Loving God- DAY FOUR

Thought:  It has been said that we cannot out give God.  In all measures, God's love is abundant and extravagant.  He lavishes it on us.  But He wants us to realize it.  He wants us to enter a place with Him where our love and His love are so intertwined that our prayers often turn to silence as we soak in His presence and we just love each other.  Have you experienced this?  If you have not, you might not understand what I am saying.  But trust me when I say that there is more for you to experience with Him if you haven't found this love connection with God.  John said in Revelations: "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day."  I think that John was in that love connection with God that I speak of.  He was silently soaking in His relationship with the Spirit as he walked on the rocky Isle of Patmos.  Suddenly Jesus was standing behind Him, and it was then that Jesus revealed to John what is called, The Revelations of John.

I find it interesting that our love for God is very important to Him.  If we think it is because God is egocentric and just wants to be loved, then we get the whole thing wrong.  God wants us to love Him so that we can experience a deep intimacy with Him for our own good, otherwise we will enter into a legalistic relationship with Him.  Think of all the religions in the world.  Do you think any of them have God' unconditional love for them as the foundation of their faith? Is it their love for God that drives them to their knees and acts of service or is it their fear of Him?  Yes, love is very important to God ... His love for you and me, and our love for Him.

Application:  So, how does your love for God now compare to other times?   For instance I speak to many pastors about the discouragement they feel because of being overworked, under-appreciated and empty.  This is also true for church and ministry leaders who get caught up in a hectic schedule and a performance driven Christian experience.  It is also true for businessmen, fathers, mothers and so on.  Almost every time, I find that the love connection they once had with God has faded and their soul has become very unhealthy.

As you interact with the truth of the scripture above and the thought given, evaluate your own love connection with God.  How is your soul?  Is it healthy?  Take time to ask the Lord what He thinks.  He has a greater concern for your love for Him than your activity for Him.

Response:  If you have received insight from the Holy Spirit about your love connection with Him, make a commitment now to do something about it.  Like the Prodigal Son, the Father is waiting for you with arms wide open.  Run to Him.  That is what you are longing for and is at work within you.