AND PASTOR JOHN PRAYS FOR HIS FLOCK

1, 2, &3 John – God and Love

Years ago, when our kids were teenagers a very contemporary, at least at THAT time in our century, came to Findlay, Ohio to a large youth event and knocked our socks off with their music, their message and their very lives. The song that captured my attention was “Let Your First Thought Be Love…by White Heart:

Somehow, someone has hurt you again
And said things and done things you don’t understand
You don’t understand
It’s easy, just to think of your pride
So easy, to get angry inside

But let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love
Let it be love

Some people go looking for trouble to start
Oh but those people are hiding a lonely heart
They’ve got lonely hearts
So listen, listen to their silent cries
And touch them with the warmth in your eyes

And let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love

The Master showed us what to do time and time again
A gentle word of love can warm the heart of any man

So let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love
Let ’em be love, be love
Let ’em be love

And now, that leads us to what John, a loving pastor is telling his congregations of people who are trying to love God back and to love others like God loves them…

2 John 1, The Message

1-2 My dear congregation, I, your pastor, love you in very truth. And I’m not alone—everyone who knows the Truth that has taken up permanent residence in us loves you.

3 Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father!

4-6 I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other. Love means following his commandments, and his unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first thing you heard, and nothing has changed.

Love first

Dear Heavenly Father, As we step out this morning and begin to deal with life, work, and others, may our first thought, our VERY FIRST thought be love, Your love. May Your thought of love guide every thing that we think, say, and do today and always. Transform us. May Your glory of love shine through us so that darkness fades more and more and others will see You, too.
In Jesus Name, and by His Power working in us, Amen. I believe!

About randscallawayffm

Randy and Susan co founded Finding Focus Ministries in 2006. Their goal as former full time pastors, is to serve and provide spiritual encouragement and focus to those on the "front lines" of ministry. Extensive experience being on both sides of ministry, paid and volunteer, on the mission fields of other countries as well as the United States, helps them bring a different perspective to those who need it most. Need a lift? Call us 260 229 2276.

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