posts

Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach,  Ark Founder & Director of Operations

This year we’re looking at how loving one another as Jesus loves us helps us meet all the commandments of the Law of Moses and of Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law.

This month, it’s commandment two: Exodus 20:4–6 (CSB) “Do not make an idol for yourself… Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences… [on]those who hate me, but showing faithful love to… those who love me and keep my commands.” A week into Lent, many Christians are fasting meals or giving up luxuries to honor Jesus’ sacrifices during his 40 days of temptation in the desert. How can Lent and Jesus’ commandment to love each other help us avoid idols?

Idolatry means worshiping a physical object as if it were a god. The practice has been around since before biblical times. In the Bible, idolatry is described as sin and a form of spiritual adultery because it is an act of worshiping something other than God.

In biblical times, idolatry was widespread. In some cases leaders encouraged it. Even the Jews, known for their strict adherence to the Law (the 10 Commandments), were lured by idolatry. The Old Testament is full of warnings and stories of individuals and tribes that strayed from God and instead worshipped foreign gods. (Exodus (above), Leviticus 19:4, Judges 10:14, Psalm 16:4 and 115:4–8, Isaiah 44:9–2 and 45:20, Jonah 2:8–9 to name a few.) 

Today, idolatry is still a problem, although it may look different. Instead of worshiping carved idols, amulets, and golden calves, people may instead worship wealth, fame, power, and status. Or they may worship other people — pop stars, athletes, business, or religious leaders, even spouses and loved ones.

These are all objects and individuals that people seek to possess, honor, and idolize so much that they forget about God. That can lead to serious spiritual damage in their lives.

One person managed to avoid idolatry: Jesus. Despite his miracles and teachings, Jesus never allowed himself to be worshiped as a god. Instead, he focused on loving others and teaching them how to live life centered in God’s love and grace. He and his disciples told us to avoid, keep away from, and flee idolatry. (Matthew 6:19-24, John 14:6, Romans 7:7,1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 10:14 and 20, Galatians 4:8–10 and 5:9-21, Colossians 3:5, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 5:21, Revelation 22:15)

As followers of Jesus, we can also avoid idolatry by following his example. We can love others – friends and family, neighbors, strangers, and especially those who are different from us. We can show them the same grace and compassion that Jesus showed to those around him. We can focus on God first and then on loving others as Jesus loves us rather than worshiping them or material objects. In that way we can be like Him and avoid temptation to idolatry.

Lent is a great time to focus on the importance of loving each other and avoiding idolatry. Consider what are your false idols and give them up for Lent. With Jesus as our example, we put God at the center of our lives. By doing that first, we love others properly and live lives that are pleasing to God.

Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach,  Ark Founder & Director of Operations

It’s Valentine’s Day this month, the “love” month. So let’s talk about Jesus’ only commandment (to love each other as He loves us). How did Jesus love us in relationships with him? How did He ask us to be His? How can we love each other the same way?

Jesus did it this way. He loved God first because 1) He is God, 2) God is His Father, and 3) He fulfilled the law of Moses’ commandments when He obediently did not put other gods before YAHWEH.

What about us? Well, we also have the same reasons to love God first.

1) God created us in His image. We are His image. (Genesis 1:27)

2) Jesus told us several times that God is our Father. One is John 20:17 where He said, “…say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

3) We are told to follow Jesus’ example in many scriptures, like John 13:15 (CSB), “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

Singles – Jesus loves us individually. You always have a friend – or a date. He gets in anywhere (with or without reservations). He always has time for you, a listening ear, a kind word, companionship, a reminder that He loves you. He remembers your name, your birthday, your hobbies, and what matters to you. He never abandons you or has a scheduling conflict. Because you are single, you have more time for Him too, so this great relationship can get stronger and more intimate.

Friends – whether you are two or 200, Jesus loves you equally. He’s always ready for an outing or to stay in and chat or watch movies. He doesn’t take sides when you disagree but is your intercessor. He’s always got your back when the world isn’t going your way. gives the best advice. He will forgive you. He is truly your BFF because friendship with Him is eternal.

Married folks – Jesus loves you enough for both of you. He is your mediator – an objective third party who is always focused on you focused on your marriage’s best interest – you two-as-one. He is your example of how to forgive each other. He prays with you and counsels you on finances, parenting, intimacy, romance, fidelity, and sharing responsibilities. You can listen to other advisors but their best words are His principles: a covenant of respect, service, protection, prayer, and priority always.

Jesus loved us completely. He put us first, before angers, disappointments, other people, or activities. He went to weddings, played with children, visited homes. He met us in marketplaces and workplaces like Jerusalem and Capernaeum. Jesus grieved loss of friends and family. He visited the sick and healed them spiritually or physically. He left us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do exactly as He did when physically on the earth. We can love God first, as our God/Creator and Father who made us in His own image. We can use the Holy Spirit’s power. We are then able to love ourselves and others with respect, dignity, kindness, joy, forgiveness, and encouragement. The Lord says , “Be Mine,” so let’s lead with love with Jesus in our relationships this Valentine’s month.

Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach,  Ark Founder & Director of Operations

God really tries to make our lives simple. When Jesus came to fulfill the law, he brought us just one commandment. It’s found in John 13:34-35 (CEB)  “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples; when you love each other.”

This new commandment fulfills all the old ones. We need not complicate our own lives. If we resolve to love each other, we will be able to follow all ten Old Testament commandments without confusing and complicated rules. See how simple it is:

1. You shall have no other Gods before me. (Loving God is keeping our undivided attention on loving each other as Jesus loves us.)
2. You shall not make for yourself any graven images. (When we are loving as Jesus did, we don’t need idols or material things to worship or obey our God because He lives in our hearts causing and growing our love and respect for others.)
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (When we love each other as Jesus loved us, we don’t call each other names, and certainly not bad or disrespectful ones. We treat God and others with love. If you are taking the Lord’s name or other people’s names in vain, you are not loving them.)
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy. (The Old Testament way was rigid with lots of rules and “don’ts” for the Sabbath. Under the new commandment, Jesus’ way is to use the Sabbath to show love in worship, to notice the beauty of creation, and to rest so we’ll be fresh for loving and serving God and others during the coming week.)
5. Honor your father and mother so your life may be long on the earth. (God wants happy families in happy homes. The new commandment means we honor by loving, respecting, and obeying our parents, including Himself as our Father, just like Jesus did. The bonus is often omitted from lists of the commandments but do note the happy result of loving these particular others.)
6. You shall not kill. (We don’t want to kill what we love and who we love. If you want to kill, you are not loving like Jesus.)
7. You shall not commit adultery. (When we love, we want to be true, so we are faithful to those we have committed to love and to trust. If you want to stray, you do not want to love as Jesus loved us.)
8. You shall not steal. (Loving others means we ask and receive permission before taking things that belong to those others. If you steal, you do not want to love others as Jesus loves you.)
9. You shall not bear false witness. (When we love each other, we do not want lie to each other. We don’t believe telling lies is somehow protecting them, or saving their feelings, or making things better than they are. We don’t gossip about or badmouth others. When we love each other, keeping trust between us is more important than a momentary feeling of discomfort. Jesus did not ever lie to us. If you want to lie, you do not want to love.)
10. You shall not covet. (Loving each other prevents us from being jealous or greedy of what others have that we would also like to have. If you are feeling envious or unhappy because you do not have a thing or a situation that someone else has, then you are not loving as Jesus did. If you celebrate what you have and that they have what they have, you are loving them His way.)

God makes life simple. Simple is not always easy. Usually it’s hard, especially at first. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us, guide us, inspire us. Lean on the Spirit and, when all else fails, know that loving each other is always the correct choice. No matter what the new year brings, RESOLVE TO LEAD WITH LOVE. When you are feeling off or mean or are breaking a commitment, ask yourself, “Am I loving others as Jesus loves me?” If the answer is no, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you start again, with love. Happy New Year and blessings to all!

Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach,  Ark Founder & Director of Operations

Thanksgiving is coming. Seek God and His godly wisdom. Pursue that wisdom. Meditate on and in God’s word daily.

The word of God, the Bible, is the mind of God written on paper. Reading His word reveals His ways – His ways, purposes, and plans for each one of us. We need to begin every day asking Him for His wisdom and direction through His word. We need clear direction and guidance and God is willing to give it to us! So get God’s viewpoint.

It is not enough to just read and meditate. We must obey scriptural principles. We must act – do His word.  Understand that if we don’t ask (pray), we will not get. Faith is essential to the process of acquiring godly wisdom day by day. Observe how our God moves and works in today’s world.

Look around, observe everything. We don’t get wisdom by just asking. Look at our friends and the world around us. We must heed godly counsel. Proverbs 12:15 says: “fools think they know what is best, but a sensible person listens to advice!”

We don’t get His wisdom by acting on what we think we know. What is your lifestyle? We need to associate with wise people. We are advised in Proverbs 13:20 (CSB): “Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.”

We must not only read the word but obey it. See John 14:6 (CSB) Clearly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Lord Jesus, spoke these written words. Do we obey? If we are going to be wise and follow the word of God, we must obey!

Why do bad things happen? Remember, the word of God says nothing is impossible with God… Nothing is too big or little! John 1:12 says: “But as many as receive Him to them He gave power to become the children of God. Those that believe Him remain secure.”

So in Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we have power to overcome all things. We are delivered and raised to Jesus’ in a new life. Yes, Jesus, you are beautiful to me. Open our eyes to see You more clearly, Your beauty, Your love, and Your daily encouragement. Thank You for sharing Your salvation.

We should give thanks day by day.  Be grateful for the life He gives us. Happy Thanksgiving. Glory be to God.