Before I get to the topic for this week I want to say thanks for following along through the reading plan with me this year. I trust that God is more than able to take an idea and turn it into something that inspires or challenges you to take another step toward Jesus.
It’s been a good challenge for me to share what God has been saying to me throughout the year, for sure. And I thank God for the opportunity. May He multiply whatever has been offered for His glory.
I do not have concrete plans for next year and blogging, but God will lead and I’ll follow.
Now on to the most beautiful topic of all.
Scripture
1 John 4:9-11, 16
Mark 12:29-31
John 13:34; 15:9-13
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Luke 6:27-36
Ephesians 3:14-21
Romans 8:38-39
These scriptures instruct us to love.
Reveal the source of love.
Define the process of loving.
Underscore the value of love.
AND
Demonstrate how to love both God and man.
Lessons
How quickly we can breeze through this nice subject matter. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
The phrase “Love one another.” is repeated 19 times in the New Testament and the words “God” and “love” are used together in 145 verses throughout the Bible.
If you are even vaguely familiar with scripture, you know there is a strong connection with God and love. And let’s be honest, it’s pretty easy to remain focused on how loving God is and how much we love God being a loving Father.
All of this for me does not capture the passion with which Paul is praying for his brothers and sisters. It is a prayer that tugs at my heart because, like Paul, I desperately want YOU to grow in your faith. (Ephesians 3:14-16)
When you entrust your life/heart to Christ and He makes His home there, your roots will grow down into God’s love. (Ephesians 3:17)
You may have the power to understand the enormity of God’s love. (Ephesians 3:18)
Then, after all of that, you will be made complete… (Ephesians 3:19)
challenge
Wherever you are in this process of entrusting your life to God, I challenge you to join me in praying as Paul did in verses 14-16.
1. Fall to your knees.
2. Recognize/worship God for who He is.
3. Ask Him to empower those you wish to help grow in their faith with the Holy Spirit, that they would trust God WHOLLY.
4. Ask for the opportunity to help them by walking alongside them.
5. Don’t stop asking for God to grow and establish your roots in Him, so you can worship, honor, serve, and share Him.
