Today’s message was all about tying together a message earlier this month to the idea of keeping the fire for Christ in the new year/decade. Are we still striving to make the positive new changes that come with new year resolutions. We challenged ourselves to read the Bible more – are we still reading it daily? Are we still praying daily? Have we been inviting people to church?
Pastor went over 6 points to address what does God make “still new” in our lives? The main points were:
- New Life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- New Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40)
- New Focus (Matthew 6:33)
- New Direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- New Song (Psalm 40:3; Psalm 149:1)
- God’s promises remain Still New (Revelations 21:1,5; John 14:1-3, 6)
Today’s message touched my heart. I can definitely read my Bible more and I can pray more. I truly believe that no matter how much you do these things, you can always do more. But for this message I’m typing out right now, I want to focus on bullet point 2 and the last question Pastor asked us before we left for the afternoon: Can people see the love of Jesus in your life?
I think most people, Christian or not, are familiar with the 10 Commandments. But did you know that in Matthew, these ten were condensed into two overall commandments – and both were about love.
Matthew 22: 37-40 reads Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
I recognize that the majority of Christians see this as only talking about humans. But for me, I believe in extending love to animals. Seems crazy – but just hear me out.
If a person can love the tiniest of animals, lets say a tiny little mouse, and show compassion, grace, and mercy to that small animal – why in the world would that same person NOT be able to show love, compassion, grace, and mercy to another human?
I just don’t think its possible.
Love is not about the self or about living in the world. The question asked was “what does love look in your life today?”
For me, it looks like this:
- I can go to bed at night and know that no part of God’s creation suffered for me to live my day.
- I believe in whole food, plant-based eating and the healing powers God put into plants. When I can share that message, I take the opportunity because I do love humans and animals so much to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
- I try to live my life with joy, knowing God is with me and providing all needs to myself, my family, and our work with Willowbrook.
But the question asked at the end of the service stands: Can people see the love of Jesus in your life?
I sure hope so … but I know that will not stop me from praying more and reading my Bible more. From trying to help more people and more animals. I will always try because I believe that good and love should, and will, always overcome.
As always, below is the whole sermon.
Willowbrook Farms Animal Sanctuary 