Week 6: Loving God Well

contributed by Assoc. Director Worship/Arts Ministry Charles Brown

God loves you. Love Him back. What a time Lent provides us, an opportunity to recall a love so amazing that an unsurpassed sacrifice was made, only to bring forth a power that none could restrain. It was finished, all for you.

Monday, 3/10

John 14:15- “If you love Me, Keep My commandments.”

This scripture provides what is arguably one of the clearest directives with regard to loving God well. No one said this would be an easy task, without sacrifice and self-denial, but neither is loving one’s earthbound partner, child, neighbor, etc. Along the way, the relationship presents one with a challenge; an event, a discussion, a disappointment. As a result, we turn inward, self-consumed with the question of what this relationship costs, “what about me…” No greater denial has occurred beyond Christ’s stepping down from His throne and His dying on a cross. But, because of His love, Christ was willing to endure. He does not ask of us a physical death to demonstrate our loving Him well. He simply asks us to “keep His commandments.” By His Spirit we are enabled to do just that. So, what’s keeping you from keeping His commandments, from loving Him well???

Tuesday, 3/11

Matthew 22:37- “ Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

Many of us are painstakingly devoted to our favorite sports team, our favorite television show, our morning coffee routine. We allow nothing to interrupt our ritual, our single-hearted commitment. Without these components of our lives intact we feel like something’s missing. Some of us would rather skip any other devotion than miss these moments. What if we would rather…fill in this space… than miss our time with Jesus, than overlook His desire for our lives, than miss our daily drink of His living water? I challenge you as we move through the Lenten period into the normalcy of our days ahead. Carve out ten minutes of your normal routine and focus all of your heart, soul, and mind on the Christ. Maybe, you turn off the radio in the car, maybe you quietly enjoy that cup of coffee while listening for the still voice of Christ. I promise you will miss that time and experience more than any other and your heart, soul, and mind will not rest until you drink of His cup again.

Wednesday, 3/12

Genesis 5:22- “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” “… he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Heb. 11:5)

To pursue a walk so closely, to be so devoted in desire and purpose, to love God so well that He could not stand to be without you. Need any more be said.

Thursday, 3/13

Psalm 91:14- “ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver Him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

To coin a phrase from an old credit card mantra, “Loving Him has its privileges.” No lottery ticket, no human relationship, no career path can guarantee you the benefits of loving Him well. Why not devote yourself to One who can assure you a consistent positive yield for all of your investment. His is indeed the gift that keeps on giving. God loves you.

Friday, 3/14

Psalm 119:97- “ Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.”

If you love Him well, you will be keeping His commandments. If you keep His commandments, READ THE TEXT ABOVE. Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit, you are able. Does He expect perfection; I dare say no, just a heart, soul, and mind, committed. Grace and Peace.