Thursday, October 27, 2011

Verse of the Day 3

JOB 36:13-15

"But the godless in heart lay up anger; they do not cry out for help when He binds them. They die in youth, and their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression."

Keywords:
godless- hypocritical, profane, irreligious
lay up- dwell in/upon
affliction- misery

Summary:
People who do not have God are resentful and don't ask for God's help to deliver them from troubled times. Therefore, let those who abide in the Lord call on Him when they are experiencing hardships or need encouragement. There is no problem too large for God- He created oppression as a test of faith to see that we depend on Him in both good and bad times. God is always reliable and just, so He will see us through.

Afterthought:
(A prayer for you) I pray that God will answer my cries for help and give me peace in a weary, corrupt land. I am blessed to be saved and have a loving God who provides all my needs. Let me not forget who is the source of my affliction and remember that because He put it there, He can also take it away. Thank God for His sovereignty! Amen. 



 

Monday, October 24, 2011

Verse of the Day 2

DEUTERONOMY 6:5

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Keywords:
heart- inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
soul- seat of emotions and passions
might- force

Summary:
Give God your everything by putting in effort (force)! He doesn't want the leftovers after you've loved the world and everyone else; God wants to be first in your life. Not only should your thoughts be about Him, but let your emotions feel for Him! Despite common misconception, you can love God with emotion and passion (beyond that of an earthly man or woman!). There are so many ways and reasons to love God that simply reading the bible or saying "thank you Jesus" don't seem enough. Below, I have outlined the ways to love God (my notes from a love sermon), from the foundational relationship to the deepest connection.

6 Love Relationships with God:

  1. Potter/ Clay- submit to God and allow Him to shape your life into something that brings Him honor
  2. Shepherd/ Sheep- follow and trust God as your caretaker
  3. Master/ Servant- serve God wholeheartedly and do His will
  4. Friend/ Friend- John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master's [personal] business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
  5. Father/ Child- He loves you not for what you do but because you are His child
  6. Groom/ Bride- most intimate connection; love God passionately, find it delightful to simply be in His presence, and know Him personally, both publicly and privately
May this rest on your heart as you consider where you are and where you would like to be with your spiritual love relationship. God bless and love you all!