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

John 15...T-Minus 4 Days and Counting...

hello crew!
This weekend has been crazy already! Just moved into my new place and I am trying to get settled in! As I read John 15 again today what sticks out is Jesus talking about joy. We need joy in our lives don't we? Jesus goes on and on about remaining in Him only to say, in verse 11, "I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.Yes, your joy would overflow!"

Right now in your life, are you "overflowing" with joy? People notice those who are filled with joy...do people notice you? Do you stand out to others because you are all about our Jesus and because of it your exploding with joy?

What about the opposite of joy? Jesus talks about those who are apart from Him wither up. He says those who are disconnected from Him are useless...right now do you feel useless? Is your life counting for something? Jesus gives us the choice...a "joy" filled life or a withered useless life. Which life do you want?

I am praying for all you guys...please do the same for me!

Don't forget to be in prayer for our study...I'll see some of you tomorrow at worship!

tom

John 15...6 days and counting!

What up fusion faithful!
Man I am stoked to dive in deeper with you all in looking at the life of our Jesus! For those of you tracking with me in this journey, i have asked that you read John 15 everyday until the study begins(6 days and counting!!). John 15, the whole chapter, is Jesus talking to us. So as you read it again and again this week, read it as if Jesus were talking directly to you. Tonight as I read it over I was reminded of how crucial it is to remain in my Jesus.

Jesus says in verse 5, apart from Me you can do nothing! Do you believe that to be true in your own life? That you will not be successful unless you stay connected with Christ. It is a thought we struggle to believe in our hearts isn't it. I know I like to think I can handle anything on my own, and this verse really challenges me...apart from Me tom...you can do nothing!

Some things to reflect on...

• How do we remain in His love?(verse 10)
• In verse 2 Jesus says that the Gardener, or His Father...God, cuts off any branch that isn't producing fruit or that is killing the person's life. As we get set to start our study boldly ask God to prune your life and to cut any "branch" off that isn't producing good fruit!
• And don't forget to be praying for the 4 things I listed on the 1st "blog".

I am praying for all you guys...I'll talk to ya tomorrow!

tom