Because He First Loved Us

Welcome to 2015

WHOOOP WHOOOP WHOS EXCITEDD??!!

     I hope to find you all had an amazing Christmas and New Year! I have taken a few days since blogging. The past few days,I have had some things sitting heavy on my heart. Looking forward to a new year, I always like to create goals for myself, my family and my work. This year, I have really thought through and included this blog into those. I do not know how many people will actually read any of them, or what good it will do. But if this blog only reaches one, that is enough. I really wanted to ensure the message sent this year was one of love. I feel that in our world, society, families, and churches, we are in need of this more than ever. 

NO WORRIES>>>>

     I do not have any intention of becoming a hippie. My urgent prayer is that I am able to share with you some of my beliefs on the subject, and maybe learn some of yours.

     I am a type A personality! For those of you who are not sure of what this is, let me explain it...I like to be the boss. I like to know options of every decision, and then, I like to make it. I will do the research, and make the best possible informed decision, but if you are unsure as to why this is a problem, Call Corey Mc...He can tell ya! haha 

     In all seriousness though, I tell you this to say, that I am a START WITH WHY person. I always need to know why I am doing what I am doing. This too, I am sure is Frustrating. If you do not understand it, and feel you are the same way, I would urge you to read "Start With Why", by Simon Sinex. Many of today's great leaders in the circular world will teach that finding something which inspires you is the best WHY...I agree. 

PASSIONATELY

     Naturally, your next question most likely is.......WHY? 

When I began this blog tonight, I had an outline of what I thought it would be. I was going to explain I believed that to Love God, and Love People was the greatest of all commandments given to us..

 (Matt. 22: 34-40)

 I do still hold this belief, but that blog must wait for another day. Because I truly feel that in the moment of study to prepare for it, God said "No, Ash, not yet. First I need you to explain WHY this is so." As He commands, I will when at most able, deliver...

This is not complicated--it's pretty simple. I found my answer in the first book of John, chapter 4, verse 19. 

     "We love, because He first loved us!"

    And there you have it.

    Oh how I wish that was enough. 

     It isn't. For if it was that simple, we would not have the amount of hate, killing, worry, and sin in our world. We were designed as creature of emotions, and unfortunately those are fleeting. So I wanted to share with you a quick reminder of why we love....

   I am going to be a little transparent. When I awoke this morning, while grateful for my breath, there was not joy in my heart. I entered into Refuge Church (Just message me to learn more about my church. I LOVE MY CHURCH) with a heavy heart. A spirit defeated. A soul full or worry and loss. We prepared for worship. It was so comforting to be in the presence of my Savior. Jason presented a lesson I know God gave him, for I was meant to hear it. But at the end, something miraculous happened. (And if you do not believe in miracles, I urge you to become closer to God, for they are real, and He is Alive). ---I knew the presence of God was in that room. I knew He was with us, working on the hearts of those who were hurting, and all in an instant, I got a SLAP in the face.

 Pastor Jason spoke the words, but they were MINE!!

 As the beginning of the invitation of our service, Jason referenced a video Corey and I made many months ago.

 You can see it here: http://vimeo.com/91885146

  In this video I said, 

"There is a life waiting for you, you don't even know about yet, and It's definitely way better than what you have now, I can guarantee it."

OK--Thank you much, I immediately Got Over MYSELF, and began getting into God's word...

I do not guarantee much but of this I will. I testify to it because I live it. I also am assured of it because it is God's Promise.

I urge you to put away this blog, and hopefully open your Bibles or Ipads or Netbooks, to Read
ROMANS 8:18-39

Because we were loved, irrationally, with perfect execution...Sacrifice was required and served. Because of this sacrifice, we live in the PROMISE of Future Glory. 

This is why we need a Love Revolution. Because there are SO many in the world who are hurting...crumbling in pain which they do not feel will ever subside. In relationships they are certain to leave, people they are ensured to hurt, or a life they are desiring to end. There is an epidemic of hurt and division in our world, and it is OUR time, as CHILDREN OF GOD, to stand up......rebuild the pain inside these souls and allow God to show them a life of Joy and blessing. Restore Faith by the light in our lives, and allow God to restore their Relationships, Love them even though we may be the ones whom they are hurting, and share the Life, the Truth, and the Light into a dark world before it is too late....

This my friends is the reason for a Love Revolution. 

Love God, Love People PERIOD! 

All Glory to God, Praise to His Holy Name,

Ashleigh McMullen