Life is Good

On Sunday morning, there was a "challenge" that went out to the congregation. I put challenge in quotation marks because this wasn't a guilt tripping session that so often characterizes church services but rather the talk was part of the series of Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Pastor Doug mentioned he had asked his friends how we can tell if we/others love God, because the verse has a disclaimer, that God works for the good OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. He mentioned some of the responses- if we love others, if we help the poor, if we serve, etc. But Pastor Doug stated that it is entirely possible to love others without loving God, or serving others without loving God, etc, but if we Love God, we can't help but love others, serve others, help the poor, etc. So again, how to we know if we/others love God?

We lifted from Romans 8 and jumped to 1 John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." Now, I am not going to lie, but at this point, this seemed like a very elementary sermon. I know God loves us, and isn't that all warm and fuzzy. But what Doug began to say started to transform my cynical attitude. When we begin to love God, it is only after we have recognized His love for us. We haven't even gotten to the stage of loving others, but merely recognizing that He loves us. Pastor Doug says we often miss the little love notes God places in our life to remind us of His ridiculous, copious amount of affection he has for us. - A day seemed worthless, but he placed the most beautiful sunset in our path on the way home. Did we notice? The bills are paid, and we have some money left over for a date with our wives - did we notice or take it for granted. The "challenge" was to start taking note of where God has placed a love letter, a little reminder in our day, to refresh our memory of his passion.

So, here are somethings I am thankful for: I love my wife, and she loves me. We are expecting our first child, and while I am scared to death, I am truly excited. God has blessed me with a job I love. I just got a phone call from a friend who was overseas fighting in the war, and he is back home safe. I noticed I am getting stronger in my workouts (petty but reassuring).

There are more, but this simple exercise helped me refocus life. God does passionately love me. I don't know why, but I am sure not going to turn away from His love.