If: Response

What IF we lived and loved like Jesus?

I attended the IF:Local simulcast this weekend.  Inspiring words, real life stories, worship. Encouragement, confession, exhortation. God’s Word spoken, hearts broken; all laid before the Father in anticipation of His grace and truth filling the empty places.

I am pondering all that I heard and experienced.

If I am to love as Jesus did, I may need to look at my life differently; and the lives of those around me.  Following Jesus may mean that I will be misunderstood, mistreated, and miss the old days of being comfortable in my beliefs, in service and ministry.

Jesus is everything that I need, and ultimately everything that I want.

When we sing “I surrender All” from the comfort and safety of our pews, do we really mean it? Do we surrender our right to hang onto old hurts, to  protect pride at all costs, and to live the life we always dreamed of?

New songs were sung. “Pry our fingers from the earthly, let us love your glory. Everything is ours in you.”

More pondering; what earthly things am I clinging to?

I love words; although I don’t always use them well. I say things at the wrong time or  with the wrong tone of voice. I say hurtful words that can’t be taken back. But, by God’s grace, I have the opportunity to speak words of life, words of peace, and words of hope.

“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts not only helps us with sin, (Psalm 119:11) but His Word in our hearts becomes “Christ in us, the hope of glory”. Colossians 1:27

After the simulcast I attended a  banquet at church with my valentine. A wonderful couple gave testimony of God’s healing power in their marriage. Musically gifted, they sang and spoke of the miracle God performed in their hearts. The MC for the evening thanked them for sharing their story, giving God the glory. And when he said that, the weekend came full circle.

IF:We share our story, God will get the glory. IF we love and live like Jesus more stories will abound, with more opportunity to give God glory.

More pondering. What stories might God want me to share? Where and how can I live and love like Jesus?

What story do you have to share? I’d love to hear how someone was Jesus to you or how you’ve been led to live and love like him. Share your story, give God glory.