She Loves Together

Dear Friends,

A new fall season has begun. The new theme for Women’s Ministries at Northview is she loves together.

We know that as men and women, the more we engage with each other around common interests and serving opportunities, the more God’s love is visible in us and through us to our world.

So why don’t we love our world more? I can name a few of my own reasons:

- I don’t want to risk my comfortable life to help someone’s messy life.
- I don’t think I have anything to offer them.
- They are someone else’ problem.
- I’m already too busy.
- I don’t have enough money.
- I wouldn’t know what to do.
- My heart might break beyond repair for the hurting of our world.
- I might do something wrong and be criticized for it.
- I might look foolish.

What is the most repeated word above? I No wonder my world is so small when it’s solely focused on ME. Didn’t Jesus come to save us from ourselves?

I’ve been memorizing the book of 1 John. Chapter 4 makes much about the truth that God’s love for us is the source of our love for others. A few of the verses have been playing over and over in my head.

Verse 10 - This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Verse 18 - Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

It seems, then, that the solution to overcoming a self-focused lifestyle is to experience more of God’s love. A few days ago I asked God to let me experience more of his love. I wanted to understand more fully what it means that Jesus died for me because of his love. I don’t really know what I’m asking for… but I know it’s something that will change my view of life and hopefully my behavior as a result.

If you have been receiving these devotionals since January you will remember that the word God gave me for the year was “perspective”. God seems to be teaching me that my perspective on life will change as I understand and receive God’s love more. I’m expecting this year to be filled with one surprise after another. And I’m also expecting to experience more than I ever thought possible. God is like that and because he loves us we have no need to fear. Praise the Lord.

Consider asking God to help you understand and receive more of his love. If you have never acknowledged that you are separated from God because of your sin, and that Jesus died to pay for your sin so you could be together with God, then now is your time. This could be the beginning in a long list of surprises God is waiting to give you. If you would like someone to talk to about getting to know God, just email me. I would count it an honor to spend time with you!!!   

Blessing from Pastor Bev