Word of Love Tank

I wasn't overly inspired by any of my readings today. But it does turn out that two of them wanted to point out that I was greatly loved. So I'll take that as a message I needed to hear.

The strange thing to me is that I'm not overly excited about this news. I wonder how big or small my words of affirmation tank really is that being told I'm loved is not that important. Perhaps it is that I know I am loved, so being told is not a revelation.

Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:3–5)

It is also not a revelation to me that not everyone feels this way. Many feel they have to prove something or demonstrate their beauty or skills in order to be worthy of love. That just isn't true. It may make you feel better to feel worthy. But the love of God is simply unconditional. That's it. Know that you are loved just the way you are.

And if you know you are loved, then practice loving others just the way they are. The more you practice love, the more love you will feel.

We Pray for Comfort

Seven days ago there were more senseless killings. This time it was Christians in Libya. Our Church happened to be talking about the greatest Movement ever to hit the world, the Christian movement. And the topic was also the lovely promise in 2 Timothy 3:12 where it says "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

I don't want to jump on the bandwagon and say that these men were killed for their faith - but they were. What is odd is this killing is against what Islam teaches. Their teaching is to allow both Jews and Christians to live - it is only the ones that do not believe in the One God of Abraham that were to be put to the sword.

I don't know what your response is. John Piper says Anger might be a response.

Many Christians in the world today do not know the life-threatening danger that comes with believing in Christ. We have gotten used to being free from such persecution.
Our first reaction to the threat that things might be otherwise is often anger. But that anger may be a sign that we have lost our sense of being aliens and exiles (“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles . . .” 1 Peter 2:11). 

Perhaps we have settled in too much to this world. We don’t feel as homesick for Christ as Paul did: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). 

Many of us need the reminder, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

I have to admit, part of me is there. And part of me is thinking that if it were not for the way news traveled, I wouldn't care in the least. I'm so far removed from this situation that today will look much like yesterday and tomorrow.

Laura Story sings a song called "Blessings"

When friends betray us - When darkness seems to win, we know - That pain reminds this heart, - That this is not, this is not our home..... It's not our home

What if my greatest disappointments, - Or the aching of this life, - Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy. 

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops - What if Your healing comes through tears - What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near - What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

And here is where I need to be bold enough to pray for more disruption in my life.