Compelled by LOVE

**Some names have been changed due to privacy**

Recently, Matt, a volunteer at LIGHThouse shared that a friend named Terrell had gone to be with the Lord at the ripe young age of 17. Matt had ministered to Terrell in a similar setting to LIGHThouse before coming to Lynchburg. When he met Terrell, he was 11 years old. As Matt invested in Terrell’s life and spent quality time with him, Terrell accepted Christ. We praise God that right now, Terrell is in heaven singing with Jesus. Matt had the privilege of sharing Jesus’ love with Terrell. Let us be encouraged to do the same with the kids God has placed before us at LIGHThouse.

It is still agonizing to think Terrell died at such a young age. I pray that the God of all hope will comfort his friends and family with indestructible joy in this time of sorrow. Ultimately, I pray God would be glorified through this death.

And indeed God is glorified through death as we triumphantly say, "Oh death...where is your sting?...Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15). This is just the beginning for Terrell. I pray that his story will impact others around him...even as it has already impacted me. How short our time is here on earth! An old saying I often think about: Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last. May we live each day to the fullest for the glory of God.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment is that we Love God and Love others.

I feel that God has been asking me this week how much I love these kids at LIGHThouse...would I be willing to lay my life down for them even unto death? Do I love these children like Jesus loves them? How I pray God would fill me up...fill ALL of us up with HIS love for these kids. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13
AND what is love...? We all know the Scripture, 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps very well, but how often do we think about each WORD? And truly live them out...Love is:

PATIENT
KIND
NOT ENVIOUS OR BOASTFUL
NOT ARROGANT OR RUDE
DOES NOT INSIST ON IT'S OWN WAY
IS NOT IRRITABLE OR RESENTFUL
REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH
LOVE: BEARS, BELIEVES HOPES AND ENDURES ALL THINGS

May we hide this Scripture in our hearts and live it out each day!

What is the one thing that will change these kids and make them have heart after God's own heart? What will spark a REVIVAL?
L
O
V
E
God's love being poured upon them through US will change the course of history!

Lord, how I pray you would fill us with your love. May we make each day count for these kids. Teach us how to love them as you love them and die for them each week. May we be compelled by your LOVE.