I had the privledge tonight of participating in an event hosted by Hope Plant, Salvation Army church. Our Senior band was asked to play at the event as Hope is Scarboroughs church plant.
This event was based around the special guest, Brian Clark, who is one of four who survived 9/11 from the floors above where the plane hit in the second tower.
I wasn't really sure what to expect, as all I knew was that we were playing for a 20 minute segment, and that the special guest was speaking. But by the end of the night I was really thankful to have had the opportunity to attend.
Brian Clark completely blew my mind. This man stated very plainly that he is not haunted by what happend, he can talk about it without getting upset, he falls asleep at night with no nightmares, and he feels no guilt that he was chosen to live, when so many lives were ended on that day. And then he said...that all of this is a miracle. That by God's grace he can live his life the way he is now, and that being able to continue on is a gift.
Brian told his story of what happend to him on 9/11. Its a long story, but an absolutly incredible one just bursting of God's miracles throughout it. I'm not going to type it all out here, but if anyones interested in hearing it all, just let me know and I'll tell it to you!
Anyways, through Brians story of how his life was spared, and how he saved the life of another...and how God gave them both the miracle of getting out of their building alive...I was so moved. Brians faith in God is absolutly astounding!! He said that if he had doubts about his faith before that day, they no longer exist. He has no doubts in his mind that God is creating miracles for him and taking care of his future.
Brian talked about how much he appreciates life now, and that he takes the time to cherish each and every single moment that passes by. And he no longer worries about the future, or tries to control or plan everything, because 9/11 showed him that some things are beyond any amount of planning that we can do. And something that he said that I really liked was:
"Everyday is a great day. Some are just better then others."
You might not like that as much as I do, but it really hit me. What optimisim! Some may think that anyone in Brians shoes who gets a second chance at life would have that outlook. But what strength and trust in God it would take just to be able to continue to live worshiping and praising your Father in heaven and having such incredible optimism at life!! He isn't worried about what pitfalls might be down the road, or what hardships will come his way...because everyday is a great day. Why? Because he has a relationship with God and he KNOWS he's taken care of.
Brian stated that he knows that 9/11 happend for a reason, and that through that God was working miracles, and continues to do so. It took this huge tramatic event for Brian to come to that realization. He needed a wake up call, and boy did God give him one!
What are you waiting for before you finally give everything to God? All your worries, all your fears...your future?? How big of a wake up call do you need before you finally start confessing that He is your Lord and Saviour?
I know that my heart has been challenged tonight by hearing this one man speak about the mysterious and incredible works of God in his life. I think that everyone else who heard him speak were equally as challenged, in one way or another.
I pray that you will be challenged and start living with the optimism that only one who has given their cares to the Lord can feel.
God Bless!
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
I attend a "Twenty Something" Bible study at my corps that just started up about a month ago. And last night something interesting struck me that I hadn't put together before. This may be old news to some people, but it was new to me...so I'm going to share it!
We looked at Luke 22:54-62, which tells about Peter denying Jesus three times, just like He had predicted.
"Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly."
Most of us I'm sure are familiar with this passage because its a part of the whole cruxifiction story.
Then we took a look at Acts 2:14-24. This took place just after the Holy Spirit had come and the apostles were all speaking in different tounges. Some people who heard them thought that they had been drinking. In this passage Peter is talking to the crowds who were wondering what was going on...
Peter Addresses the Crowd
"Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
" 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. "
I knew about both of these passages of scripture before, but never had I put it into perspective. The same Peter who publicly denied Jesus three times is now bodly telling others about the Saviour. It had been mere days, maybe a week or two, since Peter had stated that he did not know Jesus. And now here he is, before a crowd of people, preaching about the risen Lord!! Just think about that! There wasn't months or years between the two events. But within a very small amount of time Peter became convicted to speak about Jesus. He became able to talk freely about his Lord without fear or doubt in mind. Now think about that in our lives. Can you think about a time when you were scared to stand up for what you believed in? Can you imagine then having enough courage just a couple days later to go back and publicly announce your faith and what you believe in without a single though of fear or doubt?
Want to know the secret? Want to know where Peter found his strength and motivation?
Three words.
The Holy Spirit.
Peter was now absolutly filled with the Holy Spirit. Just overflowing with it.
Ever wondered what it looks like when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit? Look at Peter.
Jesus knew Peter was weak. He knew that Peter would deny him three times. And through those events I believe that Peter became broken. Jesus broke him, and then rebuilt him again with the Holy Spirit. He became a man of God, strong and convicted to do the ministry of his Lord.
It just absolutly boggles my mind just to think of the change that took place in the life of Peter. And its so exciting to see what the power of God can do in a life that is willing to be filled with Him!
So yes...those are just my thoughts on that subject anyways..and I'd thought I'd share....
God Bless!
We looked at Luke 22:54-62, which tells about Peter denying Jesus three times, just like He had predicted.
"Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly."
Most of us I'm sure are familiar with this passage because its a part of the whole cruxifiction story.
Then we took a look at Acts 2:14-24. This took place just after the Holy Spirit had come and the apostles were all speaking in different tounges. Some people who heard them thought that they had been drinking. In this passage Peter is talking to the crowds who were wondering what was going on...
Peter Addresses the Crowd
"Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
" 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. "
I knew about both of these passages of scripture before, but never had I put it into perspective. The same Peter who publicly denied Jesus three times is now bodly telling others about the Saviour. It had been mere days, maybe a week or two, since Peter had stated that he did not know Jesus. And now here he is, before a crowd of people, preaching about the risen Lord!! Just think about that! There wasn't months or years between the two events. But within a very small amount of time Peter became convicted to speak about Jesus. He became able to talk freely about his Lord without fear or doubt in mind. Now think about that in our lives. Can you think about a time when you were scared to stand up for what you believed in? Can you imagine then having enough courage just a couple days later to go back and publicly announce your faith and what you believe in without a single though of fear or doubt?
Want to know the secret? Want to know where Peter found his strength and motivation?
Three words.
The Holy Spirit.
Peter was now absolutly filled with the Holy Spirit. Just overflowing with it.
Ever wondered what it looks like when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit? Look at Peter.
Jesus knew Peter was weak. He knew that Peter would deny him three times. And through those events I believe that Peter became broken. Jesus broke him, and then rebuilt him again with the Holy Spirit. He became a man of God, strong and convicted to do the ministry of his Lord.
It just absolutly boggles my mind just to think of the change that took place in the life of Peter. And its so exciting to see what the power of God can do in a life that is willing to be filled with Him!
So yes...those are just my thoughts on that subject anyways..and I'd thought I'd share....
God Bless!
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Shine
Here is a song that I absolutly love. Its got funny lyrics, and a catchy tune..but such a good point to it. Shine...make them wonder what you've got.
How often are you making people wonder?
Shine - Newsboys
dull as dirt
you can´t assert the kind of light
that might persuade a strict dictator to retire
fire the army
teach the poor origami
the truth is in
the proof is when
you hear your heart start asking,
"What´s my motivation?"
and try as you may,
there isn´t a way
to explain the kind of change
that would make an Eskimo renounce fur
that would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
unless you can trace this about-face
to a certain sign...
shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord
out of the shaker
and onto the plate
it isn´t Karma
it sure ain´t fate
that would make a Deadhead sell his van
that would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
and science seeks a rationale
that shall excuse this strange behavior
when you let it shine
you will inspire the kind of entire turnaround
that would make a bouncer take ballet
even bouncers who aren´t happy
but out of the glare
with nowhere to turn
you ain´t gonna learn it on "What´s My Line?"
shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord
Philippians 2:14
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..."
How often are you making people wonder?
Shine - Newsboys
dull as dirt
you can´t assert the kind of light
that might persuade a strict dictator to retire
fire the army
teach the poor origami
the truth is in
the proof is when
you hear your heart start asking,
"What´s my motivation?"
and try as you may,
there isn´t a way
to explain the kind of change
that would make an Eskimo renounce fur
that would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
unless you can trace this about-face
to a certain sign...
shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord
out of the shaker
and onto the plate
it isn´t Karma
it sure ain´t fate
that would make a Deadhead sell his van
that would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
and science seeks a rationale
that shall excuse this strange behavior
when you let it shine
you will inspire the kind of entire turnaround
that would make a bouncer take ballet
even bouncers who aren´t happy
but out of the glare
with nowhere to turn
you ain´t gonna learn it on "What´s My Line?"
shine
make ´em wonder what you´ve got
make ´em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let´em see good works, and then
let ´em glorify the Lord
Philippians 2:14
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..."
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Job
Well, I'm at work right now just killing the last half hour before my shift is done. I haven't had a day shift at my work for so long, I forgot how much I liked it. It's pretty great getting paid to hang out with kids...yay for getting money for doing something you love!
I read an interesting devotional written by David Crowder today. He was looking at the life of Job. He was saying how sometimes we just have "one of those days" or even years it feels like..where nothing goes right, but seems to go right for everyone else. And how then we can look at Job and say...yes I know what suffering you're going through, nothing goes right for me either...and then in turn just throw ourselves a huge pity party.
But then David Crowder said, that that isn't at all what we should get from the story of Job. Yes he suffered, and nothing went right, but it definilty doesn't end there. Did he throw in the towel and give up? Did he waste his life feeling sorry for himself? Definilty not!! Sure he sometimes stubbled and questioned why it was all happening to him...but he then immediatly looked back to God and just clung to Him with every ounce of his being. Who else can make that claim?
I'll be honest...on some very emotionally trying days, all it takes is someone to make a smart remark to me and I decide that the world hates me and no one would notice if I crawled under a rock and disappeard. Now, thats not every day, or that often (thank goodness haha) but...in those moments where I feel the most discouraged, or alone, or let down...what do I turn to? My own pitiful feelings of defeat and shame? or to my Father in heaven? and praise Him even though I feel that life has given up on me?
I definilty need to learn, that even over something as foolish as getting toothpaste on my clean shirt (which happens far to often..this morning being an example..) that if it gets me upset, I need to immediatly turn my thoughts to God, and to praise Him for my life, my next breath..and the countless blessings after that that He has given to me, and will continue to give to me until the day that I die....
so my question to you...are you a Job?
I read an interesting devotional written by David Crowder today. He was looking at the life of Job. He was saying how sometimes we just have "one of those days" or even years it feels like..where nothing goes right, but seems to go right for everyone else. And how then we can look at Job and say...yes I know what suffering you're going through, nothing goes right for me either...and then in turn just throw ourselves a huge pity party.
But then David Crowder said, that that isn't at all what we should get from the story of Job. Yes he suffered, and nothing went right, but it definilty doesn't end there. Did he throw in the towel and give up? Did he waste his life feeling sorry for himself? Definilty not!! Sure he sometimes stubbled and questioned why it was all happening to him...but he then immediatly looked back to God and just clung to Him with every ounce of his being. Who else can make that claim?
I'll be honest...on some very emotionally trying days, all it takes is someone to make a smart remark to me and I decide that the world hates me and no one would notice if I crawled under a rock and disappeard. Now, thats not every day, or that often (thank goodness haha) but...in those moments where I feel the most discouraged, or alone, or let down...what do I turn to? My own pitiful feelings of defeat and shame? or to my Father in heaven? and praise Him even though I feel that life has given up on me?
I definilty need to learn, that even over something as foolish as getting toothpaste on my clean shirt (which happens far to often..this morning being an example..) that if it gets me upset, I need to immediatly turn my thoughts to God, and to praise Him for my life, my next breath..and the countless blessings after that that He has given to me, and will continue to give to me until the day that I die....
so my question to you...are you a Job?
Monday, October 25, 2004
Boys....
Sometimes I find myself getting frustated with males...
And it's usually after spending time hanging out with some of the guys from my church youth group, who are in the same age group as me...but act as if they're still 13 year olds, just hitting puberty.
And as I listen to their jokes, that only they (and 13 year old boys) would find funny, and watch them check out the young teen girls in our youth group...it usually makes me glad that I'm spending time in a relationship with God right now, and not someone from their spieces...
And then God gives me an opportunity to get rid of my frustrations and bitterness, and trust again to Him that there is hope for the male gender...
After a discouraging time with some guys in my youth group today, I had negative feelings at the back of my head as I was sitting up on the platform in the band during the church service.
And then as the ushers were asked to come forward for tithes and offerings, I watched as an elderly couple of our corps walked to the front, casually holding hands. It was such a simple thing, and probably didn't seem out of the ordinary to them...but it was such a beautiful representation of love to me, and what God can do in a realationship when its trusted to Him.
And then a few minutes later I looked at one of the front rows of pews in the congregation. My cousin/best friend was sitting with her boyfriend, and he had his arm around her as they were listening to the service. Once again, such a casual show of affection, but for me it was so incredible to see, because I know what horrible relationships my cousin has gone through, and the heart aches that she's had to suffer through...but I also know what a God-given relationship she is in now, and how important her boyfriend is to her. And seeing them there sitting together just hit me as another reminder that God brings people together to find love and incredible relationships, when it is trusted to Him.
I've gotton better at it, but I need to continue to work on not getting bitter with guys. If I get frustrated I need to focus myself back on God, and encourage my brothers in Christ, instead of being negative and taking it out on them when they might be at a different place in their walk then me.
And my knight in shining armour will come one day...in God's time. I'm not ready for him yet, and he isn't ready for me. But one day....
And it's usually after spending time hanging out with some of the guys from my church youth group, who are in the same age group as me...but act as if they're still 13 year olds, just hitting puberty.
And as I listen to their jokes, that only they (and 13 year old boys) would find funny, and watch them check out the young teen girls in our youth group...it usually makes me glad that I'm spending time in a relationship with God right now, and not someone from their spieces...
And then God gives me an opportunity to get rid of my frustrations and bitterness, and trust again to Him that there is hope for the male gender...
After a discouraging time with some guys in my youth group today, I had negative feelings at the back of my head as I was sitting up on the platform in the band during the church service.
And then as the ushers were asked to come forward for tithes and offerings, I watched as an elderly couple of our corps walked to the front, casually holding hands. It was such a simple thing, and probably didn't seem out of the ordinary to them...but it was such a beautiful representation of love to me, and what God can do in a realationship when its trusted to Him.
And then a few minutes later I looked at one of the front rows of pews in the congregation. My cousin/best friend was sitting with her boyfriend, and he had his arm around her as they were listening to the service. Once again, such a casual show of affection, but for me it was so incredible to see, because I know what horrible relationships my cousin has gone through, and the heart aches that she's had to suffer through...but I also know what a God-given relationship she is in now, and how important her boyfriend is to her. And seeing them there sitting together just hit me as another reminder that God brings people together to find love and incredible relationships, when it is trusted to Him.
I've gotton better at it, but I need to continue to work on not getting bitter with guys. If I get frustrated I need to focus myself back on God, and encourage my brothers in Christ, instead of being negative and taking it out on them when they might be at a different place in their walk then me.
And my knight in shining armour will come one day...in God's time. I'm not ready for him yet, and he isn't ready for me. But one day....
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Dancing Generation
Your mercy taught us how to dance
To celebrate with all we have
And we'll dance to thank You for mercy
Your glory taught us how to shout
To lift Your name in all the earth
And we'll shout to the praise of Your glory
It's the overflow
Of a forgiven soul
And now we've seen You, God
Our hearts cannot stay silent!
And we'll be a dancing generation
Dancing because of Your great mercy, Lord
Your great mercy, Lord
And we'll be a shouting generation
Shouting because of your great glory, Lord
Your great glory, Lord
-Matt Redman
To celebrate with all we have
And we'll dance to thank You for mercy
Your glory taught us how to shout
To lift Your name in all the earth
And we'll shout to the praise of Your glory
It's the overflow
Of a forgiven soul
And now we've seen You, God
Our hearts cannot stay silent!
And we'll be a dancing generation
Dancing because of Your great mercy, Lord
Your great mercy, Lord
And we'll be a shouting generation
Shouting because of your great glory, Lord
Your great glory, Lord
-Matt Redman
Friday, October 22, 2004
Salvation is here...
Have you heard the song "Dare you to move" by Switchfoot? Probably.
This past summer a line in that song really hit me...
"Where can you run to escape from yourself? Where you gonna go? Salvation is here.."
Over the past few months I got thinking of all the amazing opportunities that are out there to learn, and grow and do God's ministry...and then combined with the dislike I've had for living in a huge city my whole life...I just long to get away from Toronto, and to be able to say I'm off somewhere doing something incredible for God. But then I find myself in the circumstances that I'm in..that I'm not called right now to pick up and go somewhere far away...instead...just to stay right where I am...
And finding myself in this situation, I began to get really frustrated, and just find myself wanting to just run away...do something new and incredible. Then God started to speak to me. And I think thats why that line from Switchfoot stuck out to me...Salvation is here. I need to learn to be content with where I'm living, and to find God is the circumstances I'm already in before I go off trying to find it somewhere else. If I can't find who I am in my relationship with God right where I am right now...I never will.
I think my biggest struggle has been learning to get unattached to the relationships with people that I became so close to over the past 8 months or so, and learn to rely, instead, completely on God. And I was kindof thrown into the situation of needing to depend on God alone as a lot of people who I've become so dependent on this year are now really far away, working on their own ministries and going in the directions that God is calling them.
So I know what I have to do.
In writing, it looks so simple.
Find Salvation right where I am...and depend on God alone.
Nothing has been harder for me these past two months.
I've been so bitter...at the people who are still here, at the limited view I have on my future and God's plans for my life...and even just at Toronto itself, and for having to stay here another year.
But thats slowly starting to fade.
I'm slowly but surely getting back on track.
Today I found myself, travelling on the TTC, just trying to appreciate the city itself that I'm living in...and the many opportunities I have right here to allow my relationship with God to grow, and to do His work.
I have to get back to appreciating the simple things...the important things...and to trusting God with absolutly everything. I can't be a luke warm Christian, or one that doubts at the first sign of difficulty if I ever want to be completely surrendered to God.
God has me where I am for a reason. He has a plan for this year. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I guess thats all I need to know right now....
This past summer a line in that song really hit me...
"Where can you run to escape from yourself? Where you gonna go? Salvation is here.."
Over the past few months I got thinking of all the amazing opportunities that are out there to learn, and grow and do God's ministry...and then combined with the dislike I've had for living in a huge city my whole life...I just long to get away from Toronto, and to be able to say I'm off somewhere doing something incredible for God. But then I find myself in the circumstances that I'm in..that I'm not called right now to pick up and go somewhere far away...instead...just to stay right where I am...
And finding myself in this situation, I began to get really frustrated, and just find myself wanting to just run away...do something new and incredible. Then God started to speak to me. And I think thats why that line from Switchfoot stuck out to me...Salvation is here. I need to learn to be content with where I'm living, and to find God is the circumstances I'm already in before I go off trying to find it somewhere else. If I can't find who I am in my relationship with God right where I am right now...I never will.
I think my biggest struggle has been learning to get unattached to the relationships with people that I became so close to over the past 8 months or so, and learn to rely, instead, completely on God. And I was kindof thrown into the situation of needing to depend on God alone as a lot of people who I've become so dependent on this year are now really far away, working on their own ministries and going in the directions that God is calling them.
So I know what I have to do.
In writing, it looks so simple.
Find Salvation right where I am...and depend on God alone.
Nothing has been harder for me these past two months.
I've been so bitter...at the people who are still here, at the limited view I have on my future and God's plans for my life...and even just at Toronto itself, and for having to stay here another year.
But thats slowly starting to fade.
I'm slowly but surely getting back on track.
Today I found myself, travelling on the TTC, just trying to appreciate the city itself that I'm living in...and the many opportunities I have right here to allow my relationship with God to grow, and to do His work.
I have to get back to appreciating the simple things...the important things...and to trusting God with absolutly everything. I can't be a luke warm Christian, or one that doubts at the first sign of difficulty if I ever want to be completely surrendered to God.
God has me where I am for a reason. He has a plan for this year. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I guess thats all I need to know right now....
Fearless Love
I've never posted on my own site before...so bare with me as this is new...
I came apon a verse last month that has really stuck with me.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18
No fear in love.
The "love" chapter in 1 Corinthians 13 had always been a favourite of mine. Such a beautiful description of what real love is, and not this trashy wordly view of it.
But then I came across 1 John 4:18...no fear in love.
What does it mean to have a love so perfect, that you have no fear?
I imagine thats the kind of love that allowed Jesus to keep himself up on the cross. A love so strong and perfect for his Father, and for all of us, that all fear was driven from his mind and soul.
Fearless love...what I can only hope to strive for...
I came apon a verse last month that has really stuck with me.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18
No fear in love.
The "love" chapter in 1 Corinthians 13 had always been a favourite of mine. Such a beautiful description of what real love is, and not this trashy wordly view of it.
But then I came across 1 John 4:18...no fear in love.
What does it mean to have a love so perfect, that you have no fear?
I imagine thats the kind of love that allowed Jesus to keep himself up on the cross. A love so strong and perfect for his Father, and for all of us, that all fear was driven from his mind and soul.
Fearless love...what I can only hope to strive for...
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