Some thoughts on loving God and loving others –
My previous pastor, when she was alive, had a very intimate relationship with the Lord. She taught many sermons on abiding and living in the Spirit. She used to spend hours a day in her prayer room talking with God, praying and working on sermons. The scripture that most spoke to her heart was Psalm 42:1, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” She had an incredible passion for God.
When she went out of the country to minister, she would ask me to watch her house and check every room. She once had trouble with flooding while she was gone that created damage. I always looked forward to checking on her prayer room. I felt the presence of God so strong in that room every time I went in there. I sometimes would just stand in the middle of the room with tears streaming down my eyes. I so desired to have that kind of deep and intimate relationship with God.
I still do. Every day is a journey and a learning experience --how to live with God in my life; how to live my life for God; and, how to fellowship with him. I don’t want to fellowship with Him because I want something from Him. When I was young in the Lord and still struggled with much fear, I used to cling to His presence because it brought me security. It made me feel safe. Now I just want His company; I just want Him in every area of my life.
Life flows from having a relationship with God. Love flows from loving God. On our own, we have very little to give to others. But with God at the center of our life, we have an unlimited supply of everything that is needed for all God asks of us.
Love. Give everything of yourself. Not for what you can get out of it. Not wasting time on busy work without meaning. But living thoughtfully, with Christ at the center. Love, in all situations. Don’t separate parts of your life as secular - know you are called to love in everything. Unrestrained. Not with starts and stops but a continuous flow “fountain of love” that is available for all that need a drink. With no lusts or attached hooks - pure love. The love of devotion to Christ that has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Overcoming obstacles of fear and rejection.
That we may love much and love well!
My previous pastor, when she was alive, had a very intimate relationship with the Lord. She taught many sermons on abiding and living in the Spirit. She used to spend hours a day in her prayer room talking with God, praying and working on sermons. The scripture that most spoke to her heart was Psalm 42:1, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” She had an incredible passion for God.
When she went out of the country to minister, she would ask me to watch her house and check every room. She once had trouble with flooding while she was gone that created damage. I always looked forward to checking on her prayer room. I felt the presence of God so strong in that room every time I went in there. I sometimes would just stand in the middle of the room with tears streaming down my eyes. I so desired to have that kind of deep and intimate relationship with God.
I still do. Every day is a journey and a learning experience --how to live with God in my life; how to live my life for God; and, how to fellowship with him. I don’t want to fellowship with Him because I want something from Him. When I was young in the Lord and still struggled with much fear, I used to cling to His presence because it brought me security. It made me feel safe. Now I just want His company; I just want Him in every area of my life.
Life flows from having a relationship with God. Love flows from loving God. On our own, we have very little to give to others. But with God at the center of our life, we have an unlimited supply of everything that is needed for all God asks of us.
Love. Give everything of yourself. Not for what you can get out of it. Not wasting time on busy work without meaning. But living thoughtfully, with Christ at the center. Love, in all situations. Don’t separate parts of your life as secular - know you are called to love in everything. Unrestrained. Not with starts and stops but a continuous flow “fountain of love” that is available for all that need a drink. With no lusts or attached hooks - pure love. The love of devotion to Christ that has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Overcoming obstacles of fear and rejection.
That we may love much and love well!
posted by Twila Jensen at 3:48 AM
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