House of Love... The X Factor Devotional - Day Twenty Nine - February 18, 2010

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

George Matheson was a bright, promising young musician when he received the most devastating news of his life.  He was going blind.

For several months, as his vision worsened, he had suspected the worst.  But more painful than the crushing reality of his impending blindness was the reaction of his fiancée.  When he told her of his condition, she tearfully returned the engagement ring.  She said she could not live the rest of her life with a blind man.

Stunned by her reaction and overwhelmed with self-pity, Matheson was reeling like a boxer falling to the mat.  Then, it was as if he were literally swept into God’s arms, encouraged and uplifted.  Still disappointed, yet buoyed in spirit, Matheson sat down and composed a song.

In one poignant moment, George Matheson knew more deeply than ever what is the true mark of the Christian — the unmistakable mark of love.

That’s what his song was all about.  It’s a song sung by believers all over the world, even to this day — the great hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go!”  Through a hurtful trial, he was reminded of the love that would remain forever unaffected.  In so doing, he was even able to love the one who had rejected him, as his Lord had loved those who took His very life.

There are so many reasons for us to express our commitment as members of this church body.  We have been forgiven, blessed, protected, encouraged.  But most of all, we’ve been loved.  Our heavenly Father has demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, His own Son died for us!  The commitments we make, the monies we give, the energies we devote, are simply expressions of our thanksgiving for all He has done.

Prayer Focus:  In these crucial days, let’s look with gratitude to the past, let’s exercise faith in the present, let’s have true vision for the future; but, above all, let’s show a commitment to the challenge before us because of the love He’s shown for us.  He has used this church and it’s people in so many incredible ways.  Our response is tangible gratitude!  What does that look like?

Creative Brakelight

I was driving to work this past week and saw this PT Cruiser directly in front of me. I couldn't help but think, that is AWESOME!

I wish i could have pulled them over to see how it was done. Did they buy it that way? Did they put black tape on there to form the word "Cruizin?"

I guess it doesn't matter HOW they did it... it's that they did it and it made me smile.

Here's the thing... I bet they had NO IDEA that it made me smile. They have probably had that 'cruizin' brake-light for as long as they've had the car. And at this point, they're probably oblivious. And yet, the blessing of a smile just keeps being given.

I think Impact Community Church is a lot like that. We have an awesome staff, great facility, wonderful people who consistently, serve, greet, teach, encourage and generally bless most every person who comes through the doors of the church.

And my guess - most of the people of our church are just oblivious to the great things that are continuing to go on each and every week (day) within our body. Just remember, when we continue to walk in Christ - the people we come in contact with (behind us) are repeatedly receiving smiles because of our lives and ministry - over and over again!