LOVE WATCHING YOU LOVE

:

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I know you have all heard it before, but it does bear repeating this morning. I am a blessed person! GOD has truly delivered real and lasting blessing into my life; taking what I thought were nothing more than distant memories and resurrecting them into beautiful, vibrant and living experiences!

Isaiah 61:3

…He will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness.

Last night brought to an emotional close the chapter on 10 young ladies high school soccer careers. Now before you go and move on to the next thing or roll your eyes because you have heard this before, just hang with me. Today’s DISPATCH is less about soccer and more about the power of community, friendship and love.

These 10 young ladies, the senior soccer class for 2014, have been together for more than 10 years. In that time they have laughed together, shared together, hurt together, won together and lost together. They have shed tears of joy and tears of sadness. They have sweat and toiled together and they truly without question deeply love each other. Their dedication to each other makes an important and touching statement; that love is truly the glue that holds us together!

1 Peter 4:8

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other…

Early on in their careers I knew this bunch was special. Many observers have commented as to the bond that exists between this “perfect 10”. I have heard the words unusual, special, remarkable and unseen to describe them. Their dedication to one another IS all of those things. They have picked one another up when another has been injured or when illness surfaced. They are silly TOGETHER, serious TOGETHER but mostly they have just “loved” TOGETHER.

They personify this passage.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

And one with 10 strands is nearly indestructible!

But this “strand of 10” made me ask this question of myself and you today.

Are you appreciating those friends and blessings that GOD has placed in your life; those individuals who have your back, who love you in spite of you, those deep-spirited friends?

These girls do. And GOD says we should as well!

Philippians 4:8

…if being in a community…means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.

Take a second today to thank GOD for your community, your friends and those who love you! Don't ever discount or take them for granted. You will honor GOD when you do!

To close out today and the week a little footnote. I want to say that I am so very proud of these 10 ladies; not for one single shot on goal or miraculous save; not one win or the way they handled a loss.

No I am thankful and appreciative of this band of sisters who have taught me and shown me how love really works.

1 Corinthians 13:7

If you love someone, you will be loyal to him (HER) no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him (HER), always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him (HER).

That is all of you, Xpress.

I do deeply love watching you love.

Have a blessed weekend.

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney