John 15:13, There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a friend.
Proverbs 17:17, A friend loves at all times...
The theme that God has been revealing in my life lately is, remembrance. Laying upon my heart to recall His goodness, faithfulness, kindness... Along side this is also the thoughts of how blessed I've been with wonderful friends. From my husband to the stranger who prayed over me when I was sick to my long-time dear friends and including my new-found kindred spirits! What a blessing it is to be loved, thought-of and cared for!
Friendship is not an entity to itself, it's a reflection in every aspect. Without God's love which is ever-present there would be no fruits of love in any one's life. Many people who are unbelievers think that their goodness, thoughtfulness and love is enough. yet, they don't realize that any love or fruit of love they have is a gift from our Father in Heaven. It comes not from their hearts but flow from His. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in this world that blesses us with God's grace and mercy. Apart from the heart of God, none of us would even know love.
I saw a bumper sticker once that read, "If you have it, then a truck brought it." The more I thought about it I was profoundly hit how true that is! Products are shipped all over the world but it is the trucks that bring EVERYTHING to the stores! The same goes for love, "If you have it, then God brought it to you." The book of John says, "In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. (The Word is Jesus). Through Him God made all things; not one thing in creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out." That scripture confirms that whatever love we have to give comes from God.
Can there be good friends who do not know God as their Savior? Of course people can love and serve with beautiful hearts while not knowing Christ as their Savior. They are gracious, generous, loving people that God uses in this world to serve others in need. The only difference between a secular servant and an anointed servant is that one has eternal salvation and the other hasn't recognized Christ as their life-flow and Savior. One knows where their source of love comes from and the other believes they are the source. One gives all the glory to God and the other coddles the recognition.
I know no other joy as over-whelming as someone who cares for and serves someone in need! Praise be to God for these precious souls that express tenderness and put their love into action. They share their time, resources, energy and talents in acts of sacrificial service. My old pastor used to call them "Jesus with skin on." What a beautiful thought! That we can surrender our selfish desires and let the God of all creation move us to love and serve as He did when He walked the earth!
I have had the extreme privilege to have become a part of a group of women recently that are the epitome of Christ's love in action! I am overwhelmed by their commitments to let God flow freely through them in all area's of their lives! I also have the honor of having a couple women in my life that are tremendous friends who love with an unwavering grace! Their unconditional love has touched me and I can't imagine life without them. Imagine a world with no love, no tenderness or kindness. Being loved is a gift that each of us should shout praise for daily!
Being moved to remembrance not only fills our spirit, soul, body and mind with reminders and memories of love that was shown to us. It gives us hope in lonely times, courage when we are unable and strength to go on. Recalling the kindnesses of servant-hearted people warms our hearts, comforts our minds, settles our souls and lifts our spirits! Knowing that God sent us such sweet souls to comfort and help us in our times of need reminds us that He will send them again. He knows when we need arms to hold us, eyes to understand and hands to serve and His grace will always provide!
I encourage you to remember a few times in your life when God's grace overwhelmed you because He sent His love to you through a friend. Then smile and give God thanks.
Luke 10:27, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."
Psalm 77:11, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago!
Proverbs 17:17, A friend loves at all times...
The theme that God has been revealing in my life lately is, remembrance. Laying upon my heart to recall His goodness, faithfulness, kindness... Along side this is also the thoughts of how blessed I've been with wonderful friends. From my husband to the stranger who prayed over me when I was sick to my long-time dear friends and including my new-found kindred spirits! What a blessing it is to be loved, thought-of and cared for!
Friendship is not an entity to itself, it's a reflection in every aspect. Without God's love which is ever-present there would be no fruits of love in any one's life. Many people who are unbelievers think that their goodness, thoughtfulness and love is enough. yet, they don't realize that any love or fruit of love they have is a gift from our Father in Heaven. It comes not from their hearts but flow from His. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in this world that blesses us with God's grace and mercy. Apart from the heart of God, none of us would even know love.
I saw a bumper sticker once that read, "If you have it, then a truck brought it." The more I thought about it I was profoundly hit how true that is! Products are shipped all over the world but it is the trucks that bring EVERYTHING to the stores! The same goes for love, "If you have it, then God brought it to you." The book of John says, "In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. (The Word is Jesus). Through Him God made all things; not one thing in creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out." That scripture confirms that whatever love we have to give comes from God.
Can there be good friends who do not know God as their Savior? Of course people can love and serve with beautiful hearts while not knowing Christ as their Savior. They are gracious, generous, loving people that God uses in this world to serve others in need. The only difference between a secular servant and an anointed servant is that one has eternal salvation and the other hasn't recognized Christ as their life-flow and Savior. One knows where their source of love comes from and the other believes they are the source. One gives all the glory to God and the other coddles the recognition.
I know no other joy as over-whelming as someone who cares for and serves someone in need! Praise be to God for these precious souls that express tenderness and put their love into action. They share their time, resources, energy and talents in acts of sacrificial service. My old pastor used to call them "Jesus with skin on." What a beautiful thought! That we can surrender our selfish desires and let the God of all creation move us to love and serve as He did when He walked the earth!
I have had the extreme privilege to have become a part of a group of women recently that are the epitome of Christ's love in action! I am overwhelmed by their commitments to let God flow freely through them in all area's of their lives! I also have the honor of having a couple women in my life that are tremendous friends who love with an unwavering grace! Their unconditional love has touched me and I can't imagine life without them. Imagine a world with no love, no tenderness or kindness. Being loved is a gift that each of us should shout praise for daily!
Being moved to remembrance not only fills our spirit, soul, body and mind with reminders and memories of love that was shown to us. It gives us hope in lonely times, courage when we are unable and strength to go on. Recalling the kindnesses of servant-hearted people warms our hearts, comforts our minds, settles our souls and lifts our spirits! Knowing that God sent us such sweet souls to comfort and help us in our times of need reminds us that He will send them again. He knows when we need arms to hold us, eyes to understand and hands to serve and His grace will always provide!
I encourage you to remember a few times in your life when God's grace overwhelmed you because He sent His love to you through a friend. Then smile and give God thanks.
Luke 10:27, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."
Psalm 77:11, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago!
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