Heart Specialists!

It is amazing what doctors can do with the heart today. We were recently praying for someone in our community who was flown to a major hospital after suffering a heart attack. They had a 98 percent blockage and not pulling through was a real possibility. However, after stints were put in place, this individual is now home and doing well. Some heart procedures which were once considered serious operations are now routine. Still, with all the medical advances of our day, what can be done with a broken heart?

It is a lack of LOVE or the loss of LOVE that often breaks the heart. Someone has said, "The loneliest place in the world is the human heart when love is absent." [E. C. McKenzie] Does our heart go out to the lonely? Even with many people around, loneliness is still commonplace in this world. Someone else has noted, "Anybody can be a heart specialist. The only requirement is loving somebody." [Angie Papadakis]

In Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica he urged. . .

"(11) Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, (12) and may the Lord make you INCREASE AND ABOUND IN LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER AND FOR ALL, as we do for you, (13) so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints." ( 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV)

Paul's relationship with these brethren was significant and special to him. He cherished it and longed to be with them. He was also greatly encouraged by the kind of relationship they shared with each other. This was a group of Christians who were already doing a wonderful job LOVING EACH OTHER. In fact, Paul stated they had "been TAUGHT BY GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:9) Still, he encourage them "to do this more and more." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:10) May we also become "heart specialists" by doing the same and thus impact the hearts and lives of others in godly ways.

Have a great day LEARNING FROM THE BEST AT TOUCHING HEARTS!
Carl

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("teEn-MAIL" is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)

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