Loving Like Jesus

Yesterday, Memorial Day in the US, we remembered many who laid down their lives for our earthly freedoms to keep us safe from those who might seek to do us harm.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 NASB)

This description of the ultimate act of love comes right after the Lord’s command that we love one another as he has loved us.  Jesus was foreshadowing his own sacrifice on a cross, which would offer the world freedom from sin.  But he was also explaining the type of sacrificial love we should all have for each other.  We thank the Lord that he has called so many over the years show that love in the defense of our country, our lives and our liberty.

Summer is a busy time for many in Christian ministry, from camps to Vacation Bible Schools, special events (and even vacations).  Pastors, if you will be needing folks to preach in your services in the next couple of months, please plan ahead and give me a call if you need assistance.  My personal speaking schedule is booked for the Sundays in June, but I do have a couple openings in July or August.   I also have the names and contact info of several others who love to share the Word with your congregations.

This coming Sunday, June 4, I will be speaking at the Church on the Mountain, while their pastor is away for the church’s annual men’s retreat at Camp Morrow.  The next day, my granddaughter Autumn is scheduled for another minor surgery…and some time between now and then my granddaughter Jamie is expected to be born.  Praise God!  And thank you for understanding if I am a bit slower to respond to calls and emails than I might normally be.

Also, please mark your June calendars for these upcoming InFaith: Northwest Oregon events:

  • June 8, 10 AM - Portland Area Pastors’ Prayer at Woodland Park Chapel, Portland

  • June 14, 4 PM - NWxNW ministry leaders’ fellowship, Farmhouse Coffee, Clatskanie

  • June 21, 9 AM - Sandy Area Fellowship Breakfast, Tollhouse Inn, Sandy

Also, please remember Brian Simmons in your prayers on June 8.  He will undergo surgery to remove cancerous tumors on his neck, which have already shrunk significantly since his diagnosis earlier this year.

May the Lord who laid down his life for you and me be glorified in all we say and do in his name this week.

Tom Hiscox, Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org

Tom Hiscox