There is no doubt that soccer is the most popular sport of our time. From Africa to Asia and even the Middle East, soccer fans are widespread all across the world. The differences in culture, race, religion and opinions are dissolved when fans unite and cheer for their team. Just watch the World Cup and fans will show you the true meaning of being in unison.

Being a big soccer fan, I have to admit that it is that sense of belonging that I hunger for and that always keeps me going back. When I am cheering my team, I truly belong. I don’t struggle with anyone or anything (maybe just the opposing team) because at that occasion nothing counts, not what my neighbor is wearing, not what race they are, not what they did yesterday. What counts at that moment is the game.

However, I firmly believe that our cause in the body of Christ is much larger than a soccer game. It gives rise to a serious question, “Why is it that soccer seems to have the ability to unite man more than Christ?”

In the final hours of Jesus’ life, He spent time in prayer. He offered a heartfelt prayer for His people as recorded in John 17. Why was He so urgent? What is so vital that Jesus felt He had to pray for us in the last very painful hours of His life, when frankly He should have been praying for Himself? The answer is simple, UNITY.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:22-23

Jesus knew the importance of unity in the body because any division among believers would undermine the church’s testimony to the world. In these last days, the Christian body face many problems that stem from a lack of unity.

What makes unity possible? In soccer, the simple answer is focus. In the stadium, our focus is the game at hand. I think focus is what we have lost in the church.

We have forgotten what our main cause ought to be. We forgot that it is not, it has never been, and it will never be about us. This walk is about Christ. Church is about Him. Yet many times we lose focus of Christ and we find ourselves in much discord.

As we look upon soccer, we realize that our unity is only as strong as we are when focused. My prayer is that when we get to church, my name as a Christian should count, not my race neither what I did or did not do. What should matter at all times is for what reason are we gathered and the answer is plain and simple: Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is LOVE.

Love can work wonders. It could keep the poor and destitute alive through the generous giving of strangers.

Similarly, because of God’s great love for us, we became the beneficiary of a great wonder. God “demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrased Romans 5:6-8 this way:

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put His love on the line for us by offering His Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Below is an interesting posting I came across on the Internet that reiterated a similar point:

Now, take a look at this…
101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life? Here’s a little mathematical formula that might
help answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26.
If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

(http://crazythingz.wordpress.com/2008/04/04/12/)

Indeed, love works wonders. While hard work and knowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, it’s the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Someone once asked me, “I’ve been in this church for more than six years. But I can’t name a single close friend. Why is it that we could spend innumerous time together in church, camps and Bible-study group, yet not forge any genuine friendship with anyone?” Perhaps, you have the same question: Why are close friendships especially difficult in church?

Check out this video insight on Help For My Life!
Why are close friendships especially difficult in church?

When I saw the announcement that invites us to share our thoughts on the subject of friends and love, I told myself to give it a shot. Why? I do not have that many friends as to be an expert on this subject, but I have one Friend that counts more than any other.

In my fifth grade, I sat beside a nice girl who was also a Christian (there are few teens who love God and believe in Him in Romania) and we became best friends. Even though we sat at the same desk, we were constantly sending felicitations, drawings and thoughts to each other. On every card, we wrote “for my best friend.”

However our friendship drifted apart the following year. I tried to work things out but I don’t know what happened. In a strange way I was glad, because she disappointed me in her manner of speech and conduct. She didn’t seem to behave like a Christian. She was cheating in tests and she was perpetually having crushes on guys. But those were hard moments. I felt abandoned and lonely. It seemed that I had no friend. I know that Jesus was my friend but I wanted a friend whom I could feel is here—near me. With my brothers and sisters, we often argue and have disagreements. During those days, I would often sit in the bathroom and cry. I asked God for a new friend who is trusty and worthy.

In the seventh grade, a new girl joined our class. I liked her and we became friends. Not best friends but good friends. I felt a little sunshine from God. She wasn’t a Christian but she’s open to find out more.

Now we are in the same class and we sat at same desk in high school. She became my best friend. I talk with her about God and I try to be an example. Maybe one day she will receive Christ into her heart.

As humans, we will inevitably disappoint one another. But there is One who never disappoints—God. I don’t know if I could ever be as good a friend as God is to me. He never stops loving and caring for me. And He says “I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). Another encouraging message from God is in Isaiah 43:4 “Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you”. God is the only One who doesn’t judge us by our social status, wealth or knowledge. He loves us for who we are because He created us.

I wish that everyone would know God. For many so-called “friends” can become fast strangers but God alone is our faithful Friend. Moreover, friends are a precious gift and God is the Giver!

Jonathan . . . loved [David] as he loved his own soul. —1 Samuel 20:17

John Chrysostom (347–407) was one of the great preachers in the early church. He was given the name Chrysostom, which means “golden-mouthed,” because of his eloquent sermons.

Here is one of his insights on the value of friends: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. With friends even poverty is pleasant. . . . It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”

The story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was hunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul’s son. “Jonathan . . . loved [David] as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42).

The ancient voice of Chrysostom and the witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the friendships God has given us. — Dennis Fisher

Since I have no gold to give,
And love alone must make amends,
My daily prayer is while I live—
“God, make me worthy of my friends.” —Sherman

A friend is the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.

Another day, like any other
Again it turned to horror
Emptiness consumed me
My day gave way to night

Sadness comes knocking constantly
Darkness caressing my mind
My spirit search for inner peace
While my world turned upside down

As grass cries from the heat of the day
I suffer in silence, internal decay
My soul breaks, incessant dejection
So many thoughts, as I try to sleep

And in my loneliness
I see a glimmer of light
I hear a beautiful whisper
I feel divine bliss

I reach out, this feeling to embrace
I see, shining stars like eyes
Sparkling and gleaming through the moonlit sky
The wide universe declares His magnificence

With tears streaming down my eyes
And love overflowing from my heart
His embracing arms held me close
Took away my cares and sorrows

I lay there long, peace radiating within me
I clung to Him, the comfort surpassing
The forever bond, to the ends of the earth
The greatest love I have ever felt

But as for me, I will sing about Your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love.
For You have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress (Psalm 59:16).

What do you think love is? Could you identify with Hannah? Is there something from God’s Word you could use to encourage her?

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
—1 John 3:1

Some people looking for love have found help in an unusual place—a taxicab in New York City. Taxicab driver Ahmed Ibrahim loves to set up blind dates for his single passengers. His matchmaking services have been featured on the Fox News Channel, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC’s Today show. He doesn’t assist just anybody though; they have to be serious about looking to settle down with someone. Ahmed loves to help romance blossom, and he even hands out roses on Valentine’s Day.

The best place to find love is not in another person but in a book, the Bible. The Bible tells of God’s great love for us. This is expressed in what my friend called the best love note she has ever received. It’s found in John 3:16.

God loves us like no one else ever could. He showed that love when He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. He’s also the best companion we’ll ever have. Open your Bible and learn more about Him. —Anne Cetas

The more you read the Bible, the more you’ll love its Author.

I love romantic comedies and the warm fuzzy feelings it gives. But after watching and reading copious amount of novels and movies, perhaps like me, you are wondering: What is the biblical idea of love? What does it mean when a couple falls in love? And falls out of love?

Check out the following links:
1. What does it mean when a couple falls in love?
2. What does it mean when a couple falls out of love?

You will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. —John 16:32

Her brief note to me spoke volumes. “I am a handicapped person in a wheelchair,” she wrote. “I am very lonely even though I know I’m never alone. God is always there. I don’t have a lot of people to talk to.”
Loneliness has been termed the most desolate word in the English language. It is no respecter of age, race, economic status, or intelligence. Albert Einstein said, “It is strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely.”

God made us for intimacy and companionship with others. Even before sin entered the world, He declared that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). That’s why many people often feel so empty inside.
Jesus knew loneliness too. He surely must have felt it when His disciples deserted Him (Mark 14:50). The Father’s presence more than compensated for this, however. He said, “I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). That intimacy with the Lord is available to all who put their trust in Him and His Word (14:16-23).

We can lessen our feelings of loneliness by reaching out to others. But even more important, we must reach out to the Lord. He is always with us, and He wants us to fellowship with Him throughout the day.
— Dennis J. De Haan

When we are feeling all alone
And no one seems to care,
We must remember: Jesus said
That He is always there. —Sper

Those who know Jesus are never alone.

I saw this quotation on a friend’s facebook page: “It’s not that I feel alone because I have no friends. I have lots of friends. I know that I have people who can hold me and reassure me and talk to me and care for me and think of me. But they can’t be inside my head with me all the time—for all time.”

Loneliness is a reality that all human beings—even the most popular girl or guy in school—live with.

Check out the following links to gain an insight into this familiar emotion:
1) Why are we lonely?
2) What does loneliness tell us about ourselves?
3) Lonely But Never Alone

And share with us your thoughts.

Here Is Our King

God’s Love

Friendship

During her funeral service, many people testified of how they were encouraged and blessed by Anna. Her compositions, diaries and artwork have inspired them.

We pray that you would be inspired to love God too.

Anna’s Journal:
“My hero is Jesus Christ. He is my best friend. He helps me in times of trouble. He saved me from my sins. So Jesus is my hero as well as everyone else’s hero.

He did many wonderful deeds on earth. He did miracles, such as turning water into wine, resurrected the dead, and fed two thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread. He helped the poor and healed the sick. He also sacrificed himself to pay the ultimate price for our sins. I don’t know how to repay Him for doing so much.

I will also tell you why He is my hero. He saved us. He loves us. He also made us. These are my reasons for Him being my hero.

He is wonderful. He is marvellous. He is splendid. He is magnificent.

No one can underestimate His great deeds on Earth. He is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all in one form. I cannot describe Him very well, for He is absolutely too great for words. He was and is God’s only Son. He was sent to Earth to pay the price of bearing our guilt, sin, and sins. He saved us from perishing and withering away on earth, and forgave us even though we rebelled against Him and His ways.”

Anna’s Paintings:

If you have similar inspiring stories to share, we love to hear from you.
Email Us

The Hospital Window – A Friend’s Love

A Teacher’s Love

God’s Love Story

Glory Of It All

Won’t somebody love me?

Have you ever felt unloved? Have you ever felt like everybody is rejecting you, pointing fingers at you and talking behind your back? Have you felt as if the whole world was finding fault with you and wanting to alter your face? Have you ever come to the point of not loving yourself, and wondering if anybody on earth could love one such as you?

Well, I have. It still happens sometimes, and I’ve done it to people myself.

Doesn’t all this lead us to wonder, “Isn’t there anybody out there who would love me for who I am and what I’ve been?”

I believe there is. Would you like to meet Him?

[Used with permissions from Wen's World]

Real Love
Then how, my friend, can love be measured?
It is not compared by distance, quantity, or volume.
It cannot be confined from the ends of the earth to the centre of the sun,
It is not something to be counted in tens of millions,
Nor can it be expressed and poured into a cup.

Love begins from but one person, as a small distant thought,
But it spreads faster than a mad wildfire, yet it heals, not destroys.
As it travels it leaves a trail of warmth in its wake,
Strengthening the weak and supporting the strong,
Encouraging the shy and emboldening the brave.

No, my friend, love is immeasurable,
Nothing can be compared to the vastness of love.
For love is eternal, as it is not of this dying world,
Created by God’s mighty hand to last forever.
And the strongest of love drives out fear.

Except the things I’d failed to do.
Keep expectations held.
How disappointed would she feel
When fears and shame would meld?

And afterwards I walked away
I’d lost the faith I’d had.
What happened to my trust in God?
Don’t tell me I’d gone mad!

Why couldn’t I trust in the Lord
The One who designed me?
He gave me words to spell it out -
Why not do so with glee?

If I could but rewind the time
Perhaps instead of frown
I’d throw my head back, crying out
My God won’t let me drown!

He’s big enough, He made the world -
And everything within
The glory all belongs to Him
Who spoke, and made man’s skin.

What is a mark that bears my name?
Naught but a tiny speck!
For in His sight I’m worth far more
Than what I am—a wreck.

He loves you so. He sent His Son
To quench His awful wrath.
So if you were the only one
He’d still have died your death.

My soul cries out in praise now, Lord.
How easy it’s become!
I think, the words appear, and hence
They join to make a poem!

You are Creator of all things
From universe to ant
Yet you’re the One who cares for me
There’s nothing more I want.

Who else can conquer death like You?
Or free who Satan bound?
You are the Strong and Mighty King
Who turned my life around.

Let me not strive for other loves,
But always honour You;
For my only fulfillment comes
From praising You what’s due.

Night is upon me now, O Lord,
I pray before I sleep:
May I recall Your adoration
And in my heart it keep.