Showing posts with label a love for God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a love for God. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Wrestler
Back in the day I was a MAJOR wrestling fan. Hulk Hogan, Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka, Junkyard Dog, Macho Man Savage, Andre the Giant, Roddy Roddy Piper, were just SOME of the characters I watched on TV. My dad loved wrestling too. He would even let me stay up late to watch a few matches on school nights every once in a while. On Saturdays I would watch the WWF cartoons and talk about the ‘36 inch pythons’ of Hulk Hogan.
I did my best to ‘say my prayers and eat my vitamins’ (I later found out that wrestlers took a lot of ‘vitamins’ to get as ripped as they were!). Wrestle Mania was a HUGE event that had EVERYONE talked about in my junior high school.
I’m not sure why I liked it so much. Because I never envisioned myself wearing multi-colored tights, being called by some crazy sounding name, or having a chair broken over my head while a pre-occupied referee is doing something else. I never dreamed of becoming a wrestler. And most likely, neither have you. It wasn’t until recently I realized I was one. Yes, a wrestler. And you are one too. You and I wrestle all the time.
No we don’t bizarrely jump into a ring doing a silly dances while attempting to pin an equally strange opponent. When you and I wrestle, we wear regular clothes. We go by our given names. We don’t travel to exotic cities to compete in state of the art arenas. We rarely go outside our comfort zones to get into the squared circle. It’s not neccassary because we are not wrestling human beings. We are wrestling God.
Wrestling God with our negotiations, our second guessing, and open rebellion.
Wrestling God with our rationalizations, our compromises, and our substitutions.
Wrestling God with our indifference, our inconsistencies, and our resistance.
Wrestling God with our refusals, disobedience, and our excuses.
Yes, we are wrestlers. Just not the kind we are supposed to be.
We have been called to wrestle evil, injustice, darkness, and the Devil; instead we are just wrestling God.
What the world might be like if His wrestlers only wrestled the right opponents.
Scripture of the Day: “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” - Psalm 119:60
Monday, February 13, 2012
Seated At His Feet
God calls us to Himself and initiates a love relationship with us that is meant to be reciprocal and mutual. And though we are commanded throughout the entirety of the scriptures to love Him back, He never forces us. For like most of us, God desires that our love for Him is genuine and free from the resentment of being coerced.
I’ve often thought about my love for God and whether I do a good job at expressing that love. Yes, I pray, I sing songs of praise, I give to the church, and I attend services weekly, but are these things evidence enough that I deeply love my Lord? Indeed, these things are outward demonstrations that ought to flow out of a love for God, but weighed by themselves, they are at best simply proof that I am religious. The truth is that a devout believer in any of the world’s plethora of religions could say he/she does very similar things in order to show devotion to the deity he/she worships. Therefore, my acts of service can quickly evolve into a mere form of godliness or routine tasks induced by duty, if the internal factor is missing from the equation.
This internal factor is, of course, my heart. In Matthew 15, Jesus teaches on the importance of the state of the heart in validating our actions towards Him. I find it’s so easy to become busy serving God while simultaneously losing our passion for Him. We sing for Him, teach Sunday school for Him, have concerts for Him, and even preach about Him, but all the time our heart is safely tucked away from His reach.
“Martha, Martha”, Jesus said softly as He gently corrected his hard-working host on her attitude. “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it…” and that is to love the master enough to sit at His feet (Luke 10:41-42). What we must understand is that though our labour in the Kingdom is appreciated and does not go unnoticed, God only regards the worship of our mouth and the service of our hands after He has first viewed the condition of our heart. For this reason, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with everything that is within us, for in so doing the river of our activities will flow as a love offering directly from our heart to His.
Is your heart consumed with activity, or with love? Admittedly, it is difficult to quietly remain at his feet when there is so much to do and take care of in the Kingdom, but our love for God should compel us to sit with Him often and hear from His lips what His will and purpose is.
Today, be driven by your love for God and by your burning passion for Him. Spend quality time in His presence and allow your relationship with Him to grow beyond the realm of activity to the realm of intimacy.
Scripture of the Day: “But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him..” - 1 Corinthians 8:3
Friday, July 1, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Do You Really Love Jesus?
How many of you say that you love Jesus? Well, this devotional will be a litmus test as to whether that is true, based on the Bible. The church has sung for years, “Oh how I love Jesus…." But do we really know what that means? I am convinced that many Christians have no idea what it means to really love Jesus.
Loving Jesus is of paramount importance. So, let’s look at the distinguishing characteristics of a person who does.
1. He/She will keep His words or commandments. Unfortunately, we make loving Jesus more difficult than it truly is. I John 5:3 says that “His commandments are not grievous. All that is require to really love Jesus is to simply do what He says. Living for Jesus gets easier the more that you do it. Repetition is the mother of learning, and the more that you do anything, the better you become at it.
2. He/She will lay down their lives for Him. Jesus says in John 15:13-14 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.” So, Jesus gives a clear line of demarcation as to those who love him and those who don’t. Ask yourself this question: Do I obey His Word in every area of my life.? If you are honest, you will be able to answer that question with crystal clarity.
3. He/She will not love the world. I John 2:15 says “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
When we really love Jesus, we can expect these results :
1. Jesus and the Father will make their abode in us and manifest themselves. (John 14:21, 23) They will take up residence in our lives, and Jesus will reveal Himself to us in every situation that we encounter.
2. There will be progressive intimacy with Him. John 15:15 tells us that, if we love Him, we move from being a servant to a friend, and later Jesus calls us brethren. This is progressive intimacy.
3. More assistance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17, 26)
In conclusion, I ask the same question: Do we really love Jesus?
If you have identified that you don’t, I want to encourage you to start. By doing so, you give Him avenues by which to manifest Himself in your life, and you will walk in the “Fullness of the Blessing” this year.
Scripture Of The Day: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” - John 14:21 (KJV)
Loving Jesus is of paramount importance. So, let’s look at the distinguishing characteristics of a person who does.
1. He/She will keep His words or commandments. Unfortunately, we make loving Jesus more difficult than it truly is. I John 5:3 says that “His commandments are not grievous. All that is require to really love Jesus is to simply do what He says. Living for Jesus gets easier the more that you do it. Repetition is the mother of learning, and the more that you do anything, the better you become at it.
2. He/She will lay down their lives for Him. Jesus says in John 15:13-14 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.” So, Jesus gives a clear line of demarcation as to those who love him and those who don’t. Ask yourself this question: Do I obey His Word in every area of my life.? If you are honest, you will be able to answer that question with crystal clarity.
3. He/She will not love the world. I John 2:15 says “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
When we really love Jesus, we can expect these results :
1. Jesus and the Father will make their abode in us and manifest themselves. (John 14:21, 23) They will take up residence in our lives, and Jesus will reveal Himself to us in every situation that we encounter.
2. There will be progressive intimacy with Him. John 15:15 tells us that, if we love Him, we move from being a servant to a friend, and later Jesus calls us brethren. This is progressive intimacy.
3. More assistance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17, 26)
In conclusion, I ask the same question: Do we really love Jesus?
If you have identified that you don’t, I want to encourage you to start. By doing so, you give Him avenues by which to manifest Himself in your life, and you will walk in the “Fullness of the Blessing” this year.
Scripture Of The Day: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” - John 14:21 (KJV)
Friday, February 18, 2011
One Things
Poor Martha. She was frantically trying to prepare some food for the Lord. There was Jesus, and Mary was sitting in rapt attention at His feet, soaking up every word. But instead of being touched by that or joining her, Martha became angry. She wanted the Lord to reprimand her sister.
Here is what Jesus essentially told her: "Martha, Martha. I appreciate the effort. But there is a time to work and a time to worship. There is a time to get out and do things, and there is a time to sit at My feet. Mary figured it out. Why don't you do the same thing?"
That's an interesting phrase to follow through the Bible: "one thing." David used it in the Old Testament when he said, "One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple" (Psalm 27:4).
The apostle Paul said, "One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13–14).
For David, that one thing was fellowship with God and His people. For Mary, that one thing was sitting at the feet of Jesus. And for Paul, that one thing was moving forward spiritually.
In the same way, we should be sitting at His feet like Mary. We should be fellowshipping with God and His people like David. We should be moving forward spiritually like Paul. If we don't focus on that one thing, we will end up doing everything and accomplishing nothing. We can spend our days in a flurry of activity and never reach the goals that God has set for our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:42
Here is what Jesus essentially told her: "Martha, Martha. I appreciate the effort. But there is a time to work and a time to worship. There is a time to get out and do things, and there is a time to sit at My feet. Mary figured it out. Why don't you do the same thing?"
That's an interesting phrase to follow through the Bible: "one thing." David used it in the Old Testament when he said, "One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple" (Psalm 27:4).
The apostle Paul said, "One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13–14).
For David, that one thing was fellowship with God and His people. For Mary, that one thing was sitting at the feet of Jesus. And for Paul, that one thing was moving forward spiritually.
In the same way, we should be sitting at His feet like Mary. We should be fellowshipping with God and His people like David. We should be moving forward spiritually like Paul. If we don't focus on that one thing, we will end up doing everything and accomplishing nothing. We can spend our days in a flurry of activity and never reach the goals that God has set for our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:42
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Covenant of Love
by Dr. Brenda K. Goudeaux
I know with all my heart that it is God's desire to touch through us and to love through us. God has delivered us out of bondage and sin. Before we are able to walk in the covenant that He established with Abraham, we have to walk in His love. Love is the answer to all things because love conquers all.
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
I know with all my heart that it is God's desire to touch through us and to love through us. God has delivered us out of bondage and sin. Before we are able to walk in the covenant that He established with Abraham, we have to walk in His love. Love is the answer to all things because love conquers all.
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine’s Day Everyday
By Skip Heitzig
You might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that "special someone." Every February it's the same. We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine's Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don't get me wrong--there's nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. The question isn't, "How do you show your love on Valentine's Day?" The real question is, "How do you show your love the rest of the year?"
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
Scripture Of The Day: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" - Hebrews 12:2.
Skip Heitzig is the founder and senior pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque in New Mexico. His teachings are heard across the country and around the world on The Connection. For more information on Skip, visit http://www.connectionradio.org.
You might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that "special someone." Every February it's the same. We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine's Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don't get me wrong--there's nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. The question isn't, "How do you show your love on Valentine's Day?" The real question is, "How do you show your love the rest of the year?"
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
Scripture Of The Day: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" - Hebrews 12:2.
Skip Heitzig is the founder and senior pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque in New Mexico. His teachings are heard across the country and around the world on The Connection. For more information on Skip, visit http://www.connectionradio.org.
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