Foundations Jan 15, 2011

Saturday, January 15, 2011
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jonah 1-4 and Revelation 10

SCRIPTURE READING

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ”Teacher, which is the
greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. Matthew 22:35-38
 

God’s ultimate eternal purpose for creation is to provide a family for Himself that includes
faithful children for Himself and a Bride equally yoked to Jesus. God wants us to love Him
with all our heart and mind because He loves us with all His heart and mind. Jesus wants
us to love Him the way He loves us. He will supernaturally empower us to love Him this
way.
People who love Jesus will love others much more. We must put the first commandment
before the second commandment (love your neighbor as your self – Matt 22:39). It is
impossible to love Jesus and not love people. The second commandment (love others)
flows out of the first (love God). We must have our priorities straight.
This requires continually realigning our lives and ministry to make the First Commandment
a priority. We must invite Him; He will not force Himself into a relationship of voluntary love.
He will wait until we invite Him into the matters of our heart. We must intentionally pursue
Him with diligence.

PRAYER and MEDITATION

1. What does “loving God with all your heart, soul, mind & strength” mean to you?
2. What is one thing God calling you to do (action step) as a result of this passage?
3. Write a prayer, thanking God that He loves us with His entire heart and mind. Pray that
    you will learn how to love Him back in this way.