God=Love

[erinlamb242]

We'd think it ludicrous for a bride to continue to date, only see her husband once a week for forced interaction, or she remains completely independent of her groom. Yet there are people teaching God just wants visitation rights; you say a prayer, invite Him in, then keep living the way you did preChrist. The invitation is for covenant. A more binding covenant than marriage. He will have no other gods (lovers) before Him. And He's an amazing, incredible groom. He's not looking to control, bully, or dominate. He comes to love unconditionally, empower, give, deposit life, protect, provide for, care for, nourish, bless, and being one with Him is life giving. He comes to love. He gave the Union of man & woman in marriage to symbolize the union of Christ with His Bride(God & mankind in perfect union/intimacy). May we see salvation as the ultimate covenant and vow. A vow to have no other gods (lovers) before Him, not even a spouse. He shed His blood for covenant. #covenant #love #lovewins #GodsPlan #salvation #union #marriage

[erinlamb242]

You are no mistake. God knew what He was doing when He created you. He doesn't make mistakes. You were His thought, His design, & His masterpiece. To attempt to be someone other than who He says we are is to settle for a man made design instead of a God design. His thoughts are perfect. You are who God says you are. May we soak in His affirmations, listen to His words about Creation (Genesis 1, Psalm 139). We can only know who we are & our purpose by knowing the Creator. The original design, pre fall of man is the one God blessed. He then said, "Be fruitful & multiply," have more humans. #CSLewisQuote #Creation #Identity #knowGodknowYourself

[erinlamb242]

I Love ❤️kickboxing! I loved self defense class…after my car accident took a break as it is rough on the spine. Yet enjoyed it throughly. I’m sweet & feisty! Ha! It’s good to be happy/bubbly. 😍Your opponent always underestimates you…it’s to my advantage…never underestimate an opponent…#fitness #boxing #wellness featured athlete Ronda Rousey. 💪🏼🙌🏼

[erinlamb242]

Repentance

Jesus loves the sinner & everyone He encountered He told them to go and sin no more. Repentance is turning from what's not in alignment with God towards Him. If we remove repentance it's not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I find no place where He encouraged people to keep sinning because they were born that way. To remove repentance is to remove the cross. Why would Jesus have to die for our sins, to free us from the bondage of sin, if all we needed to do was believe in God & keep on sinning. It's like a loving parent saying, "You're eating out of the dumpster, there's a banquet table inside, but keep eating out of the dumpster because I love you." We'd say, "That's crazy!" Yet I read and hear people say this about God all the time. He loves us as is! Yet like the Prodigal Father He's continually saying, "Come out of the pig pin! I have so much better for you! There are amazing things in My Kingdom, doing life the way I laid it out." May we never misrepresent God & His desire to save fully, heal, & deliver. We may have been born into sin, God never intended to leave us that way. May we repent (turn from sin) and turn towards God. Forsaking our own way, sinful desires, and abide in His steadfast love & holiness. Grace empowers righteousness. Jesus didn't just give His life for fire insurance (to keep us out of hell). He gave His life for relationship with us. So heaven gets in us. So we begin to look like Him. #Repentance #theGospel #powerinHisName #Jesus #turningfromsintowardsGod

[erinlamb242]

When people say, "Jesus didn't directly teach on this so it must not be important," that's untrue. There no part of Jesus that's not in agreement with what the Father has already said. He lived the scripture. His sinless life a testimony. He perfectly represented the Father. He came to fulfill the law. The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are in unity. If the Father says its wrong, Jesus is in agreement. If Holy Spirit inspired scriptures say it's wrong, Jesus is in agreement. What is God continually promoting in the scripture; receiving His love, loving Him...for love fulfills the law. Not earthly love of do what you want. Godly love. Godly love is holy, pure, truthful, righteous, outstanding, forgiving, merciful, submitted to God, & good. #Jesus #knowingGod #theGospel

[erinlamb242]

What is God Teaching You?

What is God teaching you right now? He's always depositing life & encouraging growth...here are a few of mine, may encourage you... 1. Be still & know I'm God (ongoing lesson). I face challenges on a regular basis (some bigger than I'd like) & God continues to remind me that He's got this. I do my part, leave everything else in His hands. I pray, surrender it to Him. Then I can rest in His love, protection, provision, peace, goodness, & have childlike JOY! 2. The problem is often a setup for a miracle. Keep prophesying God's word over the problem. People love stories of miracles & radical transformation. Yet if you ask, "Who wants a problem or challenges?" well you may get less responses. Problems to God are opportunities to showcase how big, powerful, awesome, & incredible He is. Even if we are the reason for the problem, there's nothing too hard for God! 3. God knows & can reveal the hearts/motives of people. He's teaching me to slowly trust Christians again. Been through some really challenging seasons & things with those who claimed to love God yet their actions were far, far, far, far from representing Jesus. Trusting who He says is trustworthy. Investing where He says to invest. Loving all. Yet my inner circle is small. Relying on Holy Spirit for relationship guidance

[erinlamb242]

SO thankful for the correction of God & His guidelines for living because they produce GOOD fruit. It may not be "warm fuzzies" at first, yet super thankful He doesn't encourage me to live a life independent of His ways. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. He was & is holy. Jesus showed humanity what could be done in & through a person fully submitted to God. We were created to be His image bearers on the earth! Early Christians were mocked for acting like Jesus (little Christ's). May we yield to the love of God. He makes us more like Him (in character, word, & deed). #Christlikeness #followingJesus #knowingGod #GodsChild #GodSaysNoToHarmfulThings #UnderstandingTrueLove #LoveWins #GrowinginHisCharacter

[erinlamb242]

If you search for info on relationships, the alarming majority of the information is targeted to women (how to get a man, how to keep a man, how to be a good wife & mother). Where are the resources for men? You know who's telling men how to purposefully & respectfully treat a woman? How to lead as a servant not boss or control freak with a huge ego? Who's teaching men how to be great husbands & men of integrity & honor? Who? A man's value is not in his looks, paycheck, physical strength, list of conquests (this is not something to brag about), or charm. The greatest man loves well & his character is strong. Here's my list modeled after the greatest man I've ever known, Jesus. 1. A good man loves well! Love & compassion don't make a man weak, they demonstrate great strength!!! 💪🏼 2. A great man honors others especially those others dishonor. 3. A great man is humble. There's no super ego to be stroked. 4. A great man puts others first. No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends. 5. A great man treats all women with respect, honor, & dignity. Women aren't slaves, toys, play things, side kicks, silent partners, doormats, punching bags, or just there for his pleasure. 6. A great man leads by serving & leads by example. 7. A great man builds others up! 8. A great man never stops pursuing & doing nice things for the ones he loves. 9. A great man models his life after truth, righteousness, purity, & goodness. 10. A great man is generous... 11. A great man is honest & takes responsibility for his actions; "How can I make this right?" 12. A great man is someone you'd want your kids to imitate & your daughters to marry someone like him. 13. A great man is responsible. He keeps his word. He learns to rely on God & isn't irresponsible. He's a good steward. 14. A great man pursues purity in heart, thought, deed... 15. A great man prays & provides a safe place. These things can only be achieved in Christ, by abiding in Him. Love is the greatest thing a man can do for a woman, love her like Jesus. I changed from a good to great man because nothing is impossible for God. Praying for many, many great men. #dating #relationships #marriage

[erinlamb242]

There's a strange dynamic between men & women. Here's my somewhat comical recap of some conversations... 1. He said "I can offer you the world. Look at all the things I've acquired." She said, "How are you using your great wealth to help the poor?" 😇 2. He said, "I'm strong and powerful. Watch me flex!" 💪🏼 She said, "How are you using your strength to build others up?" 3. He said, "How on earth does someone impress you?" She said, "Love & lead like Jesus! Cultivate His character. Care for the poor. Be a servant. Possess humility. Be honest. LOVE (put others first). Be faithful. Possess integrity. Be a man of prayer & intimacy with God. Be responsible. Admit & take responsibility for your actions. Seek to impress with your character! Treat women like equals not subspecies. Use your words wisely. Pursue my heart."♥️ When God gave the command for men to love, He knew He created woman to be loved. Culture removes Godly love & that my friends is probably why so many relationships tank. Lust disappoints, it always wants more & is selfish. Infatuation fades. Physical chemistry can waver. Money can be lost. Looks can be lost. Strength & power can be lost. Agape love is eternal. Abide in God & love. Let Him refine the character. More than love is needed for a great relationship, yet it's a really good foundation & start.

[erinlamb242]

My ♥️...to demonstrate & express to others God's outstanding love for them! His love is beyond amazing, lavish, & exceedingly good. Love isn't primarily a "feeling" for me; often I don't "feel" anything (it's not primarily flowing from emotions). Love is often a choice & overflow from His Spirit. Love flows from my spirit, His Spirit. So there's love even for people I don't know. Holy Spirit is love, 100% love. If we are abiding in Him, He's working to express love through us. May we know God's great love, then pour out His great love. More than words, let's be people who demonstrate love through our actions. #lovinglikeJesus #Godisgood #Godislove #intimacywithGod #agape Photo Credit:Edenheartlove

[erinlamb242]

The greatest enemy of love is selfishness. All our world problems are rooted in the extreme love of self. Sickness, evil, & death entered the world because Adam chose his will over God's. God's will have s perfect & brings life. Self centered living leads to depression, despair, & ruins relationships. When life is God centered, we are continually looking for someone else to bless. We are blessed to be a blessing. Love gives. Love is no consumer. Who can we bless this week for the glory of God? The best way to stop staring at our own problems or inadequacies is to step out to serve others. Someone else has it worse...trust me. #liveloved #beablessing All word art created in word swag, images used by permission.

[sarahseeandersen]

[erinlamb242]

Love your comics. I have posted 2 on Instagram. It cut off your signature, so I put it in the description, credit to you. Link if that's okay or you want them removed. Keep up the good work!

[erinlamb242]

I AM...rest for the torn, worn, abused, and fatigued; the One who stands as your defense. I will not leave you alone or defeated. I AM...the One who has waited for you to see that only I can make you truly happy and complete. My heart is longing to fill your sense of belonging, as you have cried out on bended knee. I AM...the Redeemer, who takes all that has been lost and shattered, bringing restoration, hope, renewing your sense of wonder. I AM...the miracle worker. Marvel at the works of My hands. What is impossible with men, I can do with one word spoken from My lips. I AM...the One who stands alone with the perfect key to your heart; the only One who can make you whole. You may look for another savior, but no other one you’ll find. I AM...the Alpha and Omega; the One who created and holds all time. I AM...the bookends that hold your life together, and with one whisper I can call you home. There is no one who can stand above Me, I’m sovereign over all. I AM! #Jesus #poetry #bookexcerpt #ithoughtiknewwhatlovewas #knowingGod Photo Credit: lovethispic

[erinlamb242]

To encounter God is to be transformed. Every cell in the body responds to His radiance. Even those who refuse to believe must bow before Him, for His glory is weighty, it's like no other. When God encounters you, there's a tug & pull on the pride or ego. For no man can stand above Him. He has no equal. The earth trembles at the sound of His voice & the winds & waves must obey Him. We come undone in His Presence for He is outstanding, powerful, brilliant, & a consuming fire. This fire of holiness & love consumes the dross within us. All we are must yield to all He is or we seek escape for He's too brilliant for our bodies to take. When He walks into the room, Everything changes The walls come crumbling down Fears are erased Tears whisked from our face The heart trembles & it quakes To meet with God face to face The veil was torn on that great day When the Son of Man died in our place He rose again Making us the recipients of His great grace Everything changes when His love invades every place Blind eyes open Deaf ears hear The spirit cries out, "Holy, holy, holy is the One who is!" He is not I was or I will be He is the GREAT I AM So we fall to our knees We cast our crowns before Him We lay our pride & brokeness before Him Our insecurities are burned up before Him and we are forever changed! photo cred: Prophetic Art, Pinterest

[erinlamb242]

The Bible says, "Be imitators of Christ as dearly loved children." The first step is relationship. Are you reconciled to God through Jesus? If not, you are not a child of God; adopted/grafted into His family. The second step is knowing God (abiding, intimacy). We cannot imitate Him without abiding in Him (John 15:5). He's the Vine, we are the branches. We can produce NO good (holy, untainted) fruit without Him. We were not called to say a prayer then live unchanged lives. Habitation leads to transformation. Abiding produces GOOD fruit & a sweet fragrance of His likeness. Being with God changes us. We are not able to imitate Him without His Holy Spirit. And for the fellas, I've heard men say to women, "You love Jesus too much." Don't hate; imitate. Why do women love Jesus? He treats us as though we were worth dying for, He LOVES well, He leads through serving (not control, selfishness, an ego, or bossing us around), He lifts us up to co reign with Him, He encourages & speaks life, he sees the beauty of our heart, He's not there to consume but to give, He sees our gifts & calls them out, He's not threatened, intimidated, or competing with us, He has no ego & He's God, He's powerful, humble, & compassionate, He's our biggest cheerleader. We are not objects to be objectified, played with, or abused. He treats us like we are Royalty, priceless gems. That's why women love Jesus. He loves so well. If you want to make a difference in the world or improve your relationships, follow Jesus; let Him live & love through you. He's beyond GLORIOUS! I'm not ashamed to say I'm one of the ones who's SO in love with Him. Following Him has been the BEST decision of my life. The more I know Him, the deeper my love grows.

[erinlamb242]

Many of the world's problems are rooted in a lack of love; God's love. It's not the "love" the world promotes, "Do what feels good for you, please yourself, go after everything you desire." That's not love at all. It's lust. Lust is burning desire for more, for self gratification, & it's never satisfied. It's the broken empty cistern that leaves people hungrier for something that can never keep them full. Jesus said, "Those who hunger & thirst for righteousness will be filled." Love fills to overflowing. God's love does not bring bondage, fear, anxiety, emptiness, loneliness, condemnation, or shame. God's love seeks truth, justice, & to bless others. His love is poured out continually on humanity. It's up to us to receive it, to believe it, to abide in it, & be transformed by His great love. We can only give away what's first received. Do you know God's great love for you? Is it changing the way you think & live? Ponder 1 Corinthians 13, the LOVE of God is accurately portrayed. Even God's wrath stems from His love of justice. May we know fully His love & define it by His Word, not the world's standard. He is not like earthly man; He's perfect & He is Spirit (not like a human man). God created man & woman in His image. Together they represent Him. We also cannot define His love by the way humans love, or the way earthly fathers or mothers have loved. It's HIGHER, BETTER, & untainted.

[erinlamb242]

God's love is deeper & wider than the ocean. It's more glorious than the combination of the galaxies. It's purer than freshly fallen snow. There's no end to it. To love like Him is supernatural. It requires constant abiding & dying to selfishness (the true enemy of love). For even fear is rooted in selfishness (What will happen to me? How does this impact me? What will people think of me?). Jesus though He faced fear knowing He'd be humiliated & marred beyond recognition, walked out of the Garden of Gethsemane to face death for love involves sacrifice. It's costly. Our sin cost Him greatly. If my love costs me nothing, it's not Godly love. Truly the most challenging part of love is loving people who treat me poorly or who have treated me poorly. I am reminded that while I was His enemy, Jesus died for me. Extravagant love! Agape love...God's love is extravagant. It's the love Holy Spirit wants us to receive & then give away.