I started this great study in I Peter this year. I wanted to study it because of what it says about suffering. I have learned so much. I am learning even more about relationships though. As I was going over my notes last night I realized that twice ( I Pet. 1:22 and 4:8) we are told to have fervent love for one another. The Greek word for fervent means "to stretch out". As I thought on this I realized that it is going beyond the norm of Sunday mornings, Wed. nights and ladies studies.
What is it to be stretched out? It is painful, uncomfortable, tiring, and even (heaven forbid) a nuisance. It means to go beyond the norm and go the extra mile!
I thought of how the Lord was quite literally stretched out for us. His hands and feet were pierced for us. He bore the penalty that was ours. This is the ultimate love! His is an example of how we ought to love. Giving our all -
My desire, to be like Jesus
My desire, to be like Him.
His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;
In deed and word, to be like Him.
Lillian Plankenhorn
10 comments:
"now, love is not a feeling in your chest
it is bending down to wash another's feet
it is faithful when the sun is in the west
and in the east
it can hurt you as it holds you
in its overwhelming flood
till only the unshakeable is left
'this new command I give you', He said
'love as I have loved'"
i had just read the lyrics to this song by andrew peterson before reading your post. this is just the chorus, but i was really struck by the first two lines. i have experienced first hand friends who have "bent down to wash my feet" during a really tough time and it has caused me to overflow with joy even in my sorrow.
Great work with the blog, Marti! I really like your thoughts, especially on being 'stretched out'. I will admit it is hard for me to do. Anyway, I hope for much success for you with your new blog. :) Have a blessed day!
Such good thoughts, Marti! Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks for this thought on being strechted out for Christ. It is amazing how joy comes when we do this.....
Anne Daniel from Topeka
It's great to see that you have got into blogging. I will enjoy reading what you have to share! Am praying for you guys. Know God will use you both wherever He leads you. Love, Laura
Thanks for the encouragement to be willing and prepared to be "stretched out" for the sake of the Lord.
Hello! I came over from Rachel's blog and wanted to say "Hi" and welcome to blog world. It is wonderful finding a woman with the godly desire to use her blog to encourage and uplift others! I have had the privilege of meeting the Topeka girls through my parents.
Thank you for your thoughts. It's something the Lord is working with me on...is my love for the saints fervent? Am I willing to go the extra mile? Or do I pick and choose those that I enjoy being around the most? It is convicting!
Hey that would be great! I'll call you about it! It probably won't be till next month some time, but I'll give you a ring about it!
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Bravo, what phrase..., a magnificent idea
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