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Loving God with Our Whole Being
by Teresa Wiltz 1 Thessalonians 5:15-19~"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Do not quench the Spirit." As we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within our temple; God's divine wisdom becomes a significant part of who we are and how we think. Jesus Christ died for our sins washing us clean from remaining in our former sinful habits. We become transformed by the grace of God by accepting Christ as our Savior; striving to live in righteousness and unconditional love. Divine knowledge is a powerful tool provided to us for aiding in our spiritual journey as we fervently seek to fulfill God's mighty purpose in our lives. Just as Job endured great tribulations in his life with unrelenting faith and worship towards God; we are destined to do the same. Remaining faithful as well as thankful to God throughout all circumstances will allow us to demonstrate our undying love for Him; staying true to the greatest commandment of all time: Matthew 22:37-38~Jesus replied:~"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'38 This is the first and greatest commandment." As we are able to see in the following scriptures, Job continued to love, honor and worship God during a time of profound loss, heartache and suffering: Job 1:2022~Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." God's precepts were created to help nurture our spiritual walk, following a path of life which is approved and acceptable for His glory. God also provided us with obedient and faithful disciples described in the Bible so that we are able to pattern our lives to exemplify their depth of commitment, courage, wisdom and unwavering faith; all of which strengthens our ability to fulfill God's commandments without any excuses. Just as in the case of Job, we all must endure various tests to develop an unworldly gift needed to overcome the hardships of life. As we develop a deeper respect factor, graciousness and hope in the midst of turmoil; holding on to praise and reverence toward God, the closer we become to offering Him the required depth of love which is comprised of heart, soul and mind. Some people may believe that it is an impossible task to love God wholeheartedly in a world consumed by sin; but we must trust in God's Word which confirms that all things are possible with Him. All commands of God are obtainable to those who believe and receive the free gift of life through the blood of Jesus Christ. For those of us who are committed to living by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, with a pure heart are blessed with the presence of God Almighty dwelling in our midst. If and when we backslide, we must ask for forgiveness with a repentant heart so that our sinful ways are transformed into a lifestyle that is pleasing to the lord. Matthew 19:26~"but with God all things are possible." Psalm 139:23-24~"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Instituting a genuine prayer life in addition to living by faith according to God's daily Word is the perfect recipe to building an eternal pure love and appreciation for our Heavenly Father, as well as toward brethren everywhere. Learning to praise God with a thankful heart regardless of how tough things may appear will open the flood gates of His eternal love not just for us, but also for the inheritance of our children. Psalm 100:4-5~"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." The more we strive to follow Christ, the more our faith will strengthen our hearts and minds to resist temptations of the devil. May we live in truth, peace and love by encouraging one another to seek happiness in the loving embrace of our Almighty Creator as we continue to build each other up rather than to tear down and destroy. Remember that God has blessed us with everything needed to love Him wholly and truly, now and throughout all eternity; walk in the never-ending love and blessings of Jesus Christ. [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |