On Relationships, Part II “It only takes a spark, to keep the fire going…”, you know the song, now sing with a brother…”that’s how it is with God’s love, once you experience it…” (can’t help but think of Mark’s or Ryan’s scream-o version of this song – haha)…right now I feel like an old person because I don’t remember all the words, exactly, but, well, I sure belt it on the parts I know, especially in the car! ;-) Have you ever experienced a love like that? Here’s a thought: The thought…the pursuit…she/he said “yes”…we “did it”…we celebrated our first anniversary…it’s 5 years down the road…he/she is amazing…what’s happening…do I even really know him/her anymore?...10, 15, 20 years now…I feel _____...I don’t know what to do…why me? - there it is, the money question, “Why me?” Whether in marriage, in courting, in life be it in a classroom, on stage, in the ER, or on a battlefield, from the pulpits to the pastures, through the course of time, eventually, “it” happens…whatever it is that we go through, it seems like “something” is happening “to” us…ever wonder if “it” is happening “for” us too? A few weeks ago, I posted an article “On Relationships”…in it, I shared a phrase about my lady that said something like this, “I (James) love my lady, Haley…if you love me, you will love my Haley…if you don’t love my lady, don’t tell me that you love me.” – this is radical, yes? Quite the zealous outlook, and I submit to you today a hearty “and it’s how it should be” response! God says to love Him and then love our neighbors; to know Jesus is to know the Father; a love so amazing indeed…I believe today that God is so very zealous for us, and we should be zealous for him…it’s worth getting excited about (you da’ man John Cooper!) We hear a lot, too much sometimes, about knowing our/their “love languages”, and if we do that, we can flourish in our relationships…I certainly agree that knowing what makes our significant other feel “loved” is more than a founded gesture, however, standing alone on that premise is not enough – we need to be so in love with God that it overflows into our lives, our relationships – the very fabric that knits us together. (Matt 6:33; Romans 8:28) Matt 6:33-34a1/2: “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about_______” – take God at His word…start TODAY…start RIGHT NOW, this very moment…no matter what, no matter what, no matter what has happened, is happening… Rom 8:28a7/8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Here’s the formula: Seek God First + Love God = We’re Given All Things/All Things Go Good Now, that sounds fanatically awesome to me, zealously so…this is right, and good, and true! Isn’t it wonderful to know that God says that we do not need to worry, and that He works for our good if what? If we love Him…I think about my Haley…things go good in our walk if I’m/we’re seeking/loving God first, and guess what? In loving each other, too, things go good, as our loving Father designed it. Maybe, just maybe, if whatever “it” is that we feel is happening “to” us, perhaps it’s God’s way of allowing “it” to happen “for” us, for our ultimate good, reminding us to return to His feet daily, metaphorically speaking, broken, humbled, yielding to His impartation of mercy and grace…to be able to “see” and experience the “good” that comes with seeking and loving Him first. Ya’ gotta love Petra...a pioneer band of Christian Rock…they put it this way and today, may these words ring true in our hearts: Don’t let your heart be hardened – don’t let your love grow cold May it always stay so childlike – may it never grow too old Don’t let your heart be hardened – may you always know the cure Keep it broken before Jesus – keep it thankful, meek and pure May it always feel compassion – may it beat as one with God’s May it never be contrary – may it never be at odds May it always be forgiving – may it never know conceit May it always be encouraged – may it never know defeat … Let His love rain down upon you Breaking up your fallow ground Let it loosen all the binding Till only tenderness is found Love ya’ll, James Joshua 1:9
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:31:54 +0000
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