Love As Jesus Loved #268

John 15:12-13

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. New Living Translation (NLT)

Who do you love? Who loves you? How much do you love them? Jesus is near the end of His life and He gathers the disciples together for the last discourse. He is giving to them the instructions for being a true disciple. The primary emphasis of Jesus is love. To this very day the emphasis of those who are true disciples of Jesus is to love not only one another, but to love your enemies as well.

The commandments of Jesus are not a burden to you. The commandments of Jesus can be summarized as loving one another and believing in Him. Jesus reminds the disciples of he kind of love He wants them to have. Jesus explains how His followers are to love; as I have loved you. No doubt after following Jesus all over Palestine they know that He loves them. This close relationship is seen throughout the Gospels. Jesus has placed the welfare of the disciples above His own. He has done that for you too.

Within hours of this time of teaching Jesus is arrested and later crucified. His reason was because of His love. John 3:16 tells us clearly, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and that whosoever would believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life.”

He then reminds the disciples using Himself as the example, “there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.”

How valuable are people to you? You would give your life without question for your family and your close friends. One of the ways you are like Jesus is your willingness to sacrifice whatever it takes to express your unconditional love. Why not tell someone today that you love them? Why not showing in your actions that you love someone. Do something for some friend that they don’t expect.  

Direct your love to someone and something specific. Remember as you do that Jesus did something very specific for you; He died for you on the cross. He died for you His friend.   

_______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Have you again come to the conclusion that God is Good. I couldn't help but be impressed with Rick and Kay Warren's testimony of faith on the Pierce Morgan program on CNN this week. Rick and Kay have recently lost their son to suicide. His mental illness finally drove him to that depth. 

The Warren's who were questioned by Pierce stood firm in their faith in the love, the grace and the mercy of God. One of their statements was especially impressive to me. They said in spite of all they still believed that, "GOD IS GOOD!" I whole heartedly agree. No matter what we face it does not change the goodness of God. 

They also said that God did not cause what happened to their son, but allowed it. Words that I am sure you have heard me state over and over. We all make bad choices in life. Don't blame God.

Sandy and I have enjoyed a week of grandsons. Several of you have commented on Johnny's sermon preparation skills. Some have noticed the calculator next to him and suggested maybe he was really working on our budget, or maybe discovered the balance in our checkbook. The calculator says 0. 

Bennett and Burke were busy with music presentations this week. Bennett also had a choir concert. They are both wonderful musicians. (see pic) I will be going on a field trip Tuesday with Collin. His band in playing in a district band contest. 

My schedule follows:  

September 22nd First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

September 29th-October 3 Second Baptist Church Lebanon, MO

October 13th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

October 20th Camping Grace Community Church at Roosevelt Lake, AZ

November 3rd First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

November 17th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

November 24th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 1st First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 15th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 22nd First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

December 29th First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

January 5th 2014 First Baptist Church Tempe: in the LOFT at 9:30AM

Sandy continues teaching The Book of Ruth on Tuesday mornings. The group is Young Moms. Right down Sandy's alley. She so enjoys them. They meet Tuesdays at 9:30AM at First Baptist Church of Tempe. 

I am very excited about getting to see my Dad in about a week or so. It will be a quick trip into Eldon while I am in Missouri. My brother has been in the hospital this past week. He is doing better and is home. 

I do pray you are trusting God for all you many needs. He loves you and cares for you. The scripture says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." NLT

Try it, you'll like it!! ~ DGW