Welcome to Day 17 of 21 Days of Prayer. Love is the Key.
Have you heard the story about the preacher who stopped by a farm for a drink of water? The preacher was chatting with the farmer when he noticed the words "GOD IS LOVE" engraved on the weather vane that was spinning on top of his barn. The preacher told the farmer that wasn't a good way to talk about God's love. Why not print the family name or have a farm animal up there? It seems like you're saying God's love is wishy washy and changes depending on the way the wind blows. The farmer said, Oh no, not at all! My weather vane is saying (Charles Spurgeon).
"No matter which way the wind blows, God is love."
Repeat that out loud ~ No matter which way the wind blows, God is love.
Of all the things in life that you wish you could depend on, the one thing you CAN depend on is the love of God. And it doesn't matter what circumstances arise. God loves you and the rest of the human race, no matter how undeserving we feel.
GOD'S LOVE IS CONSISTENT
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8 KJV).
Do you really want to do great things this year? Then learn to live by the love of God.
Understand that His love is not controlled by emotion and He wants that kind of guarantee for you. When there is something you need, God's expression of love is He wants the best for you. Admittedly, that is high bar for us to strive to reach but He loves you and if you mess up, He still loves you. That is the key to success. Genuine love consistently expresses itself regardless of the circumstances.
FEELINGS ARE NOT CONSISTENT
Just like the weather vane being pushed around and around, in many different directions by the wind, sometimes we get dizzy with knowing when to love or not. If someone you love hurts you ~ should you keep loving them?
Well, most people answer that question based on the feelings that love creates, not the commitment that is love. This is where the consistency of God's love is found. It's not human natural love that thrives on feelings. You see, feelings are wishy washy. One day you feel love, the next day something happens and you don't feel so loving. But with God, love is identified by commitment and commanded in line with obedience.
It starts to make make more sense when you look at Romans 13:9-10, which reads, "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
If love is the fulfilling of the law and obedience to the rule of God is commanded, then true love is not feelings alone. True love compels a person to make a quality commitment. It doesn't matter which way the wind blows, genuine love is firm, gentle, longsuffering, kind and exhibits self-control.
LOVE UNLOCKS THE PATH TO SUCCESS
The man or woman, who is able to express love without emotional dysfunction has tapped into the nature of God's love. Trustworthiness, dependability and drive to succeed is born of a loving disposition. If you love what you do, you will be committed to it. If you love the person you're in relationship with, you will be committed. And if you love the path that God has marked out for you in 2020, you will be committed to it, as well. Develop a sincere appreciation for the goals and plans you've laid for 2020, and love will compel you onward until you reach the finish line. Love is the key!
Praying...
Lord, today I recognize that Your love is the key to my future. My success is rooted in my genuine love for You and my desire to please you. I'm praying for Your will to be done in my life. Let Your kingdom come into my life. Unlock the joy of fulfilling this great call on my life. I'm committed to live in line with Your divine purpose and plans for my life. I choose to be a light that others may follow. And the light I shine is the true love that emerges from a sincere personal relationship with You. Thank you Lord, that love is the key! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean
P.S.: If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and want to be born again, pray this prayer aloud:
Lord God, forgive me for my sins. Jesus, come into my heart. I make you, Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
WHAT'S NEXT:
Find a church home where the word of God is being taught and Jesus Christ is being lifted up. Study the bible. Love one another, serve, and lead.