Having

Love you all, praying for you.
 
I just love God’s Word.  It’s a different measuring stick.  It places value on things that we wouldn’t expect to be most valuable, and what we tend to value it exposes sometimes as worth little.  John 13:1 – It was just before the Passover feast.  Jesus knew the time had come for him to leave the world and go to the Father.  Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the extent of his love.  This is it, the end of the story, the final chapter is about to be bigger than anyone would have ever imagined.  And as the whole book of Jesus life on earth was ending – it indicated the value of his life, what He did that was most important.  Having preached to one hundred thousand people!  Having healed five hundred people!  Having conducted six hundred miracles, having raised three people from the dead!  Having preached in every synagogue in Galilee and Judea!  None of the above.  When it was time to go – what did it record that Jesus had done while He was on this earth?  Not having healed or preached, or donated, or built or established…  Having loved his own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of his love for them.  Jesus life was measured, not by numbers or accomplishments – but by love and obedience.  Of all the things you did!  Did you love them?  Starting with your wife or your husband, your children, your family, the family of God that you belong to, those who believe in Jesus’ Name.  Do you love them?  John 13:34 – A new command I give you.  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples.  If you love one another.  Judas had left to betray Jesus, and only eleven remained.  Jesus said, I’m only with you a little longer, and where I’m going you cannot come.  They had left their nets and their families to follow Him.  For the last three years, everywhere He went, they went with Him.  And now He says He’s leaving, and they can’t come?  So now He gives them a new command.  It’s Thursday at dinnertime and they have no idea that the garden of Gethsemene is just an hour away…  and life will change forever.  And He tells them a new command – a focus from now on.  When I’m gone… Love one another.  Love each other, just like I loved you.  That’s how people will know that you’re mine, that you follow me.  Yes, we are to love our neighbor, and love our enemies, but Jesus said we’d be known by our love for one another.  What does that look like?  And how are you doing?  If you love someone, you talk with them, regularly and intimately.  If you love someone you are there for them, in those important times in life – the highest highs and lowest lows of their life, you help them when they need it.  You show up on moving day, when everyone else is too busy.  If you love someone, you speak life and build them up, always encouraging them in humility and obedience, not apathy or self interest.  If you love someone you spend time with them, you give to them if they need, you pray for those you love, you put their needs above your own.  Have you ever wondered,  Who does God have on His heart for you to love today?  If you ask Him, He'll tell you.  Praying you will remember that God’s measuring stick is different.  And that today you would love God, love your spouse, love your children, and love one another.  That His new command becomes how you live your life.    
 
Love you all,
dad