How much of your love are you giving to Jesus?

It's so easy to fall in love with God’s creation, however, how much more should our love for the Creator be? 

In Mark Chapter 14 vs. 3-9 Mary shows her love for Jesus by anointing His head with costly oil. Though the disciples criticized her for wasting expensive oil that could have been sold and given to the poor, Mary was busy showing her devotion and adoration for her one true love, Jesus. 

My favorite part out of this passage is verse 8. 

“She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.”     

This was not a spur of the moment decision to anoint Jesus with oil. Mary had PLANNED this beautiful way to express her love to her precious Jesus.

This reminds me of some ways I choose to show my love to others. In middle school, I bought and decorated a notebook to have everyone write thoughtful words to my brother for his birthday. I planned out everything with an excited heart for weeks to make the perfect surprise to bless my brother. 

I have recently been wondering, How much more thoughtful things must I be doing to express love unto my Lord Jesus? How much more excited should I be to honor my King? 

I believe the way to show my love and heart for the Lord is by serving, worshipping, sharing Him with others, and spending quality time with Him. The Lord desires that deep, intimate, one on one relationship with each of us. His painful death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead is enough. Every breathing moment should be an act of praise unto my Savior because of my deep love for Him. 

My new prayer has been, Jesus, I’m serving in the preschool today because I love You. Jesus, I’m standing here in church with my hands lifted up because I adore You. Jesus, I’m on my knees before the throne of grace because I am hopelessly devoted to You. There is no other reason to live but to be deeply in love with You; You deserve all Glory and Praise.  

My dear brother Andy recently shared a message on Luke Ch. 14:26,  

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” 

Andy shared in his message that Jesus was not literally saying to hate our family and life, but was simply saying to love others less and love Jesus more. 

It’s easy to give our time and devotion to the ones we love, but how much more of your time are you giving to Jesus? How are you showing Him your love today? 

Brother from another mother

I've had a younger brother since I was 15 months old and a younger sister since I was seven. I've always been the older sister and never imagined what it was like to have an older sibling. 

Through this season of India, however, God has placed an older brother in my life to encourage and help me. 

My brother's name is Andrew, whom I like to call Andy. A couple months ago we were put in a group together to lead the performance team for India. From the moment we were partnered up, God revealed what UNITY really means. I got a clear understanding of 1 Peter 3:8. 

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” - 1 Peter 3:8  

Be of one mind. 

Andy and I make a good team not because of anything we do, but because Christ reigns in our hearts and has given us the spirit of Unity. l saw a clear picture of this when we were working on a project called "Unity for India." We came up with some team building activities for the team to grow closer. As we prepped so much with all the ideas, God changed up many of our plans. We both learned to be flexible. By the Holy Spirit, we worked in one accord and used the different gifts God has given us to put together those activities. It was such a fruitful experience. 

Have compassion for one another. 

The Lord has been working on me with this for a while now. Compassion is seriously something I lack for others. Andy always thinks of others before himself. He has such a huge heart for the lost and shares Jesus with such boldness. I think of Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Jesus was moved with compassion for those that were weary and scattered. Andy depicts this well because he is moved with compassion for those who are perishing and wants to love them into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I witness compassion every time I see this dude. It is a blessing. 

Love as brothers. 

God really had to put me in check on this one. I can sometimes be very rude to Andy. Through accountability, God revealed what LOVING your brother really means. I'm learning what it is to apply, "love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). God is love. Because Christ first loved me, I am to love others, even my brother Andy. 

Be tender hearted, be courteous. 

If you know Andy, he can be an uncontrollable jokester. At times, it's hard to "be tender hearted and courteous" when your brother cracks jokes every moment. God is faithful though, and we have found a BALANCE in being serious and funny. God has shown us both how to be careful with the words we use and to think of one another before ourselves. 

It's crazy to think that just over a year ago, this dude and I met at the Missions training camp. We were acquaintances; I saw him as another dude from church. I love how God is always at work. I love how He knows the friends we need. Now, I can't ever see Andy just being an acquaintance. 

I give all Glory, Honor and Praise to Jesus for His omniscient power. He ordained every part of this friendship. I am thankful for a brother whom God has placed in my life for not only this season of India, but eternity. I've gained a "friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). 

You the homie Andy. Keep running the race to the finish line. I'm running with you cheering you on!