John 15...3 Days and Counting!

What up Crew...

It really encouraged my heart this morning at church to hear some of you share your excitement for "follower" to begin! I am stoked as well, and am believing He has some good stuff in store for us as a community.

In verse 12, of John 15 Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us. He goes on to explain how He loved us...by laying His life down for us! Now as Christians this is why we live our life the way we live it...because Jesus gave His life for us! But I think sometimes we miss read this verse and think the way we love each other is by dying for someone and unless you die you have never really loved...therefore what Jesus is talking about is impossible and not worth attempting on our end!

However Jesus was talking about something much deeper and very possible...for those who are for real about following Him! To love another person is to lay aside what you want for the sake of somebody else! When you as a young person lay down your plans, schedule, time and agenda for somebody else to serve them you begin to really love them. Jesus encourages us to esteem others before our self. To place an other's needs in front of your own.

We know we are called to love others, but so many of us refuse to follow Christ's lead in our life. Just think of this...Christ is the King and Ruler of it all, but gave it all up and died a horrific death because He loved us. He endured punishment that He did not deserve. He had things screamed at Him that were untrue...but it didn't matter because all He could think about was you! Let us love others as Christ has first loved us, laying aside our self and putting others in front of us!

When was the last time you served someone...without them asking!
Take the time today to serve someone in any way possible...and don't forget to be in prayer for the things listed in the 1st blog!

peace!!

tom