Thursday, October 27, 2011

Love loses itself

Julie & I just had our 3rd child almost 4 months ago. There is something powerful, mystical and amazing when it comes to babies. We love babies with all of our hearts. We get up in the middle of the night and lose sleep to feed them and change their diapers. We protect them and keep them warm. We do everything we can to love and take care of them.


Did you ever think of why? What have babies ever done to deserve that kind of love? Nothing! (except be adorable). 


That kind of love is the kind of love our heavenly Father gives us. A love that is sacrificial and a love that is unconditional. 


We are great at giving that kind of love to babies however we are not so good at giving that kind of love to others that have grown up. We get hurt, offended, betrayed, used, neglected and abandoned. Our heart grows cold and we build walls. 


I pray that we return back to the kind of love that God calls us to live and give. A love that is unconditional and a love that is sacrificial. When we begin to love others this way we will see much fruit!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Love is Paitent

This Past Sunday we looked at a 3rd aspect of love...patience. We shared two practical things we can all do in our daily lives to grow in this aspect of love. You can listen to the message at www.wyandottefamily.com Click on the media tab on the bottom right and select listen to messages.

To me this is a HUGE topic because patience is running thin in our culture. People are too stressed, busy, and worried to be patient. As followers of Christ we have another opportunity to shine the light of Christ as we live lives full of patience!

One of the interesting things I found in my studies was the correlation between patience and the Holy Spirit. Many times patience is mentioned in the same verse the Holy Spirit. It is also described as one of the fruits (evidence) of the Spirit.

Usually when I find myself losing patience and being short with those around me, I find myself running on empty. The reality is that we often leak. We experience God and His Holy Spirit in a prayer time or on a Sunday morning which is great. 

However, just like a car we need to constantly be filled. The more we are filled with His Spirit the more we will see patience in our lives.

Over the next 4 days why not pause and spend some time in prayer asking God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Think about what your days ahead hold and allow God's fruit to be manifested in your life.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Love sees past the present into potential

Love sees past the present into potential. Love has this amazing ability to see someone for what they could be instead of only what they currently are. I am so thankful God loves me this way.


This past Sunday we asked the question, "How did we love this way in our daily lives." I believe the secret sauce is found in Luke 19:10--For the Son of Man came to seek & save those who are lost. Because He had a singular mission and focus. He was able to see opportunities for miracles everywhere. He was able to see what people could become because that was His mission. 


Because Jesus lived missionally he always SAW things that most people missed. Look at how many times it said, "Jesus Saw." When you read this phrase it's normally followed by a miracle. 


Matthew 4:18--As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers...


Matthew 4:21--Going on form there he saw two brothers...


Matthew 5:1--Now when he saw the crowds...


Matthew 8:18--When Jesus saw the crowd around him...


Matthew 9:2--When Jesus saw their faith...


Matthew 9:9--As Jesus went form there he saw a man...


Matthew 9:22--Jesus turned and saw her...


Matthew 9:36--When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them...


Because Jesus knew his mission and was focused, he was able to see what others didn't. 


What would happen if we embraced Jesus' mission for our lives? What would happen if we lived our entire lives for His glory and His cause? 


I wonder what things we would be able to see?

Love sees past the present into potential!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

LOVE part 1 "Undeserved"

This past Sunday we kicked off our new series "Love." 
The main verse for this month is John 13:35-- Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.


Somewhere along the line we began to equate spiritual maturity and sharing our faith with simply head knowledge. I think we came to make knowledge of Scripture, busy Christian activity and Christian apparel a sign of being a follower of Christ because it is simply easier. 


Loving others and working at become better at loving like Jesus is hard work. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart. However, Jesus said that love is the proof or evidence that we are his followers. So according to Jesus' definition, can others tell we are His followers?


#1--How much love is currently flowing in your life?
#2--Does your knowledge of scripture match the amount of love?

#3--Grow in love this week. Read & pray 1 John 7-11 this week.