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Lay It Down

Today we commemorate the 75th anniversary and the sacrifice of the World War II service members who fought for freedom. As I think of the sacrifices made that day I’m reminded of the words of Jesus and I am reflecting on His words to the disciples and  for  believers today.

Jesus didn’t suggest that we love one another no friends He commanded us to love you another. Think of them in light of what our Lord tells us in this passage of scripture. Remember His words the next time you see one of these men out and about our community.

John 15.12-17

12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Vs 12 The 1commandment to love why, because we have been loved

1Entolē: of those things which God commanded to be done by Christ, John 15:10b

Vs 13 The greatest form of love - 2to lay down our lives for our friends

2Tithēmi: to lay down, give up, one's life

Vs 14 We are Jesus friends when we do what He commands

Vs 15 No longer a servant, but a friend

Vs 16 We have been 3chosen and appointed

3Eklegomai: one from among many (of Jesus choosing his disciples), John 6:70; John 13:18; John 15:16; Acts 1:2, and from a number of persons, Luke 6:13:, John 15:19

Vs 16 We should bear fruit that abides

Vs 16 Abiding in Christ is a guarantee to answered prayer

Vs 17 We aren’t given a suggestion to love we have been COMMANDED to love by our Lord

Below is the link to President Roosevelt’s speech given as the allied troops fought faithfully for freedom. May we never forget the greatest sacrifice ever made was by our Lord when He sent His Son to give us freedom. Amen 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt speech link

 http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/fdr-prayer.htm

Are You Thankful?

Luke 7.36-50  ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked [Him] to eat with him, and [He] went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that [He] was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind [Him] at [His] feet, weeping, she began to wet [His] feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed [His] feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited [Him] saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, [He] would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching [Him], for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And [He] said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman [He] said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And [He] said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And [He] said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Good morning today I'd like to share from this passage the relationship between our understanding on the forgiveness we have received and how we show our thankfulness.

In this passage of scripture we see Jesus enjoy a dinner with guest and what some would call an unwanted guest.

For ver. 37-39, Cf. Matt. 26:6-13 Jesus Anointed at Bethany at Simon the lepers home, Mark 14:3-9  Jesus Anointed at Bethany at Simon the lepers home, John 12:1-8 Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany in Lazarus home. 

What we see here is a woman grateful for the gift of grace. She went above and beyond to show her love for Jesus. I also think how odd for a Pharisee to not be sympathetic to the situation. Many times we find our selves in this situation; we may be the person in need of grace or we may even be the person unwilling to give the grace needed. 

We can see here how easy it would be quick to make decisions based on our emotions, which is never the God way of viewing people. I'd just like to share a few thoughts for you today:

• We cannot hide those ugly thoughts from Him, He knows our hearts, He made them.
• How about you are you thankful for the debt He has forgiven you?
• Can you think of the ways just this last week how you proved your love to Him? I’m not talking about works I’m talking about real ways we prove our love to Him day in and day out. 
• Easier said than done right, but maybe its because our focus isn’t right. If we are looking to Jesus then it all comes back into focus for us. 
• This woman not only received it from Him she walked in it and the result was He gave her peace. Brothers and sisters when we walk in faith to His promises and remain walking in His peace during the turbulent times of our lives His grace will becomes natural as breathing to us.
  

I pray we never forget the overwhelming grace of God in our lives.