The Question… The Answer…. “Love The LORD Your “GOD” With All Your Heart”

Many of us, married or involved in relationships, have often wondered “How do I really show my spouse or loved one, that I love them?” I mean really show them to the point they feel loved, and without a doubt are certain that they are loved.  Often in today’s world, love is equated to the biggest wedding ring, a new car, money, or some place or thing used to convey our love. 

 

 

   We often never consider that the best things in life, are often things that cannot be purchased… like respect, loyalty, consideration, understanding, friendship, prayer, and last but not least...LOVE!!  

 
 










 

Often in marriage and relationships, instead of spending time with our special someone creating memories that will last and create a stronger bond, we are too consumed with the cares of this life, and try to replace time with money or things. 

  

To really love our spouse or special person in our life, we must learn to cultivate a true non wavering love for GOD.  Learning how to love “GOD” will teach us the correct way to love our spouse, and special loved one. 

 

There’s a reason we are commanded to Love the LORD our GOD, with all our Hearts, Souls, and Minds… Our relationship with our Father GOD is meant to mirror our relationship with our spouse, and special love interest.  For It Is Written: 

Deuteronomy 10:12  (NIV) ¹² And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 

 

Matthew 22:37 (NIV) ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

 

  

Now you may be saying “that’s easier said than done”, and how exactly do I go about doing this?  The word of GOD, “the bible” is a manual, a user’s guide that explains how to live life here on earth, how GOD expects us to relate to him and to others.  We invest in a lot of things, like stocks, bonds, and houses.  Why not invest in the Word of GOD, and start learning how to live a life that is victorious and pleasing to GOD... For It Is Written:

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) ¹⁰ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
   and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
¹¹ For through wisdom^[b] your days will be many,
   and years will be added to your life.
¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
   if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

 

 

 

There are many benefits that come from learning how we should communicate, respect, honor, and Love the LORD our GOD. 

We also learn how we should love and respect our spouses, and love ones.  For It Is Written: 

 Ephesians 5:25-30 (NIV) ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[a] her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. ²⁸ In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰ for we are members of his body.

Learning this even directs us on how we should treat our neighbors, and people we come into contact with on a day to day basis. For It Is Written:

Matthew 22:37-39(NIV) ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Taking the time to learn vital principles from the Word of GOD, would settle the moral and ethical dilemmas we face on a day to day basis, for instance the Word of GOD clearly instruct us against fornication and adultery… very big issues in today’s society, many marriages and relationships have fallen by the way side because of infidelity.  But that’s not GOD’s plan for our lives.  For It Is Written:

Galatians 5:19-23

 (KJV)¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

 ²⁰Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
 ²¹Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
 ²³Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 

A lot of the arguments, and disagreements we experience in marriage and relationships could easily be settled by the Word of GOD, if we would listen to its counsel.  Instead we are easily offended, selfish, and seek to be right.  We should learn to humble ourselves.  For It Is Written:

James 4 (NIV) ¹ What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Our greatest and most valued resource should not be gas, oil, water, or even food…. It should be the Word of GOD… JESUS himself is our example, when tempted by the enemy with food, power, resources, and riches, he clearly stated that Loving and Honoring GOD, was the most valuable thing.  For It Is Written:

Matthew 4:4-11 (NIV) ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[a]”

 ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
   “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
   and they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^[b]”
 ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^[c]”
 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
 ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^[d]”
 ¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 

Let’s take control of our lives with the Word of GOD, and kick the enemy out!!!  Why not start today!!

 

I Think I've found “The One”, How Do I Know?

That special someone, it seems like a lifelong search.  From the time we were children, we’ve heard stories of Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast.  Stories of love, surviving the grimmest odds.  Now that were Adults, and reality has set in.  Uncertainty surrounds us; and it is sometimes difficult to know if we’ve found that special someone.  

 

 When making the decision, that hard decision, it seems as though the ability to decide “with certainty” eludes us. 

 So we seek the advice of love one’s, family, friends, magazines, co-workers, and any one that might be able to shed some light on the subject.  All along, never really seeking the direction of “GOD”, and what he has to say about the matter.  

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

As children of God we are commanded to love one another, but when it comes to selecting a “suitable mate”, we should expect and even look for certain personality traits.  Paying attention to certain red flags, which are revealed from our observations.

God has instructed us to trust him, and allow him to direct and aide us in the decision making process of choosing a mate. 

First of all”, to clear the air, Ladies you should not be actively looking for a mate.  In fact, you should be actively waiting on the LORD, and asking GOD to prepare you to be “found”.  For it is Written: 

 

Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) He who finds a wife finds what is good
   and receives favor from the LORD. 

Once involved with the person we perceive to be “the one”, we should observe to see if certain things are present in the relationship. 1. Is there an unconditional love extended towards you?  Or is the person easily angered, and holds on to grudges?   For it is Written: 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

2. After a misunderstanding is forgiveness extended quickly towards you, even if they’re right.  Is there an attempt to keep the peace, or are you made to pay for the discretion by days of silence or constant fighting? For it is Written

Colossians 3:12-13(NIV) ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

 

3. Is your opinion regarded as important?  Can you talk to them and truly feel their listening, or are you disregarded, and made to feel as though your opinion doesn’t matter.  For it is Written:

James 1:19 (KJV) ¹⁹Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

 

Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) ¹³He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

The point of the matter, simply stated is….. Take the time to really see if their confession of Christ is real.  Is their life style in line with the word of GOD?   Also, are they” living to please GOD”?   For it is Written:

Matthew 7:16-18 (NIV) ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 

 

Choose you this day…Who you will serve… Your Marriage or your Career!

In this fast pace world we live in, divorce is on the rise, homes are being wrecked, and marriages disregarded. No one seems to want to slow down; we’re too busy making the next deadline at work, chasing the next promotion, and working hard to beat the next guy or girl to the top. Our relationships suffer from this, and our marriages are falling apart. All the while the alarm is going off inside of us, and all around us, telling us our marriages will end if something isn’t done quickly. Unwilling to listen, we ignore that still small voice, thinking I’ve work so hard for this (fill in the blank), and choose our careers over our marriage. This grieves the heart of GOD, for it is written:

Mat 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man 

 not separate."

This refers to places and things as well, not just another person!! It amazing the excuses we come up with to excuse our behavior…

 

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is; there your heart will be also.

The above passage denotes, we will pour our hearts into the things we consider to be important.  If we deem something to be important, we will make the time for it.  

 

As children of God, we need to understand that promotion comes from GOD, and he will make a way.  Marriage was created by God... He’s in our corner, and will join in with us and help to make ends meet.  He will provide!!  For it is written:

 

Deu 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

So let’s honor our marriages, and relationships, they are a blessing from the LORD.  Recall the days of your courtship, the endless time spent talking on the phone, the days you felt like you wouldn’t make it through the day unless you seen or spent time with that person. Remember the joy you felt, just being in that person’s presence.   Now return to your first love… Go back to doing the things you did to get the spouse your married to today… Let’s fix our priorities and our marriages!!

Gateway Worship - Great Great God ( 2011 ) Music Video

Gateway Worship - Great Great God ( 2011 ) Music Video

Communication....The Key to Success, A Vital Piece Of the Puzzle

Genesis 3

The Fall

 ¹ Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  ² The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, ³ but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

 ⁴ “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. ⁵ “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 ⁶ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
 ⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
 ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
 ¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
 ¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
 ¹³ Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
   The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

 Clearly we have a definite example of non communication.. God gave ADAM a clear cut directive not to eat of the tree from the middle of the garden..  Surely Adam was there during the whole conversation between the serpent and his wife Eve.  If you choose to think otherwise , surely you would  agree that he was fully aware of what God told him before he ate of the forbidden fruit.  Being the one that was designated by God as the Head of what God created, and the Head of the woman he gave him.. It was the responsibility of Adam to uphold the command of God, and forbid his wife against disobeying God.

 
What are some of the things Adam should have done to prevent this from taking place?  Communication for one is a very vital and necessary piece of the puzzle.

 Obeying the advice of a Loving Father is another...

We are not much different today in our own
 relationships.... Broken, Disobedient, Speechless..
But it doesn't have to remain this way... IT IS WRITTEN.... AMOS 3:3
³ Do two walk together
   unless they have agreed to do so? 

 
Let's work on getting into agreement with our spouse, and love ones.  Working on being more agreeable.  Just the change in our attitudes, will make a world of difference!! 
  Working on our methods of communication is also important, there a many ways to communicate.  But most important of all, is the method of verbal communication.. FOR IT IS WRITTEN... GENESIS 1-31

AND GOD SAID......

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

 ⁶ And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” ⁷ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. ⁸ God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

 ⁹ And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. ¹⁰ God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.  Lets learn to effectively communicate with our spouse, and love ones.. And watch the healing that will take place in our marriages, relationships, and lives. 

Why are so many Marriages in trouble, and relationships failing?

Genesis 2:18-25

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁸ The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
 ¹⁹ Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
   But for Adam^[a] no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs^[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. ²² Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib^[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
 ²³ The man said,

   “This is now bone of my bones
   and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
   for she was taken out of man.”

 ²⁴ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
 ²⁵ Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

My Question is... Are we doing it God's way?