“This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.
John 15:12-16 (CSB)
“I love comfortable, but if your goal is to avoid pain and stay comfortable, you’ll miss the best things in life. The truth is: the only way to save your life is to lose it. If your goal is to avoid pain, you’ll never know the greatest love. Because the greatest love means laying down your life for another.”
These words from Elise Hurd are featured in her devotion from the (in)courage Devotional Bible.
Each Sunday leading to Christmas Day, we will be reading a special set of Scriptures together right here on the blog. Leave your reflection in the comments, and reply to others. Let’s learn from one another!
Also, each evening during December, on Instagram and Facebook, we’ll share a beautiful image that features a verse and a promise from God. We hope you’ll add your voice to that chorus by sharing your own posts and the hashtag #incourageChristmas.
Make the season bright by reflecting on these promises from God. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, make time to quiet your heart and hear from His.
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I can testify that it is in the trenches of pain and suffering that I’ve felt, known, experienced the depths of God’s unfathomable love. Trials either send us running away from God or they send us running into His arms of love. I chose the latter. No, it wasn’t easy and God’s love didn’t erase the pain, but it put a healing balm of love over it. Much of our earthly pain is from unmet expectations from others. God not only meets our expectations but surpasses them in a way that can only be called miraculous. Inviting you in to the mystery and miracle of His love made flesh this Christmas. He will not disappoint….He is our faithful friend.
Christmas blessings friends,
Bev xx
In Courage,
Some TV preachers only talk about “the easy life”. Do this don’t do that & God will bless you. I have found that in the comfort zone of my life I easily forget God. Who needs Him I got this handled. Oh I may pray some & will continue to go to church. But authentic worship & praise isn’t there. When trials come & they will that is when you run straight toward Him. For me trials have grown & stretched my faith. Since dealing with geriatric psych, other dementia related illnesses & aging parents in general I have grown in my faith. I can see God for who He really is. The wonderful savior who left the splendor of Heaven for me! I pray harder & more fervently for others & my worship is authentic. Each week we have a communion meditation & communion at church & it brings me to tears just thinking about the suffering He endured for me. Bring on the trials & pain if it makes me appreciate & love my savior more!
Blessings 🙂