Still feeling challenged and rocked from the Leadership Conference at NewSpring on Thursday…
We arrived early on Wednesday and were able to observe their Jr. High youth service. It was geared for those kids, but truth is truth and even though this was mentioned in passing- this was my main takaway from that session:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
New International Version (NIV)
4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Great scripture that, no doubt, you are familiar with already. Here is another to ponder with the above:
John 13:35
New International Version (NIV)
35) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Think about that one for a minute: IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!
Now here’s the conviction (or at least this was for me): Replace the reference for ‘Love’ in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 with YOUR OWN NAME and see if it rings true.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
New International Version (NIV)
4)Love{Your Name Here } is patient,Love{Your Name Here } is kind.Love{Your Name Here } does not envy,Love{Your Name Here } does not boast,Love{Your Name Here } is not proud. 5)Love{Your Name Here } does not dishonor others,Love{Your Name Here } is not self-seeking,Love{Your Name Here } is not easily angered,Love{Your Name Here } keeps no record of wrongs. 6)Love{Your Name Here } does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7)Love{Your Name Here } always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Hopefully you get the full weight of this. I know I fall short…really short to tell the full truth. However, I’m convinced that by the Grace of God, I can become a more loving person to allow Jesus to increase so Jamie Rowe decreases.
2:00 AM..and I’m tired. But I needed to share! Something else to ask- I’d like this message to get out beyond my normal blog readers. If you would, Please use one of the share buttons and spread this link to your social nets. I have no agenda other than I think this needs to be heard. If you want to just copy and paste the message in your own blog or note, do that too. I don’t even need credit.
I’m grateful to have a loving heavenly Father.
jamie
PS: The title of this blog was indeed a musical reference from John Mark McMillan. I currently have the pleasure of working on some of his social media and Internet needs. I consider it an honor. If you are not familiar with his song How He Loves, check it out here.