. When you
love God, you'll gladly follow Him. Imagine this principle like this: say you were dating someone.
You went out of your way to be with them, express your love to them, and devoted yourself to that
person. You would do just about anything for them, right? Now imagine a person you did not
particularly get along with. If you were required to perform a task with them or complete a project
together, the time with them would not be very enjoyable. A lack of love or friendship caused the
task to be an assignment rather than an enjoyable time.

Many people view Christianity as the second situation-a situation of forceful behavior-yet God
desires that you would love Him so much that you would show that love through obeying His commands
and living for Him. A love for God will be shown through obedience to Him.

Love for others. Do you realize that God died for every person on earth? God loves them so much He
sent His Son to die for them just as He sent His Son to die for you. Because God loves them so much,
He desires that you would love them as well, which is why He says that loving your neighbor is one
of the most important commandments. You shouldn't treat others as second rate, but as people that
God loves.

How have you expressed your love for God? God desires that your love for Him would produce your
obedience to His laws, not out of duty, but out of desire. Also, how have you expressed your love
for others? Do you love others as much as you love yourself? Ask God to help you view others as He
views them. As you go about your day, remember that God loved your neighbor enough to sacrifice His
only Son for them. Treat them with love and kindness today.

Continual Praise

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our
lips giving thanks to his name."

Hebrews 13:15

A body is not crippled till its heart ceases to praise.

Praise is easy to give when things are going well. We don't mind praising others when we are in a
good mood, yet the toughest times to praise are when things aren't working out as we had planned. Take, for instance, the middle-aged Christian man who loved serving God and was faithful in his local church. He praised God by singing while serving as the church's maintenance man. His job wasn't elaborate, nor was his position seen, but he loved serving and praising God.

One day the man developed a sore throat that left him hoarse. After a few days of struggle through his sickness, he consulted a doctor who after running several tests diagnosed him with a rare form of cancer. Treatment for the cancer would render him without a voice for the rest of his life. Facing the fact he would never speak, sing, yell, or whisper ever again, the man had one thing to say, "Doctor, would you mind if I sing one last song before you begin treatments?" The man went on to sing Isaac Watt's hymn, "I'll Praise My Maker While I Have Breath."

Praising God came naturally while this man was serving God and enjoying the blessings of a godly life, yet when he faced sickness, painful treatments, and a life without his voice, he continued praising God even then. True praise continues even when circumstances turn sour.

Notice what Hebrews has to say, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." We are to praise God
continually-without ceasing.

When was the last time you set aside time to praise God? Have you taken time lately to praise and thank Him for His blessings? However not only does God want you to set aside time to thank Him, He also wants praise to be continually on your lips. Giving thanks to God after a blessing should be as natural as breathing. As Paul says, praising God should be the fruit of your lips.

God has done so many things for you. Stop right now and think about what He's done lately. Within the last few months, how has God blessed you? If you have a piece of paper near, write down some ways God's been good to you. Create a document on your computer and each day list out five ways God has blessed you. Use that list to develop a continual spirit of praise for the works God has done.

Someone once said, "A body is not crippled till its heart ceases to praise." Be in a continual state
of praise today as you remember all the good things God has done for you.

God's Family

"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the

fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem
them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art
no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Galatians 4:3-7

God sacrificed His Son on the Cross so you could become part of His family.

The Human Development and Family Department of the University of Nebraska once surveyed several
"successful" families-ones who had close relationships and enjoyed time together. From their
research they compiled a profile of a close family:

-Appreciation. "Family members gave one another compliments and sincere demonstrations of approval.
They tried to make the others feel appreciated and good about themselves."

-Ability to Deal with Crises in a Positive Manner. "They were willing to take a bad situation, see
something positive in it, and focus on that."

-Time Together. "In all areas of their lives-meals, work, recreation-they structured their schedules
to spend time together."

-Commitment. "Families promoted each person's happiness and welfare, invested time and energy in
each other, and made family their number one priority."

-Communication. "These families spent time talking with each other. They also listened well, which
shows respect."

Even before the University of Nebraska conducted their study, God's Word taught how to build strong
families. A family that is based on God's Word and on a loving relationship with Him will prosper.
Most importantly God has given us the opportunity and privilege to be accepted into His family.

Before we were saved, we were in bondage to sin. Sin ruled over us and we were lost. Yet our loving
Heavenly Father sent His Son to die on the Cross so we could be offered the chance to join His
family. Once we are saved, we are no longer servants to sin but are children of the King of kings.

As a child of God we are given many privileges, but perhaps none greater than the privilege of
meeting with our Father. What greater ability than to meet with the Creator of the Universe and
communicate intimately with Him! To build a strong relationship with your Heavenly Father,
communication and obedience are key.

How close is your relationship with your Father? Just as most earthly fathers care for, love, and
protect their children, so God desires to care for you. You may not have had the most loving earthly
father, but recognize God's love for you. He sacrificed His only Son so that He could receive you as
His child.

Take time right now to meet with your Father. Read His letter to you (the Bible), and learn of His
promises specifically for your life. Remember that God is always with you, waiting to hear from you.
He hears every whispered prayer, silent request, or heartfelt petition. Don't take for granted your
relationship with your Heavenly Father, but spend time with Him each day.

Winning by Walking

by Dr. Paul Chappell


"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."


Galatians 5:16


Your defense against the devil is your daily walk with God.


Many sports fans know the name of Jim Valvano. Etched in many minds is the sight of him running up
and down the court after his North Carolina State basketball team overcame many odds to win the NCAA
tournament in 1983. Although Jim was an experienced coach, and winner of many trophies, in June
1992, he found out he had bone cancer. Just a month later he learned the cancer was terminal.
Despite the painful treatments and the bleak outlook, Jimmy V spent the last year of his life
encouraging others in their battles with cancer and in life in general.


Less than two months before he died, Jim was honored at a sports awards program for his legacy on
the court and his work off the court. He was given a chance to speak and he used that time to
encourage others to live full, happy lives before their time was up. He talked of his foundation for
cancer research and hammered home the motto of the V Foundation-"Don't give up. Don't ever give up."


Many people face physical diseases, and many times to help raise money to beat those diseases
walkathons are held. These walks are scheduled to raise money and awareness to help beat the
proposed disease, project, or problem. While walkathons may help defeat diseases, notice a type of
"walkathon" that will help defeat spiritual diseases.


The Apostle Paul gave the Galatian Christians many encouragements and admonishments. One of the
admonitions is found in Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfil the lust of the flesh." These Christians faced false prophets, different doctrines, and
attacks on the basis of their faith. Paul's advice was that they walk in the Spirit so as to resist
their flesh's desire to stray from God.


Over the past few days we've seen the battle we face as Christians. The Christian life is a constant
battle against the devil's attacks. We must stand fast in the fight, yet how can we resist the
devil? How can we say "no" when everything around us tells us to say "yes"? In this world of
corruption, the only way to defeat fleshly desires is to have a spiritual walkathon.


"Walk in the Spirit." Your defense against the devil is your daily walk with God. Not only is time
with God necessary for growth and closeness to God, but it is necessary for strength to defeat the
devil's temptations.


How will you stand against an enemy who has spent thousands of years perfecting his battle plan
against Christians? How can you stand in the midst of a world that targets your weaknesses? "Walk in
the Spirit." Spending time in God's Word every day is vital to your spiritual survival. You must
seek God's strength, follow His guidance, and allow His Spirit to control you.


You cannot resist the devil on your own. As the saying goes, "Resistance is futile." Yet with God's
strength, and through walking with Him, you can defeat the devil and resist your flesh.


Take time to walk with God right now. Spend time with Him, submit yourself to His plan, and commit
to following Him today. Remember to spend time in your daily spiritual walkathon before you face the
day so that you'll have strength against the devil's attacks.

A Little Leaven

by Dr. Paul Chappell


"Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not
of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."


Galatians 5:7-9


Even a little wrong influence can lead to devastating consequences.


A British newspaper was struggling financially. Readership was down, people were disinterested in
the paper, and many newspapers in the business had already shut down. The editor-in-chief of the
paper was a young, energetic man who had a passion for the newspaper. He often worked ninety hours a
week, devoting his whole self to the advancement of the paper. When notified that his paper would
soon be closed if revenues weren't increased, he brainstormed for a plan to stimulate interest in
the paper. Not long later, he came up with a brilliant idea. The paper would hold a contest. The
rules were this: the paper wanted readers to submit a story in which they came up with the
definition of a "friend." The winner of the story would have their entry printed, their picture in
the paper, and their definition submitted to a local publishing company to be included in a special
edition of a dictionary. Although his idea was a long stretch, he counted on the fact that people
would want to see their own picture in the paper, and would want their definition printed in the
special edition dictionary.


His idea was a hit. The contest ran for three weeks, but in the first week alone hundreds of
definitions were submitted. During the three weeks, readership increased by twenty percent, and
newspapers were flying off the newsstands. Everyone wanted to see if his definition had been
selected. At the end of three weeks, the newspaper narrowed the search down to these definitions:


"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."


And the winning definition was "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."


While the newspaper's goal was to increase revenue, everyone who read the paper learned a great
truth-friendship greatly impacts people. Simply from reading the entries, one can deduce that the
writers had some personal experiences that affected their entries.


Friends play vital roles in our lives. Have you ever had a friend who knew just what to say in tough
times, or perhaps they were a kind listener on whom you could always count? Never take for granted
the influence of a friend.


Just as a friend can be a great influence for good, so a friend can influence for bad. Notice Paul's
question to the Galatians, "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?"
The Galatians had begun listening to false prophets and soon they were being affected by their
doctrine. As Paul went on to say, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."


Your friends affect you either positively or negatively. In your Christian battle, your friends are
either strengthening you to fight the devil or they are weakening your defense. Which one are your
friends? Don't allow wayward friends to pull you down. God desires you to be friendly and kind to
everyone, yet only allow godly Christians focused on doing right to be your close friends.


Do you have godly influences as friends? Re-evaluate whom you allow to be your close friends. If
someone is not spiritually helping you, you need to break that friendship with him. Giving up that
friendship may be painful, but allowing them to adversely influence you will lead to greater
consequences.


If you have a godly friend who encourages you to do right, thank them! Let them know of your
gratitude for how they help you, and determine to be a godly encourager to them as well. Make sure
your friends are headed in the same spiritual direction as you.

Not Afraid

Hebrews 11:23

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a
proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment."

You can never go wrong by choosing to obey God.


Russia was a controversial place during the early 1900s. Led by a dictator named Stalin, the country built up forces just in time for World War 2, a war that saw them betrayed by their "ally" Hitler, and eventually led to their switch to the Allied side of the war. One of Stalin's leaders in his
regime was Nikita Khrushchev. Khrushchev served many different roles including soldier, military
leader, ruler of Ukraine, and party official. Khrushchev had a hand in a lot that went on during
Stalin's rule. After the death of Stalin, a long battle for the control of Russia took place,
eventually leading to Khrushchev's rise to power.


While in office, Khrushchev sought to de-Stalinize the nation and move them toward a more liberal
form of government. He publicly denounced Stalin's policies and ideas and spoke of his own ideas for moving Russia forward into a time of prosperity and growth. At one such meeting, he spent an unusual amount of time degrading Stalin. After his speech, during the comment period, someone in the crowd yelled out, "You worked with Stalin. Why didn't you stop him?" A hush came over the room, and Khrushchev angrily boomed, "Who said that?" No one replied. "Now you know why I did nothing" he explained.

Khrushchev's fear of Stalin kept him from speaking out against the atrocities Stalin committed. He
allowed his fear to cause him to follow along in practices he knew were wrong, but no matter how
much he detested Stalin, or how loudly he renounced his ideas, Khrushchev was always tied to the
acts of the previous administration.

Sometimes fear can cause us to give in to what we know is wrong. This act is most often seen in
teenagers who are pressured into doing wrong because their friends are doing it, yet even adults can be pressured into doing wrong.

Our verses show us a couple who was not pressured to doing wrong, even though the king had commanded it. Amram and Jochebed were blessed with their third child, a baby boy named Moses. At that time the Jewish people were living in bondage in Egypt. Due to the king's fear of the Israelites taking over, he ordered that every Jewish baby boy be killed. Amram and Jochebed knew God had a plan for baby Moses, so they risked their lives to save his.

Hebrews points out the faith of Moses' parents, "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three
months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the
king's commandment." They knew the penalty for disobeying the king's command, yet they chose to obey God.

Obeying God seems like a logical decision, yet pressure can cause Christians to make decisions they would not normally make. Don't allow outside pressure to dictate your actions. As Moses' parents listen to God above the king, choose to obey God's commands no matter the consequences. You can never go wrong by choosing to obey God.

Who will you obey today? Will you allow the world's influence to guide your decisions? Situations
may come when choosing to obey God may carry some earthly consequences. Even in the face of
difficulty, choose God. Don't fear men of this world. Choose to follow God's path and obey Him. In
the end, following God will reap more benefits than following the world.

"Let Brotherly Love Continue."

Hebrews 13:1


If Christ can love those who crucified Him, we can love those who wrong us.


Love is one of the most powerful motivators. A perfect example of such motivating love comes in the form of an old Baptist preacher from early America. The American Revolution was just beginning in the hearts of the American people, and many were pushing for the colonies to go to war with England. Unknown to many people, English loyalists, who supported their homeland, despised the Americans' audacity to break free from England, and sought to defeat the colonists from inside their own country. One such man was Michael Wittman, an evil loyalist who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. In the same town lived a Baptist minister named Peter Miller who was close friends with George Washington. Miller did all he could to reach out to everyone in Ephrata and invite them to church, but by far his biggest critic was Wittman. Wittman did all he could to publicly humiliate, denounce, and ridicule Pastor Miller, but Miller continued to love him.

As was bound to happen, word came out that Wittman was a loyal defender of England and a traitor of America. He was brought before a judge and was condemned to death. Because of his love for Wittman, Miller walked seventy miles from Ephrata to the military prison in Philadelphia where Wittman was being held. Knowing General Washington was in charge at the military compound, Miller sought him out and pleaded for the release of Michael Wittman. Washington replied, "I am truly sorry, Peter, but I cannot release your friend Michael." "My friend! Why, he is my worst enemy," remarked Miller. Washington was shocked, "You mean you traveled seventy miles on foot to plead for the life of your enemy? Why that does put things in a different light. Wittman will be released." That day Wittman and Miller walked home not as enemies, but as friends.

What made the difference in Washington's view of Miller's request? The fact that Miller would go to
great lengths for an enemy, a man who had wronged him many times, showed his genuine love for
Wittman and swayed Washington's approval of the pardon. Miller didn't simply show love when it was convenient; he truly cared about Wittman.

The ultimate example of true love is in Jesus Christ. His love for others, even those who rejected
Him, led Him to endure this world's trials and die a cruel death on a rugged cross. His wasn't a
convenient love, but a genuine love to all.

Often a person's actions can affect our love for them. We're wronged, mistreated, forgotten, or
abused in some way, and as a result our love for that person ceases. Have you ever been wronged by someone and simply wrote them off your "list" as a result? God reminds us that just as He was
rejected and rebuked, so sometimes we will be as well.

People will make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes will adversely affect you. Sometimes a
hurtful word will be spoken, or some action will offend. God's desire is that apologies would be
made and relationships would be restored, yet some people would rather ignore someone for years rather than making things right.

"Let brotherly love continue." God's desire is for you to love all people, the friendly ones and the
bitter ones. Even when others mistreat you, let love continue. Even when you've been backstabbed or wronged, let love continue. Even when the other person wants no part in your love, let love
continue.

Is there someone whom you've stopped loving? Don't allow petty arguments, hurtful words, bitter
feelings, or mistakes affect your love for another person. If Christ can endure a crowd of His
people yelling for His crucifixion and still pour out His love for them on Calvary, you can forgive
someone's wrong actions and continue loving them. Seek today to let your love continue to all
people.