“Abide in Christ”

Extending love is something that is expected and mandated by God. Being loved and appreciated is one of life’s greatest gifts.  It is true that people’s behavior is a freedom of choice, yet the greatest spiritual truth that we can share is LOVE. Having the opportunity to share that love is also one of life’s greatest treasurers. Many love as they have been loved and vice versa, yet the words we will examine Sunday morning teach us valuable lessons and great insight into the scheme and plan of life.

Prior to our services this Sunday at Daniels Chapel Church, please take time to read John 15: 1-17. Jesus said in (John 15: 17), “These things I command you, that you love one another.” Yet, how many people fail to deliver on this expectation? How many deliberately ignore what Jesus says? It is evident that many individuals live with a sour heart and so many forsake this blessing.

We live in a day and time that many hold grudges and seem to forget that people have feelings and when words and ungodly actions come our way that it hurts. Yet, I am also mindful that some people do not care how far they have to go with their issues to cut people down to the core and inflict harm and damage that takes years to psychologically, mentally and emotionally to repair. How many go through life self-centered and due to their misbehavior regret in the long run how they have lived their life and treated other people? How many fail to “Abide in Christ?” How many fail to “love as Jesus loves?”

When we “Abide in Jesus” our actions and attitudes reflect as such. He is the vine and we are the branch and we must always be united and connected to Him. In a day and time when people are guilty of labeling others and over-generalizing and discounting positives, may it be our desire to see the GOOD in all people and look at the heart. Jesus commands us to “Abide in Him.” People who do that exemplify love at all times, in all circumstances and in any and all occasions. Trees are known by the fruit they bear. Actions speak louder than words. Let us “love one another” as Christ has first loved us. May it be our desire to bear “Jesus Fruit!!”

Sunday evening I will be speaking on the subject of “Betrayal.” Once again, that is a place each of us has been in life for being “betrayed” is one of the worse things that can happen to a person. Be sure to mediate on Matthew 15: 10-20 and John 13: 21-30 over the weekend.

Blessings and love to all. Always know that our staff and our families love and appreciate you. In the end it is important that we love Jesus, love all people, love one another and love His Church. Be forgiving and forgetful. 

In His Service and Love,

Johnny

Pastor Johnny Sullivan

Friday, February 22, 2013