HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FIRST LOVE?

EVIDENCE YOU HAVE LEFT MY “FIRST LOVE” OF THE LORD

1) When you are unable to forgive another for offending you… 1 John 4:20 “If a man says, I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar…”

2) When you become complacent to sinful conditions around you… Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold.”

3) When you delight in someone or something else more than the Lord Mark 12:30 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”

4) When your soul does not long for rich fellowship in God’s Word and in conversation with Him. Mark 12:30 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your…soul…”

5) When your thoughts are not centered upon the Lord. Mark 12:30 “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind…” Psalm 10:4 “The wicked…God is in none of his thoughts.”

6) When your life purpose or focus is no longer centered on His plans, purposes and pursuits…Mark 12:30 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your…strength.”

7) When you give in easily to those things which you know displease the Lord. John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” (Both written & spoken)

8) When you do not willingly give to God’s work or invest in the needs of others. 1 John 3:17 “ Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion for him, how can the love of God dwell in him?”

9) When you do not view the commands of Christ as expressions of His love, instead as oppressive and restricting. John 14:21 “ He who has my commands and keeps them, it is he that loves me…”

10) When you strive for the recognition of the world rather than the approval of the Lord. 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man loves the things of the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.”

IN LOVE WITH GOD!

Matthew 22: 37-38 "Jesus said to him, you shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."

The Bible plainly tells us that loving God is the greatest principle contained within it's pages. Loving God is the reason you were created. To live within a love relationship with Him is the highest of all life purpose and without this intimacy we will live a life that remains frustrated, meaningless, stagnant, empty and without purpose!

So many people do not know the very basics of Loving God. Let's keep in mind we are commanded (it's not optional) to love Him with "all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind." We are so often concerned that if we love God in this manner that we won't have any time or affections left for others in our lives. The opposite is true. We are told in Matthew 6:33 that if we put God "first" and the affairs of His "Kingdom" and "righteousness" then all the "things" of life are taken care of!

Let's think for a moment about some of the principles we employ when we set our affections on others close to us. If we apply these same tactics to our relationship with God, we will be off to a good start in loving Him, as well.

1) Set aside time to spend with Him. I remember when I first met my wife, Debbie, I believe that I invested enough in fuel taxes to repave all of Richie highway as I traveled back and forth between Pasadena & Annapolis. She became a priority on my daily schedule. it was amazing how much time I had for her when I re-prioritized my life and other interests. You cannot build a relationship by remaining separated or without spending good quality time together.
Time chatting while eating or riding down the road is good, but true intimacy only develops when our sole focus of the moment is on the one we love. Set two or three times a week, initially and have a date with God. Do not cancel, it may harm your relationship!

2) Good love relationships are not easy to develop. They take a lot of effort and good old fashioned work. "...Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6 Another translation says He rewards those who "diligently seek Him." Sincerely seeking and diligently seeking, both speak of working to build relationship with God. After all the years of relationship with the world, it takes a concentrated effort to focus on God.

3) Communication is essential! Most of us have no problems bombarding God with our problems and needs, but when it comes to listening to his heart, we need to employ the skills the prophet Samuel learned. "...Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:10

We need to learn to be open and honest with God (He knows all of our thoughts anyway), and we need to allow God to be open and honest with us! This is one of the biggest obstacles to developing intimacy with Him. We don't want to hear what He has to say and oftentimes when He does begin to speak into our hearts correction or conviction, we begin to shout Him down with our religious banter! Sometimes heart exchanges with our loved ones can be painful! However, if we wish the relationship to deepen these exchanges of truth need to be allowed in our time together.

4) We willingly and affectionately lay down our own self centered desires to reap a harvest of love from our loved one. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God..." Ephesians 5:21 We become givers as a result of our new natures. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ..." 2 Cor 5:17-18 We remain givers by the continual oversight and review of our will.We, as a result of our continued, deepening relationship with God, commence to take on the character and nature of God, Himself. " For God so loved the world, that he gave...: John 3:16

We too become givers as we spend time with Him.

5) We discover and share each others giftings and talents. The more time we spend in reading His Word and in discovery of His character and nature, the more we fall in love with Him. The more time we spend basking in His presence the more He begins to reveal Himself to us. (In our own relationships, we DO NOT reveal our innermost thoughts, impressions, motivations and desires to those who are mere acquaintances.)

When we first encounter a loved one , we simply "love" them based on first impressions and external observations. The more time we spend together, the more we are able to observe the intangibles which form the very foundation for any long lasting, intimate relationship. (loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, etc...)The more you know Him, the more your heart goes out to Him and the deeper relationship you develop. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord..." 2 Peter 1:2

Here's the way it develops...
The More you know Him, the More you love Him!
The More you love Him, the more you trust Him!
The more you trust Him, the more you obey Him!

6) Finally as your intimacy progresses, you couple together to produce offspring.When you spend time with Him, you discover that His heart goes out for other hearts who desire to be with Him. 2Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (loyal) toward him."

His desire is that you remain so intimate and connected to Him (Two operating as one) that your life is filled with much fruit. John 15:5 in The Message says it this way. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. "

Then out of our Love relationship, and having laid down our own interests and desires, we begin to pursue the desires of His heart. We allow His Holy Spirit to influence others through our lives and the anointing which flows out of us. Out of His love for us and our love for Him, we obey Him and He manifests Himself to us and others.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

Do we really love God with all all your heart, soul, strength and your mind, as He desires and commands?
I Think Not!

Let's begin or intensify (Whichever place you're at) the journey into the heart of God.
Begin Today.

NUMBER ONE PRINCIPLE OF GOD!

Matthew 22: 37-38 "Jesus said to him, you shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

The Bible plainly tells us that loving God is the greatest principle contained within it's pages. Loving God is the reason you were created. To live within a love relationship with Him is the highest of all life purpose and without this intimacy we will live a life that remains frustrated, meaningless, stagnant, empty and without purpose!

So many people do not know the very basics of Loving God. Let's keep in mind we are commanded (it's not optional) to love Him with "all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind."

We are so often concerned that if we love God in this manner that we won't have any time or affections left for others in our lives. The opposite is true. We are told in Matthew 6:33 that if we put God "first" and the affairs of His "Kingdom" and "righteousness" then all the "things" of life are taken care of!

Let's think for a moment about some of the principles we employ when we set our affections on others close to us. If we apply these same tactics to our relationship with God, we will be off to a good start in loving Him, as well.

1) Set aside time to spend with Him. I remember when I first met my wife, Debbie, I believe that I invested enough in fuel taxes to repave all of Richie highway as I traveled back and forth between Pasadena & Annapolis. She became a priority on my daily schedule. it was amazing how much time I had for her when I re-prioritized my life and other interests. You cannot build a relationship by remaining separated or without spending good quality time together.

Time chatting while eating or riding down the road is good, but true intimacy only develops when our sole focus of the moment is on the one we love. Set two or three times a week, initially and have a date with God. Do not cancel, it may harm your relationship!

2) Good love relationships are not easy to develop. They take a lot of effort and good old fashioned work. "...Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6 Another translation says He rewards those who "diligently seek Him." Sincerely seeking and diligently seeking, both speak of working to build relationship with God. After all the years of relationship with the world, it takes a concentrated effort to focus on God.

3) Communication is essential! Most of us have no problems bombarding God with our problems and needs, but when it comes to listening to his heart, we need to employ the skills the prophet Samuel learned. "...Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:10

We need to learn to be open and honest with God (He knows all of our thoughts anyway), and we need to allow God to be open and honest with us! This is one of the biggest obstacles to developing intimacy with Him. We don't want to hear what He has to say and oftentimes when He does begin to speak into our hearts correction or conviction, we begin to shout Him down with our religious banter! Sometimes heart exchanges with our loved ones can be painful! However, if we wish the relationship to deepen these exchanges of truth need to be allowed in our time together.

4) We willingly and affectionately lay down our own self centered desires to reap a harvest of love from our loved one. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God..." Ephesians 5:21 We become givers as a result of our new natures. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ..." 2 Cor 5:17-18 We remain givers by the continual oversight and review of our will.

We, as a result of our continued, deepening relationship with God, commence to take on the character and nature of God, Himself. " For God so loved the world, that he gave...: John 3:16 We too become givers as we spend time with Him.

5) We discover and share each others giftings and talents. The more time we spend in reading His Word and in discovery of His character and nature, the more we fall in love with Him. The more time we spend basking in His presence the more He begins to reveal Himself to us. (In our own relationships, we DO NOT reveal our innermost thoughts, impressions, motivations and desires to those who are mere acquaintances.) When we first encounter a loved one , we simply "love" them based on first impressions and external observations. The more time we spend together, the more we are able to observe the intangibles which form the very foundation for any long lasting, intimate relationship. (loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, etc...)

The more you know Him, the more your heart goes out to Him and the deeper relationship you develop. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord..." 2 Peter 1:2 Here's the way it develops...The More you know Him, the More you love Him!The More you love Him, the more you trust Him!The more you trust Him, the more you obey Him!

6) Finally as your intimacy progresses, you couple together to produce offspring.When you spend time with Him, you discover that His heart goes out for other hearts who desire to be with Him. 2Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (loyal) toward him." His desire is that you remain so intimate and connected to Him (Two operating as one) that your life is filled with much fruit. John 15:5 in The Message says it this way. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. "

Then out of our Love relationship, and having laid down our own interests and desires, we begin to pursue the desires of His heart. We allow His Holy Spirit to influence others through our lives and the anointing which flows out of us. Out of His love for us and our love for Him, we obey Him and He manifests Himself to us and others.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

Do we really love God with all all your heart, soul, strength and your mind, as He desires and commands?

I Think Not!

Let's begin or intensify (Whichever place you're at) the journey into the heart of God.
Begin Today.

LOVE IS!

So YOU think you know what love really is!

What is Love? If you ever come to me for marital counseling, this is one of the first questions I will ask you! Do you really love her/him? Of course, because they've come for marriage counseling they always say "Oh, yes..so much!" I follow up with "What do you mean when you say you love him/her?"

Most of the time I get answers like this...
"I want to spend the rest of my life with her!"
"He makes me feel so good and beautiful."
"I want to take care of her and provide for her!"
"I want to share my thoughts and feelings with him!"

You can add your own thoughts to this one. Do you realize that every one of these statements can also be made concerning a puppy?

This is not what love is! These are feelings and emotions and those are but a very small part of what love really is. Once again let's turn to the Manufacturers Handbook to see exactly what love is...

1 CORINTHIANS l3:4-8 from the amplified Bible reads in this manner...

1} LOVE IS PATIENT --
it is slow to lose patience,
does not demonstrate irritations,
or reflect anger,
or have a quick temper.
Has fully accepted the character of the one being married to.

2} IT IS KIND--
looks for ways of being constructive.
It is actively creative;
it is able to recognize needs;
it discovers successful methods of improving or contributing to the spouses life.

3} IT DOES NOT ENVY--
it is not possessive;
it does not hold exclusive control where your partner is allowed little or no freedom to fulfill himself in what God has for him.

4} IT DOES NOT VAUNT ITSELF--
it is not anxious to impress; does not seek to make an impression or create an image for personal gain.

5} IT IS NOT PUFFED UP--
it does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance;
it is not self-centered;
it has the ability to change;
it is flexible;
it does not allow or expect life to revolve around itself.

6} IT DOES NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY--
it has good manners;
has respect for others which results in a set of Christ-centered standards;
has direction;
knows what is proper and when.

7} IT DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN--
it does not pursue selfish advantage;
does not have primary concern for personal sexual appetites or social status but concern for the needs of your spouse and the families involved.

8} IT IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED--
it is not touchy,
not hypersensitive,
or easily hurt;
does not take things too personally;
is not emotionally involved with personal opinions so that to reject ideas is to reject the one giving them.

9} IT THINKS NO EVIL--
it does not keep account of evil;
does not review wrongs which have been forgiven;
does not dwell on past evil;
destroys evidence of past mistakes when possible.

l0} IT DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY--
it does not gloat over the wickedness of other people;
does not compare self with others for self-justification;
does not use other’s evil to excuse personal weakness.

11} IT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH--
it is glad with all godly men when truth prevails;
is in active fellowship with dedicated Christians;
is occupied with spiritual objectives.

12} IT BEARS ALL THINGS--
it knows no limit to its forbearance;
has the ability to live with the inconsistencies of others;
has empathy for the problems of your spouse.

13} IT BELIEVES ALL THINGS--
it knows no end to its trust;
you believe in your spouse and your spouse’s worth without question.
It has not reason to doubt the person’s integrity.

14} IT HOPES ALL THINGS--
it knows no fading of its hope;
it is not fickle;
it has perfect peace and confidence in God.

15} IT ENDURES ALL THINGS--
it has unlimited endurance;
it is able to outlast anything;
it is able to endure all obstacles
and even love in the face of un-returned love.

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

I challenge you to rate yourself on a 1-10 scale on each of the above 52 categories. If you really wish to have a good dose of reality, have the someone you "love" rate you! When you discover that most of us are really loving others on emotional terms and not living a true life of love, there is where the journey to real love begins. Discovery of truth and breaking out of deception!

Jesus said that real love involves laying our own life down for our loved ones. John 15:13 "There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This means that we are to put our own self centered issues and desires aside and put the other first. In Marriage women are told to submit to husbands and husbands are told to lay down (die) our lives for our wives. Ephesians 5:21-23

The world says put your own interests and desires first. Protect yourself at all costs. God says put others first. You will reap what you sew! We create our own monsters; both good and bad! When your loved one starts going off course, don't seek to lay the blame on them first! Evaluate what kind of seed you've been sewing. You can also take part of the credit when things are going well. (Good Monsters)

Confess your sin of walking out of love to God and begin the journey. Confess also to the one you love and begin this remarkable journey together. There are 52 principles here that you and your loved one can work on together. Take one a week and pray for God's ability and practice the principle of the week together.

It may be a little painful in the beginning, but to be free to love like we were designed is well worth the journey! Doesn't your loved one deserve better? Don't you?

THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE!

The Bible says that we live and exist by faith. (Hebrews 10:38, Galatians 3:11, Romans 1:17) The Bible goes on to state that faith works, or is fueled and energized by love. (Galatians 5:6) Ephesians 4:15 proclaims that we should always speak the truth encapsulated in the attitudes and actions of love. 1 John 4:18 instructs us that perfect love, or love that is mature, casts out and destroys all fear.

Isn’t it amazing that the force of love can literally drive all fear out of our lives? We all know about the Biblical characteristics of Hope and Faith, but the Bible declares that Love is a greater force! “These are the three things that will endure; faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Love is a more powerful force than Faith. Without love, your faith has no power!

Paul tells us that you can prophesy and speak in tongues; have the greatest understanding of all the mysteries and knowledge of God; have the highest level of faith possible; do some of the greatest works for God; If you don’t have love…they all amount to nothing! 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The most powerful force in the universe will never fail you! The perfect way to success in all that we do is specified in 1 Corinthians 13:8. “Love never fails…” Nothing will affect your own life and touch people more deeply than the Love of God flowing through you.

We are commanded to love God, self, family, friends, neighbors and enemies. (Those who have hurt you!) “That’s impossible!” you say! In our own ability, it is impossible.

Now here’s where the real problem begins…Attempting to love others with the limited, imperfect love we already have, will never get the job done, either to our satisfaction or to God’s. Jesus said in John 15:5 “Apart from me you can do nothing.” You will never be able to love anyone according to the definition assigned love in 1 Corinthians 13, unless you are loving them with the Love of God; not your own ability!

Catch this…. YOU CAN NOT GIVE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE!

How can I love with the Love of God? Good question! It all begins with knowing the source of Gods Love; what God’s Love really is; and how to release the Love of God through your life!

The first step in walking in the most powerful force in the universe is confessing your own inability to love like He commands.

Paul recognizes this truth when he proclaims “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 Paul recognized that when he would begin to confess his own inabilities, the Ability of God could begin to take over!

Jesus confirmed this Spiritual principle when He began His sermon on the beatitudes with the following declaration. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:5 Those who recognized their own inabilities became the perfect candidates for an infilling of the Presence and Power of God!

Tell Him right now that you are unable to Love like He wants you to. Tell Him you need His Love flowing out of you, and watch what He will begin to do. If you will begin today, you will access the most powerful force in all the universe; the very essence of God Himself, on your behalf!

Next Blog: What is Love really like? Where do I begin?

WHEN YOU ARE IN LOVE...

Mark 12:30 “And you will love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.”

I’m sure that each of you reading these thoughts today has been in love, in some form or other. The command that is above all commands that God has given us, is to love Him. Hosea 6:6 in one translation states it this way. “I don’t want your sacrifices, I want your love. I don’t want your offerings, I want you to know me.” TLB. Matthew 6:33 summarizes the benefits associated with our putting God first in our lives. “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

In summary, here is what God says about the way it works… "I have created you to know Me and to love Me. If you will make our love relationship first in your life, I will provide everything for you!” Such an awesome deal for us… our response should be, “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

The question then remains to be answered… “How do we love someone?”

When you love someone you want to be with them all the time. Everywhere they go you want to go with them and wherever you go you feel empty unless they go too!

The object of our love consumes our thoughts. We can’t get them off our minds. We have reminders, love letters and pictures hanging all over our home. Maybe their favorite perfume is still clinging ever so slightly on your shirt where they last hugged you. Somehow that shirt doesn’t make it to the laundry so soon.

We purposely arrange to spend time with them. Perhaps a quick, unexpected visit to their office, or a thirty minute drive to their apartment just to say good night. You have to remember those days. When I first met my wife, I spent enough money in gasoline taxes, just driving back and forth between Pasadena and Annapolis to repave Richie Highway.

We are intentional in communicating with them. We spend hours on the smallest things; favorite colors, foods and hobbies. We explore their dreams, goals, fears and strengths. We talk. We listen, and share each other’s hearts. When we first fall in love, we really display the art of listening, because we care what they think and we want to hear it again and again.

The relationship begins to develop and we put them first; their wants, needs, and desires are our first and foremost goals. Our needs and desires become secondary and just don’t seem so important anymore. It’s all about the one we love!

We think of them the first thought in the morning, and often go to sleep with their name the last word on our breath. Multiple times throughout the day, just the passing thought is enough to lift us out of the doldrums of the day and motivate us to finish the day strong.

When we love someone, we actually do the things they like to do. I don’t like chick flicks, but every once in a while, I’ll fight my way through one, just to pleasure my wife! It’s the little things!

We are liberal in our spending when we first meet the “One.” It doesn’t matter how much, we are willing to spend what it takes to capture their heart. We tell everyone we know about the new person in our lives. We describe them in poetic terms, full of romance and adventure. All of our conversations revolve around the one we have chosen to love.

By now I’m sure you have the picture. Go back and review everything about loving someone and maybe even add some of your own thoughts in the comment section.

The question is, “Do you love Jesus?” I know we used to, especially when we first met Him in all His radiant glory. Is it any wonder that we continue to struggle in the daily affairs of our lives? He said “IF we loved Him first, He would take care of everything!” Matthew 6:33

If we have lost our first love and are treating the relationship with him on a casual basis; hot and cold; taking Him for granted; ignoring the reason for our creation, relationship with Him, then here is what He wants you to know right now. Revelation 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works…”

Jesus is saying “GO BACK TO THE BASICS...THE THINGS YOU DID WHEN YOU FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH ME. RECAPTURE THE LOVE…THE FIRST LOVE!” It’s a great day to rekindle your first love with Jesus…He’s waiting for you! Re-read the basics above and get started again!

The Love of Jesus to all of you!

THE POWER SOURCE

2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (discipline, self control)

Everyone knows that appliances work better when they’re plugged in. They may look like they can perform, but unless they are connected, they will not function as they were designed. Neither will we! The Bible tells us that we “..can do all things through Christ who strengthens…” us. Phillipians 4:13 But unless we stay connected with God through obedience, prayer, fellowship, worship and living righteous, we suffer a case of disconnection and must endure the consequences of voluntarily separating ourselves from Him and His Power! Jesus stated in John 15:5 “…apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

God has provided us with a threefold power source and in 2 Timothy 1:7 He identifies them as the Spirit of Power, the Spirit of Love, and the Spirit of a sound mind or “self control.”

1) Spirit of Power…Everyone has attempted to live life by our own abilities and strength, and we’ve failed to break the habits that consume us, and to live free from the hurts and the memories of our past. We need His power, His Divine Ability, in order to live the right way, and to make changes we know are essential. This power is from Almighty God and is available, if we remain connected with Him.

2) Spirit of Love…We want to be able to love others and to have them love us in return, like we’ve always dreamed of, but never achieved. We want to let go of the fear of being hurt by the people we love. As one author stated, “We want the ability to establish deep, meaningful, authentic relationships rather than superficial, hurtful, selfish relationships.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to love freely? The reality of this power is only available in and from the Spirit of Love, and by the way, He is available to live within you! Romans 5:5 declares that “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.”

3) Spirit of Sound Mind (Self Control)…The fact remains, that it is impossible for us to get it all together in this crazy world without Divine Intervention. You are not designed to operate on your own ability. You may wish to run your car on water instead of gasoline, but that’s not the way it was designed. In the same manner, you were created to run on His Divine Ability, not your own. When we give up playing God in our own little world, He will intervene and surge into our situations and circumstances and deliver us from evil, and all of its complications.

You can access this power Source as long as you choose to remain connected to Him, as your exclusive power source! What have you got to lose? Put Him first in all that you do, and He will take care of the rest! Matthew 6:33.

LOVE TALK

Psalm 27:8 “My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” NLT The same verse reads this way in the NKJ version, “When you said, Seek my face; my heart said to you, Your face, LORD, I will seek.” NKJV

There are times in every loving, caring relationship when one heart cries out to the other, “Come and talk with me. Spend time with me; just me!”

It’s really a matter of the heart. Hearts that care for each other need that special one on one time, exchanging words of encouragement, care, reinforcement, and tenderness. This special time is like a life giving stream flowing into a stagnating pond, renewing everything it touches, and refreshing tired or worn areas of the relationship. Real love is sharpened and strengthened in these one on one exchanges. The opposite is also true; that when these one on one heart exchanges do not occur on a regular and frequent basis, the relationship suffers and weakens considerably.

When two people are in love they may say “I love you!” a hundred times a day, however there are times when nothing else matters, and the concerns of the day have been placed aside. Our worries, cares and anxieties have been driven out of our minds by a concentrated, focused, intentional effort to become one with those we love. We sit face to face, heart to heart, gazing into each other’s eyes and beings. We speak the words quietly, from the inner most parts of our being, “I love you!” and in moments like these, those three words can brighten the darkest day and resurrect the deadest hearts and lives.

Acts 3:19 states that the same is true with our Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit reveals that “…times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” When the Supreme Creator of the universe bends His knee and stoops to lend His ear to our heart cry, no matter what our need, He pours out a response that fills our being with His Presence. God listens to our heart’s cry and then in the way that only He can, He speaks a word that revives the very core of our being and faith comes alive. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Many think that this means every time we read the Bible our faith is renewed and strengthened, and it is. However this passage uses the Greek word “rhema” for “word of God.” It means that still small voice that is gently commanded into our spirit being as we wait upon the Lord in silence, longing to hear His voice.

God calls us to get quiet and still in His Presence. He calls us to come and converse with Him. This is the scene portrayed in Isaiah 40:31. “But those who wait upon (Sit quietly, focused on Him, hearts straining to hear His voice.) the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run, and not be weary; and they will walk, and not faint.” As we sit in the Presence of the Lord and exchange our hearts with Him, we come alive again.

The staggering thought in today’s passage is that Father God has these same longings in the core of His being for you. God’s heart beats with these thoughts, “Come and talk with me.” He longs for your fellowship and your intimacy. 1Corinthians 1:9 states that we “…were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” This fellowship conveys a heart empowered exchange of feelings and loving actions and mutual concern for the well being of one another. It means investing time in empowering and building the relationship.

Do not let this week pass until you have spent some alone time with those who are most precious to you! Put everything else aside and concentrate all of your focused heart in their direction. Watch them come alive under your gaze.

Do not let this Day pass until you’ve spent time with your Maker. Listen to His voice and let your heart respond as He proclaims “I have loved you…with an everlasting love. I have drawn you to Myself.” Jeremiah 31:3

SO YOU THINK YOU'RE IN LOVE?

This past weekend I was privileged to marry my third son Benjamin and his beautiful bride, Adrienne. As with many of the other couples I’ve counseled before, I asked them the same question as the others. “Do you love this man/woman?” “Oh yes, I really do!” I follow up with the next question. “What do you mean when you say, ‘I love you!’ ”

The response usually goes something like this. “Oh she makes me feel so good.” “He makes me laugh and is always fun to be with” “I want to spend the rest of my life with her.” “He makes me feel safe and secure.” My response is “That sounds just like a relationship with a Puppy! Puppies make you feel good. They make you laugh and are always a good source of entertainment. As they grow they are able to make you feel safe and secure.

My next question goes like this. “What is Love?” Not one person has come up with an adequate answer. The best answer is to be found in The Manufacturer’s Handbook in 1 Corinthians 13. I am attaching the Amplified Version translation, because I think it really captures the essence of what real love is. I challenge you to read it slowly and meditate on each facet of what real love is.

First I want you to spend time alone with God and ask Him to show you how you rate on a 1-10 scale with a “10” being like the very Love of God. I must warn you, it won’t be very pretty.

Next spend time with your loved one and ask them to evaluate you. Evaluate each other, so you can get a real time picture of how your love life really is. When you are able to arrive at a conclusion to the areas of your life which need adjustment, pray for Divine enablement, and a Divine Strategy. Then begin to work together with your loved one in the direction of real love.

This may be a somewhat painful exercise initially, but when you eventually not only say that “I love you!,” but walk the talk as well, then you are on your way to an experience in your life where Heaven touches earth. Here we go. When I first took this test, I never got past the first one..."Love is Patient...."

1) LOVE IS PATIENT--it is slow to lose patience, does not demonstrate irritations, or reflect anger, or have a quick temper.

2} IS KIND--looks for ways of being constructive. It discovers successful methods of improving or contributing to the spouses life.

3} DOES NOT ENVY--it is not possessive; it does not hold exclusive control where

your partner is allowed little or no freedom to fulfill himself in what God has for him.

4} DOES NOT VAUNT ITSELF--it is not anxious to impress; does not seek to make

an impression or create an image for personal gain.

5} IS NOT PUFFED UP--it does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance;

it is not self-centered; it does not allow or expect life to revolve around itself.

6} DOES NOT BEHAVE UNSEEMLY-- knows what is proper and when.

7} DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN--it does not pursue selfish advantage; but has concern for

the needs of your spouse and the families involved.

8} IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED--it is not touchy, hypersensitive, or easily hurt;

does not take things too personally.

9}THINKS NO EVIL--it does not keep account of evil; does not review wrongs

which have been forgiven; does not dwell on past evil; destroys evidence of past

mistakes when possible.

l0} DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY--does not use other’s evil to excuse personal weakness.

11} REJOICES IN THE TRUTH-- is in active fellowship with dedicated Christians; is occupied with spiritual objectives.

12} BEARS ALL THINGS--it knows no limit to its forbearance; has the ability to live with the inconsistencies of others.

13} BELIEVES ALL THINGS--it knows no end to its trust; you believe in your

spouse and your spouse’s worth without question. It has not reason to doubt the

person’s integrity.

14} HOPES ALL THINGS--it knows no fading of its hope for your relationship; it has

perfect peace and confidence in God.

15} ENDURES ALL THINGS--it has unlimited endurance; it is able to outlast anything;

it is able to endure all obstacles and even love in the face of unreturned love.

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

You can walk in love the way God designed it, or just continue on and waste your precious moments on this earth in complete frustration.

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places?

Are you looking for love in the wrong place?

Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." KJV

The new Living Translation puts it this way...

Matthew 6:31-33 " So don't worry at all...Your Heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need (List your need: Companionship, intimacy, etc.) and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to."

If you are looking for love in all the wrong places please keep on reading. The "Unknown Author" has written the very heart of God to those who are anxious or frustrated as they seek intimate relationships in this crazy world!

Perfect Love
Author Unknown

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone. To have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But God to the Christian says, "No, not until you're satisfied, fulfilled and content with living;

loved by Me alone

and giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me,

seeking to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone."

"I love you, My child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me -- exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or belongings.

"I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to bring it to you.

Keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.

Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you. You must wait.

"Don't be anxious and don't worry.

Don't look around at the things you think you want.

Just keep looking off and away up to Me, or you'll miss what I have to show you.

"And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream.

You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working this minute to have both of you ready at the same time, and until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I've prepared for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love.

"And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love.

I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.

Know I love you. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied."

If you pursue Him first...everything else will be added to your life!

Re-evaluate your priorities today! It's for your own good!